How do I get to the start of the ride?

DIRECTIONS: From Denver
Travel west on I-70
Exit 205 Silverthorne/Dillon
Turn left on Hwy 6 
Travel about 6 miles, pass Keystone Resort to the River Run, turn right on Gondola Road. 
Park in the Montezuma Ski Parking Lot

From Vail/Western Slope: 
Travel east on I-70
Exit 205 Silverthorne/Dillon 
Turn right on Hwy 6
 Travel about 6 miles, pass Keystone Resort to the River Run, turn right on Gondola Road. 
Park in the Montezuma Ski Parking Lot

Please note: When you exit I-70, if you turn left (south), you’ll be on Hwy 6. If you turn right (north), you’ll be on Hwy 9. We recommend not using Mapquest.

Are there 3 different rides available?

No, there is one main route and then at the final aid station, you can choose from three finish options. Each option offers different mileage and elevation gain. See Route Descriptions

Do I have to decide before the ride which finish option I want to do?

No. You can decide when you reach the final aid station. Is there a metric century option? 
Unfortunately, not this year, but we hope to offer this in the future.

How should I dress?

We highly recommend you wear padded bike shorts or pants and a wickable jersey shirt (NO COTTON). Because weather in the mountains is unpredictable, you must be prepared for changing temperatures and rain/snow. You should bring a waterproof jacket and long fingered padded gloves. You might also consider arm/leg warmers and bike shoes. See Safety Tips

What considerations should I be aware of when riding at higher elevations? 


Limit your alcohol intake the night before, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. At higher elevations, you tend to get dehydrated a bit faster than normal. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen and re-apply often.

What is the weather like during this time of year?

Typically the weather is much cooler in the morning than in the afternoon and the sun really warms things up, especially at that altitude. Highs average between 55-70 in and around Summit County. Cooler temps for higher elevations of Ute, Vail and Loveland Pass. Check the temperature

Do we get a discount for lodging? 



Yes, Keystone/River Run will be offering lodging discounts for their condos in River Run as well as their hotel, the Keystone Inn. River Run is where the ride will take place and Keystone Inn is about ½ mile from start. See Area Info

Is breakfast or coffee served the day of the ride?

At this time, breakfast will not be served the morning of the ride. We recommend that you eat a good breakfast, since the first aid station isn’t until mile 25 (20 miles mostly downhill and then a 5 mile climb)

Where can I get breakfast and/or coffee?

Idaho Springs - Rocky Mountain Grind (good option for those coming from Denver ) 
Exit 240 Mt. Evans Exit “Ski and Bike Rental”. Turn right and it’s right off the highway. They have great “LIGHT” mocha lattes. Silverthorne has several options near the 205 Dillon/Silverthorne Exit.

 Mountain Lion Café - Exit 205 Dillon/Silverthorne. Turn right on Hwy 9.
 McDonalds, City Market and Starbucks - Exit 205 Dillon/Silverthorne. Turn left on Hwy 6. Keystone/River Run - Inxpot serves breakfast/coffee, but it’s close to the start line, so it might be crowded.

Can I camp at the Start/Finish? 


No, camping is not allowed in River Run.

How far is Summit County from Denver International Airport?


Keystone/River Run is located about 90 miles (1 ½ - 2 hours) from the airport. We recommend you allow extra time on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon/early evening as traffic is heavy along I-70 with recreation travelers.

When and where do I turn in donations for Lance Armstrong Foundation to ensure I get credit for the donations?

There are 2 options:

1. When you register online with active.com, there is an option to create a fundraising page for yourself. You’ll be given a link to your own personal web site which you can send to family and friends to support you. This site will track your donations.

2. At the ride during packet pickup, you can bring cash or checks payable to Lance Armstrong Foundation. A minimum donation of $50 per rider, in addition to the $65 registration fee, is required to ride. When and where do I pickup my registration packet? Pick up your packets at River Run. 
Friday, June 20th - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Saturday, June 21st - 6:15 a.m. – 6:45 a.m.

What kind of riding shape should I be in for this ride?

The Blue River Century is designed for intermediate and advanced cyclists who have experience riding 60-75 miles in one day. One finish option has 5,100 feet of elevation gain, where the other has 5,800 feet of elevation gain. You must train appropriately. At this higher elevation, it will be even more difficult than what many riders have experienced. Use your best judgment to determine your ability level. The Loveland Pass Challenge is for advanced cyclists only. It is approximately 107 miles, with 7100 feet of elevation gain. You must have experience riding at elevation and long distances. Please note: At approximately mile 89, you will be near the Montezuma Parking Lot, so you can choose to keep going or finish the ride and enjoy the post ride festivities.

What happens if it snows or rains? 


The Blue River Century will take place rain, snow or shine. While there will be SAG support, it’s just that….support, not mass rescue. There will be places to seek shelter on most of the route, especially when you are riding later in the day, when the storms/rain tends to come in. Use common sense and be safe. We recommend you bring the following items with you: Sunscreen, sunglasses/protective eye wear, waterproof jacket, small bike repair kit, small first aid kit, hydration and nutrition. See important safety info

Do I need to follow the Colorado Bike Rules of the Road?

Yes. The future of the Blue River Century is in your hands. Please obey all traffic lights and ride in a single file. Familiarize yourself with the Colorado Bike Rules of the Road