Monarch Crest Crank

When and where is check-in/bib pickup?

Check-in is the morning of the ride, Sunday, Sept. 20, starting at 7:00 a.m. at Absolute Bikes, 330 W. Sackett Ave., Salida. There's no pre-ride bib pickup. All riders must check-in and get their bib before entering their assigned shuttle. If you plan to self-shuttle, you still must come to Absolute Bikes before you go up to the Crest to get your bib and sign up for lunch.

What time is my shuttle leaving?

For 2020, shuttles will be leaving every 10-15 minutes (first shuttle will leave at 7:15 a.m.). Riders will need to pick their shuttle time BEFORE the day of the ride. Information on how to pick a shuttle time was sent to riders by early September, and was part of the registration process as of late August. The sooner you register, the better chance you'll have of getting the shuttle time you want! You can self shuttle, and will have the option to pick a self-shuttle option with a time to pick up your bib when you register.

What precautions are you taking for public health due to COVID-19?

We’ve been in touch with our county Public Health Department and they’ve helped us with the changes we’re making to this event due to COVID-19. We always want our riders and volunteers to stay healthy and safe, especially this year! So here’s what we’re doing:

• Shuttles: We’ll be doing a “staggered start” with shuttles leaving every 10 minutes, starting at 7:15 a.m. Riders must pick their shuttle time before ride day (Sept. 20) - the sooner you register, the better chance you’ll have to pick the shuttle time you want. If you’re planning to ride with others in your “quaran-team” of family/household members, please pick the same shuttle. If you prefer to self-shuttle for the ride, you must let the ride coordinator know by picking that option within the registration process or via email (crestcrank@gmail.com). 
• Masks: We’re requiring that you wear a mask while on the shuttle. You should plan to wear a mask/face covering at other times when you are within 6 feet of other participants, volunteers, and other Monarch Crest/Continental Divide trail users. You can use the super cool Crest Crank neck gaiter, which is available at a discounted price when you register :-)
• Supplies: We will have wipes and hand sanitizer for use by volunteers to keep surfaces clean, including shuttles and check-in spots (pre-ride, Marshall Pass aid station and post-ride). Please bring your own hand sanitizer and wipes for personal use. 
• Updated waiver: We’ve added language to our standard rider waiver that includes the stipulation that if you have any symptoms of being sick, you MUST NOT RIDE. If you’re not feeling well the day of the ride, we will defer your registration to next year’s event. We’ve also added language that says you agree to wear a mask on the shuttle, and when you’re within 6 feet of other participants and volunteers.
• Aid station: We will NOT be providing food or water at the aid station this year. We will have medically trained volunteers there to check in riders and help with urgent medical needs.  Please bring enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and fueled for the entire ride.
• Post-ride meal: We will not be hosting a post-ride party this year. Instead we have teamed up with several local, awesome restaurants who have generously agreed to donate lunch and a beverage for riders! We ask that you please tip your server, and feel free to purchase extra food and beverages. You’re more than welcome to bring family or other “quaran-team” members to purchase meals and beverages to celebrate your successful Crest Crank ride and support our restaurants!

Where is Salida, and where can I stay near the ride?

The amazing mountain town of Salida is located 2.5 hours drive southwest of Denver via US 285 or 2 hours west of Colorado Springs via US 24, then south on US 285. There are multiple motels, cabins, short-term rentals and camping spots in the area - check out the Salida Chamber of Commerce for options. 

Do I need to have a really good mountain bike?

To ride the Monarch Crest Trail, you need a mountain bike in excellent working condition. This does not mean a really expensive bike. If you have any doubts, please have your bike checked by a professional mechanic before the event. You can also rent a bike through Absolute Bikes or SubCulture Cyclery in Salida.

What will the weather be like for the ride?

In September it's usually sunny, cool in the morning, and warmer in late morning and afternoon. The Monarch Crest Trail is along the Continental Divide, and it will be fairly chilly up there in the morning when the ride starts. You will need a long sleeve jersey and jacket. It will warm up considerably as the day goes on. If it’s foggy or rainy, the show must go on and we’ll do the ride regardless. In this case, you will need much more clothing – rain gear, hat, gloves, long sleeve jersey and rain jacket.

What if the event is cancelled due to public health concerns?

We are hopeful that we'll be able to hold the event on Sept. 20 - and we'll only do so if it's safe for the health of our riders and our community. We are in touch with our county public health department and other local officials, and will let those that registered know as soon as possible if we need to cancel. 

We are also brainstorming and keeping an eye out for how to make this an awesome virtual ride if we need to. So if you have ideas or hear of a super cool virtual ride experience, please email us at crestcrank@gmail.com and tell us about it!