Preparation & Safety
Each of these courses is very challenging and you must be in adequate physical shape to participate. You should be comfortable with both steep ascents and descents. Steep, winding curves are the rule rather than the exception, and all of the roads are open to other cyclists and vehicles. Wildlife, road and pavement hazards, and blind driveways are just a few of the hazards you might encounter on your ride.
You MUST follow traffic rules and rider etiquette.
Traffic rules will be enforced at the Deer Creek Challenge, but we ask that you observe them whenever you ride. Bicyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of
any other vehicle and can be penalized for violating traffic laws. Visit Bicyle Colorado for more tips.
- Ride on the right, never against traffic
- Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn or avoiding hazards
- Ride on paved shoulders and bike lanes when present and free of hazards
- Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals
- Ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if riding two abreast would impede the flow of traffic
- On curving canyon roads without bike lanes or shoulders, play it safe and ride single file
- Use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping
- Use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors at night
- Act like a vehicle on the roads, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities
- Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right-of-way
- Wear safety equipment to protect yourself: helmet, glasses, and gloves
- Expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to be safe
