Gravel bike doubletrack / singletrack intro (Boulder OSMP)
Details
This is a short (9-mile), rolling out-and-back route that primarily consists of "gravel-bike-friendly" singletrack and doubletrack. It is located in the scenic Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, which includes some great views of the Flatirons and lots of fat little prairie dogs.
Although this route is a good introduction to those who want to ride single/doubletrack on their gravel bike, you should not be a total beginner when it comes to the basics of bike handling, using your gears and brakes, etc. Also be aware that "gravel-bike-friendly" is a relative term, and does not mean smooth, wide trails that you could ride a tricycle or Big Wheel on. The trails will be wider or narrower in places, will ascend and descend, and have some degree of sand, rocks, ruts, etc, that you must navigate. So it will potentially be a challenging introduction as well.
Please note that in order to participate in this event you must carefully read the following in its entirety, you must read all updates posted in the comments thread, and you must respond promptly to all direct messages from the ride organizer.
Also note that if you are a first-time attendee, and especially if there is a waitlist for the event, you may receive a direct message from the organizer requesting confirmation of your attendance, to avoid no-shows. If you do not respond (as is required for event attendance) you may be removed from the event.
You must also carefully examine the map here for details on the route and elevation profile:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44339192
To attend this event you must bring the equipment to change a flat tire; if you don't know how someone can help you. You must also know how to dress properly for the weather and your level of exertion, remain hydrated, consume enough calories, have a working bike, and other such basics. A complete list can't be provided here. This ain't Alpe d'Huez of course, but you should know how to care for yourself on the ride.
We will do the ride at an easy-to-moderate pace. This is a no-drop friendly ride, but you must have done this combination of distance and elevation gain before (or something close to it) and be confident that you can finish the ride. The group will accordion out at times, which is fine. If you can't finish the ride, then getting back is your responsibility and at your own risk. Also please don't take the lead and push the pace or split the group without consulting the organizer.
On the trail, we will share with other trail users. We will not “buzz” or “bomb” other trail users, or engage in risky behavior that could harm other people. We will yield the right of way where appropriate. We will not seek to antagonize other trail users. If you want to fight with other trail users then do that on some other ride.
For current conditions see the comments thread. Note: please do not post your opinion on conditions or the terrain unless you have recent facts specific to our route. If you decide not to come there is no need to tell the rest of us why you don't think it's going to be fun.
All attendees must be signed up here. If the ride is full exceptions can't be made to add more people.
If you have "somewhere I need to be" after the ride note that our end time is an estimate we won't modify the ride in any way to accommodate you.
Do not expect any messages sent the morning of the ride to be seen.
And please be sure to read / re-read:
Lastly, to quote from the group description: “this group has a strict `no jerks and no assholes` policy that will be enforced by removing any jerks or assholes from the group. In brief: act like a dick, and you’re out. We mean it. In contrast, if you’re a cool, nice person you’ll fit right in.”