Rock Creek / Coal Creek Trails: Holmberg to Erie

This is a 23-mile mostly-gravel bike path ride through the suburbs north of Denver on the Rock Creek and Coal Creek Trails. It is an out-and-back with our turnaround point in the town of Erie where the trail ends, past the remote outer reaches of the C-470. The route passes by farms next to condos and office parks next to prairie. We will start at the scenic Holmberg Preserve next to the town of Broomfield, immediately followed by the famed Prairie Dog Preserve. We should also have some long-awaited fall cycling temperatures.

(Fyi post-ride food & drink are an option nearby at Wonderland Brewing in Broomfield.)

Please note that in order to participate in this event you must read the following in its entirety, read all updates posted in the comments thread, and respond promptly to all direct messages from the ride organizer.

You must also examine the map here for details on the route and elevation profile:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48376528

This is a "no-drop" ride: please read about the obligations this places on you.

A gravel, cyclocross, or mountain bike would be appropriate for this ride. The ride will be at a moderate pace (moderate for cyclists who are able to complete the route), meaning we are neither lollygagging nor emptying the tank. If you need to turn around 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.

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.

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:

• “You are responsible for your safety”
• “Be on time and don't be a flake”

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.”