A ride that has over 300 bikes is a difficult thing to plan during a pandemic. The officers of Pikes Peak #405 had an incredible challenge watching the state and local restrictions to be compliant and to have the best ride possible. The decision to cancel or have the ride was postponed to the very last possible minute to be able to still get shirts, patches, and rockers in time. The pre-party was sadly cancelled and the registration was held outside with socially distanced tents that had the alphabet of registrants spread between the tables. The poker hands were drawn by one person to limit the contact among people. Masks were worn when socially distancing wasn’t possible. The Road Captains were all previously assigned and identified by colored wrist bands given to riders of individual groups. The groups were limited to 10 bikes and given strict arrival times. The departures were separated by more time than typical to avoid large groups on any of the passes. Road Captains were given very strict instructions for time management at stops to keeps groups separated. All of the officers, Road Captains, and volunteers were committed to making this ride the best, safest, most compliant ride possible.
This was an incredible route of 5 mountain passes over 10,000 feet in altitude in one day. A direct route is not any part of the planning. Berthoud Pass is known for lots of switchbacks and crossing the continental divide. Berthoud Pass has one of the most beautiful views from the parking lot, don’t miss it!! Kenosha Pass forms the spine of the front range and provides access to Fairplay and South Park. Hoosier Pass known for a steep 8% grade and tight switchbacks allowing passage from Fairplay to Breckinridge. Juniper Pass has great sweeping curves and a walking path to a beautiful overlook at the top of the pass. Loveland Pass has an altitude of just under 12,000 feet and is a challenging aggressive pass with a steep 6.7% grade and many hairpin turns. Breathtaking views make it worth the trip.
The end stop was a party at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden, Colorado. The outdoor seating and distanced picnic tables made it the best situation for a pandemic gathering. Winning poker hands were given out as well as many raffle prizes.
John Drobnica, Road Captain and Chris Britton, Road Captain sweep reported leading a group with 13 bikes and 17 riders. 4 bikes were 2-up. This group started with 9 bikes and 4 bikes caught them later in a speed trap. His group had very positive comments about the ride and the route even stating it was a bucket list item. It was a pretty warm day and some decisions about stopping at passes were made to allow riders time to layer down during the ride and prevent joining with other groups. The riders were phenomenal people that wanted a fun, relaxing ride and happy to enjoy such beautiful scenery.
The officers and Road Captains should be commended for having such a successful ride amid the restrictions of a pandemic. Careful planning and considerations were made to provide a beautiful ride in the safest way possible. Hopefully, next year will be back to “normal” and we can enjoy a huge pre-party, fantastic route with lots of new friends riding in our 22nd annual 5N1 High Altitude Ride and Poker Run.
