What if you have to Bail?
If you do have to get out of the mountains due to weather, mechanical, health or navigation issues, the following descriptions might help. Please make sure that you have a solid understanding of what you’re getting yourself into before you register. THIS IS A SERIOUS RIDE WITH POTENTUALLY SERIOUS CONSIQUENCES IF SOIMETHING WERE TO GO WRONG!
Bail Out Discriptions:
1. Molas Pass to Rolling Pass 11.2 Miles Approx 2,000 feet
From the top of Rolling Pass the bail-out point is dependent upon conditions. You can either turn around and ride north back to Molas Pass (11.2 Miles of faster riding with minimal climbing) or ride south to Bolam Pass (9.7 Miles and 1,200 feet of climbing).
2. Rolling Pass to Bolam Pass 9.7 Miles and roughly 1,200 feet
There are two bail out points in this section. Once you have descended from the top of Rolling Pass into the Cascade Creek drainage you can either ride out the Cascade Divide Road to Durango Mountain Resort or you can summit Bolam Pass and join FR 578 just below and north of Bolam Pass. It is much easier to ride out FR 578 if you can make it over the pass.
3. Bolam Pass to Hotel Draw and re-supply station 10.9 Miles Approx 1500 feet
Once you ride south into the Rico Mountains form the bottom of Bolam Pass you are committed until you reach Hotel Draw and the confluence of the CT with FR 550. Water re-supply and rider check-in is located 3.7 miles past the confluence of the CT with FR 550. This point will be clearly marked!
4. Hotel Draw to Kennebec 20.6 miles Approx 3,600 feet
You are committed from the start of this section. Once you reach the toe of the Indian Ridge (‘The Cape of Good Hope’), the real alpine exposure of the CT in the La Plata Mountains begins. You can either turn around and ride back to the support station (approx. 13 miles) or you can forge on (approx. 8 miles) over the Indian Ridge where inclement weather can make you think twice! Once you reach La Plata Canyon Road you can ride down to safety and there will be a support station here as well.
5. Kennebec Pass to Junction Creek Trailhead 21.5 Miles Approx 1,400 feet
From the top of Kennebec Pass ride 2.4 miles south crossing the Champion Ventures Rd. where you can bail east to FR 171. This is a faster way into Durango than La Plata Canyon Rd., but the CT offers 18 miles of single track and 1,200 feet of climbing.
Bail out Protocol
DEADLY CONSQUENCES COULD ENSUE IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG so please don’t skip this part! A bailout map with the central operations phone number will be provided to each rider. Please familiarize yourself with the following protocol for safely getting out of the mountains.
- Stop and determine your exact location using a trail map
- Ensure that at least one other rider knows what your bailout plan is (ideally they go with you and someone else is informed your plans)
- Reference the closest (or most weather friendly bailout)
- Ride on your bailout route and attempt to call central operations and leave a message of your status and a return phone number. Additionally, call your emergency contact and let them know your status. Your emergency contact should not be someone on the ride.
- Come celebrate at the awards ceremony on Sunday night, July 25th.