📱 For an enhanced experience, turn your phone sideways.

Getting Ready To Race

Before Race Day

  • Know the course: Familiarize yourself with the course in advance. If possible, visit the park and ride the course. On the CCTTS.teamcobras.org website under Race Information > The Course, you'll find a RideWithGPS link and various GPS bike computer files you may upload to your device. We highly recommend you visit the park and drive or ride the course. However, if you can't visit the park, review the course map carefully. Remember, knowing the course is your responsibility.
  • Verify your start time and category: Check the CCTTS.teamcobras.org website to confirm your start time and category. If you need to make changes, use the "Rider Self Service" section of the CCTTS.teamcobras.org website.
  • Understand rider responsibilities: Visit the Race Information > What You Need To Know section on the CCTTS.teamcobras.org website and review "Rider Responsibilities". While there, scroll down to read other relevant information that may apply to you.

Race Day

Arriving At The Park

  • Plan ahead: Race Headquarters is located at the Smoky Hill parking lot.
  • Park entry fee: If you do not already have an annual Colorado State Park's pass, you can purchase a one-day pass or an annual pass at the park entrance kiosk.

Bib Placement And Warm-Up

  • Bib placement: Pin your bib sideways on your left side, ensuring it's clearly visible to the spotter and timer. Assistance and additional pins are available at the shelter behind the Smoky Hill parking lot. Remember, if the timer cannot see your number, you may not receive a time! If in doubt, ask someone at the Team Cobras table in the pavilion. We have provided detailed information on how to pin your bib at Bib Placement and Pinning.
  • Warming-up: Warm up either on a stationary trainer or on Swim Beach Road (do not go within 50 yards of the finish line.) 

At The Start Line

  • Timing: Try to arrive at the start line at least 3 minutes before your scheduled start time. Note that it takes about 3-5 minutes to ride from the parking area to the start line.
  • Directions to start line: From the parking lot, turn right when exiting then another right at the T intersection. The start line is about a quarter mile ahead at the start tent.
  • At the start line: The start line marshal will ensure you’re lined up in the correct order and check your bib placement. The starter will verify your start time and guide you into the start tent. Do not ride into the tent until called forward by the chief referee.
  • Start tent: Inside the tent, a holder and the chief referee will assist you. You may start with one foot on the ground or both feet in your pedals — let the holder know your preference. The chief referee will count you down to your start.
  • Tips:
    • Beginning in a lower gear may help you get started easier, you will be going up a slight hill just ahead.
    • At the CCTTS we start a rider every 20 seconds. There is not much time for hesitation at the start line, and the clock will not wait for you.

On The Course

  • Safety:
    • Ride to the right at all times. Leave the shoulder area to pass another rider or to avoid an obstacle only.
    • Remember that the road is open to vehicles and other park users. Exercise good judgment and awareness of traffic conditions and ride accordingly.
    • The course marshals are there to assist you, but they do not have authority to stop or control traffic. Be safe!
    • Wearing earbuds during the race is strictly forbidden by USAC rules.
  • Signage and marshals: The course route/turns are marked by blue arrows on yellow background signage, and marshals will be stationed at turns and busy intersections to guide you. However, it's your responsibility to know the course. 
  • Turnaround: As you approach the turnaround, you will see a large orange “Flagger Ahead” sign. The flagger will manage traffic near the 180-degree turnaround, marked by a single orange cone in the center of the road.
  • Finish line: As you pass the spotter (on your right), shout your bib number to ensure accurate timing. The timer's vehicle is located about 100 feet beyond the spotter on the left side of the road.
  • Crossing the finish: Be aware of other cyclists ahead of you as you cross the finish line and other riders using the road to warm up.

After The Race

  • Return to parking: Proceed to the Smoky Hill parking lot parking lot. Watch for traffic.
  • Bib management:
    • If you've signed up for multiple races, keep your bib as you will use the same one for each week.
    • If you’ve signed up for a single race, return your bib to the Team Cobras table
  • Results: Race results will be posted to CCTTS.teamcobras.org.

Finally

Take a moment to catch your breath and celebrate your achievement!