Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered on this page, submit it below and we’ll add it here within a few days. During the tour simply go to our PTP Info Tent and they will help you out.
Lodging/Camping

Do I need to reserve indoor or outdoor camping space?
No reservation is necessary for indoor or outdoor camping. Space is limited and based on a first-come, first-serve basis. All cyclists will need to bring their own camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillow, etc.). These items will not be provided.
If I’m planning on camping, how much luggage can I bring and how does it get from one place to the next?
Pedal The Plains will transport one 70-lb bag from one town to the next. All camping equipment and gear will need to fit into that bag.
Can private support come with me and sleep in the camping area?
Private support is allowed to utilize the outdoor camping areas and RV camping; however, due to limited space indoors, only registered riders may camp inside.
Registration and Logistics

When/where do I pick up my registration packet?
How do I get to the start town?
Transportation to and from the start/end town of Kiowa is your responsibility. On Saturday 9/15 One Day Riders (Century, Gravel & One Day Route) will have two shuttle options back to Bennett from Limon. More info here.
Will shuttles be present in the towns?
Yes, shuttles will be available throughout the day and into the evening to take riders to hotels, restaurants and the Entertainment Site.
Will there be a place to charge my cellphone?
Viaero Wireless, our presenting sponsor, will provide a cell phone charging station in each host community at the Entertainment Site.
Backyard Battery will also be onsite
Is there a bike rental service available for the Tour?
Yes, evo – one of our participating bike shops has a great bike rental program.
What will the weather be like?
WEATHER IS HARD TO PREDICT IN ADVANCE on Colorado’s eastern plains! Pedal The Plains has been scheduled during a time when we hope weather conditions will be favorable with average temperatures in the upper 70’s and minimal rain; however, in the event of inclement weather, the Tour will continue to roll. Come prepared for all types of weather. Carry appropriate gear, including full-finger gloves, a rain jacket and shoe covers. Cyclists camping out can expect temperatures to drop at night and should bring a tent in addition to a sleeping bag.
How do I cancel my registration?
Refunds will only be accepted for the 3-Day Tour. If you wish to cancel your registration, you must request a refund through email at mailto: ptp@denverpost.com by August 15, 5:00 p.m. MST. No refunds will be issued after this date, regardless of the circumstances. Processing fees are as stated below:
- April 25 – July 31: A $75 processing fee will be deducted from your refund
- August 1 – 15: A $100 processing fee will be deducted from your refund
Refunds will not be issued for voluntary donations to The Denver Post Community Foundation, or any processing fees associated with our online booking platform, bikereg.com. Refunds will not be issued for either Century Ride, Gravel Ride and One Day Options
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Is registration required for both riders of a tandem?
Yes, as both riders will be utilizing Pedal The Plains services. Each person riding should complete their own registration so that we have accurate information and liability waivers on file for each participant.
Can I use my Aero bars?
Aero bars are not recommended, but are not prohibited.
Fans, Guests and Pets
Are pets allowed?
No, in an effort to respect the space and likes or dislikes of other participants, pets are not permitted in the camping or Headquarter Site areas.
Are bike trailers allowed?
For the safety of you and other cyclists, bike trailers are not allowed on the 3-day Tour or Century Ride.
Route
Where can I find maps of each day’s routes?
Click here to view route maps for the 3-Day Tour and Century-PLUS Ride.
How hard is the ride? I’m from out of state and not sure how worried to be about the altitude and distances.
Everyone reacts different to altitude; some need days to adjust, while others will not even notice a difference. We have many people from all over the country join this ride, as well as our parent ride, Ride The Rockies. You can prepare best by riding comparable distances when training so you know how you’ll be feeling during and after the rides each day. We often recommend drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, arriving a day or two early to adjust and talking with your doctor if you have concerns.
What time does the route close each day?
The route will close at the following times
– Friday, September 15 @ 6:00 p.m.
– Saturday, September 16 @ 5:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. Century Ride)
– Sunday, September 17 @ 3:00 p.m.
Route Support and Food
Do I need to buy meals or does PTP provide them?
PTP will supply light snacks and Skratch hydration at every aid station on the route. In addition to snacks, PTP will identify one aid station each day as the official lunch stop and will provide you with a free lunch, prepared by local Colorado FFA Foundation chapters. Full meals within each of the host communities are not included in your PTP entry cost and you should be prepared with cash to purchase community meals, coordinated by local organizations in each town.
Food and drink provided at aid stations:
– Water
– Skratch Mix
– Fruit
– Pretzels
– Animal crackers
– Lunch (at one designated aid station each day)
Will there be gluten-free options available?
Meals are unique to each town and they offer a variety of food. Pedal The Plains encourages the communities to offer options for everyone but the menu is ultimately up to the organizations selected by the town to provide breakfast, snacks and dinner. In many cases there will be food vendors present during certain meals that will offer up more options and potentially have choices specifically labeled gluten free. Community meal menus are still being finalized but you can expect to see items such as:
Eggs and Bacon
Burritos
Pancakes
BBQ
Wraps
Burgers
Hotdogs
Pasta Salad
Is it advisable to bring a floor pump as part of the 70-lb limit or will pumps be available?
Pumps will be available near the baggage trucks each morning, but it doesn’t beat the convenience of your own pump if you have the room.