Do these rides cost anything?
While we ask for an optional donation around the middle of each ride (usually $5-$15), Colorado History Rides will never charge for our free rides. Your donation goes towards the purchase of materials to support the rides, including binders and books to make sure these rides remain high quality, additional tour guides to give more tours, and equipment and technologies to improve tour quality and communications.
What do I need to bring for rides?
Yourself, appropriate layers, water and snacks, your bike and lights (if we have a night ride) and a lock are the main things to bring for most rides. Whether you have an analog bike, an e-bike, or anything else, you are welcome to these rides. We do not have any bikes to rent at this time.
How long and fast are the rides?
It varies! We have done rides as short as 2-3 miles to distance rides out to Boulder that are about 50-60 miles. We have also done a full 100 mile century as well. Generally though, weeknight rides are less than 10 Miles, with weekend rides being about 15-40 miles and often having a lunch break. The length of the rides usually gets posted with the routes about 3-4 days before the actual rides. Our general ride speed is abut 8-10 miles per hour, unless otherwise posted.
Where do you usually begin and end your rides?
We usually begin our rides at Cheesman Pavilion or the patio of REI, unless otherwise noted. These rides are also generally a loop, and begin and end at the same location.
When do you usually begin your rides?
We start talking about the content of our rides about 15 minutes after the posted starting time to give folks a lead in to our rides.
I am running late for the ride. How can I find everyone?
If you are running late for a ride, we usually give a 15 minute grace period, along with an initial period of 5-10 minutes where the subject is introduced for you to catch up at the starting location. After we are wheels down, our ride leaders are generally focused on leading the ride, so there is no guarantee that they will get back to you with specific location information if you try and contact them. We do post the routes on Strava so you can catch up with the group, but out of respect for everyone’s time, please do show up on time.
When Are History Rides Cancelled Or Rescheduled? How do I find out this information?
History Rides are generally cancelled or rescheduled during inclement weather. There are lots of reasons for cancellation, but the biggest involve heavy snow, icing of the streets, and lightning in the forecast. We generally try to give 24-48 hours of notice when it comes to cancellation of a ride or event, but with the unpredictability of Colorado weather, may send a message out later than that timeframe.
There are 3 ways we will send out a cancellation notice.
- Through our email list
- A post on our Instagram page
- Cancelling the associated event on our google Calendar.
If you do not see a cancellation notice, the ride is still on!
What is the recommended age for the rides?
Our content is generally 16+, but individual and parental discretion is advised. We do occasionally do family rides, and will indicate if we do.
I have an idea for a ride. Where could I request it?
Email us at coloradohistoryrides@gmail.com and we may take it as a recommendation! We are currently working on a ride request form as well.