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 khmtt.com 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 khmtt.com website to confirm your start time and category. If you need to make changes, use the “Rider Self Service” section of the khmtt.com website.
  • Understand rider responsibilities: Visit the Race Information > What You Need To Know section on the khmtt.com 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: Arrive early to avoid traffic, which can be heavy in the late afternoon. This ensures you won’t miss your start time.
  • Directions: Enter the park from the east side off Parker Road. At the three-way intersection, go straight onto Swim Beach Road. The Smoky Hill parking area is about a half mile ahead on your left.
  • 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. If it’s your first time at Cherry Creek State Park, you’ll also need to purchase a water basin sticker for $3.00.

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 Cobras tent, located near the picnic pavilions/restrooms at the far end of 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 Cobras tent. 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. When heading south (towards the park’s entrance/exit), turn around at the “No Warm-Ups” sign to avoid interfering with racers finishing at high speed. Do not warm up on the course after the race has started.

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 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 take the next right. 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, as the road has a slight incline.
    • At the KHMTT 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. Do not cross the center lines at any time.
    • 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.
  • West 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. Carefully navigate around any stopped cars and approach the turn with controlled speed to avoid crashing.
  • East entrance intersection: A sheriff’s officer will be located at the top of the hill to manage traffic to allow the racers through the intersection. However, use caution before proceeding through this intersection — do not assume it’s clear.
  • Tower loop turn: This “lollipop” turn has cones creating a rider corridor to protect you from parked cars backing out. Stay within the corridor with the cones on your right and do not pass another racer until you are clear of the cones.
  • Final turn: After you crest the hill, there is a tight right turn that requires you to slow down to navigate it safely. Do not cross the centerline either going into or coming out of the turn!
  • Finish line: As you pass the spotter (on your left), 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.

After The Race

  • Return to parking: Proceed to the Smoky Hill parking lot by going straight down the hill.
  • 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 Cobras tent.
  • Results: Race results will be posted to khmtt.com and usacycling.org later in the evening.

Finally

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