There are 25 and 50 mile rides available, either day or both days.

August 7 & 8, 2010 with check-in available Friday, August 6.

Schedule:

• Friday, August 6:
  • Noon: Base camp opens.
  • 2:00 PM Vets start checking horses until dark.
  • 7:00 PM Ride meeting.
• Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8:
  • AM: Vets will check late arrivals.
  • 6:30 AM 50 milers have a controlled start.
  • 7:30 AM 25 milers have a controlled start.
• Hold times and pulse criteria will be announced.
• Awards will be given each day at 7:30 PM or one hour after the last rider is in.

See Directions page for map.

Located over twenty miles into the Front Range, Colorado Mountain Mettle is a genuine mountain adventure! Riding with a 360 degree view will give you the top of the world feeling of freedom. Pikes Peak to the south is just one of Colorado’s “ fourteeners “ you’ll see from on the trail. Take a look to the east and north and see the Great Plains through the Platte River Canyon. It is the historical gateway of mountain men and Leadville silver miners.

Let your focus narrow to the foreground. These huge views are interrupted by the Haymen and Buffalo Creek Fires' modified forest. The fire revealed gigantic ice age sculptured boulder piles. The single track trails, including portions of the Colorado Trail, cross numerous tumbling mountain streams and wind through fragrant pine and aspen forests. -- Could this be the perfect ride?

Trail Description: These are multi use trails. Everyone will enjoy lots of single track and a little double track.

Elevation Gain: Camp is 7400’, the lowest point is about 6500’ and the highest is about 8200’.

Water: Several creeks are supplied by spring run off. The Forest Service asks us to stay at the crossings to drink. DO NOT spread along the creek banks. Additional water will be hauled in.

Forage: There is plenty of grass available along the trail. Weed free hay and beet pulp will be provided at the out vet check.

Wildlife: Lots of grouse, turkey, bears, mountain lions, fish, elk, deer, eagles (and mountain bikers !). We are so lucky!

The out vet checks will be at Miller Gulch Trail Head. For 25 milers this is approximately 12 miles into the ride. For 50 milers this is at 17 miles for the first leg and 16 miles for the second leg. The directions page provides driving instructions from the Base Camp to the vet check area.

Shoeing Recommendations: Decomposing granite with sections of rock. Hoof protection is recommended.

Photography: Photography is planned though not yet finalized.

Crews and out vet check at Miller Gulch Trailhead:

• There are lots of pine trees for shade,
• Management will provide weed free hay, carrots, apples and hauled in water for the horses.
• There will also be a trailer available if needed.
• For the riders we will provide water to refill your containers.
• Crew bags will be taken from base camp to the vet check and back.
• There is room to park if your crew would like to meet you at the vet check.

Miscellaneous:

• Rides are limited to 75 riders and 50 trailers. Please register early.
• Ride meeting is at 7:00 PM on Friday, August 6.
• Camp opens at Noon on Friday.
• Certified weed free hay is required.
• No people water is provided except for container refills on trail. Bring your own drinking water.
• Horse water will be provided.
• Please check with the Pike National Forest website for any campfire restrictions.
• Please use the portable potties provided.
• It is likely there is no cell phone coverage in the area we will be camping and riding.
• Dogs need to be kept on leash and not allowed on trails.
• Please, no firearms.