FAQ

The Start/Finish line has relocated due to construction at Northfield.  Cyclists will now enter the departure chute on 47th at Main the start line crossing Verbena heading due east.

Instead of cyclists starting in a large group all at once, we will have “Departure Windows” to limit crowding at the Start line. This means that cyclists may begin the Ride at any time during the designated departure time frame for your selected distance. This “staggered” approach allows for greater natural social distancing throughout the day along the courses, at aid stations as well as at the Finish line.

Planned departure windows:

• 100 & 85-Mile Rides: Depart anytime between 6:30 am – 7:00 am (last departure is 7:00am)
• 50 & 25-Mile Ride: Depart anytime between 7:15 am – 8:00 am (last departure is 8:00am)
• Ice Cream Ride: 10:00 a.m. Group departure - No drops ride, everyone must start together. NO EXCEPTIONS

No, all four courses will be essentially the same as currently shown on the website, unless there is construction/cause to redirect along any of the routes closer to ride day as determined by our Ride Director. It is always a good idea to check the route pages during the week of the ride as things can change during the final days of planning and permitting.

Yes there are. In order to ensure you make it back to the post ride street party we enforce cut-off times. At every Aid Station there will be published closure times and this information will be provided on the website and in the Rider Instructions provided to each registered cyclist prior to ride day.

We love our volunteers, many of them have other commitments for the day and volunteer based on our timelines including the course closure at 4:00. If you arrive after the published close and the volunteers are packing up, please be courteous, I’m sure they will be happy to help if they can. If you find you are falling behind and will be well past a close time - consider calling our dispatch and asking for a SAG - if we can we will do our best to move you to the next open Aid Station.

Additionally, there are published cut-off times and locations if you are riding the 100-mile route, and for riders on the 50-mile ride. Check the website the week before the ride for these locations and times.

The DCR is designed for riders of all ages. (The cyclists age is their age on the day of the event.) We want to share the beautiful bike routes and bike lanes with all generations. However, for your safety and the safety of other participants we have put the following restrictions in place:

• Cyclists 16 and above may ride any route with a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian
• Cyclists 14 to 16 may ride any route with a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by an adult. If the adult is not a legal guardian, they must carry a permission letter signed by the parent or guardian stating they are accompanying the minor on the DCR.
• Cyclists 14 and younger may ride the 50, or 25-mile route with a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian and accompanied by an adult. If the adult is not a legal guardian, they must carry a permission letter signed by the parent or guardian stating they are accompanying the minor on the DCR.
• Children are allowed on the Ice Cream Ride. See website for ages and restrictions.

Before deciding on any of the above distances for a minor child please review the routes at www.DenverCenturyRide.com and make sure your child is of the ability to complete the route. The DCR is a “Rules of the Road” ride and all participants must be versed in and able to follow the Rules of the Road, per the Colorado vehicular codes.

Berley trailers are welcome at the Denver Century Ride. We welcome you to bring your children in their trailer on the 25 and 50-mile courses. If you are feeling more ambitious and want to ride the longer distances, we suggest the 85-mile, but please do not ride the 100. It is not safe for you or your children to ascend/descend Lookout Mountain’s narrow winding roads while towing a trailer.

Yes, if you purchase one registration for each rider.

Yes, as long as you have a 6ft flag attached to your bike, so you are easily seen.

In order to assure the best support for you during your ride make sure your number is visible from behind. If your bike has a high back on the seat, if possible, tape the number to the seat. Your helmet number will work to identify you at the aid stations.

Yes, Class 1, peddle assist only as some trails restrict other types. E-bikes are recommended for the 25 and 50-mile routes, as long as you have spare batteries. Please observe posted speed limits.

Absolutely! The 100 & 85-mile routes are designed so you can switch to a shorter or longer route as you like during the course of the ride. If you signed up for the 50-mile and are feeling ambitious enough to do the 85 or 100-mile, we ask that you please mention at Check-in so that we can issue you the proper course bib.

Upsizing your ride from the 25 mile involves additional fees that may or may not be able to be accommodated during the ride due to rider caps, so please consider your abilities at the time of online registration.

All riders will need to abide by the posted Departure Windows for their respective distances.

We will have a photographer at the Start/Finish Line for our cyclists to purchase courtesy of Sundance Images. A link will be sent to you the week following the ride to purchase your ride photos.

No, all roads are open to normal traffic during the DCR. However, in high congestion areas there will be law enforcement posted. These officers/troopers may stop or detain traffic at their discretion to allow the cyclists priority. Click here to see Rider Safety Rules on the Ride Information page for this information.

Special Note:  September 26th is National Trails Day and Lookout Mountain Drive will be closed to most vehicle traffic to support trail clean-up.  Therefore you will not be sharing the road with cars that day!

Please respect the hard working volunteers along the side of the road as they pick up trash and help to maintain Colorado’s beauty. Allowing the ride to to proceed on this route is a privilege granted by Jefferson County so show your appreciation.

The elevation is different on each route, check the individual route pages for complete details. Please note information is subject to change.

100-Mile Elevation – Check out the entire map HERE

• Elevation: +5,953 / -5,953
• Grade: 9.9%
• Grade: -13.1%

85-Mile Elevation – Check out the entire map HERE

• Elevation: +3,871 / -3,871
• Grade: 9.5%
• Grade: -11.4%

50-Mile Elevation – Check out the entire map HERE

• Elevation: +1,606 / -1,606
• Grade: 6.0%
• Grade: -5.7%

25-Mile Elevation – Check out the entire map HERE

• Elevation: +711 / -712
• Grade: 5.1%
• Grade: -5.1%

Our goal is to keep our riders comfortable and safe, so we offer aid stations every 15-18 miles. All Aid Stations are stocked with water, Skratch hydration products , nutrition bars and other energizing foods! If you need or prefer a specific nutritional or hydration item while riding, please bring that with you. Note: Hydration stations will ONLY provide water and hydration mix, please stock your jersey with nutrition accordingly.

Yes, there are self-serve, water coolers serving Eldorado Natural Springs Water at each aid station.

YES! Our Title Sponsor CommonSpirit Health, will have medical teams at each aid station and at the Start/Finish line. Additionally, they will have an ambulance circulating on the courses. You will also find peddling medics wearing EMT vests on the routes plus SAG support. If you have any emergency, dial 911.

BIB & PACKET PICK-UP
Your bib and pre-ordered merchandise, as well as your goody bag will be available at Epic Mountain Gear stores between September 17-21 as well as at the Ride HQ on Main Street at the Avenues of Northfield, at the former Bar Louie located at the corner of Verbena and 49th Avenue at the Avenues of Northfield, (8332 E Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238) during the following times:

EPIC MOUNTAIN GEAR

• Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Park Meadows Store (8691 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124)
• Thursday, September 17, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Aurora Store (2650 S Havana Street, Aurora, CO 80014)
• Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Boulder Store (2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, CO 80302)
• Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Littleton Store (8100 W Crestline Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123)
• Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Westminster Store (9170 Wadsworth Parkway, Westminster, CO 8002)

RIDE HQ LOCATION
Location: The Avenues at Northfield - Former Bar Louie located at the corner of Verbena and 49th Avenue at the Avenues of Northfield, (8332 E Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238)

• Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, September 25, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 26, 2026 beginning at 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

We encourage you to register online to enjoy special online discounts and to minimize lines and wait time at onsite registration.

Yes. Bib pick up will open at 5:30 am on ride day at the Denver Century Ride HQ at The Avenues of Northfield at the former Bar Louie located at the corner of Verbena and 49th Avenue at the Avenues of Northfield, (8332 E Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238)

We encourage people to pick up bibs for family and friends, however you MUST have their QR Code sent to them in advance or an ID or a picture of their ID, or an email from them saying that you have permission to pick up their bib and other items.

Your bib number (includes the post ride party food/beverage tabs), a helmet sticker, your free t-shirt, goody bag and any other merchandise you ordered.

We will celebrate every cyclist that crosses the finish line. We will host the lifestyle expo, serve food and beverage and have a place to rest and relax at the finish area.

This year, we will also have live musical entertainment from the Margarita Brothers channeling Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys.

Yes, it will include sponsor booths, general exhibitors and Shops at Northfield merchants.

The expo will open 10:00 am and closes at 4 :00 pm. Your post ride meal will be served between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. We will have the Start/Finish Line Aid Station option with some food available if you arrive prior to that time.

Please note, the cutoff times mentioned on the Ride Instructions pages, and in the Rider Information letter provided prior to ride day are put in place to ensure you arrive at the finish in time to enjoy the Post Ride Party. If you start within the Departure window for your distance and maintain an average speed of 12mph (including Aid Station stops), you will finish in time to check out our sponsors and grab a meal.

We do have a few exhibit spaces still available. Please email berley@csg-sponsorship.com with your request.

Thank you! Please contact our Ride Director: Sabra Nagel
RideDirectorDCR@gmail.com

Please visit our website to learn about the myriad of on-course and off-course volunteer positions here.