FAQ

What are the Hardscrabble Humper events?

The Hardscrabble Humper rides are bicycle challenges starting and finishing in Eagle, CO.  The routes consists of singletrack, US Forest Service / BLM roads, country roads and state highways.  Some trails/roads will be in great shape. Other will having you scratching your head and thinking “WTF?!” Come with an open mind and sense of adventure.

 

Are these events races?

Yes and No. While some will choose to ride as fast as they can, other will take on the challenges with hopes to complete the provided routes. The best advice we can offer is “You do you” within the rules and spirit of the rides.

 

What kind of bike is best for the Humper rides?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: CX or Gravel bike with a minimum of 40c tires. A road bike is NOT a viable bike for this route unless you have desire to destroy it and walk out of the backcountry. Same can be said for road shoes, road pedals, and aero bars…..don’t bring’em! Come with gearing to climb!

Humper MTB: Any mtb will work. A hardtail or 100mm full-suspension mtb will work best.

Humper Bikepack: Any mtb will work that will allow you to carry the gear needed. We tend to lean more towards a hardtail with front suspension.

Humper Rando: Best tool for the job is a road bike with 28c or larger tires and generous gearing. Personally, we roll on road compact gearing with 32c tires.

 

Are these route closed to other users and/or vehicles?

No. At any moment, riders can expect to see or meet motorized users as well as other recreational user groups. Obey the rules of the road and trails as well as ride “heads-up” at all times.

 

Can a support crew meet me on course to hand me food, water, or assist with technical issues?

No. These rides are intended to be 100% self-supported. You must utilize on-route public services (ex: gas stations) or carry everything you need to get to the finish.

 

Who can participate in the Hardscrabble Humper events?

The Humper events are aimed at experienced cyclists with a sense of adventure. Know your limits.

 

How long do you think the Hardscrabble Humper rides will take to complete?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: 5-9 hours

Humper MTB: 4-7 hours

Humper Bikepack: 18-24 hours

Humper Rando: 12 hours

 

Is there cell service on course?

For most of the rides, no. Cell service is limited once you get out of the I-70 valley.

 

If I have to abandon, will you come get me?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: No. You are self-supported.

Humper MTB: No. You are self-supported.

Humper Bikepack: No. You are self-supported.

Humper Rando: No. You are self-supported.

 

Will there be medical support?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: No. You are self-supported.

Humper MTB: No. You are self-supported.

Humper Bikepack: No. You are self-supported.

Humper Rando: No. You are self-supported.

 

 

Will the course be marked?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: No. You are self-supported and self-navigating. Use the provided GPX file.

Humper MTB: No. You are self-supported and self-navigating. Use the provided GPX file.

Humper Bikepack: No. You are self-supported and self-navigating. Use the provided GPX file.

Humper Rando: No. You are self-supported and self-navigating. Use the provided GPX file.

We provide a gpx file for GPS navigation for all routes. It is HIGHLY suggest you put the file on your GPS. Every single year and every single ride someone gets off course. Why? Because they don’t have the course on their GPS. Its simple and easy. Just put the file on your GPS already, will ya!

 

Will there be aid stations?

Humper Mixed-Terrain: No. You are self-supported. Carry what you need.

Humper MTB: No. You are self-supported. Carry what you need.

Humper Bikepack: No. You are self-supported. Carry what you need.

Humper Rando: No. You are self-supported. Carry or pick up along the route what you need.

 

Are the routes open for pre-riding?

Yes. The courses can be ridden at any time and point, as long as the road and/or trails are open for the season.  These routes are pretty much ready to ride starting in late June and close up around early November. Heads up, the Mixed-Terrain and Bikepack routes can close as early as the first part of October due to snow in the higher elevations.

 

Have a question that has not been answered here? Please contact us.