Colorado's Ride Rider Guide

2023 Colorado’s Ride Experience Manual

Welcome

We are so excited to have you on the inaugural Colorado Ride. This ride is designed to be more relaxing, more engaging with the community, and offers more time for you to fall in love with some of the most beautiful parts of Colorado!

We know this is your vacation and we appreciate your trust in us to provide you with an unforgettable, safe, and fun experience.

This booklet will hopefully answer many of your questions on how our day-to-day logistics will work and of details of the tour

Never hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or anything else.

Bill Plock, Ride Director—303-808-5851

Zach Ostrander, Summit Cycle Solutions—303-246-2861

These mountains will be on your right heading towards Silverton

Molas lake at summit of Molas Pass

Colorado Ride Overview

Colorado’s Ride showcases one of the most scenic areas of Colorado through the lens of two amazing overnight towns, Durango and Pagosa Springs. Add in visits to Silverton, the beautiful country in La Plata, Archuleta and Mineral counties, and amazing views from Wolf Creek Pass you will experience some of the best of the San Juan region.

By minimizing transfers and maximizing community engagement with local attractions, residents, and businesses, you will have more time to relax and spend less time packing, unpacking, and hurrying to the next ride.

You will enjoy five days of weekday cycling that hopefully offers quieter roads and provides a safer experience. You may want non-cycling friends and family to join you on the weekend before or after and extend your visit. We will lower the impact on the local community and utilize facilities and hotels at less demanding times. Riders will have three nights in Durango and two in Pagosa Springs.

Campers at the Durango Fairgrounds will have access to the Durango Recreation Center. In Pagosa Springs campers will stay on the Hot Springs property and have 24-hour access to the hot springs with full shower facilities and other spa amenities.

Massages will be available every day (for an extra fee).

The daily rides are designed to be challenging and fun, but not consume an entire day.

Having a small impact on the environment is very important to us. Maintaining a low carbon footprint and creating an atmosphere to minimally impact town activities and the normal lives of residents and other tourists.

All cyclists will access the train back to Durango. Day bag services will be available to riders for a change of clothes. Bikes will be transported back to Durango via Summit Cycle Solutions.

Mandatory/Critical Info

Riding Rules:

• Rules of the Road apply 100% of the time unless directed by a law enforcement officer or staff marshall to proceed differently.

• Day 1: On Highway 550 north of the Purgatory aid station, riders must ride single file unless safely passing a cyclist per Colorado State Police permit. Failure to do so may result in pulling you off the route.

• Also, we will have mandatory pull-off spots if traffic becomes congested. These are found on the Ride With GPS file.

• We will enforce cut-off times on routes. See the daily schedule for those times, they correspond with aid station closing times.

• Our permits require a mass start, times are listed in daily schedules.

Bike Lights:

• At a minimum rear flashing lights are required. Colorado’s Ride will supply rear flashing lights at no charge, thanks to the Pro’s Closet.

Identification:

• Each rider will be given a custom “license plate” to put on their bike and it must be visible for the entire ride

Meet Olympian and Durango Legend Todd Wells

Rider Check-In Sunday August 27th

Address to check-in: La Plata County Fairgrounds

2500 Main Ave Durango, CO 81301

Ska beer and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. Food trucks will be on-site (bbq and one other)

Special guests, Sheriff Bruce Conrad from Silverton and Olympian, Durango’s Todd Wells. Thank you Pedal Durango for introducing us to Todd!

Camping Open: 1:00pm @ Durango Fairgrounds (Baseball Field)

Food Trucks / Entertainment: 4:00pm - 6:30pm (Exhibit Hall)

Mandatory Rider Meeting: 5:00pm (Exhibit Hall)

Overall Route Overview

You get everything on this five-day tour. Three big alpine passes, high desert, rolling hills, and big views of the San Juan Mountains. The roads are open to traffic and this is a Rules of the Road tour. Be prepared with clothing for all types of weather.

Total Mileage: 297.3 miles. Elevation Gain: 22,612 feet.

Day 1- 50.7 miles, 6,124 elevation gain. We start at the La Plata Fairgrounds and take beautiful county roads meeting up with Hwy 550 15 miles north of Durango taking you to Silverton after climbing Coal Bank and Molas passes. The climb to Purgatory is more substantial than you might think so plan accordingly! Once in Silverton, you will have time to explore this historic town and grab lunch before the train ride home. We will take your bikes back to Durango. Trains depart at 2:00 and 2:45 pm.

Day 2 - 44.8 miles, 2,724 elevation gain. Durango’s local favorite loop features scenic views riding south and west with a gorgeous descent through Wildcat Canyon into Durango. You will have plenty of time to hang out before our party at SKA Brewing at 4 pm.

Day 3 - 87.1 miles, 5,267 elevation gain. Ride to Pagosa Springs passing through Bayfield with a “brunch stop” at the town of Ignacio. Ignacio is surrounded by the Ute Reservation with its heritage at an old school eating some local delights. From there, you will ride towards Navajo Reservoir and then north with majestic views of the revered Chimney Rock before riding east into Pagosa Springs.

Day 4 - 46.9 miles, 4,421 elevation gain. This fairly short route but packs a punch as we ride up legendary Wolf Creek Pass and back. The views of the San Juan River Valley as you descend are some of the best in America. Take your time, enjoy the view and you will return to town with time to relax, shop, and we have a special movie matinee and a town concert to benefit first responders.

Day 5 - 67.8 miles, 4,085 elevation gain. Start with two underrated climbs. One is getting out of Pagosa Springs (so don’t over-dress) and the other is Yellow Jacket Pass before reaching the undulating road to Bayfield. From there you ride north toward Valecito Reservoir on beautiful county roads and intersecting with Florida road taking you back to Durango and the Fairgrounds for a celebratory SKA beer and a farewell.

Logistics, Daily Procedure Overview

Communications:

Daily updates will be sent via text the night before. In case of emergency due to weather or other reasons, instructions will be sent. In the areas where cell phones don’t work, people on the course will be giving you instructions. Use your best judgment with weather to shelter in place if you don’t feel safe.

Daily Start: We will have a mass start, arrive early, get settled, and ready to ride by the start time listed below. This is important for our permits.

Durango Fairgrounds, 7:00 am Monday the 28th, 7:30 am Tuesday 29th, Wed 30th

Pagosa Hot Springs. 7:30 am Thursday 31st, 7:00 am Friday the !st.

Daily Parking:

Riders not camping are encouraged to ride to the start venue and NOT park there unless absolutely necessary.

Luggage:

Campers, a designated luggage drop will be at each campground and bags need to arrive at least 15 minutes before ride start

Hotel Guest, luggage will be picked up from your hotel as long as you purchased luggage services.

Day Bag (Day 1 only) We will take a duffle or small backpack for you to Silverton and a changing area will be provided.

Cut-off times:

Each day will include cut-off times which are the closing times for aid stations listed on the daily schedule starting on page 30. Riders on course not making the time will be advanced to the next aid station or end depending on circumstances

Aid Stations/food:

Will include a variety of snacks, hydration (water and electrolyte drink) fruit, sunscreen, bathroom/portos.

Day 3 in Ignacio at aid station 2, there will be cooked food available for purchase from local vendors benefitting local charities

Riding Rules

Though we go to great lengths to make the tour as safe as possible, you are only as safe as you ride. Always remember that your safety is paramount. Please follow these rules of the road:

• Always ride as far to the right as possible

• Only ride two abreast when the shoulder is wide enough

• Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Failure to do so may result in traffic violation tickets

• All participants MUST wear a helmet

• Bicycle trailers and child seats are not permitted

• All bikes must have rear flashing safety lights

• Do not wear headphones while riding

• If you are inexperienced with drafting, do not ride in pacelines

• Use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping, or road hazards.

• Never assume motorists see you. Be cautious even if you have the right-of-way

• Move completely off the road and shoulder when stopped

• Only pass cyclists on their left. When passing, warn cyclists by saying, “On your left”

• Cross railroad tracks at a right angle

• Never cross the road’s centerline

• Control your speed

Rider Support

SAGS

We will have SAG vehicles capable of taking you and your bike in case of emergency. Please only use this service if absolutely necessary. If you are not meeting cut-off times a SAG vehicle will advise and move to a safe place to pick you up.

Emergencies/medical

You will be supported with 3 paramedics on motorcycles roving the course and one at the start/finish. Centura Medical will have an ambulance on course with an additional paramedic and an EMT. There will be another paramedic on a bike and an EMT riding along to aid if needed. If you need assistance stop and alert any staff or medical support person.

Mechanical Support

Our team of cycling paramedics and SAG drivers can help with minor mechanical issues such as flats, chain drops, and other minor adjustments. They will have limited spare tubes and cartridges and pump. Be prepared with your own rescue equipment and practice fixing flats. Anything major will require us to take your bike back to either Durango or Pagosa Springs where our partner shops can fix (hopefully) the problem.

Aid Stations

Approximately every 15 to 20 miles we will have aid stations with plenty of snacks and liquids, Portos, a pump, sunscreen, shade and friendly people.

Daily Massage

Rates: $55.00 per 1/2 hr OR $110.00 per 1 hr.

Location: by the camping venue, or inside the fairgrounds.

Sheri Bullock has been doing massage for bike tours for many many years and will be on Colorado’s Ride. Be sure to book your appointments on Sunday at the preride meeting!

Entertainment, Non-ride activities

Day 1: After your epic ride, enjoy lunch in Silverton. The trains depart at 2:00 pm and 2:45 pm.

We anticipate this to be a long day between the ride and the train trip back so please enjoy Durango’s restaurants after the ride and we will see you on Tuesday morning. The train does offer a fully stocked bar and snacks!

Day 2 With fewer miles you will have the entire afternoon to explore. Maybe hang out on the San Juan River, hire a fishing guide, or raft. Shop in Durango or check out the Durango Hot Springs. That afternoon we have a party for you at the famous Ska Brewery. Come get a free beer and meet some of our charity partners, listen to a local band, and stay for some fabulous food at Ska or check out other places. The party is from 4 pm to 6 pm— or later!

Ska Brewing; 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303.

Durango Hot Springs, 35 pools!

Day 3 with our longest ride of the tour, 86 miles this will be an unplanned evening for you to relax. Come enjoy the Pagosa Hot Springs, get a massage, relax and get ready for another epic climb up Wolf Creek Pass

Day 4, Movie and a concert! After you conquer World Creek pass, come check out the movie “The Engine Inside” at 2 pm. The movie is a documentary narrated by Phil Liggett featuring inspirational cyclists with very diverse backgrounds, including a rider on this ride!

Come to the town park that night for live music and fund raising for local first responders

Camping Amenities

La Plata Fairgrounds (Durango). Pagosa Hot Springs

Amenities: You must have paid for camping to get these amenities.

Durango Rec Center: You will have full access to the Rec Center. You will be given Summit Cycle Solutions wristband. When you enter tell them you are with CR. If you plan to use the rec center more than once a day, please get a Rec Center wristband so they don’t charge us for multiple visits.

Pagosa Hot Springs: if you are camping or staying at the Hot Springs you will be given a key card to access the hot springs 24/7 complete with bathrooms and showers

Support in camp

Porto’s will be available 24/7

Water—water stations will be set up

Electrical—there will be access in each location to charging phones etc. It is highly advised to bring a multi-charge block to charge with as there will be limited outlets

Bike security

Durango—Inside the field house, the same place as the packet pick up Pagosa Hot Springs, Conference room next to the check-in at the hotel

Food

Durango—Coffee and a food truck will be at the Fair Grounds

Pagosa— Hot Springs cafe will be open early for the ride

Longterm Parking and RV’s in Durango

With the purchase of a parking pass, riders can leave a vehicle at the Fairgrounds in Durango for pick up on Friday when we return. RV’s can park in the RV designated area with the purchase of a camping pass

Camping/RV’s in Pagosa Springs

With the purchase of a parking pass, riders can leave a vehicle at the Fairgrounds in Durango for pick up on Friday when we return. RV’s can park in the RV-designated area with the purchase of a camping pass. Check with on-site attendant for exact parking designation.

La Plata Fairgrounds, Durango

Pagosa Springs Venue

This QR code shows all camping venues in both Durango and Pagosa Springs

Mechanical Support

We expect every rider to be able to fix their own flats and carry the necessary equipment.

At times, people need support, so besides being paramedics, this Moto-support personnel can assist on route with minor mechanical needs such as flats.

We will have mechanics on hand with supplies each morning at the start.

If you have an e-bike or electronic shifting, please ensure everything is charged, or you have installed new batteries. We will have some C2032 batteries on hand, but that doesn’t always fit all bikes.

We will have SAG support with minor mechanical abilities to move you and your bike forward (or back) to be worked on by our support shops for more serious mechanical needs.

Durango—Second Ave Sports

640 E. 2nd Ave

Durango, CO 81301 970-247-4511

Pagosa Mountain Sports

Downtown Physical Address: 162 Pagosa Street

Uptown Physical Address: 100 Country Center Dr 970-507-7886

Day to Day on the Route, Aid Stations, SAGS, Cut off times, Day bags

• Start: Each day will have a designated start time and location. Look for flags for start line.

• Durango: La Plata County Fairground

• Pagosa Springs: Hot Springs

• Aid Stations (list of food and drink)

• We will offer a variety of sweet and salty snacks. Boulder Salt, Tailwind Electrolyte , Pickle juice, bars, gels, gluten-free options, water, fruit (bananas, apples, oranges)

• Porto’s

• Each aid station will have porto’s or access to facilities

• Day Bag

• On day 1 to Silverton, we will transfer a small bag/backpack to Silverton to have clothes to change into for exploring Silverton and the train ride back

• Medical Support (ambulance, moto medics, riding medics)

• Mechanics:

• We will have light duty mechanical support on course and any non-repairable bikes will be transferred back to host town where full mechanical support is available.

• SAG’s

• We will offer SAG vehicles. Please flag one down if you need assistance. Be aware, depending on road conditions and traffic, vehicle may need to move ahead for safe assistance

• Cut–off times?

• Each aid station will be assigned a closing time. Riders behind schedule will be moved forward to next aid station or end to keep course manageable

• Weather

• In the event of severe weather, riders will be asked to shelter in place, SAG vehicles will do their best to reach riders who may want warming blankets or other assistance,. We will not have enough vehicles to move everyone at once

Day 1, Durango To Silverton

Ride one of Colorado’s most iconic routes with amazing views of the San Juans on the historic route connecting two of Colorado’s most historical towns.

Camping Elevated Open: 6:00am - 8:00am

Route Opens: 7:00 am (Mass Start @ Durango Fairgrounds)

Aid 1 Open: 8:00am - 10:00am (mile 17.5)

Aid 2 Open: 9:30am - 12:00pm (mile 29.5)

Aid 3 Open: 10:30am - 1:30pm (mile 36.8)

Riders not at aid station by closing time will be moved ahead via SAG vehicles

Route Closure: 2:00 pm

Finish area, at the train station in Silverton, changing tents available. Please load bike onto trucks or bike racks with Summit Cycle Solutions.

Ride With GPS File: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41559955

Train Station is located on East 12th street.

Early Train Departure: 2:00pm (Silverton Train Station)

Late Train Departure: 2:45pm (Silverton Train Station)

Bike Corral Pick Up: 5:00pm - 6:30pm (Durango Train Station)

Downtown Silverton Finish

Day 2, Durango Loop

This is one of the local’s go-to loops with great views, some miles near the San Juan river and a gorgeous climb to Nighthorse Reservoir and decent through beautiful Wildcat Canyon and back to Durango.

Camping Elevated Open: 6:00am - 8:00am

Route Opens: 7:30 (Mass Start @ Durango Fairgrounds)

Aid 1 Open: 8:00am - 9:30 am (mile 14.7)

Aid 2 Open: 9:00am - 11:00 am (mile 31.5)

Route Closure: 1:00 pm

Ride with GPS file: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41559946

Entertainment: 4:00 pm Ska Brewery, Ska Brewing; 225 Girard St, Durango, CO 81303.

Join us at SKA Brewery for a beer and music by a local favorite and coincidently one of the duo also helped us immensely plan the ride and use the fairground.

Day 3, Durango To Pagosa Springs

On our longest route of the week, 87 miles, you will most likely feel a much different vibe as we travel through the Southern Ute nation and the town of Ignacio. We will pass Chimney Rock National Monument before heading east into Pagosa Springs.

Camping Elevated Open: 6:00am - 8:00am

Route Opens: 7:30 (Mass Start @ Durango Fairgrounds)

Aid 1 Open: 8:00am - 9:00am (mile 14.2) Famous Helens Store

Aid 2 Open: 9:00 am - 11:00 am (special food for purchase from town of Ignacio) (mile 34.6)

Aid 3 Open: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (mile 56.5)

Aid 4 Open: 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm (mile 70.4)

Route Closure: 3:00 pm

Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42447871

Entertainment: on your own, consider a massage, hang at the hot springs, relax!

Day 4, Pagosa Springs, Wolf Creek Pass

Wolf Creek Pass, especially on the west side, is a perfect pass to climb. It has a wide shoulder, great pavement, and a descent back to Pagosa Springs with stunning views of the San Juan River valley.

We will be back at mid-day and will show a matinee documentary narrated by Phil Liggett, “The Engine Inside” with proceeds going to the Pagosa Springs High School Mountain bike team. Tickets are $10

Camping Elevated Open: 6:00am - 8:00am

Route Opens: 7:30 (Mass Start @ The Springs Resort)

Aid 1 Open: 8:00 am - 9:30 am (mile 16.4)

Aid 2 Open: 9:00 am - 10:30 am (mile 23.5, summit)

Aid 3 Open: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (mile 32)

Route Closure: 12:00 pm

Ride with GPS : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41559965

Entertainment: 3:00 pm The Engine Inside, Pagosa Springs Theater

Evening town concert at park upstream from the Pagosa Springs, walking distance

Pagosa Hot Springs

Day 5, Pagosa Springs to Durango

Our last day comes with some punchy hills as we head west to Durango. We climb Yellow Jacket Pass and take on the rolling hills in La Plate County we experienced on day 2 and 3. There is a large motorcycle rally starting on Friday when we return to Durango. We will not have a closing ceremony at the Durango Fairgrounds as the rally will be set up. But come grab a beer and a finisher medal and say goodbye!

Camping Elevated Open: 5:00 am - 7:00 am

Route Opens: 7:00 am (Mass Start @ The Springs Resort)

Aid 1 Open: 8:00 am - 9:30 am (mile 16.4)

Aid 2 Open: 9:00 am - 10:30am (mile 31.6)

Aid 3 Open: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm (mile 48.1)

Route Closure: 3:00 pm

Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41532337

What to Bring

Essentials:

Approved helmet

Cycling shorts or bibs (minimum of 2)

Cycling Jerseys (minimum of 2)

Cycling shoes

Extra Set of Cleats

Cycling socks (minimum of 2)

Cycling gloves

Sunglasses

Sunscreen/lip screen

Supplemental cycling food

Chamois Cream

Water Bottles

Phone

Cold and Inclement Weather Gear)

Base layer under jersey

Long-sleeve jersey/arm warmers

Jacket (windproof/waterproof)

Tights/leg warmers/knee warmers

Long-finger gloves (regular/insulated)

Skullcap/helmet cover/buff

Shoe covers

Hand/foot warmers

Latex gloves

Shower cap

Cycling Tools & Equipment

Headlight & taillight (taillight required)

Patch kit (w/tire levers)

Toolkit

Spare tube(s)/tire(s)

Seat bag or other storage option

Inflation (frame pump or CO2)

Batteries for electronic shifting

Non-Cycling Essentials

Clothes (see below)

Toiletries (see below)

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Swimsuit

Cash | Credit/ATM card

ID

Larger multitool

Floor pump

Phone/electronics charger

Ziploc bags and/or trash bags (for dirty clothes) n Luggage (soft-sided, waterproof)

Other considerations

Non-cycling warm socks

Sandals

2-3 pair of shorts

long pants

Long sleeve lightweight shirt

Medium-weight jacket

Swimsuit

Towel/washcloth

Prescription meds

OTC painkiller (Advil, Aleve, etc)

Compact travel kit

Are you tent-camping?

Tent

Tent Stakes

Ground Tarp

Sleeping bag/Pad

Pocket knife

Flashlight/headlamp or lantern

Ear plugs

Altitude Awareness

Eat carbs

It’s not often we’re told to eat extra carbohydrates. But when you’re at a higher altitude, you need more calories. So pack plenty of healthy snacks, including lots of whole grains.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol, cigarettes, and medications like sleeping pills can make altitude sickness symptoms worse. Avoid drinking, smoking, or taking sleeping pills during your trip to higher altitude. If you want to have a drink, wait at least 48 hours to give your body time to adjust before adding alcohol into the mix.

Drink water

Staying hydrated is also important in preventing altitude sickness. Drink water regularly during your climb.

Take it easy

Climb at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Don’t try to go too fast or engage in exercise that’s too strenuous.

Medication

Usually, medication isn’t given ahead of time unless flying or driving to high altitude is unavoidable. There’s some evidence that taking acetazolamide (the former brand name of Diamox) two days before a trip and during your trip can help prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide is a medication typically used to treat glaucoma. But because of the way it works, it can also help prevent altitude sickness. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to get it.

It’s also important to know that you can still get altitude sickness even when taking acetazolamide. Once you start having symptoms, the medication won’t reduce them. Getting yourself to a lower altitude again is the only effective treatment.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

Symptoms can range from mild to a medical emergency. Before traveling to a higher altitude, make sure to know these symptoms. This will help you catch altitude sickness before it becomes dangerous. Mild symptoms include:

• headache

• nausea

• dizziness

• throwing up

• feeling tired

• shortness of breath

• faster heart rate

• not feeling well overall

• trouble sleeping

• loss of appetite

If you develop mild altitude sickness, you should stop climbing any higher and return to a lower elevation level. These symptoms go away on their own when you move to a lower altitude, and as long as they’re gone you can start the trip again after a couple days of rest.

Severe symptoms include:

• more intense versions of the mild symptoms

• feeling out of breath, even when you’re resting

• coughing that won’t stop

• tightness in the chest

• congestion in the chest

• trouble walking

• seeing double

• confusion

• skin color changing to gray, blue, or paler than normal This means your altitude symptoms are more advanced. If you notice any of these, get to lower altitude as soon as possible, and seek medical attention. Severe altitude sickness can cause fluid in the lungs and brain, which can be deadly if left untreated.

Bottom line

It’s hard to predict exactly how your body will react to high altitudes because everyone is different. Your best defense against altitude sickness is not to climb too high too fast and to be prepared by practicing the tips above.

If you have any existing medical conditions, like heart problems, trouble breathing, or diabetes, you should talk to your doctor before traveling to high altitude. These conditions may lead to additional complications if you get altitude sickness.

Nutrition and Hydration

Proper nutrition, like hydration, is essential to keeping your body performing at its best during your training and in Colorado’s Ride. Try to dial in proper nutrition habits before the Tour to find what works best for you and your body.

We will be offering Tailwind Electrolyte drink at our aid stations. This Durango company is one of the leaders in the industry and is the standard drink at some of America’s toughest endurance events. Here is a link to learn more:

https://tailwindnutrition.com/collections/active-hydration

Also, remember that proper cycling nutrition involves both daily nutrition and training/ cycling nutrition. Daily nutrition requires a healthy balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat). This is the foundation of improving overall health and performance on a day-to-day basis.

Training and cycling nutrition is essential to keeping your body fueled properly while you are riding. The long and strenuous days can deplete your nutrient stores rapidly. We recommend eating every 30-40 minutes while you are riding, and then consuming a recovery meal within an hour of getting off your bike each day. This is a great way to contribute to effective recovery and get you ready for the next day.

Importance of Electrolytes From our Sponsor Boulder Salt

We all know that staying hydrated is important to our health, but drinking water is only one component of getting & keeping yourself hydrated. Without all the proper electrolytes, the body cannot properly use the water you drink. A certain combination of minerals is needed to optimally shuttle the water to every thirsty cell.

Boulder Salt is made from a blend of minerals to help optimize hydration for everyone — athletes, outdoor workers, and people using salt in their food at home just to name a few. This remarkable salt contains a precisely balanced blend of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and bicarbonate–it’s not just salt hydration, it’s natural hydration through essential electrolytes. This mineral combination provides the body with the electrolytes it needs to effectively get & keep hydrated, with 40% less sodium than standard table salt.

When you sweat you lose water, sodium, and other electrolytes. The water is drawn from blood plasma, which then reduces blood volume. This forces the cardiovascular system to work harder to pump blood to the areas that need it, which causes fatigue and muscle cramping. This strain can significantly impact athletic performance.

To balance electrolytes and prevent muscle cramps, it is vital to replace the fluid you lose when you sweat. If the needed electrolytes are not also replaced, the body can’t effectively regulate fluid balance. Without enough sodium in the body, that added water dilutes the blood, but the body is not able to deliver it to the cells that need it, and it can’t prevent muscle cramps. Athletes who rehydrate with water plus the right ratio of balanced electrolytes (salts), can experience faster times and more endurance than those who use water alone.

Public Transportation

Durango

Durango has a transit station and a good network of shuttles. Here is a link to that website for times and routes:

https://www.durangogov.org/333/Transit

Animas Transportation has a fleet of vehicles for up to 15 passengers that can be hired to take you anywhere in the region should you wish to explore sites such as the Durango Hot Springs or further.

https://animastransportation.com

Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs offers public transportation and for-hire service through Mountain Express Transit.

https://www.archuletacounty.org/641/Bus-Schedule

Our Sponsors and Supporters