Encierro Velo

April 24,2022.

Encierro Velo takes place in Kiowa, Colorado and starts/finishs at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. This means stunning views of the front range and an exciting 80 kilometer bike course on quiet gravel roads. Wide open spaces and winding dirt roads make this the ideal route for gravel enthusiasts. Course elevations are lower then Denver. So if Denver gets snow, the course can receve warmer rain.

During the race, roads are open to public vehicles as well as cattle, but there is little traffic in the area. The gravel is fine, perfect for light tires. With a spring date the fine gravel should be moist and frim with a chance of spring snow/rain. The finish follows a lap on the soft soil in the “Dirt of Despair” arena with its bleachers for family and friends. Pros ride 2 laps in the arena. All participants should have a GPS, as the course is isolated and unmarked.

Participants are divided into classes by gender and age as follows: 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

For questions contact: Phil_Koobisaddles@msn.com or 719-484-0477

Bundle the purchase of Encierro Velo and Pony Xpress 160 for a 20% discount. Look for Bundle option at registration.

Event Fees

New for 2022. For additional $10, participants can purchase cancelation insurance. Providing a 90% refund if participant cancels prior to March 24 or a 50% refund if cancel prior to April 20. Otherwise no refunds. Purchase during registration.

New for 2022. For additional $10, Participants can transfer their registration to a different particpant prior to April 14. Transfers can be completed on line thru your EMotive account, after registering.

Starting Times

The start/finish will be at the Elbert County Fairgrounds in Kiowa Colorado. With the grand finale, a lap around the “Dirt of Despair” arena. Pros riding 2 laps of the arena.

Feed station will have water, Hammer energy drinks, Hammer energy gels, granola bars, and Easter dinner left overs, closeing at 1 PM. Riders must maintain a minimum speed of 11 MPH. Participants cycling slower will find feed station closed and will receive a DNF (did not finish) in the official results. Event does not provide sag wagon support. As always reveiw the weather forcast.

Support Crews 

Support crews are allowed but not required. Crew members may give support only at feed station and will be required to use a specified non-race route to arrive at feed stations. Again support crews are not allowed to give support outside of feed station.

Required Equipment

We recomend that all riders have a head and tail light (micro light acceptable), a helmet, and a GPS for navigation. Maps will be available at the start and can be mounted to handlebars to be easily readable. The combination of a using a GPS, riding with head raised, having a handlebar mounted map, and following the limited course marking arrows should be sufficient for successful navigation. If in doubt, riding the course in advance. Encierro Velo does not have adequate staff to provide “IT” support. Riders are encouraged to down load the course as soon as possible this will allow time to contact your own “IT” support to assist in any issues.

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup is from 7:30-9:40AM. No registrations will be taken on race day.

Pro class purse: 100% Plus

100% Plus, of pro class entry fees will be payed out , with final purse amount being set April 19, based on the entrys receved to this date, not including registration co/credit card co charges. The plus amount, is $3.00 for each non pro class entry by April 19, added to purse. For example, if 100 woman enter Encierro Velo by April 19, then $300 will be added to the womens pro purse, plus the womens pro class entrys. Same for men. Our goal is to have the purse pay back at least 33% of the pro riders. So the higher the number of entrys, the further back the pay out and the larger the purse. Keep in mind that the entry fee differs per entry, depending on date of registration. Encierro Velo will still be accepting registrations after April 19. These “late” entrys will still be elegable for the purse, though there entry fees will not be added to the purse. As a practial matter, very few people enter “late”. Sorry guys, no comp entrys.