REMEMBER: A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET

Updated 12/6/18 at 5pm: I took a drive through the park to day, checking out conditions. We got some snow at my house at 8,500 feet today, but the park was sunny and dry! The bike course is 100 percent snow-free. There is no ice or moisture of any kind on the bike course.

I did not check out the entire run course, but what I saw was also snow-free. In fact, I did not see any snow of any kind, so I anticipate fast conditions on race day.

The forecast calls for a high of 47 to 49 degrees, depending on which website or TV channel you look at. Brilliant sunshine is also in the forecast - - perfect for an early December race!!!

REMEMBER: A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET

The December race starts with a 4 mile run and concludes with a 10.8 mile bike ride. The run will start in 2 waves: a male wave, followed 3 minutes later by a female wave. The course is a mix of paved road, dirt trail, and paved bike path. When on the road, you must run on the left side of the road facing traffic. Please stay on the left side until you are directed to cross the road at approximately 1.7 miles. An aid station will be at this location, and you will start the dirt trail portion of the run at this point.

Following the run, the run-only participants will be finished and can enjoy some home-baked goodies, hot ramen, and hot cocoa! Duathletes will continue onto the bike. The bike course is a 10.8 mile route. You must ride on the right shoulder of the road, except when you are passing another cyclist. At no point can you cross the yellow line for any reason.

Helmets must be worn at all times while on the bike.

The finish line will be located about 100 yards east of our usual bike finish. We typically end up with lots of athletes and spectators hanging out in the road, and roads are open to traffic. To reduce congestion in the road, we have moved the finish line a bit, so riders can turn immediately into the West Shade parking lot and return their timing chip. A RED FLAG will designate the finish line.

Rules: A few rules will be enforced on the course. 1. No headphones will be allowed on the run or the bike. 2. Helmets must be worn at all times while on the bike. 3. Run on the left side of the road facing traffic during the first 1.7 miles of the run course. 4. No drafting on the bike course - you ride on the right shoulder and leave at least 3 bike lengths between your front tire and the rear tire of the bike ahead of you. Passing must be done on the left and completed within 20 seconds, then you must move back onto the right shoulder. Side-by-side riding is not permitted.

REMEMBER: A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET

Packet Pickup opens at 8:00am, and the race starts at 10am. Bike racks are first-come, first-served. Feel free to rack your bike before picking up your bib number and timing chip.

If you entered the entire duathlon series, you may pick up your Chilly Cheeks sweatpants at the registration tables. If you ordered a pair, those will be available for pickup as well.

REMEMBER: A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET

Directions and Parking: The event will start and finish at the Hobie Hill area, near the West Entrance to the park. From I-25 Take Exit 199 (Belleview) and turn East on Belleview. Drive approximately 1.5 miles to Dayton (there is a stoplight). Turn left on Dayton and drive approximately 0.5 miles. The park entrance will be on your right. Parking will take place at the Hobie Hill parking lot.

Once you are inside the park, signs will direct you to the Hobie Hill lot. Once Hobie Hill has filled, additional parking will be available at the Marina, just 200 yards beyond Hobie Hill.

PLEASE DO NOT drive or park in the grass. You will be ticketed and you will jeopardize our ability to hold the race in the future. Please do not stop on the road or off the road to unload your bike and gear. Doing so will violate a condition of our permit. If you are seen doing either of these things, you will not be permitted to race. Please park in a designated parking space and unload once you are parked.

All vehicles entering the park will be charged a $9 park entrance fee, so car-pooling is encouraged. Vehicles displaying a valid Colorado State Parks annual pass will not be charged.