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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is
Challenge Unlimited?
We are an adventure travel
company that opened for business in 1982. Presently we conduct hiking and biking tours in
Nepal, Africa, Ireland, Italy, Ecuador, and
Colorado. In 1991 we started our local mountain bike tour
business. The year 2008 will be our 18th year of leading down hill bike rides on Pikes
Peak, making us the oldest and most experienced mountain bike tour company in the state.
Who is a Good
Candidate for a Ride Down Pikes Peak?
The ride down Pikes Peak is not difficult. As we say, "If you can sit on a bike, you
qualify." The only restrictions are size and altitude. Participants must be at least
4'6" tall in order to fit on our bikes. This ride is not safe for smaller children.
Also, people with any chronic illnesses should not do this ride. Though most of the ride
is down hill the majority of our clients are not used to 14, 110 feet and it can effect
people with a history of chronic illness. A good alternative to the Pikes Peak ride is the
Gold Camp ride. This is a beautiful 17 mile ride down hill, but it starts at 9,200 feet
instead of 14,110 feet. Younger children are always welcome to ride in the van that
supports the group down the mountain.
Why Do I Have
to go With a Tour Group? Can't I Just Rent a Bike and Go By Myself?
The Pikes Peak Highway is owned by the city of Colorado Springs. Until Challenge Unlimited
was permitted, in 1991, no bicycles were allowed on the road. now you have the choice to
go with a tour company or ride Barr Trail, which is a hiking trail on the east facing the
side of the mountain. It is a challenging single track trail and recommended only for very
experienced mountain bikers.
Should I Take
the Morning Trip or the Afternoon Trip?
We highly recommend the morning trip because of mountain weather. Mornings always tend to
be clear and beautiful. As the day wears on, thunderstorms become more likely. Almost
everyday we get some sort of thunderstorms which, on the top of Pikes Peak, can be very
severe. Snow storms in the July are not uncommon. In 17 years we have had to cancel
approximately 10 morning rides. Afternoon rides get cancelled two to three times a week.
What Does the
Price Include?
When you arrive at Challenge Unlimited in the morning for your Pikes Peak ride, we will
have breakfast ready for you while you are filling out release forms, paying your tab and
getting fitted with helmets. The breakfast consists of fresh fruit, bagels and cream
cheese, muffins and sweet rolls, fresh juice, yogurt, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. The
weather on top of Pikes Peak can vary greatly. A good rule of thumb is that it is normally
30-40 degrees colder on the top of the mountain. If you add a little wind it can be very
very cold and very unpredictable. Therefore we supply all the clothing that you could
possibly need: fleece jackets, pants, wind and rain gear, head bands to keep your ears
warm, glove liners and fleece outer mitts. At the summit you will be bundled up, but
during the descent, you will gradually take off all your warm gear and at the
bottom you'll be in shorts and T-shirts. At the summit we will also give you a Pikes Peak
by Bike water bottle to keep you hydrated during your descent. The bottle is for you to
keep as a souvenir of your ride. The ride will finish at a restaurant called "The
Wines of Colorado." While the Challenge Unlimited guides are reloading all your bikes
and equipment you will sit out on their patio and have your choice of Hamburgers,
Cheeseburgers, Bratsw with Kraut, Veggie Burgers or a Turkey and Swiss, Pretzels and a
soft drink. This is all included in the price of your tour.
What About
the Equipment?
We have 2007/2008 K2 Comp Mountain Bikes. These bikes have front suspension,
disc brakes, advanced
Mega-nine LX rapid fire shifting, and twenty-seven gears. We carry various sizes from
13-23. We have a full time mechanic who is constantly making sure that each and every bike
is in the best and safest shape possible.
Where is
Challenge Unlimited?
We are located at 204 S 24th Street. It is in the west part of Colorado Springs called Old
Colorado City. From I25 take exit 141 to Highway 24 West. Go west (towards the mountains)
for one mile until you get to 21st street. Turn right and continue (about a block and a
half) until you see a building that say "Dons Body Shop". Right after the sign
take your first left on Cucharras. Continue west for three blocks. We are located on the
corner of 24th and Cucharras. It is a large warehouse, painted blue with a mural of Pikes
Peak on the side. You can't miss it!
How Do I Make
Reservations?
To book a reservation with us please give us a call at 1-800-798-5954. We require a credit
card number to hold the reservation. We do not do anything with this credit card unless
you don't give us 48 hours cancellation notice or don't show up. If you don't show up, we
charge 100% of the cost. We only require a deposit with groups of 10 or more. A 50%
deposit is required upon making the reservation. We except all major credit cards, cash
and checks. The rates are the same for all forms of payment. |
