The chasm between motorists & cyclists continues...in the Meca of cycling.

Sunrise Century organizers prepare for possible conflict : County News : Boulder Daily Camera

Sunrise Century organizers prepare for possible conflict
Officials say threats for drivers to block Boulder County cycling route taken seriously

By Heath Urie (Contact)
Originally published 11:02 a.m., July 24, 2009
Updated 11:02 a.m., July 24, 2009
Alex Hearn, organizer of the Sunrise Century bike ride, at his home in Boulder.

Photo by Paul Aiken

Alex Hearn, organizer of the Sunrise Century bike ride, at his home in Boulder.
The Sunrise Century route

The Sunrise Century route

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BOULDER, Colo. — Organizers of Saturday’s Sunrise Century bicycle ride through Boulder County say they are prepared to handle any problems along the winding mountain route, amid threats in an anonymous flier that drivers will blockade cyclists in protest.

The fliers — which started appearing in mountain communities early last month, a few days after a Boulder driver was ticketed on suspicion of endangering a cyclist on Lee Hill Road — ask residents along the route of the 100-mile annual cycling event to block the return leg of the ride.

“On July 25, in celebration of driver’s rights, many cars will use the Left Hand Canyon Road, drive slowly and many may break down unexpectedly, blocking areas to the cyclists on the return leg of the ‘Sunrise Century,’” the anonymous, one-page note reads. “Many cars and safe drivers all working together can send a message to the Statehouse to restrict cycling on our roads which are our only alternatives during family emergencies, commuting and required duties.”

Julia Wieck, a spokeswoman for the event, said more than 800 riders from 18 states have registered to participate, and have been briefed about reporting any problems along the way and trying to avoid conflict.

But organizers continue to receive “nasty e-mails” about the planned ride, Wieck said.

“People don’t have specifics, just a lot of anger,” she said.

The route begins at 6:30 a.m. at Boulder’s Stazio Ball Fields, 2445 Stazio Drive, and moves through Niwot and Hygiene before looping around Lyons, the St. Vrain Canyon, the Peak to Peak Highway, Ward, Left Hand Canyon, Nelson Road and finally down 63rd Street back to the ball fields.

The fliers call for the disruption efforts to center along Left Hand Canyon Drive near Nelson Road.

Wieck said the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office will have deputies stationed throughout the course, and seven aid stations will take reports of any roadside conflicts and report them to law enforcement.

Officials at the Colorado State Patrol have said that drivers ought to think twice before trying to block the riders, because it's illegal and dangerous.

Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said he plans to have nine deputies stationed along the route, in addition to the four state troopers.

He said he doesn't expect any problems, though.

"I’m not sure it has that much support, actually," Pelle said of the flier's call to action.

Wieck said the threats and tensions among cyclist, drivers and mountain residents has overshadowed the good in the event — which will donate a portion of its proceeds to the Mile High Youth Corps, The Cottonwood Institute and Engineers Without Borders.

For more information about the Sunrise Century ride, visit www.bikerpelli.com