Courage Cruise Manual

Quick Access

Getting There 

Courage Cruise starts and ends at Copper Mountain Resort. Please visit their website to learn more about travel options, parking and shuttle services. 

Courage Cruise Check-In 

Pick up your Courage Cruise shirt, bib, and Friday happy hour drink ticket during the check-in hours below. Registration is available in-person and online until Cruise start time (9 a.m. Saturday).

Courage Cruise registration does not grant access to any of the 6 fully supported Courage Classic routes.

Friday, July 18 

  • 4-8 p.m. | Copper Conference Center – upper level 

Saturday, July 19

  • 7-9 a.m. | Base Camp (big white tent in Eagle’s Landing)

Start/Finish 

The Cruise will start outside Mountain Plaza. Please line up at the start line by 8:45 a.m. We will hear from Haddie, an inspiring Children’s Colorado patient, and start the ride at 9 a.m. We will have snacks and hydration at the turnaround point, about 1 mile into the route. Cruisers will finish at the Courage Classic Finish Line in Eagle’s Landing. After the Cruise, join us for family-friendly activities, music and sweet treats!

Emergency Contact Information 

Please verify the accuracy of your emergency contact information and cell phone number (in case you are hurt at the event – please confirm it is not your own name!) in your Participant Center. Visit https://givechildrensco.org/ccpc25 and select Profile, then Questions to confirm your Emergency Contact Information. 

Participant Bib

At check-in you will receive a bib with your participant number on it. Your bib is required to be affixed to the front of your shirt while on the Courage Cruise route. Should you lose your bib or have it become detached, please visit Courage Cruise check-in at Base Camp on Saturday between 7-9 a.m. to receive a replacement (photo ID is required to replace your bib).

Medical Services 

If you feel dizzy, sore, excessively tired or if you have an injury, medical volunteers are available at all aid stations, along the route as biking and motor medics, and at the finish line in Eagle’s Landing/Center Village. Medical volunteers (red jersey or t-shirt) offer basic first aid services and are equipped with first-aid items. Medical volunteers are in contact with emergency services for more severe injuries. If you need acetaminophen or ibuprofen, please bring it with you on your ride or be prepared to sign a release at the aid station or Eagle’s Landing/Center Village. 

If a rider or volunteer needs medical attention, please use your cell phone to call the Courage Classic Medical Supervisor at 303-746-5583. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911, and then notify the Medical Supervisor. 

Safety 

Rules of the Road 

Cycling safely and considerately is vital to ensuring the safety of other riders as well as your enjoyment of the tour. The future of cycling events in Colorado depends on your cooperation with the rules below. Courage Classic is a tour conducted on roads with vehicular traffic. Roads include both marked and unmarked hazards. Though we go to great lengths to make the ride as safe as possible, always remember that safety is your responsibility and follow these rules when riding: 

  • Courage Cruise is a tour, not a race. We welcome riders of all skill levels, including families with small children. Please be aware and considerate of others throughout the Cruise. 
  • Always wear a helmet! NO EXCEPTIONS. 
  • Wear provided bib.  
  • Carry ID and relevant medical information. 
  • Headphones and ear buds are prohibited.  
  • Avoid using cell phones and other personal devices while on the Cruise. 
  • Ride with the flow of traffic, never against it (unless in a designated bike lane).
  • Rules of the road apply; cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of other vehicles. 
  • Ride single file where necessary, with a maximum of two abreast when conditions allow; do not impede traffic. 
  • Ride as far right as reasonable. 
  • Obey all traffic lights, signs and regulations. 
  • Move off or as far to the side of the road if you need to stop. Look for and yield to traffic when re-entering the route.  
  • Pass on the left only, and announce your presence with “Passing,” “Hello,” or “On your left.” Do not pass if you see a double yellow line. 
  • Be aware of road hazards, such as potholes, glass, grates, loose gravel and debris, and uneven pavement. 
  • Use hand signals 100 ft. prior to indicate any road hazards, stops, slowing, right and left turns.  
  • Pack snacks, water, and weather gear—mountain weather can change fast! Mornings are often cold, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket and sun protection to stay comfortable all day. 
  • Respect other riders, volunteers, host communities, motorists, pedestrians, law enforcement and the environment. 

Please note: We reserve the right to close the route at any time due to weather, safety or other emergencies.  

Gearing Up for the Cruise 

A successful Courage Cruise requires thoughtful prep and the correct gear. Here’s a list of required and recommended gear to stay safe and comfortable during your ride: 

  • Helmet (required) 
  • Your Cruise bib (required) 
  • Cash, ID, and relevant medical information (required) 
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (ex. Light jacket, thermal sleeves, cycling gloves, sunglasses) 
  • 1-2 water bottles or hydration packs 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Anti-chafing cream 
  • Snacks & electrolytes 
  • Multi-tool 
  • Tire repair supplies, such as a spare tube, mini-pump, patches. 

Before the big weekend, it’s essential to have your bike professionally fitted and tuned to ensure a smooth and safe experience. We recommend visiting a local bike shop ahead of time. And good news! We’ve partnered with several trusted shops that will also be providing mechanical support along the route! 

Stop by any of their locations to get your bike checked out and ready to roll: 

Can’t Make it to the Shop? Do the A-B-C Check! 
If you’re not able to swing by a bike shop before the ride, be sure to run through the quick A-B-C Check: 

  • A is for Air: Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.  
  • B is for Brakes: Squeeze both levers and ensure your brakes are responsive. 
  • C is for Chain: Inspect your chain for rust, dirt, or stiffness—clean and oil it if needed. 

Check out these videos to learn more about the ABC Quick Check and other bike safety & gear tips: 

Adaptive Equipment & Riding  

  • Need Adaptive Equipment? If you or a loved one require adaptive cycling equipment, Bicycle Colorado’s Adaptive Riding in Colorado page is an excellent resource. It offers information on various adaptive equipment types, including recumbent trikes, handcycles, tandem bikes, and wheelchair-compatible cycles. The page also provides guidance on modifications like seating, braking, and power assistance to suit diverse needs. Additionally, it highlights local retailers and programs specializing in adaptive cycling, such as Angletech Cycles in Colorado Springs, Colorado Multisport in Boulder, and Reactive Adaptations in Crested Butte. Whether you’re new to adaptive biking or seeking to enhance your experience, this resource serves as a valuable starting point for exploring accessible cycling options in Colorado.  

Information Tent 

An Information Tent will be staffed at Cruise check-in and the Start/Finish Line in Eagle’s Landing. You can also email courageclassic@childrenscoloradofoundation.org throughout the tour with non-urgent questions. Please know that response times will be delayed.   

Information Tent hours:  

Friday, July 18 

  • 4-8 p.m. | Copper Conference Center – upper level  

Saturday, July 19 

  • 5:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eagle’s Landing/Center Village 

Sunday, July 20 

  • 5:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Eagle’s Landing/Center Village 

Weekend Schedule

Visit the Event Weekend page to find more information about all the fun activities taking place during the weekend!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Courage Cruise? 

The Courage Cruise is a new 2-mile, family-friendly route introduced in 2025. It takes place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the base of Copper Mountain. Designed for participants of all ages, it’s ideal for children and those preferring a shorter ride with minimal elevation gain.  

Who can participate? 

The event is open to all ages. However, participants aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult guardian who is also participating in the Courage Classic or Courage Cruise.  

What can I use to participate in the Courage Cruise? 

Participants are welcome to complete the 2-mile Courage Cruise route using a variety of mobility options, including: 

  • Bicycles 
  • Walking or jogging 
  • Wheelchairs or mobility devices 
  • Scooters 
  • Tricycles & adaptive trikes 
  • Balance & Strider bikes 
  • Electric scooters & bikes 
  • Rollerblades 
  • Wagons 

The route is designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. Helmets are required for anyone riding a bicycle or scooter. 

What is the registration fee? 

The registration fee is $25 per participant, regardless of age. Please note that registration fees are non-refundable. 

Is fundraising required? 

No, there is no fundraising minimum for Courage Cruise participants. However, participants are encouraged to fundraise, and upon registration, they will have access to a personal fundraising page and tools to support their efforts.  

What do participants receive? 

Registered Courage Cruise participants will receive: 
  • Mini aid station experience 
  • Participant shirt 
  • Finish line experience
  • Access to Team Town and the Courage Classic Happy Hour on Friday 

Can I participate in both the Courage Cruise and other Courage Classic routes? 

While Courage Classic rider registrants can participate in the Courage Cruise at no additional cost, the timing of the Courage Cruise route overlaps with all 3 Courage Classic routes on Saturday. You may participate as a Courage Classic rider on Sunday and then participate in the Courage Cruise on Saturday at no additional cost.  

Courage Cruise registration does not grant access to any of the 6 fully supported Courage Classic routes.

Are helmets required? 

Yes, helmets are required for all participants using bicycles and scooters during the Courage Cruise! 

Will snacks and drinks be provided on the Courage Cruise? 

Yes! Snacks and drinks will be available at the Courage Cruise aid station, located at the halfway point of the route (1 mile in) in the Alpine Lot. It’s a great spot to take a quick break, refuel, and stay hydrated! 

Lunch is not included in the Courage Cruise registration fee.