Two days complete and I am impressed by the courtesy being displayed by riders on this year’s tour.

Our departure from Telluride started with immediate climbing to the top of Lizard Head Pass. Cyclists climbing with very different speeds were continually passing around, between, and beside each other. I heard only a few polite warning announcements before passing and only a couple bike bells.

Textbook single file.

I know you may be thinking that maybe people were too busy trying to get oxygen into their lungs to spend even one breath on calling out “passing” or “on your left.”

I think it was just a case of the pack setting up its ground rules. Because on Day 2, up the draining climb to the top Hesperus Hill, courtesy was the the rule. People regularly announcing their pass and receiving a “thank you” in return.

Even when faced with menacing rumble strips, hand signals and verbal communication helped everyone get along safely.

It seems like big rides like Ride The Rockies can help teach best practices to experienced and beginning cyclists alike.

Passing with rumble strips takes extra care.

I can hardly wait for Day 4’s climb up Wolf Creek Pass to see the progress in the pack!