Here are some notes that my crew came up with after the event that might help you out if you are lucky enough to get in next year and have some questions...
Bring some sort of canopy style of tent or awning that is self-supporting and can be set up in the open. This will give your crewmembers some protection form the sun or rain. This is especially handy at Twin Lakes or the alternate crew site between Twin Lakes and the start of the climb up Columbine. A place like Gart Sports may be a good place to get something like this. A few chairs are awesome to have too.
Don’t forget to plan on drinks and food for the crew members too.
Plan on having multiple folks at each location. It is difficult for one person to manage everything, such as supplying the rider with water and food, while trying to take things such as photos, etc. Also, it is easier for someone to use the bathroom if they are not worried about being surprised by the rider showing up because there is someone else to cover for them.
Plan on having separate crews for Pipe Line and Twin Lakes, as the time required to get from Pipe Line to Twin Lakes is not enough as this is the fastest part of the course for the rider.
Plan on bringing your own toilet paper for the porta-potties… just in case.
Plan on having clothing available for all occasions; extreme heat to cold and rain, etc.
Cell phones seem to be good for communicating between Twin Lakes and Pipe Line aid stations, as there was adequate cell phone coverage. We used both Verizon and AT&T.
Plan on setting up on the Friday before the race at Twin Lakes, or at least reserving your spot, as this area gets very crazy on the Saturday of the race.
If you have 4-wheel drive there will be many more parking options available at Twin Lakes. It did not appear that there were many parking limitations, and you could park off of the road if you could drive there. Expect lots of heavy traffic on the road to the crewing location and some major delays in parking. It may be easier to park at the bottom on the paved road and carry your stuff up. However, it is a long way up the dirt road if you are planning on walking.
Bring sunscreen and plan on being in a dusty environment.
Go scout all of the crew locations before the race!
Are crews really necessary? Probably not; the aid stations and volunteers do an awesome job and provide you with all of the fluids and nutrition you could desire. They meet you at your bike and will help refill your bottles or CamelBack bladders. All kinds of yummy snacks are available including gels and stuff you can take with you. Maybe the types of gels won’t be your favorite flavor, but they are available. However, it is a long day out on the course, and seeing some family members, loved ones, and friends during the day can be extremely motivating. The atmosphere at Twin Lakes is awesome; truly like something out of the Tour D’ France. You make the call.
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