Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Case Study

What is the hill climb?

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is one of the oldest and most famous motorsport events in the United States. Started in 1916, it is a race to the summit of Pikes Peak, a 14,115-foot mountain in Colorado. The course is 12.42 miles long and has 156 turns. The race is run on a time trial basis, with competitors leaving the start line one at a time and racing against the clock. The race attracts a variety of cars and motorcycles, ranging from purpose-built hill climb vehicles to modified production cars and bikes. The course is a challenging mix of paved and dirt roads, with steep inclines and hairpin turns. Competitors must contend with rapid changes in altitude and temperature as they climb to the summit.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has a reputation for being a dangerous and unforgiving race. Despite the risks, the race remains hugely popular among competitors and spectators alike, and it continues to attract some of the world’s top racing talent.

1916 first race

12.42 miles

156 turns

14,115 ft finish line

Colorado Party Rentals has been providing rentals for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb for over 5 years. We provide tenting, tables, chairs, linens, and tabletop items.

challenges

Installing tents and rentals on a mountain like Pikes Peak can be challenging due to the unique terrain and varying weather conditions. There are a variety of factors that need to be considered. A thorough site inspection of the location must be done, including scouting for the ideal tent location, ground level, and stability. Being at a high altitude, Pikes Peak experiences high winds, snow, and cold temperatures. We always need to have a plan in place for bracing the tent for the wind, or installing heaters for cold conditions, as the weather can change quickly. Due to the terrain, transportation can be difficult and requires more durable vehicles. Our drivers also need to be properly trained and briefed on how to operate our trucks on the high, winding mountain roads.

tent install

The number of people required to set up a 60′ x 90′ century pole tent depends on several factors including the level of experience of the individuals and the tools and equipment available. Generally, it’s recommended to have a team of at least 4-6 experienced people to set up a tent of this size. The process of installing a 60′ x 90′ tent involves lifting heavy poles and maneuvering large and heavy sections of fabric. It also requires coordinating efforts to ensure that the tent is safely and properly erected.

Our team works together to measure the space before drilling stakes into the ground, erecting center poles, raising the fabric, installing perimeter poles, securing guy lines and tensioners, and installing sidewalls and windows as needed. For this job we also laid down astro turf flooring under the tent.

step-by-step install guide

choosing the area

Choose a level and clear area where the tent can be installed. Make sure the area is free from any obstructions and is suitable for driving stakes and poles into the ground. Measuring where to put the stakes often takes the most time.

components

Unpack all the tent components and lay them out flat on the ground. Make sure you have all the necessary components, including ground covers, poles, stakes, ropes, and fabric.

measuring & staking

As previously mentioned, measuring where to drill the stakes often takes the most time. Once that is finished, drive the stakes into the ground around the perimeter of the tent area, making sure they are evenly spaced and secure.

Lay out the fabric

Lay out the fabric for the top of the tent. It is important to always use ground covers, so the fabric doesn't get damaged or tear. At Colorado Party Rentals we pride ourselves in always having clean and pristine tent fabric.

Side Poles

Lay out the poles along the edge of the fabric. These will be the side poles that will eventually be attached to your stakes. Lift the poles and loosely connect to the stakes. This will make it easier to erect the center poles when it comes time.

Center Poles

Erect the center poles, which will support the main tent structure. These poles should be placed in the center of the tent area and secured to the ground with ropes and stakes.

final notes

Once all the poles are installed and the fabric is raised, adjust the guy lines and tensioners to ensure the tent is secure and stable. Install sidewalls, windows, and flooring as needed, securing them to the perimeter poles and the fabric of the tent with ropes and clips. Check and adjust the tension of all ropes and fastenings to ensure the tent is properly secured and stable. Once the tent is fully installed, conduct a safety check to ensure that everything is in place, secure, and safe for use.

This is such a fun and unique job and we love working on it each year. A special shout out to our Colorado Springs team for always bringing their A-game when it comes to this taxing install! It’s not an easy feat to set up a large tent at 11,000 feet. Good luck to all of the racers and we look forward to working on this again next year!

HAPPY RACING!