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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions about traveling through Region19 for flyball
What's the deal with the weather? What about the altitude? How do I find out about road conditions? What about winter travel in Region 19? What else can I do while I'm in Colorado, New Mexico & Wyoming? Does Colorado have breed bans? Emergency Contact Numbers
What's the deal with the weather?
 Weather in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming can change dramatically throughout a weekend, a day, or even an hour. Here we dress in “layers” which is just a fancy way of saying we have lots of clothes on! Usually starting out with a t-shirt, then a long sleeved shirt, followed by a sweatshirt or sweater and then a jacket will get you through nearly all kinds of weather. As the day warms up, you can peel off layers or put them back on as conditions change. Even in the summer, be prepared with rain gear (waterproof jacket and/or pants) and a sweater or light coat for the evening. Our summer climate ranges from hot and dry to afternoon rain and sometimes hail. But luckily even the extreme heat is fairly tolerable in the low humidity.
Here are some additional tips for dealing with Region 19 weather:
Sun – Our weather usually includes lots of sunshine. Plus, the higher elevation means we’re that much closer to the sun. Even if it doesn’t feel warm outside, be sure to apply lots of sunscreen (at least SPF 30) at frequent intervals. If your eyes are at all sensitive to light, you’ll want to bring your sunglasses too. Be sure to drink lots of water.
Humidity – All three states are very dry. This has many great advantages – we rarely have bugs (OK a few mosquitoes, but rarely fleas!) and the cold weather doesn’t feel nearly as cold. But, if you are used to a moister climate, be sure to have lots of lip balm and lotion. Most importantly, drink lots of water! Recommendations are usually 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Water – Did we mention drink lots of water? : ) Seriously, even if you don’t feel thirsty it will help tremendously with any headaches or other high altitude adjustments. Make sure your dogs have plenty of good quality water too.
 What about the altitude?
The biggest key to conquering high altitude is to drink lots of water. Alcohol will have a more pronounced effect at higher altitudes and can increase chances of altitude sickness. Most experts also recommend cutting down on caffeine, salt, and consuming more complex carbohydrates (pasta, whole grains). Use moderation and common sense – don’t climb a 14,000 foot peak the day before the tournament if you aren’t used to strenuous mountain hiking.
How do I find out about road conditions?
Road Conditions:
Nationally – 511 in most states
Colorado – 877-315-7623 (toll free instate)
New Mexico -- 800-432-4269 (toll free) Wyoming -- 888-WYO-ROAD (toll free) (888-996-7623)
Nevada (not on 511 system) 1-877-687-6237 (1-877-NVROADS)
What about winter travel in Region 19?
Most of the winter in this region is very mild, but winter storms can make travel difficult. If the roads are icy or snow packed, keep your speed well below the posted speed limit even if you have 4 wheel drive. Our area is well equipped for storms. Plows will usually clear the road quite quickly. Use common sense by giving yourself extra time to travel when the weather is bad. Keep your fuel tank filled so you’ll have plenty of gas to warm up your car. Consider packing a few extra items in case of emergency:
 - snow shovel
- extra food & medicine for yourself and your dogs
- first aid kit
- extra change of clothes
- warm boots (with good grip for icy walks) & extra socks
- warm gloves
- good ice scraper/snow scraper
- an extra blanket or two
- sand or ice melt for traction if stuck
- emergency contact numbers
Wyoming -- 888-WYO-ROAD (toll free) (888-996-7623)
Nevada (not on 511 system) 1-877-687-6237 (1-877-NVROADS)
What else can I do while I'm in:
Colorado?
Colorado has tons of fun things to do and scenic places to go. For general tourism information, see www.colorado.com Here are some of our favorites:
Six Flags Elitch Gardens --amusement park in Denver
Water World -- water slides, etc on west side of Denver metro area
Denver Zoo -- in central Denver
Denver Mint -- in downtown Denver (with free tours, see info on web page)
Downtown Aquarium -- just west of downtown Denver off I-25
Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad -- scene rail ride between Durango & Silverton (in the mountains southwest of Denver)
Georgetown Loop Railroad -- scenic mountain train ride
Estes Park -- great mountain community just west of Loveland
Winter Park -- mountain community and ski resort west of Denver
Shopping Centers: Promenade Shops at Centura (near Larimer County Fairgrounds in Loveland) FlatIron Crossing Shopping Mall (northwest of Denver on Highway 36 towards Boulder) Cherry Creek Shopping Center (south central Denver) Park Meadows Mall (south of Denver on I-25)
New Mexico? The State of New Mexico has lots of wonderful attractions. For tourism information, see www.newmexico.gov/visiting.php Wyoming?
Wyoming's interesting geography provides a host of scenic opportunities. Check out the Wyoming tourism site at: www.wyomingtourism.org
Does Colorado have breed bans?
Yes, Colorado does have some cities that currently ban breeds, primarily pit bull breeds. Flyball tournaments are not currently held in any of those cities. The most widely known city with a ban is the City and County of Denver. However, most people outside of Colorado do not realize that the city limits of Denver are quite small. The metro area is actually comprised of many different suburbs of Denver. Many of the Colorado breed bans provide exceptions for banned breeds to compete in dog exhibitions, contests, or shows sponsored by dog club associations. Nevertheless, Colorado clubs have held flyball tournaments in cities that do not have breed bans. For more information on Colorado breed bans or to join the fight against breed bans in Colorado, join the yahoo group “ThePitBullBAND” at www.yahoogroups.com
Current Legal Status of Breed Bans
In 2004, the Colorado State legislature passed a statue increasing the penalties and liability for dog attacks and prohibiting any legislation based on breed. This law effectively repealed all pit bull breed bans in Colorado. However, the City and County of Denver contested the law claiming they were a “home rule” city and the state legislature could not dictate local ordinances such as dog breed bans. They were successful at the district court level and their pit bull breed ban was reinstated. There are appeals in process contesting this ruling, but at this time, breed ban legislation is legal in Colorado for cities that have home rule charters. Unfortunately during the time this issue was being resolved, there were several highly publicized pit bull attacks and several other Colorado cities moved forward with pit bull legislation of their own. These are the current cities with breed bans:
| City | Relevant Provisions | Full text of ban | Denver | Applies to “American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds”
Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city
For history on the ordinance, see the Denver City Animal Control site: http://www.denvergov.org/AnimalControl/FrequentlyAskedQuestions
/FrequentlyAskedQuestions1/tabid/377943/Default.aspx | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | Aurora | Applies to “American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro De Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero De Presa Mallorquin, Ca De Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane Di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchiero), Fila Brasileiro or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds”
Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city
City informational brochure: http://www.auroragov.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/article-publication/019891.pdf | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | | Castle Rock | Applies to “pit bulls” without definition, but provides hearing on classification as pit bull
Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization”
Town web page: www.townofcastlerock.org | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | | Commerce City | Applies to pit bulls, defined as “American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds” and to wolf hybrids
Exceptions for “public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization” and travel through the city
City web page: www.ci.commerce-city.co.us | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | | Fort Lupton | Applies to pit bulls, defined as "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any dog displaying the majority of the physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club for any of the above breeds. Any Colorado licensed veterinarian may attest to whether or not any dog meets this definition"
Exceptions for dogs already in the city before the ban if licensed through the city's pit bull licensing program and for travel through the city as long as dog is secured in crate. No exception for dog shows.
City web page: www.fortlupton.org | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | | Lonetree | Prohibits pit bulls, defined as: "American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog),Dogo Argentino, Canary Dog (Canary Island Dog, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario), Presa Mallorquin (Pero de Presa Mallorquin, Ca de Bou), Tosa Inu (Tosa Fighting Dog, Japanese Fighting Dog, Japanese Mastiff), Cane Corso (Cane di Macellaio, Sicilian Branchero), Fila Brasilairo, or any dog displaying the majority of physical traits of any one (1) or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics which substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club for any of the above breeds."
Exceptions for dogs already in the city prior to the ban if licensed & meeting other special requirements. Non-residents may bring a dog in for up to 24 hours as long as the dog is muzzled when not secured. But, see details in ordinance. No exception for dog shows.
City web page: www.cityoflonetree.com | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format | Louisville | Prohibits pit bulls. No definition given for pit bull.
Exceptions for dogs already in the city through a licensing program with restrictions. Exception for transport through the city and for "showing the pit bull in a place of public exhibition, contest or show sponsored by a dog club association or similar organization" where the organization has received approval.
City web page: www.ci.louisville.co.us | Full text of ban in Microsoft Word format |
Wyoming -- 888-WYO-ROAD (toll free) (888-996-7623)
Nevada (not on 511 system) 1-877-687-6237 (1-877-NVROADS)
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