Colorado Debuts Cycling Events and Activities For Every Speed
DENVER (May 24, 2012) - Colorado will take center stage as one of the world’s top cycling destinations once again with the return of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge winding through 12 host cities and towns this August. A line-up of brand new bike-centric events and offerings will further enhance Colorado’s reputation as the state of cycling, showcasing trails, paths, bike parks and bike sharing programs for every kind of cyclist from commuters to racers. For more information visit: www.COLORADO.com.
This summer, explore what’s new in Colorado on two wheels. Below is a sampling:
NEW Cycling Events:
Western State College of Colorado's cycling team is sponsoring a new bicycle gran fondo, the West Elk Bicycle Classic (September 2, 2012) with two length options. The 130-mile ride starts in Gunnison and heads to the Blue Mesa Dam, Crawford, Paonia and Kebler Pass before finishing in Crested Butte. The 100-mile version also skirts the north rim of the Black Canyon to Crawford and beyond.
The inaugural Pedal the Plains bicycle tour (September 21-23, 2012) is an annual three-day ride across Colorado’s High Plains offering riders a chance to experience the towns of Yuma, Wray, and Burlington. Barn dances, barbecues, and on-route tours of working farms and historic frontier battlegrounds are just a few of the events to take place during the tour.
Cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate in the new Tour of Vail (September 29-30, 2012), a non-competitive and fully supported bike marathon tour of the Vail Valley to benefit local charities. Saturday features a scenic ride through the Vail Valley, while Sunday’s event includes a criterium-style Pro/Am race in downtown Vail Village.
NEW Bike Features:
Mountain Village Bike Park in Mountain Village is adding additional trails, including 3/4 mile of new black diamond trails, which are expected to be completed by June.
Pikes Peak Mountain Bike Tours is offering a new route that traverses 18 miles of Gold Camp Road and combines beautiful scenery with four team-building initiatives designed to build trust and enhance communication skills. Each ride can be customized depending on the group’s needs and specific team building goals.
In Aspen, the Little Nell’s biking program continues to evolve, with the addition of an exclusive fleet of Orbea road, mountain and cruiser bicycles made in the Basque Country of Spain. The bikes are outfitted with a GPS unit pre-loaded with some of Aspen’s top rides. Private instruction can also be arranged with the hotel’s pro cyclist.
The San Juan Hut Systems proudly announces the new Durango to Moab mountain bike route. The ride is a 7-day, 215-mile mountain bike journey from Durango, Colorado to Moab, Utah. This route is for upper intermediate to advanced riders. Lodging consists of six wooden huts equipped with padded bunks, stoves, lights and kitchen facilities. Huts are fully stocked with food, drinking water and sleeping bags.
The irreverent weekly Denver Cruiser Ride has partnered with the Civic Center Conservancy and Denver Parks & Recreation to host four nights of FREE Bike-In Movies beginning in mid-July. The cruiser rides will start at 7 p.m. and end at Civic Center Park for a classic movie under the stars and a festive atmosphere – including gourmet food trucks – before each show.
Boulder’s Valmont Bike Park, the largest free urban bike park in America, gets ready to celebrate its first birthday. This 40-acre off-road bike park offers competition-grade cyclo-cross racing trails, big dirt jumps, dual slalom tracks, pump tracks, and slope-style trails. Family friendly features include a trike track, a learning loop, a kids’ play area and restrooms.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2012 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at www.COLORADO.com/media-room. Follow Colorado on Twitter at www.twitter.com/colorado or Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitcolorado..
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