by OnSight | Mar 2017 | BIkes, Golden Giddyup
It’s just about time to register for the first second-ever Golden Giddyup, featuring closed trails with dreamy, clean runs. After you crush it in your own special way, kick back with a beer, whiskey and a hay bale at the best post-ride party around. Trails, riders and the community – all winners.
And now it’s time to do it again. The 2017 Golden Giddyup will be held on September 10th and registration for this fine event opens at High Noon on Wednesday, March 15th. Same awesome courses to choose from, same post-race party mayhem, and featuring the loving support of REI, Yeti Cycles and Laws Whiskey.
If you registered last year (or even if you didn’t), remember that the Golden Giddyup is under the umbrella of the Jeffco Outdoors Foundation, a 501(c)3, which means your entry fee is tax deductible. Yes, you heard that right: not only are you supporting the trails in Jefferson County and participating in an awesome race, but it’s going to take just a little bit of the sting out of tax-time, too.
by OnSight | Mar 2017 | BIkes, Press and Media, USA Pro Cycling, Velorama
The RiNo Art District will serve as the stage this August for “Velorama Colorado,” an entertainment experience that will be part bike race and celebration of bicycle culture, part music festival, part craft-goods marketplace, and entirely entertaining, RPM Events Group announced today.
Hall-of-famer Bill Walton at the Velorama Colorado announcement Wednesday March 1, 2017. (Evan Semón Photography)
“With Velorama Colorado, we are re-imagining bike racing as the centerpiece of a large-scale community event,” said David Koff, CEO of RPM Events Group. “By locating the festival in the RiNo Art District and adding the right musical acts, a massive marketplace, criterium racing, ranging from the serious to the whimsical to the charitable, and local food and drink, we will broaden the appeal of an already wildly popular sport.”From Aug. 11-13, Velorama Colorado will feature some of the world’s bests cyclists racing in the Denver stages of the Colorado Classic; national music acts including Wilco and Death Cab for Cutie; and hundreds of vendors in a festival marketplace that includes a Bike Expo and is anchored by Denver Flea and the independent craft makers of beer, cider and wine in the RiNo Art District.
The innovative blend of bicycling, music and all-things-Colorado immediately attracted the attention of basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Walton, an avid cyclist and music lover. “Denver and Colorado are innovators, whether it’s celebrating what makes this place special, launching a new technology or re-inventing a bike race. I expect nothing but the same from Velorama Colorado,” said Walton, who flew in for the announcement.
“Coloradans’ love of cycling is matched — and maybe even exceeded — by their passion for great food, beer and music,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “Velorama Colorado is the kind of creative approach that Colorado is known for in that it creates a winning combination of those passions that will benefit our state and communities for years to come.”
The Colorado Classic will be held Aug. 10-13, with starts and finishes in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Denver. Sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale and USA Cycling, the Colorado Classic will feature the sport’s top squads.
Free live music and other festivities are planned for the exciting men’s and women’s start-and-finish areas in Colorado Springs and Breckenridge on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11, respectively.
The ticketed Velorama Colorado festival is planned around the race’s Denver start-and-finish area, and will be headquartered in the RiNo Art District:
- Friday night, Aug. 11: Women’s criterium; music headliner Wilco; and festival marketplace.
- Saturday, Aug.12: Stage 3 men’s race (RiNo start/finish and Peak to Peak Hwy out-and-back); music headliner Death Cab for Cutie; and festival marketplace.
- Sunday Aug. 13: Stage 4 of men’s race (RiNo criterium and city circuit) and closing ceremonies; Family Music and Fun Day; and festival marketplace.
The marketplace includes a Bike Expo of nearly 150 exhibitors, festival merchandise; food from local merchants; areas for beer, wine and cider provided by the independent craft producers located in RiNo; and an expanded version of the Denver Flea with nearly 200 craft vendors.
“Teaming up with Velorama Colorado is a special opportunity for Denver Flea. Our missions couldn’t be more aligned, as both of us are committed to enlivening places and building community while having fun doing it,” said Denver Flea’s Blake Adams. “I’m excited to combine a major bike race and amazing musicians with the region’s finest artisan and emerging brands.”
A limited number of early-bird daily Velorama Colorado tickets go on sale at www.VeloramaColorado.com for $25 each beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3. Once those tickets are gone, advanced daily tickets will be offered online for $35 each. Walk-up prices will be $45 per day. VIP packages are also available.
“Whether it’s a general admission ticket or a VIP experience, a day at Velorama will be a great experience at a great price,” said Koff. “For less than the price of a concert ticket, you get a full day of music, food, beer, crafts and bike-centric fun — plus great views of the Colorado Classic.”
Moreover, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Bicycle Colorado, the RiNo Art District and other initiatives as part of RPM Event Group’s mission to invest back in the community.
Velorama Colorado is bringing a new financial approach to pro bike racing in the United States.
“One of the challenges has been creating a business plan that is profitable and sustainable over the long run,” said Koff. “By imagining an event that is more than a bike race and bringing a ‘gate’ to the sport, we are confident that we can build an annual event that is anchored in Colorado and gives back to the community in meaningful ways.”
That approach was highlighted by Lindsey Hendershot, with the RiNo Art District: “This is the first major event of this scale to be held in RiNo. We love the mission to reinvent bike racing by bringing in additional creative partners from the neighborhood and to give back to the community,” she said.
About RPM Events Group: The Colorado Classic and Velorama Colorado are being produced by RPM Events Group, which includes civic-minded investors with a vision of re-inventing cycling events that are sustainable and fun, while providing a long-term positive social and economic impact to citizens and communities.
by OnSight | Feb 2017 | BIkes, Golden Giddyup
The Golden Giddyup, a trail stewardship and mountain bike event held in Jefferson County, announced a major partnership with REI. The outdoor co-op and specialty retailer invested $30,000 in stewardship funding for Golden Giddyup projects in 2017. This partnership establishes the two-year old event as a significant community partner in the Golden area, with engagement of more than 200 volunteers donating more than 3,000 hours to maintenance and trail-building efforts in the Apex, Windy Saddle (chimney) and North Table Mountain parks.
“We’re excited to have earned the support of such a strong partner for the Giddyup Trails Team,” said Al Head, Director of Trail Stewardship for the Golden Giddyup organizing team. “This support ensures we’re able to put a shovel where our voice is, working through a great list of projects with the help of our friends at Jefferson County Open Space.”
REI is the official partner of the Giddyup Trails Team, the year-round trail stewardship program that was started in 2013 to address flood damage on the Apex, Chimney and North Table Mountain trails. Following three years, and more than 3,000 hours of community service on Golden-area trails, the first Golden Giddyup mountain bike event was held with the support of Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden. The event has a unique format of three timed climbs and three timed descents on iconic local trails, ensuring great local engagement and support from riders of all ages and skill levels.
“The Giddyup’s work proves the powerful impact that mountain bikers can have in their community,” added Jon Frankel, REI Colorado Outdoor Programs Market Manager. “For the past three years riders, volunteers and organizers have stayed focused on delivering long-term benefits for Golden-area trails, building strong partnerships with local land managers and businesses. Stewardship is a core value at REI and a value we celebrate through our partnerships.”
This year, the Golden Giddyup is engaging Brad Reeder, an expert trail-builder and local rider, to manage the Giddyup Trails Team efforts in all three parks. Brad’s work in 2016 led to the rehabilitation of the Chimney Gulch trail, increasing sustainability and smiles for trail users.
“This year we’re set to tackle some great projects with a focus on improving trail experiences for all users,” said Ben Davis, a Golden Giddyup organizer and local rider.
The Golden Giddyup is a collaborative effort between local trail riders and advocates, Al Head, Jen Barbour, Ben Davis and Mike Melanson. The event is scheduled to take place at Lions Park, in Golden, Colorado on Sunday September 10th, 2017. Registration opens at 6AM on March 15th. Discounted registration for 2016 trail volunteers is available. With more riders than space, supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars. The Golden Giddyup is a non-profit organization dedicated to trail stewardship activities in partnership with the great staffs at Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden.
by OnSight | Jan 2017 | BIkes, Colorado Classic, USA Pro Cycling, Velorama
RPM Events Group announced today that professional bicycle racing will return to the Centennial State as the inaugural Colorado Classic rolls through Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Denver for four exciting and entertaining days this summer.
From Aug. 10-13, a world-class and international field of professional, men cyclists will race more than 300 miles in multiple, fan-friendly circuits, combining the exciting elements of each day’s start and finish into the same location. The Colorado Classic will also feature two days of professional women’s cycling, beginning in Colorado Springs on Aug. 10 and concluding the following night with a women’s-only event under the lights in Denver.
“From the Red Zinger Bicycle Classic, to the Coors Classic and on to the USA Pro Challenge, professional bike racing has become a part of our identity in Colorado. I can’t wait to once again show off this wonderful state to the world during the Colorado Classic,” said Ken Gart, Chairman of RPM Events Group, the organization formed to put on the race. “The Colorado Classic is being developed to appeal not just to cycling fans, but a wide array of Coloradans and visitors to the state.”
The schedule for the four-day stage race:
Aug. 10 — Stage One: Colorado Springs (men and women)
Aug. 11 — Stage Two: Breckenridge (men)
Aug. 11 — Denver circuit race (women)
Aug. 12 — Stage Three: Denver, start and finish RiNo Art District (men)
Aug. 13 — Stage Four: Denver, start and finish RiNo Art District (men) and closing festivities
“I raced in Colorado in 1977 for the first time in the race known as the Red Zinger which grew into one of the biggest bike races in the world. Now 40 years later, I’m excited to see Colorado once again leading the way forward for men’s and women’s pro racing,” said Connie Carpenter Phinney of Boulder, who won the first-ever gold medal in a women’s Olympic road race.
Each day of the Colorado Classic will showcase an interactive start/finish area; and the daily routes will combine downtown circuits of each city with the beauty of Colorado’s legendary terrain and landmarks.
The inaugural Colorado Classic, designated a 2.HC race by Union Cycliste Internationale (Aigle, Switzerland), will host 18 world-class, domestic and international teams, comprised of 6-riders each. The women’s field expects some of the top professional cyclists in the U.S.
“Coloradans love pro bike racing,” said Derek Bouchard-Hall, President & CEO of USA Cycling, “and we’re extremely pleased that the Colorado Classic will continue the state’s proud tradition with both men’s and women’s events.”
The Denver portions of the race will feature a companion festival of national music acts, a marketplace and much more. Details on those plans will be released in the coming weeks.
“We’re very excited to see professional cycling return to Denver and Colorado, and proud that our great city will play host to a lively and fun-filled event,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “Previous major races have been great showcases for the city and state, and we have no doubt the Colorado Classic will build upon that history, delivering an epic event for everyone.”
Said David Koff, CEO of RPM Events Group: “This really is a broad-based community event. The Colorado Classic wouldn’t be happening this year without the phenomenal work and support of Gov. John Hickenlooper, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and our community partners in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge and Denver.”
To sign up for additional information, visit: ColoradoClassic.com
by OnSight | Jan 2017 | BIkes, Golden Giddyup
Bust out your calendars and clear the date: September 10, 2017 is on the books for the SECOND EVER GOLDEN GIDDYUP.
And if they’re not already, please make sure your friends, family, riding buddies, and even lifelong nemeses are on our email list. It’s the best way to keep up with Giddyup-related events, volunteer opportunities, and registration deadlines!
Keep in touch on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in the meantime.
by OnSight | Sep 2016 | BIkes, Pedal the Plains
The Denver Post Community Foundation, the Office of Governor John Hickenlooper and presenting sponsor Viaero Wireless are excited to hit the road for the fifth annual Pedal The Plains Bicycle Tour beginning on September 16th. The ride will spin through southeastern Colorado along its three-day, 154-mile journey. Participants will visit scenic, historical, agricultural and educational stops in route to the three overnight host communities: Ordway, Fowler and La Junta. Off the bike, riders will enjoy locally-sourced food, beer gardens, live entertainment, contests and the community spirit of Colorado’s Eastern Plains.
“Pedal The Plains is not only a fun and challenging Bicycle Tour, but it gives folks a chance to experience our state’s storied Eastern Plains,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “It’s an opportunity to visit and learn about a part of the state many haven’t visited.”
The ride is a celebration of Colorado cycling culture combining great rides, delicious eats and close friends. Billed as “a ride for the rest of us,” Pedal The Plains has three ride offerings suitable for a variety of skill levels: the full 3-Day Tour, a Century Ride and Family Fun Ride.
Riders will pedal away the weekend between entertainment and festivities, eat meals made with local produce, and stay in accommodations ranging from tents to hotel rooms. Participants can enjoy their time off the bicycle seat as much as on it. From performing pigs to live music, moonlight dances to historic re-enactments, beer gardens to horseshoe tournaments, Pedal The Plains has it all.
“Pedal The Plains truly has something for everyone—whether you’re an avid cyclist, a history buff, a seeker of new experiences or someone who wants to have a weekend of family fun, you’re certain to have a good time,” says Tour Director, Chandler Smith.
The Denver Post Community Foundation, which has managed the world-class cycling event Ride The Rockies through 31 successful years, is also the organizer for this unique Colorado event.
Established five years ago, Pedal The Plains dives into Colorado’s agricultural roots and the state’s frontier heritage on the Eastern Plains, and provides significant economic benefits and opportunities for host communities through lodging, restaurant and retail businesses, as well as entertainment, community meals, home stays and transportation.
Additional tour highlights include:
- Bobby’s Animal Farm
- Crowley Heritage Center
- Olney Springs All Vets All Wars Memorial
- Crowley Correctional Center
- Fowler Historical Society
- Larson’s Apishapa Ranch
- Viaero Wireless Tower Talk
- Arkansas Valley CSU Research Center
- Hirakata Farms
- Otero Junior College
- Comanche National Grasslands
- Purgatoire River Region / Historic Cattle Corral
- Bent County Fairgrounds / 4H Exhibits
- Las Animas Fish Hatchery & Rearing Unit
- Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
- Health in Rural Colorado
- Colorado Ranchers & Cattlemen
- Powering Colorado: The Evolving Energy Industry
Proceeds from the ride will benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation in support of Colorado Future Farmers of America Foundation and Colorado 4-H. Both of which will receive a $7,000 grant. In addition, The Denver Post Community Foundation will provide a $3,000 grant to each of the three host communities to benefit a local organization of their choice. Pedal The Plains will also donate 10% of total registration fees to a charity of choice to teams of 10 or more.
Viaero Wireless, the Tour’s presenting partner since its inception, is joined in supporting the ride by founding partners Western Dairy Association, Anadarko Petroleum, Noble Energy, Suncor Energy and CoBank.
Online registration for all ride offerings is now closed. Walk-on registrations are welcome during the Tour.
