24 May 2011
Colorado has a deep-rooted cycling culture. The state is home to one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, Crested Butte, as well as several legendary bike races, including the Leadville 100, in which champion riders like Lance Armstrong and Floyd Landis have competed. Colorado also plays host to Ride the Rockies, one of the state's premier road biking events as well as festivals celebrating biking, such as New Belgium Brewing Company's Tour de Fat in September and their Bike-In Cinema each summer.
Cycling enthusiasts should mark August 22-29, 2011 on their calendars for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a grueling professional bicycle stage race that will take some of the world's best riders through Colorado's most scenic yet challenging routes in 11 cities and towns. For more information, visit www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.
After spectating at a professional bike race, be inspired to experience some cycling firsthand. Colorado offers top-notch road biking opportunities on both roads and bike paths. Challenging mountain climbs are rewarded with breathtaking scenery and quick descents. Road biking through some of Colorado's small towns and cities offers riders the opportunity to stop for lunch and see a destination in a different way.
Pavement isn't the only place to ride. Colorado is known for its epic dirt singletrack trails that beckon mountain bikers. From professional athletes to beginners, Colorado's thousands of miles of trails welcome every skill level.
The state offers everything from family-friendly bike paths that are perfect for beginners to winding singletrack that takes riders through beautiful mountain backdrops in places with trails specifically designed for mountain biking like Fruita. This summer, the largest free urban bike park in America will open in Boulder for all ages and all abilities with features including big dirt jumps and a kid-friendly trike track.
For those who prefer to explore their favorite Colorado destination on two wheels, visitors to Fort Collins can rent a free bike at the Bike Library and take a spin around Old Town or ride to the city's famed brewery tours. You can also rent a bike from Denver's B-Cycle, the first large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the United States, and take in the sights and sounds of the Mile High City from museums and galleries to parks and boutique shopping.
Regardless of your style, Colorado offers bicycling adventures for riders of every age and speed.
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 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2011 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/mediaroom. Visitors can also follow Colorado's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and Foursquare, on the Colorado Connect page at www.COLORADO.com/connect.
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