USA Pro Cycling Challenge Welcomes Back National Contest for Fans to Create Official Commemorative Poster

Contest to be Hosted on Facebook with Winner Announced April 16

DENVER (February 13, 2012) – The 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge will again host a nation-wide contest inviting artists to create unique event posters for not only each of the 12 host cities, but also a national event poster that will be seen throughout the world. All types of artists – professional, amateur, aspiring – are encouraged to let their creativity flow and submit their designs via the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Facebook page beginning tomorrow (Feb. 14). Entries will be accepted until Friday, March 16, with the winners being announced on Monday, April 16.

Artists will have plenty to draw upon as the 2012 Pro Challenge route guides the world’s elite cyclists through some of the most picturesque settings in the country. From the world-renowned mountaintop resorts in Aspen and Breckenridge, to legendary cycling cities like Boulder and Durango, no two posters will look alike.

“Being able to combine scenic backdrops, the intense competition of the USA Pro Challenge and the creative eye of artists should result in some of the most stunning portrayals of our sport we have ever seen,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “The level of talent and creativity we witnessed with the submissions last year was so incredible; we knew this was something we had to do again in 2012.”

Colorado resident Alyssa Graves won the inaugural contest in 2011.

“Winning the contest for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge national poster was one of the highlights of my life,” said Graves. “It was humbling to be chosen from a group of so many great designs. The timing was absolutely perfect to boost my career as a new business owner in Golden, Colorado, where the final stage of the race began. I look at my poster almost daily and recognize it as a turning point in my growth as an artist. I’m SO glad I said yes to the opportunity to enter when it came up last year and am looking forward to designing something new for this year’s race.”

Once entries are submitted, the race’s thousands of loyal Facebook fans will have a chance to cast their votes for the three best posters for each host city and the ten best national posters. From there, special panels of judges consisting of dignitaries, media and city officials will select each of the winners. Winners receive a cash prize in addition to having his/her poster produced and sold to race fans both online and onsite during the race August 20-26. A portion of the proceeds from the national poster will be donated to America’s Road Home, while proceeds from many of the 12 host city posters will benefit local charitable causes.

All entries must be submitted via the USA Pro Challenge Facebook contest page (only online entries will be eligible).  This requires either that the artwork be in digital media format or that a digital photograph of the artwork be posted in accordance with the rules, terms and conditions adopted by Facebook.  Each file must be in JPEG format and otherwise comply with Facebook’s requirements for posting images.  Multiple entries can be submitted, but must be submitted at the same time.

This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.  There is no fee to enter and no purchase is required.  Official rules for the program can be found at www.facebook.com/USAProCyclingChallenge.

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure – more than two miles in elevation. One of the largest cycling events in United States history, the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge will feature the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

Referred to as “America’s Race,” the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 20-26, 2012, a week proclaimed by Governor John Hickenlooper as “Colorado Cycling Holiday,” and travel through 12 host cities from Durango to Denver. More than 1 million spectators are expected to once again line the route to see if Levi Leipheimer will defend his title as reigning champion, while millions more around the world watch the race live on television and online through the Tour Tracker.

More information can be found online at www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.

Superior Morgul Classic Partners with USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Event Serves to Foster the Next Level of Pro Riders

BOULDER, COLO. (Feb. 2, 2012) – The 2012 Superior Morgul Classic, the largest amateur race in Colorado, has teamed up with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, one of the largest professional cycling races in the United States to help build stronger support of amateur racing with hopes of fostering the next level of professional riders.

Held May 18-20, the second-annual event will follow an omnium format, featuring three events – time trial, criterium and road race. Staged along part of the route from the historic Coors Classic, the race provides amateur riders with the opportunity to get a taste of the cycling action that will hit Colorado when the pros descend for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Aug. 20-26.

“When it comes to the Colorado endurance scene there’s no mistaking that cycling is on the rise,” said Lance Panigutti from Superior Morgul Classic. “Everywhere you turn, new high-profile events are popping up for amateurs and non-competitive cyclists. These events combined with the USA Pro Challenge are helping us to re-establish Colorado as the cycling capitol of the U.S.”

The marquee stage of the 2012 three-day event, Sunday’s Morgul Bismarck, features a finish on “the wall,” a climb known for the suffering it inflicts. As part of the partnership between the event and the USA Pro Challenge, the entire climb will be known as the “USA Pro Challenge King of the Mountain,” with the overall Pro/1/2 male and female winners being awarded an honorary USA Pro Challenge jersey. Additionally, the winners will be invited to the final stage of the USA Pro Challenge in Denver for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride the very same time trial as the world’s elite.

“It has always been the goal of the USA Pro Challenge to help build a following for cycling within the U.S,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “Through the Superior Morgul we are able to support the legacy of stage racing in Colorado and foster the growth of the next generation of pro riders.”

The partnership between the USA Pro Challenge and the 2012 Superior Morgul Classic also will allow competitive cyclists to roll out of the official USA Pro Challenge start house on the first day of the event (Friday), giving amateur riders the chance to feel what it’s like to be a world class pro.

In addition to the new partnership, the Superior Morgul Classic has several other exciting new developments for 2012.  The three key changes include a date switch from Memorial Day weekend to May 18-20; an all-new time trial on Friday; and an exciting new citizen’s wave on the Morgul Bismarck course on Sunday.

About the Superior Morgul Classic

The Superior Morgul Classic is three days of bike racing culminating with the historic Morgul-Bismarck road race. The Morgul-Bismarck is a well known 13-mile loop that was originally featured as part of the Red Zinger and then the Coors Classic in the seventies and eighties. This well loved and respected course is a favorite of local riders and will be featured in the Omnium for regional, national and international riders to experience

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or simply just love to ride, there’s something for everyone this year at the Superior Morgul. For more information please visit: www.BoulderRacing.com

What is Nike?

Nike means ”Victory” in Greek. Many who call themselves “runner” know this and some do not. Either way, the words “Just Do It” become the mantra for a runner who decides to take their running to the marathon level…and even more so as one strives to excel in the distance. Although “Just Do It” may be the present day call of the wild, the word Nike may better describe how one feels to complete such a feat. So, here is a little Greek mythological history on the call to “Victory”.

The Goddess Nike
Nike is the Greek goddess of victory. According to legend, in the Battle of Marathon, news of the the successful battle by the Greeks was sent by messenger back to their home city, 26 miles away (the origin of the marathon). The messenger was so exhausted when he got there that he said one word: “Nike!”(Victory) and then died from dehydration and exertion.

Further in Greek myth, when Zeus was gaining allies in the Titan War, Styx brought her four children, of which Nike (Victory) is one, the others being Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Strength) and Bia (Force). Nike was appointed his charioteer, and all four were appointed as sentinels standing beside the throne of the god. Beyond this Nike never acquired any distinctive mythology of her own.

So, now (if you didn’t already) “you know the rest of the story”.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Experience in Partnership with Carmichael Training Systems Introduced for 2012 Race

DENVER (Jan. 17, 2012) – Fans of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will have the opportunity to experience the race like the pros through the Carmichael Training Systems’ (CTS) USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Experience. Through an exclusive partnership between CTS and the USA Pro Challenge, a privileged few amateur riders will be selected for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride every stage of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge  as a team, just hours before the professionals. These lucky amateurs will eat, sleep and live like professional cyclists for all seven days of the race, August 20-26, 2012. Retired professional cyclist and CTS Founder Chris Carmichael will be leading the selection process and riding with the team during the event.

Participants of the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience will work together as a cohesive unit, borrowing tactics and strategies from the pros. In a serious point-to-point effort, the riders will have to push themselves to stay ahead of the fast-approaching pro peloton.

“With the altitude and the length of the climbs in Colorado, this promises to be the hardest Race Experience to date,” commented Carmichael. “The USA Pro Cycling Challenge has been instrumental in helping us create a truly unique experience for devoted amateur cyclists. It’s an insider’s view of what it’s like to live and work as a professional cyclist.”

“We were so impressed by the number of people that came out to watch the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge that we wanted to create even more experiences for our devoted fans in 2012,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. “The CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience gives amateur cyclists the unique opportunity to see first-hand what the professional riders go through for their love of the sport.”

Included with the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience is access to the VIP tent in each finish city, accommodations, meals, amenities and post-race massages, just like the pros. The cost of this exclusive race experience is $10,500 and applications are currently being accepted from riders who believe they can successfully complete this challenge. Interested athletes can visit www.trainright.com/upcc-2012 to apply for the CTS USA Pro Challenge Race Experience team. There is no cost to apply, but riders must be at least 18 years old to participate, and applications must be completed by Feb. 29, 2012. For information on this and other official USA Pro Cycling Challenge travel packages, visit www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/travel-packages.

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure – more than two miles in elevation. One of the largest cycling events in United States history, the 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge will feature the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

Referred to as “America’s Race,” the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 20-26, 2012, a week proclaimed by Governor John Hickenlooper as “Colorado Cycling Holiday”, and travel through 12 host cities from Durango to Denver. More than 1 million spectators are expected to once again line the route to see if Levi Leipheimer will defend his title as reigning champion, while millions more around the world watch the race live on television and online through the Tour Tracker.

More information can be found online at www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.

About CTS

Founded by Olympian, US Olympic Committee Coach of the Year, and bestselling author, Chris Carmichael in 2000, Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) inspires and empowers the athlete in EVERY BODY to perform at their best. The company offers personal coaching, training camps, and performance testing services to athletes of all ability levels. CTS is the Official Coaching Partner of Ironman and Ironman 70.3. For more information on CTS, visit www.trainright.com.

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge Race Experience is one event in “Chris Carmichael’s Epic Endurance Bucket List” (http://www.trainright.com/bucketlist). Others events on the list include the Leadville 100 and the La Ruta de los Conquistadores. These epic events target the adventurous endurance athlete and feature various packages of CTS coaching, camps and race support. “There’s a hunger out there for big challenges,” commented Carmichael. “The demand is there as well. Over the past two years we’ve filled every one of the Epic Endurance Bucket List packages in days.”

Freeze Your Buns Off 5k

 

Register online by Saturday January 14th and you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Runners Roost !!!!

* if you are already registered for the event, you are also registered into the drawing

CLICK TO LEARN MORE (OR) Register Today !

Xperience Colorado Receives 2011 Best of Castle Rock Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, December 15, 2011 — Xperience Colorado has been selected for the 2011 Best of Castle Rock Award in the Outdoor Parks category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. With Xperience Colorado’s marketing of outdoor related events, things to do, and clubs as well as their involvement in the community with programs such as Bikes for Tykes, it is easy to see why they were selected.

The  selection of Xperience Colorado as a 2011 Award Winner is a reflection of not only the hard work of Xperience Colorado, but of many people that have supported this local Castle Rock business and contributed to the subsequent success of the organization.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

 

___________________________________________________________________

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@uscaaward.com

You’re Not a Tourist, But an Active Participant

There is something going on almost every weekend here in Colorado…So get out there and Xperience it today !

12/31/2011 – Rocky Mountain Road Runners – Denver, CO

12/31/2011 – 27th Annual Resolution 5K… – Denver, CO

12/31/2011 – KRFC’s 27th Annual Resolution… – Fort Collins, CO

01/01/2012 – Move It & Lose It 5K Run – Breckenridge, CO

01/01/2012 – 3W Resolution Run 5K – Arvada, CO

01/07/2012 – Swift Skedaddle Snowshoe… – Silverthorne, CO

02/11/2012 – Arizona Super Spartan 2012 – Chandler, AZ

06/10/2012 – Denver Triathlon – Denver, CO

01/14/2012 – Following the Dream 5K Run and Walk – Aurora, CO

01/14/2012 – Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival 5K – Lafayette, CO

01/22/2012 – t2coaching Indoor Triathlon #3 of 5 in series – Fort Collins, CO

02/11/2012 – Freeze Your Buns Off Run – Castle Rock, CO

02/14/2012 – For the Love of the Kids Virtual Run – Colorado – Boulder, CO

04/15/2012 – 10th Annual Platte River Half Marathon and…- Littleton, CO

04/22/2012 – 4th Annual Flying Pig Charity Run/Walk – Fort Collins, CO

06/08/2012 – 2012 DEATH RIDE Tour IV …Ride For Life – Silverton, Telluride & Durango, CO

06/23/2012 – Wright Stuff Challenge 2012 – Norwood, CO

07/28/2012 – 2012 Bike 2 Build – Alamosa, CO

MEET-AND-GREET WITH TOP AMERICAN CYCLIST TOM DANIELSON TO CELEBRATE BOULDER’S SELECTION AS 2012 HOST CITY

On Monday, cycling fans will have a rare opportunity to meet and talk with top American cyclist Tom Danielson, a Boulder resident and the top American finisher at the Tour de France this year.  On the heels of the USA Pro Challenge announcement of its 2012 host cities, Danielson will discuss his excitement about Boulder’s selection as a host city for Stage 6 of the 2012 USA Pro Challenge, the second year of the event that brought professional cycling back to Colorado, while enjoying pizza and pasta at Boulder’s newest entrant to the restaurant scene, Tossa.

 

WHAT:                  Meet-and-Greet with Tom Danielson, America’s top professional cyclist

Race organizers will also be giving away a 2011 commemorative jersey signed by Tom Danielson in the spirit of the event

 

WHERE:                Tossa Restaurant, Boulder’s newest fresh-forward pizza and Italian concept

2400 Arapahoe Street, Boulder

 

WHEN:                 Monday, December 12, 2011

6:00-7:00 PM

Fans are invited to say hello to Tom Danielson, request autographs and ask questions.  Media will be offered one-on-one interviews as

needed.  Television cameras are welcome.

 

NOTE:                   Fans and media are welcome to arrive early or stay late to try Tossa’s dinner menu.

Reservations are not required but are accepted at 720-214-3254.

 

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes race through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure – more than two miles in elevation. One of the largest cycling events in United States history, the 2012 race will feature the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery.

 

Referred to as “America’s Race,” the second annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 20-26, 2012. More than 1 million spectators are expected to once again line the route to see if Levi Leipheimer will defend his title as winner of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge, while millions more around the world will watch the race on television and online through Tour Tracker.

 

More information can be found on the website www.USAProCyclingChallenge.com and Twitter page @USAProChallenge.

The Freedom of Your First Bike

I don’t recall exactly how old I was (3-5 years). However, I do remember how strong the desire was inside that drove me to get up time and time again, as I was determined to conquer the two wheeled beast that lead to one of the greatest sensations of my life…FREEDOM. Not just freedom but the sensation of it. It was the realization that I could go beyond the driveway, the block, or even the neighborhood. This was that same feeling as any other great explorer must have experienced. Just as the Wright Brothers in their first flight or Armstrong with his first step on the moon. This was FREEDOM and I tasted it.

Getting that first bike is a seminal moment in a child’s life. It’s their first taste in the brave new world of mobility. However, in some cases it is the needed transportation for a young teen to get from point A to point B.

Realities For Children provides emergency funding to abused, neglected and at-risk youth in Larimer County (and growing beyond). For over 15 years the Realities for Children Bikes for Tykes program has served countless abused, neglected and at-risk children. Each year individuals, groups and organizations donate their new or used bicycles. They are safety-checked and refurbish via local bike shops. These bikes are given to registered youth who are being served by one of Realities for Children Charities eighteen affiliated youth agencies who serve abused children locally.

Having seen the Realities For Children’s Bikes for Tykes program in action and recalling what a bicycle meant to me, I teamed up with my brother-in-law Craig Secher, founder and president of Realities For Children, to offer the organization’s Bikes for Tykes program, in the South Metro Denver and Douglas County areas.

I have a strong feeling against child abuse and the effect it has on these kids. I myself have never experienced abuse. However, I don’t feel that this is something you have to personally experience to know that it must be an incredibly dark place and needs to end. I can only imagine what darkness this could be in the life of a child. However, we all know and have experienced the taste of freedom that a bike can bring and it is the “thing” that I want to share. It just seems like the perfect light or insight that could be shared in a world that may seem so dark at the time. That is what the Bike for Tykes program means to me.

This special youth event also grants parents & guardians the chance to select a bicycle for their child if the child is not present or they prefer to “surprise” the youth.

This year we have a record number of requests for bikes. As needs rise we encourage our community to really step forward to help us ensure that every child receives a bicycle this Christmas, because no child should be forgotten.

From time to time, the simple act of giving a bicycle to a child so clearly changes a life, it is awe-inspiring.  Maybe that life was your own, or the life of someone you know…or maybe you have a light in your life that you would simply like to shine on another’s. I truly believe that a single individual can change the world. These kids are exactly those individuals. Lets make it our business to make a difference.

Donations for the South Metro and Douglas County areas can be made at the following locations:

Bike Source: 2690 E. County Line Rd Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 (303) 221-4840

Castle Rock Bike & Ski: 725 Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104 (303) 688-1722

Country Pedaler: 203 Fifth Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 Phone: 303-688-6775

Donations are accepted through December 3rd 2011.

To learn more, go to www.BikesForTykesColorado.org (or) www.realitiesforchildren.com/bikes

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you a great Thanksgiving Xperience !!

Michael Phelps stretching vs. Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving !!