DENVER (April 25, 2013) – The 2013 route for the USA Pro Challenge pro cycling stage race, on Aug. 19-25 here in Colorado, will take cyclists on an amazing  heart-pounding journey through the Colorado Rockies. The largest spectator event in the history of our great state, the USA Pro Challenge continues to set records in professional cycling history by taking the riders to unprecedented elevations. The lead changed every day in the 2012 race, in one of the closest pro races in U.S. history with the win coming down to the final moments in the time trials in Denver. Looks like we may have the makings of another dramatic race in 2013.

“The most important thing to us in creating the route for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge was to find a course that would be safe and challenging for the riders, while providing ideal viewing locations for the crowds of spectators,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “This year we are, once again, taking them to the highest point of any professional cycling race with Independence Pass. We’re also returning to the iconic Time Trial route in Vail. The best in the sport will be racing through Colorado communities for what will be an epic week in professional cycling.”

The race will start and finish in eight official host cities of each stage, ranging from small towns to cities as large as Denver, with a population of more than 615,000. All with varying elevations, the start and finishes of most stages in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge are above the highest points in the Tour de France. I am personally looking forward to seeing the two new cities joining the 2013 race –Loveland and Fort Collins.

The 2013 route will feature the Vail Time Trial course that was used in the 2011 edition and was largely taken from a race forever etched in cycling history – the Coors Classic. Additionally, the race will borrow from the 2011 route for the ever-popular Denver circuit finish. Giving us fans a chance to see the riders nine times (eight laps) and the riders plenty of opportunities to get familiar with the course, this will bring another exciting finish to seven days of fiercely competitive racing.

“We’ve set out to create the greatest professional cycling event in the U.S. and with each edition the route continues to evolve, the competition continues to be fierce and the fans continue to come out in droves,” added Hunter. “In looking at the route we have outlined, each day is a challenge, which will create some amazing racing. This year is looking like it will be the best yet.”

One of the most highly anticipated events on the race calendar, the 2013 USA Pro Challenge will test the riders’ strength and endurance over a nearly 600-mile course including:

Stage 1: Aspen Circuit Race – Monday, Aug. 19

The 2013 USA Pro Challenge begins with its biggest opening day hurdle ever. The new for 2013 Aspen/Snowmass Circuit may be short on distance, but it packs a punch that will welcome the riders to Colorado. Consisting of three 22-mile laps, 66 miles total, Stage 1 packs in 3,080 ft. of climbing per lap with minimal recovery, so this is no easy start. Each lap will see the racers fight for position onto the narrow, but beautiful Maroon Creek Bridge, then grind up to Snowmass Village. A quick descent leads to two short, but steep climbs and a quick loop through downtown before doing it all again. Pair that with a starting elevation of 7,900 ft. and you have one tough opening day. No one will win the 2013 USA Pro Challenge on this opening day, but without a strong start, someone could lose it.

Stage 2:  Aspen to Breckenridge – Tuesday, Aug. 20

While much of the Stage 2 course has been used in previous years, 2013 will mix things up by taking the riders in different directions, creating a unique new stage. The familiar battleground of Independence Pass will be anything but easy as riders ascend the 12,000 ft. climb, the highest point reached in any professional cycling race. Then they’ll continue on through some familiar Colorado spots as the race rips through Buena Vista, Fairplay and Alma, before tackling Hoosier Pass from the south. But it’s not over until the fat lady sings, so before crossing the line the riders will have to conquer the nasty 15% grade of Moonstone Rd. in the heart of Breckenridge, before blazing down Boreas Pass to the waiting fans.

Stage 3:  Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs – Wednesday, Aug. 21

Stage 3 will be difficult to predict. Can the climbers hold off the field or can the sprinters hang on? Stage 3 of this year’s USA Pro Challenge is wide open for the taking. After leaving Breckenridge, Swan Mountain Rd. provides a great launch pad for breakaways as the riders weave north to Kremmling, but it’s all just a prelude to the day’s main showdown on Rabbit Ears Pass. Climbing the challenging eastern slope will give the climbers a chance, but they will have to hold off the sprinters for 20 miles after cresting the top as they head downtown Steamboat Springs. Can they do it? Or will there be a repeat of 2011’s thrilling field sprint?

Stage 4:  Steamboat Springs to Beaver Creek – Thursday, Aug. 22

Stage 4 is the “Queen Stage” of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge. It features some previously used terrain, but with some added spice. One thing is for sure, the road to the final podium in Denver goes straight over Bachelor Gulch. A new start in Steamboat will send the race off onto new country roads around Routt County. This roller coaster of small hills gives way to a gentle route south until the racers have to climb up from the river bottom at State Bridge. That’s just the beginning, as the new approach to Beaver Creek will now send the racers up the new climb of Bachelors Gulch. It may not be the longest or most well-known climb, but it is quite possibly the toughest. The unforgiving grade with pitches up to 18% will do real damage and create the sort of epic racing for which the Pro Challenge is known. After Bachelor Gulch, the leaders still have to race down a technical descent and power up the final 2 km climb to Beaver Creek Village. By that time the winner may not even have the strength left for a victory salute.

Stage 5:  Vail Individual Time Trial – Friday, Aug. 23

The last time the USA Pro Challenge visited Vail, the Time Trial was decided by 58 hundredths of a second. Competition will be similar this time around, but the names may change a bit. The course’s roots are in Colorado racing lore and trace back to the Coors Classic. Starting in Vail and climbing most of the way up Vail Pass, the route is no easy proposition, even for the best racers on the planet. The gentle grades of the first half of the course give way to a steady climb for the last three miles. But it takes more than legs on this strategic course; go too hard early and the climb may kill your chances, but conserve too much for the climb and the leaderboard may be out of reach.

Stage 6:  Loveland to Ft. Collins – Saturday, Aug. 24

With a flat speed-fest scheduled for Sunday in Denver, any contenders for the Leader Jersey will have only this stage left to make a move or lose it all. The outskirts of Loveland will see the racers off as they spend some early miles on the flat Colorado plains (yes, we have these too) passing through Windsor and back to Loveland. Then it’s up Big Thompson Canyon where things will heat up. Split north onto Devils Gultch, the race’s last KOM competition, before hitting Estes Park and back down Big Thompson. Horsetooth Reservoir provides one last chance for aggression on its steep rollers. If no one gets away here, look for the sprinters to have their day.

Stage 7:  Denver Circuit Race – Sunday, Aug. 25

We are amazed at their raw speed. We watch their incredible moves and steel nerves as they fight for position with awe. They are the sprinters. And for six days they have been battling over mountains trying to stay with racers 20 or more lbs lighter. They have flirted with thin air and time cuts, but today belongs to them. The Denver Circuit takes the best parts of the 2011 and 2012 Denver stages and combines them into a new circuit. It still hits all the Denver highlights – LoDo, City Park, Civic Center Park. There isn’t a bad viewing spot. Watch for early breakaways…can they hold off the surging peloton? Watch the teams cue up and try to set up their sprinters…can they get to the front? Watch the last corner and see who has the nerve to take it the fastest and claim the final prize in the shadow of Colorado’s Capitol.

Host city information, maps and elevation profiles are available on the race website at http://usaprocyclingchallenge.com/2013-route.

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

I was recently asked how the Boston bombing may effect the Boston Marathon and other similar events, how will it effect the directors as well as the participants? I know it’s not just me and it’s not just runners, but all of us. It does not matter what walk of life we come from, we are all Americans and in the face of tragedy, we all seem to unite. Most recently I have felt an increase in “cause” based events that help us get out our tensions, stress and sense of helplessness of the situation, while feeling that we have given to the cause in need. Thus, the obvious result of this tragedy will be all of us pulling together in support and a noticeable increase of participation in race events throughout the country.

The reaction to the Boston Marathon Tragedy is certainly not new. However, as a simple observer, it appears to me that our response through participating in an active event has been rising…So, why the increase?  I am not sure if it is the overall weight of the economy, the potential of some sort of physical threat or if we are over working ourselves, but it seems that a greater number of us are looking for a better way to relieve our stress. I realize that our population may also be growing more conscious of our health and well being. However, I and those I predominantly associate with have been conscious of this for most of our lives, yet we still run, ride or Tri to relieve our stress and make a difference.

A very good friend of mine had made the decision to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the Waldo Canyon fires. It was something that she had an obvious passion for and in 3 days pulled together a fundraising 5k run of 500+ participants and raised over $10,000. This is an incredible result and reaction by the local community pulling together to make a difference and relieve the stress of the situation.

London Marathon started with a moment of silence for Boston marathon bombing victims.

Don’t get me wrong. I certainly do not see this as a “bad” thing, I am simply making a laymen’s observation. I not only think that it is great that we can all pull together to support a cause, but think that it is something we should maybe seek to do on a more regular basis. Since the Boston Marathon, I have witnessed facebook turn green for Boston and support of those most affected. I have read posts and heard friends and neighbors say that they are running in their next event for Boston. And, of course, we have seen those who are participating in or have participated in events that are dedicating a moment of silence to Boston. When we pull together in the face of tragedy to support those most affected, it gives us a great sense pride and accomplishment.

So, what if we pulled together just “because”? What if we pulled together for many causes? What if it weren’t a response to tragedy, but maybe more in the name of prevention or preparedness? Tragic situations happen every day. They don’t all make headline news. So, what if we were already together in support?

Xperience Colorado has recently created a 501c3 non-profit fund in order to accumulate dollars and then distribute them to the local Colorado non-profit organizations that we are most passionate about. We have decided to name of the fund, “X” (The X-fund). Our thought is that we all have different causes and passions that we want to support. What if we had a single fund for them? What if we created a team that raised dollars to fill the fund and then distributed them to our favorite non-profits? What if tragedy struck and we already had funds we could donate, because we have been united all along? Would you be a part of such a concept?

What is your X? What Colorado non-profit would you run, ride or tri for?We would love to hear your thoughts, get your comments and suggestions on this concept.

Comments are open on this blog…please share yours.

Attention kids ages 9-14…enter to test your skills in track and field. Choose three events to participate in and the winners advance to the State Hersey Meet.

The HERSHEY’S Track & Field Games are the largest youth sports program of its kind in North America, with hundreds of thousands of children competing every year. Everyone has a chance to be among the 480 athletes who qualify to compete at the North American Final. The HERSHEY’S Track & Field Games has produced many Olympic medalists and competing athletes.

To find a track meet near you go to: www.hersheystrackandfield.com/track-meet-central/find-a-track-meet

Castle Rock Hersey State Meet qualifier: Thursday, May 30th at the Castle View High School Track. Registration begins at 5:15pm.

Please bring photocopy of child’s birth certificate at time of registration. Age as of December 31, 2013 determines eligibility.

To expedite the registration process, please bring this form, along with the child’s birth certificate to the registration table. ENTRY FORM

This event is free to all participants, but separate parent/guardian signed registration form must be completed and accompanied by birth certificate to participate in the program.

See you out there !

This event for bicycle enthusiasts takes place Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m .to 3 p.m. at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Highlands Ranch substation.  There will be vendors and food booths and fun for the entire family. Drive-through lanes for bike donation will be available.

All proceeds and donated bikes will go to Project ReCycle, a Douglas  County nonprofit that refurbishes used bicycles and distributes them to agencies that help those in need. The goal is to get 1,000 bikes donated at the Highlands Ranch event. (For more information about Project ReCycle, visit http://www.projectrecycle.org)

Stacy Simonet of the Highlands Ranch Metro District says “We are so excited about our partnership with Project Recycle and the sheriff’s office.  This bike recycle event will help us bridge the gap between suburbia and inner city,” said Alberto Stapleton, executive director of Project ReCycle.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Highlands Ranch Metro District are proud sponsors of the Recycle Your Bicycle event.

Click to learn more about this great event:

That’s right…ramp up for cycling season with great discounts at all Colorado Bike Source Locations. But hurry, this is only happening through April 7th. Save up to 20% on accessories and  clothing. Great deals on Mountain bikes (full suspension, 29er’s,  race and recreational…2012 and 2013 models. But, what makes this grand event even greater is the savings on 2012 Specialized carbon road bikes including the Roubaix, Tarmac, Venge and the (Women Specific) Ruby.

Learn More about Bike Sources Ultimate Sale event:

While no treatments currently exist, there is growing momentum in the scientific research community and, for the first time ever, real hope of a successful treatment and even a cure. The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) is an organization of families and professionals committed to funding this research. Researchers have already found an FDA-approved compound that reversed Angelman Syndrome in mice; FAST took this finding from the lab to a human clinical trial within only one year. With continued funding, experts believe a cure for AS is not only imminent, but stands to be the gateway cure for other disorders such as Fragile X Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Autism.

This coming Mother’s Day weekend you have an opportunity to make a difference in the fight to cure Angelman Syndrome. The Moms Rock 5K for FAST is being held in Castle Rock, Colorado at the Douglas County Events Center on Saturday, May 11th at 9:00 AM. 100% of proceeds will go to FAST, directly funding this amazing research. This 5K is a great event for all types of runners and walkers; it features precision chip timing and great prizes as well as fun family events to include a photo booth and silent auction. Registration opens soon so be sure to “like” Moms Rock 5K for FAST on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MomsRockForFAST5k .

To Learn More go to: MomsROCK5k

Story by: Melissa Stone

The editors of Popular Science have released the results of their year long search for the most groundbreaking new technologies, the annual Best of What’s New awards. The 100 innovations that made the list promise to make life safer, smarter, easier, and more fun. The 2012 Best of What’s New award winners are featured in the December issue of Popular Science, on newsstands and tablet today and you can check out the list right now at www.popsci.com

For those of you who are not familiar with what a HeadsUp System is, it is essentially an alarm system for protecting our vehicles, homes, and (more importantly) our outdoor gear that we place in the rack above our heads…hence the tagline “Don’t Get Racked“. Most of us have seen the Liberty Mutual commercial in which the driver of the car heads into their garage, completely forgetting that their two bikes are still on top…well, HeadsUp Systems has created a solution that will alert us before making this same mistake.

The HeadsUp System sets up in seconds and is always watching. When you return home with gear on the roof of your car, the system provides a visual and audio alert – reminding you to STOP and unload your gear. They have received rave reviews and are available at many retail locations…and now hit the Popular Science “Best of Whats New” list for 2012. With the holidays quickly approaching, this may be a great gift for the cyclist in your life. Check them out at:  www.headsupsystems.com Today !

This will be the fourth year for our bikes for Tykes event. However, this year has brought some truly amazing changes. Through the connecting hands and heart of Cynthia Edwards with the Human Effect, I was introduced to my new friends A.J. Stapleton and Robert Seydel, co-founders of 3t Ministry and the Project Recycle program. Shortly after meeting, we began to collaborate and quickly decided to combine our efforts. Now Bikes for Tykes is a Project Recycle event.

In addition to this exciting new partnership, Cynthia (Human Effect) has also connected us to some additional funds and our incredible new location we lovingly call “The Kick Stand“, located  at 13 796 Compark Blvd. With this new warehouse, we are able to take 5-6 packed storage units and move all of the bikes into a single location with 9 work stations. We currently open up the warehouse every Saturday from 9am to 1pm to volunteers to come and help work on the 600-700 used bikes to get them ready for delivery to a child over the holidays and beyond. If you are interested in volunteering, COMPLETE THIS FORM.

For more information about the Bikes for Tykes event visit:

www.bikesfortykescolorado.org (or) www.projectrecycle.org

Where to donate

Bikes for Tykes has partnered in 2012 with these great bike shops to accept your new or gently used bicycles for donations.

In Castle Rock:

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

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

In Highlands Ranch:

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

In Littleton:

Bike Source 5264 South Wadsworth Blvd Littleton, CO 80123
(303) 979-6463   Map

In Denver:

Bike Source 2665 S. Colorado Blvd (Colorado and Yale) Denver, CO 80222
(303) 759-5099  Map

TONY’S MARKET Bowles Village

7421 W Bowles Ave
Littleton, CO 80123
(720) 377-3680

TONY’S MARKET Castle Pines

874 W Happy Canyon Rd.
Castle Pines Market
Castle Rock, CO 80108
(303) 814-3888

TONY’S MARKET Downtown

950 Broadway
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 880-4501

TONY’S MARKET Dry Creek

4991 E Dry Creek Road
Centennial, CO 80122
(303) 770-7024

Thank you to all of the hard work and effort of our volunteers, participating bike shops and to all who have donated a bike.

Cyclists will start and finish at Two Rivers Convention Center in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado.  All participants will start with the spectacular ride through the Colorado National Monument entering through the east entrance and exiting through the west entrance.  Cyclists can to choose to continue into the beautiful farm country surrounding Fruita for the metric century or take the short-cut (41-mile cut -off) returning back to Two Rivers Convention Center via the country roads at the base of the Monument. A minimum of three amply stocked aid/rest stations will be positioned throughout the courses. Participants will be greeted by the “Harvest Moon Celebration”. The post-ride party with music, an up-scale lunch, prize drawings and cycling expo will continue throughout the afternoon.

ICON LASIK is excited to announce that patient and pro cyclist Tom Danielson is riding in the ICON LASIK Tour of the Moon on October 6^th, 2012. Tom will ride with the 2,000 recreational cyclists throughout the day as they complete the challenging Coors Classic route through the Colorado National Monument.

ICON LASIK is a proud supporter of cycling in Colorado. ICON LASIK is the official LASIK sponsor of the USA Pro Challenge, the Elephant Rock, and now the inaugural Tour of the Moon.  The 2012 USA Pro Challenge saw massive crowds and the ICON LASIK car throughout the week’s tough stages.   The Elephant Rock ride is also a Colorado classic for recreational cyclist. It is widely considered the unofficial kick off to the century season in Colorado.  And now the Tour of the Moon is the perfect end cap to a great season of cycling before Icon’s skiers and boarders start hitting the snow.

Alpine Cycle Connection is your source for special Icon LASIK Tour of the Moon deals on lodging, airfare, and car rental needs when visiting Grand Junction.    Please click HERE to find out more information on Alpine Cycle Connection services for the Icon LASIK Tour of the Moon 2012 and submit your request for accommodations and other services. An Alpine Cycle Connection representative will follow up and provide you all possible options in Grand Junction.

Please note that the Colorado National Monument requires all cyclists (regardless of whether they are in a cycling event or on their own) to have a white light that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a red light that is visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. The Monument has 3 tunnels, bored through solid rock, that do not have lights, thus the reason for the safety requirement. Also, all cyclists and support vehicles are required to use the lights in the three tunnels (you may turn them off once you’ve exited).

If you do not have lights, you can purchase a Cateye Loop light set (front and Rear Lights) for $12 when you register.  The Loop is uniquely designed to throw light in nearly all directions for added visibility. The go-anywhere elastic mount lets you customize your gear and quickly change configurations to keep your ride safe. CatEye’s Loop attaches easily and securely to handlebars, seat posts, and almost anywhere else you choose.  Retail value of $20.

Grand Junction Weather

October weather in Grand Junction is perfect for cycling.  Expect morning lows in the 40′s and afternoon highs in the mid 70′s.

Come join us to celebrate the return of the Tour of the Moon at the Avalon Theater on Friday evening, October 5, for a special showing of American Flyers.  100% of all pre-sales benefit the Colorado Riverfront Commission.

Buy Tickets Today!

Register now for the inaugural Icon LASIK TOUR of the MOON on October 6, 2012 in Grand Junction / Colorado National Monument, CO.  You can find a registration form on our site to print out and mail back or register online by clicking here.

REGISTER TODAY !!