| 2/2/2009 10:05:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Cyclists pedal through mountain scenery during the 2008 Ride the Rockies event. Organizers announced Sunday cyclists would pedal through Salida on June 16 this year.
Courtesy photo
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Ride the Rockies makes Salida stop
By Audrey Gilpin- Mail Staff Writer
Salida will be among six communities hosting the Denver Post Ride The Rockies tour June 14-19 with cyclists visiting June 16.
Cyclists will arrive after the 65-mile trek over Monarch Pass from Gunnison and will head for Leadville the next day. Salida last hosted Ride the Rockies in 2006.
"In our 24-year history this will be the 12th time we've had the good fortune of staying (in Salida)," tour director Chandler Smith, said. "We look forward to partnering with organizers of FIBArk and taking in all the sights and sounds of downtown."
Ride officials reported cyclists spent an average of $269,500 during 24-hour periods in each town during 2008.
In addition, Post-News Community awards a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each host town.
John Engelbrecht, Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce director, said FIBark will set up early to accommodate the cyclists, allowing them to take part in live entertainment and the beer garden.
Most cyclists will camp at Salida High School, Engelbrecht said.
Two thousand cyclists will begin their 380-mile loop in Glenwood Springs climbing three mountain passes and traversing the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Cyclists may register for the event at www.ridetherockies.com or submit a mail-in application form. Mail-in forms will be available in The Denver Post Feb. 8, 13 and 15. Application deadline is Feb. 20.
More than 4,000 applications are expected for the limited 2,000 spots available. The ride is a non-competitive event open to cyclists of all ages.
More information is available from Ride the Rockies, (303) 954-6700 at www.ridetherockies.com.
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