2010 Ride the Rockies to make final stop in Salida
Kevin Hoffman
Mail Staff Writer
Salida will be the final stop for the 2010 Ride The Rockies bicycle tour June 13-19 after traveling 532 miles mostly throughout Southern Colorado.
Tour director Chandler Smith announced the tour schedule Sunday with Grand Junction as the starting point and Salida as the finish.
"So many people have had their hands in making this a great tradition and in doing so the tour has become synonymous with summer in Colorado," Smith said.
An estimated 2,000 road cyclists will arrive in Salida June 19 during the FIBArk Whitewater festival.
Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce director John Engelbrecht worked with tour officials before the route announcement and said Salida was chosen for the route because of warm past welcomes offered to riders. He ride personnel recognized the high level of cooperation and organization they have found in Salida.
"Salida is proud to have been named as the finish line town for the 25th Anniversary of Ride the Rockies," Engelbrecht said. "We have also been recognized as the town that is 'the most fun' by riders and staff alike."
Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event in which riders are encouraged to travel at their own pace.
Riders from 7 to 85 years old have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries. The 532-mile 2010 tour crosses four mountain passes reaching elevations as high as 11,090 feet putting emphasis on endurance.
Applications for the ride are online and will be accepted from Feb.7-25.
This is the 16th year Salida will be included on The Denver Post Ride the Rockies route and is Salida's second consecutive event.
The Denver Post Community awards a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each host town, and proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefit Denver Post charities.
"Because Ride The Rockies will finish in Salida June 19, (FIBArk Saturday) we are working closely with the FIBArk board to ensure a smooth event," Engelbrecht said.
"Ride The Rockies will finish at Thonhoff Park on Crestone Avenue. This will ensure no conflict with FIBArk activities at other locations in downtown Salida."
As the final day of the tour, Engelbrecht expects many of the riders to leave Salida immediately after finishing, but said FIBArk was a determining factor in the selection and welcomed riders to stay and participate in the festival.
During the final day riders will complete an 84-mile ride from Alamosa across Poncha Pass.
Engelbrecht said the park will be a great venue for the race end because it offers parking and services while being fairly self-contained.
More than 100 dedicated volunteers assist cyclists during the week of the tour and host communities provide inexpensive community meals and entertainment.
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