All Discussions Tagged 'Pikes' - Pikes Peak Sports2024-03-29T05:20:02Zhttp://pikespeaksports.us/group/roadcycling/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=Pikes&feed=yes&xn_auth=noBreathe deep! The 2014 Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb set for Aug. 24tag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-12-03:5021591:Topic:5237692013-12-03T23:11:31.481ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>Cyclist pedaled up the Pikes Peak Highway's challenging switchbacks in the 2013 Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. The race and fun ride will take place on Aug. 24, 2014.</strong><br></br> <br></br> From Pat McDonough, Summit Cycling Productions</strong></p>
<p>The event directors of the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb recently reached out to past participants asking for…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="650" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650" class="align-center"/></a><strong>Cyclist pedaled up the Pikes Peak Highway's challenging switchbacks in the 2013 Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. The race and fun ride will take place on Aug. 24, 2014.</strong><br/> <br/> From Pat McDonough, Summit Cycling Productions</strong></p>
<p>The event directors of the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb recently reached out to past participants asking for their preference in determining the date for the 2014 version of the event. After receiving more than 200 votes, <b>August 24</b> was chosen by more than a 2 to 1 margin.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb is the ultimate test for cyclists as the participants compete on the same 20km course that the automobiles and motorcycles use in the </span><b style="font-size: 13px;">Pikes Peak</b><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 13px;">International Hill Climb</b><span style="font-size: 13px;"> every summer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">In addition to the USA Cycling sanctioned races, there will once again be a Fun Ride open to all citizen cyclists (Fun Ride participants will have three distance options this year – 5km, 10km or the full 20km). The Pikes Peak Highway is closed to automobile traffic during the event and there will be fully supported rest stops to assist cyclists in their quest to reach the summit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The event will be part of the 2014 Rocky Mountain State Games menu of sports event for Colorado athletes of all ages and skill levels.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">On-Line registration will open late January at </span><a href="http://www.coscycling.com/" target="_blank" style="font-size: 13px;">www.coscycling.com</a><span style="font-size: 13px;">.</span></p> Leroy Popowski wins again on Pikes Peak, but it wasn't easytag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-07-21:5021591:Topic:4809042013-07-21T22:31:55.206ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>Cyclist made the turn at Devil's Playground on the Pikes Peak Highway during the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb on Sunday (July 21, 2013.)</strong><br></br> <br></br> <strong>VIDEO: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/leroy-popowski-breaks-away-to-win-his-third-pikes-peak-cycling" target="_blank">Leroy Popowski makes his break for the win</a><br></br> PHOTOS:…</strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=original"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656423291?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></a><strong>Cyclist made the turn at Devil's Playground on the Pikes Peak Highway during the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb on Sunday (July 21, 2013.)</strong><br/> <br/> <strong>VIDEO: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/leroy-popowski-breaks-away-to-win-his-third-pikes-peak-cycling" target="_blank">Leroy Popowski makes his break for the win</a><br/> PHOTOS: <a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/pikes-peak-cycling-hill-climb" target="_blank">Pics from the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb</a></strong></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656426553?profile=original"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656426553?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"/></a>With two of the best climbers in the business clinging to his back tire, Leroy Popowski had had enough.</p>
<p>He inhaled the thin air high above timberline, then stomped on his pedals and powered to victory on Sunday in the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb.</p>
<p>"I couldn't lose in my own backyard," said Popowski, a 38-year-old optometrist from Colorado Springs.</p>
<p>Chris Carr and Rory Kelly, teammates on the Denver Fit Loft crew, had tagged along behind Popowski for about five miles as the cyclists churned through the famous "W's" section of the Pikes Peak Highway.</p>
<p>(This cycling coverage is brought to with the support of the <a href="http://www.oboylerealestate.net/" target="_blank">O'Boyle Real Estate Group</a>.)</p>
<p>"They finally caught me and started doing a punch,</p>
<p>counter-punch," Popowski said. "When they started that I knew I had to throw down and go."</p>
<p>Though he weighs only 145 pounds, Popowski's power on a bike is well known. He won eight hill climbs last year and is undefeated in three tries on Pikes Peak.</p>
<p>Sunday's climb to the 14,115-foot summit was his second ascent of a Colorado 14er in two days. All three cyclists battled in the Mt. Evans Hill Climb on Saturday, with Carr taking the win. Popowski was second and Kelly placed third.</p>
<p>With his legs nearly numb, Carr said he had no answer to Popowski's final push to Pikes Peak's summit.</p>
<p>"He looked back and put in a surge and I almost came to a stop while I gathered myself," Carr said.</p>
<p>Popowski covered the twisting 12.4-mile course in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 6.43 seconds. Carr and Kelly finished second and third respectively, about 27 seconds behind.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656427615?profile=original"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656427615?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"/></a>In the women's race, Lisa Tumminello, 43, of Steamboat Springs, took the win in 1:35:45:55, while second-place Sue Stokes (52, Breckenridge) was 19 seconds off the winning pace.</p>
<p>They were first and second at Mt. Evans, as well, but hinted that the Pikes Peak race may be more difficult.</p>
<p>"We kept looking for more gears," Tumminello said. "A couple of times I looked down to see if I had a flat tire."</p>
<p>About 150 riders reported to the starting line as the first light filtered through the trees above Crystal Reservoir. There is no qualifying for the race, which is open to anyone courageous enough to take the challenge. Many riders take their time and enjoy views stretching to horizons hundreds of miles distant.</p>
<p>Simon Gutierrez, a three time winner of the Pikes Peak Ascent, a running race from Manitou Springs to Pikes Peak's summit, piloted an Elliptigo (an elliptical with wheels) up the mountain.</p>
<p>He had fun, but Pikes Peak takes it's toll on your body, whether you run or ride.</p>
<p>"Man, that hurt a little, my back and my legs. I think I'll stick to running," Gutierrez said.</p>
<p> </p> Race or ride for fun, Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb rolls on Sundaytag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-07-16:5021591:Topic:4765292013-07-16T19:47:56.935ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a></p>
<p><strong>From Pat McDonaugh/Summit Cycling Productions</strong></p>
<p>The 4th Annual<a href="http://www.coscycling.com/" target="_blank">Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb</a> Presented by the Broadmoor will take place this Sunday, July 21st . The Hill Climb includes a USA Cycling Race for licensed cyclists. As well as a Fun Ride open to anyone wanting to challenge…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a></p>
<p><strong>From Pat McDonaugh/Summit Cycling Productions</strong></p>
<p>The 4th Annual<a href="http://www.coscycling.com/" target="_blank">Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb</a> Presented by the Broadmoor will take place this Sunday, July 21st . The Hill Climb includes a USA Cycling Race for licensed cyclists. As well as a Fun Ride open to anyone wanting to challenge themselves.</p>
<p>The course begins just above the Crystal Reservoir. The riders climb for 20km (12.4 miles) on one of Colorado's most beautiful roads that provides both amazing views and unrelenting challenge.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/leroy-popowski-leads-assault" target="_blank">Video interview with Leroy Popowski following the 2010 ride</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/photo/albums/2012-pikes-peak-cycling-hill-climb" target="_blank">Photo gallery from 2012</a></p>
<p>The Fun Ride participants will have a one-hour head start on the professional and amateur racers as they will leave the start area just after dawn at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">6 a.m.</span></span></p>
<p>The USAC races will go off in 3 waves beginning at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">7:00am</span></span>. Last year's Pro Men's Champion, LeRoy Popowski will be back and is hoping to better his winning time last year of 1 hr. 8 min. and 36 seconds. With the right conditions Popowski believes he can break the hour.</p>
<p>"So much of it depends on the weather. There is really no way of planning on what will happen." stated the Colorado State Champion. "I have ridden the race three years and every time the conditions are different. The only thing you can count on is it will be a very tough ride!"</p>
<p>Though Popowski is the reigning Colorado Hill Climb Champion he is not a full-time professional cyclist. He is an optometrist working in Colorado Springs. Prior to starting his practice Dr. Popowski served in the Army including a deployment in Iraq.</p>
<p>LeRoy Popowski is one on an expected 500 cyclists that will be challenging themselves on America's Mountain <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">this Sunday</span></span>.</p>
<p>There is still time to register for the ride, On-line registration closes <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">on Wednesday</span></span> evening at <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">11:59pm</span></span>. For more information go to <a href="http://www.coscycling.com/">http://www.coscycling.com/</a>.</p> Pedal to the clouds in the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climbtag:pikespeaksports.us,2013-05-17:5021591:Topic:4472212013-05-17T14:43:36.434ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a> <strong>By David Pico</strong><br></br> <strong>PikesPeakSports.us</strong></p>
<p>The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, a tough but rewarding ride, is set for July 21.</p>
<p>Now in its fourth year, the ride starts at Crystal Reservoir, at about Mile 7 on the famous Pikes Peak Highway. From there cyclists will climb 4,700 feet over 12.4 miles, pedaling far above tree line to the…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656424819?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a><strong>By David Pico</strong><br/> <strong>PikesPeakSports.us</strong></p>
<p>The Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb, a tough but rewarding ride, is set for July 21.</p>
<p>Now in its fourth year, the ride starts at Crystal Reservoir, at about Mile 7 on the famous Pikes Peak Highway. From there cyclists will climb 4,700 feet over 12.4 miles, pedaling far above tree line to the peak's summit at 14,115 feet. It’s good for the arteries.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.coscycling.com/" target="_blank">Register for the 2013 Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb</a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656425205?profile=original"><img width="130" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656425205?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="130"/></a>The fun ride ($50 pre-registration) will begin at 6 a.m., and the racing portion of the event – for the true beasts – costs $70 and begins at 7 a.m.</p>
<p>Riders from 31 states and five countries have put their wheels and lungs on the line for the glory of beating the merciless Peak. The harsh environment on the highest slopes supports very little life. Trees can’t grow there, and rodents that venture too far shrivel up and die. Grown men have been known to be ambushed with natural electroshock therapy at Devil’s Playground, a rock garden perched at 12,000 feet.</p>
<p>Pikes Peak is its own animal.</p>
<p>In its first year the ride started in Manitou Springs, and climbed a barbaric 8,000 feet over 26 miles. Even Zebulon Pike would have shrugged and walked away. (Actually, he did.)</p>
<p>Last year the ride start was moved to just above Crystal Reservoir, near the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb starting line. At the summit, finishers reveled in their achievement. Relatively few people have ridden their bike to the top of Pikes Peak, but it is doable by anyone in reasonable condition.</p>
<p>“It opened it up to a lot more people,” ride <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656426490?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656426490?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a>director Pat McDonough says. “We want to involve as many people as we can.”</p>
<p>The Broadmoor has signed on as the presenting sponsor, and McDonough has enlisted the support of 12 bike shop sponsors. There will be five rest stops on the way up, one every two miles or so. But the challenge maintains an ‘epic’ flavor.</p>
<p>The famous Mt. Evans Hill Climb race happens the day before, and event sponsor Pactimo has produced a commemorative Mt. Evans/Pikes Peak cap for those who can best the two hills and call themselves the ‘ultimate climbers.’</p>
<p>For the truly gung-ho competitor, “it will be plenty epic,” McDonough says.</p>
<p>Finishers will get a medal, what McDonough calls the “proof” that they’re crazy, and winners of the race up the mountain will become instantly rich as they compete for a split of the hefty cash purse.</p>
<p>The Pikes Peak Highway is open to cyclists year-round. Over a thousand people made the gritty climb during a one-month test period last year. Many riders wheeze their way to the top every weekend.</p>
<p>“The best months to ride the Peak are June and July. But tourism traffic is at its highest at that time. That’s scary for a cyclist,” McDonough said. “We will have the highway closed for three hours and rest stops along the way.”</p>
<p>Last year, Katie Compton won the women’s race and Leroy Popowski bulled his way to the men’s championship with a climb of one hour and eight minutes. He’s coming back to defend his title and has his lunatic eyes set on puncturing an hour.</p>
<p>To date, participation numbers are ahead of schedule with over 100 pre-registrations in the books, mostly from out of town. Some 500 riders braved the climb into thin air in 2012. As for the future, McDonough is optimistic.</p>
<p>“We’d like to grow each year and get as many people to enjoy the mountain as we can,” he said.</p> Cyclists can pedal the Pikes Peak Highway beginning Jan. 1, 2013tag:pikespeaksports.us,2012-12-14:5021591:Topic:4031972012-12-14T22:03:54.846ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419264?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419264?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"></img></a></p>
<p>From the Pikes Peak Highway<br></br> Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, will open the Pikes Peak Highway to unescorted bicyclists year-round beginning January 1, 2013.</p>
<p>“After a successful pilot program in September 2012, we are very excited to open the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists year round,” says Karen Palus,…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419264?profile=original"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656419264?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"/></a></p>
<p>From the Pikes Peak Highway<br/> Pikes Peak - America’s Mountain, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, will open the Pikes Peak Highway to unescorted bicyclists year-round beginning January 1, 2013.</p>
<p>“After a successful pilot program in September 2012, we are very excited to open the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists year round,” says Karen Palus, City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director. “We know avid cyclists from the Pikes Peak Region and around the world will come to experience the challenge and beauty that Pike’s Peak - America’s Mountain has to offer.”</p>
<p>The idea had huge support from the Pikes Peak Highway staff, the city and local cyclists. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board gave its thumbs up in November following a successful pilot program in September when 1,041 cyclists pedaled on the highway.</p>
<p>"To say that I'm delighted with the news is an understatement," said Nancy Hobbs, parks board chairperson. "Riding up the highway on a bike provides a fantastic opportunity for people to see the Pikes Peak Highway in a different - albeit challenging - way. I applaud all those who supported this move to open the highway to unescorted cyclists and hope to be one of the many thousands expected to enjoy this ride in 2013 and beyond."</p>
<p>All riders must complete a use agreement and liability waiver available at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. Because of the extreme nature of the mountain, children under the age of 18 must be escorted by a parent or legal guardian.</p>
<p>Riders need to be aware that there will be vehicular traffic and construction on the Highway and should be prepared for changing weather conditions.</p>
<p>There is no parking near the tollgate so any riders planning to drive to the highway and then bike to the summit are encouraged to park at the Crystal Reservoir Visitors Center parking lot or above. All riders must follow all safety and traffic rules, use regulations and hours of operation.</p>
<p>Participants are required to pay the regular admission fee or use one of the Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain passes. North Slope fees and passes are not eligible for this opportunity.</p>
<p>More information can be found at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springsgov.com%2Fpikespeak&h=HAQFMp0LyAQHIJ7ATOyqffA8CcIfJvo0WIv17NIJEBgyzcg&s=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow">www.springsgov.com/pikespeak</a> or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pikespeakcolorado.com&h=zAQExxF7_AQGXqPo5d8YTqlqY_y4yAiznUEYiv23OuT2kDw&s=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow">www.pikespeakcolorado.com</a>.</p> Wheels turning for unrestricted cycling on Pikes Peak Highwaytag:pikespeaksports.us,2012-11-09:5021591:Topic:3930322012-11-09T04:24:01.196ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415627?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415627?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350"></img></a> If the members of the Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Advisory Board get their way, cyclists will soon be allowed to ride unrestricted on the Pikes Peak Highway.</p>
<p>After listening to the passionate words of several area cycling advocates and a positive report from Pikes Peak Highway Superindendent Jack Glavan, the board overwhelmingly supported opening the highway…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415627?profile=original"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415627?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350"/></a>If the members of the Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation Advisory Board get their way, cyclists will soon be allowed to ride unrestricted on the Pikes Peak Highway.</p>
<p>After listening to the passionate words of several area cycling advocates and a positive report from Pikes Peak Highway Superindendent Jack Glavan, the board overwhelmingly supported opening the highway to cyclists with no date restrictions.</p>
<p>Glavan said he'll meet with his staff and then seek input from the U.S. Forest Service. He said the highway could be open this year, but most likely final approval will come in early 2013. The decision does not require city council approval.</p>
<p>"I see no reason why it shouldn't be open to cyclists," said board member Gary Feffer. "We're not a fat community, we're an active community and to have the highway open is a huge statement about who we are."</p>
<p>Of all the cyclists in the room, none wanted an open Pikes Peak Highway as much as Al Brody who has preached the two-wheeled gospel for years. Brody said the highway can be opened immediately, citing the city's special use permit from the Forest Service which includes language that encourages activities such as cycling.</p>
<p>"It's not a matter of should we allow cyclists on the Pikes Peak Highway," Brody said. "It's ... do we have the right to not allow them on the highway?"</p>
<p>Board member Andy Finn agreed.</p>
<p>"This (opening the highway) is not only a wonderful opportunity for everyone, but also an obligation," he said.</p>
<p>Scott Christopher, the Development and Outreach Coordinator for the Denver-based nonprofit Bicycle Colorado, also spoke in favor of pedaling Pikes Peak.</p>
<p>"We're asking that you allow all bikes and all vehicles to truly make it America's Mountain," he said.</p>
<p>During September's pilot program - a test run of sorts - 1,041 cyclist pedaled on the highway.There were no car/bike confrontations, but safety is a concern. The highway is narrow, with tricky twists and turns, plus heavy auto traffic. There were 170,000 visitors from June through August in 2011, about 75 percent of them from out of state.</p>
<p>Sonny Augustine, a longtime cyclist spoke in favor of opening the highway, but also said that descending can be tricky and that cyclists would be wise to keep their speed in check.</p>
<p>"Coming down, you can get out of control quickly," he said.</p>
<p>But the board was impressed by the cyclists who insisted that riders with the experience and skills to try Pikes Peak are riders who are also responsible. Several indicated that cycling during busy tourism days wouldn't be advisable.</p>
<p>"From what I've heard, I can tell that we have a cycling community that is engaged and responsible," Feffer said.</p>
<p>The thrill of riding to the top of Pikes Peak is something that all cyclist should experience said Randi Hitchcock, of the nonprofit organization UpaDowna.</p>
<p>"I thought I would have a hard time," she said. "It was the longest ride of my life, but I made it to the top. We did it on Sept. 11 and it was very inspiring. And we didn't have a problem with cars. People would drive buy and roll down their windows and encourage us."</p> Assault on Pikes Peaktag:pikespeaksports.us,2012-07-11:5021591:Topic:3452242012-07-11T15:44:45.518ZLynne Fondahttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/LynneFonda
Would love to hear experiences of those who've done it! Today is final day to register, and I'd like to do it. Would also like to hear overall impressions, times, weather, what to expect, and so forth. Thanks so much!
Would love to hear experiences of those who've done it! Today is final day to register, and I'd like to do it. Would also like to hear overall impressions, times, weather, what to expect, and so forth. Thanks so much! Pro cyclists give thumbs up to Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climbtag:pikespeaksports.us,2012-05-11:5021591:Topic:3212492012-05-11T14:00:51.008ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415295?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415295?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a> By Pat McDonough<br></br> A trio of top cyclists took to the Pikes Peak Highway earlier this week to check out the road for the 2012 Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. The race and fun ride is scheduled for Saturday, July 14th.</p>
<p>The professional cyclists included Leroy Popowski and Mike Creed of Colorado Springs, and Kevin Nicol of Boulder made the ride to…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415295?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656415295?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a>By Pat McDonough<br/> A trio of top cyclists took to the Pikes Peak Highway earlier this week to check out the road for the 2012 Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb. The race and fun ride is scheduled for Saturday, July 14th.</p>
<p>The professional cyclists included Leroy Popowski and Mike Creed of Colorado Springs, and Kevin Nicol of Boulder made the ride to the famous mountain's 14,115-foot summit.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/pikes-peak-preview" target="_blank">Video of the course and interviews with the riders</a></p>
<p>Popowski rides for Juwi-Slipstream Cycling Team and won the Mt. Evans Hill Climb, Lookout Mountain Hill Climb and the Mike Horgan Hill Climbs in 2011. He also is the record holder of the ride up Pikes Peak.</p>
<p>Creed rides for the Optum Pro Cycling/Kelly Benefits Team, and is a multi-time U.S. Champion and recently won the Madera Stage Race in California.</p>
<p>Nicol rides for Tokyo Joe's - Whole Foods/Primal Team, he is a 4- time winner of Colorado's Best All Around Rider award and the winner of Mt. Evans Hill Climb in 2008.<br/> The peak had seen some snowfall over the past week but the riders were treated to a great day of weather. The temperature was 40 degrees at the start line dipping down to 32 at the summit. The sky was crystal clear with little to no wind.</p>
<p>The riders climbed at a steady pace where they could talk and and even took a break to enjoy the views. The trio covered the 20km in just under 1 hr. and 40 minutes. The group felt that the Pro Cat 1-2 Men's race on July 14th will have a time closer to 1 hr. 20 min. "There is no doubt that the group will attack this mountain at a faster speed." Stated Michael Creed. "We took it easy today but we also had great weather. You never know what to expect up here." Creed will be competing in the Amgen Tour of California starting this Sunday.</p>
<p>Regarding the time limit that is in place for the Fun Ride participants (Fun Ride participants will have 3 hrs to complete the ride ) LeRoy Popowski commented "I think that the time is just right. To be honest most cycling enthusiasts who are ride regularly should be able to make it to the summit in 3 hrs. That is a speed of about 4 miles per hour."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ridepikespeak.com/" target="_blank">Register for the Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb</a></p>
<p>One of the questions that seem to be asked by many is what gearing combinations should they use for the climb. Kevin Nicol, stated "I think a 34 x 26 would work for most riders. Of course LeRoy rode up today in 39 x 23, but he is a monster!" <br/> All three riders agreed that the pavement was great. Comments like it "rode like glass" and was "silky smooth" were repeated by all several times. The Pikes Peak Highway is now paved completely to the summit. The final 1.5 miles of dirt was paved in September of last year so this group was the first to ride their bikes up the new pavement.</p> Assault on the Peak date moved to July 14tag:pikespeaksports.us,2012-03-09:5021591:Topic:3035662012-03-09T23:18:06.927ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656416282?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656416282?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"></img></a> <strong>The Assault on the Peak is scheduled for July 14. Registration will open soon and costs $75.</strong><br></br> <br></br> If you are planning to ride your bike in the 2012 Assault on the Peak, you better get your climbing legs in shape.</p>
<p>Race organizers have moved the date to July 14, about two months earlier than previous Pikes Peak rides. And there will be a bike race…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656416282?profile=original"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656416282?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="650"/></a><strong>The Assault on the Peak is scheduled for July 14. Registration will open soon and costs $75.</strong><br/> <br/>
If you are planning to ride your bike in the 2012 Assault on the Peak, you better get your climbing legs in shape.</p>
<p>Race organizers have moved the date to July 14, about two months earlier than previous Pikes Peak rides. And there will be a bike race this year, in addition to the fun ride.</p>
<p>"We've tried to plan it around some other hill climb races in the state," said Pat McDonough, Assault on the Peak race director. "There will climbs in Boulder on the weekends before our event, and then the Mt. Evans Hill Climb will be the weekend after us. We think this earlier date, rather than late in the season, will be much better for us.<br/> <br/>
<a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/leroy-popowski-leads-assault" target="_blank">Video: Leroy Papowski, first winner of Assault on the Peak</a><br/>
<a href="http://www.pikespeaksports.us/video/unicyclist-rides-to-the-top-of" target="_blank">Video: Mike Tierney, unicyclist rides Pikes Peak</a><br/>
<br/>
The Assault on the Peak offers cyclist an opportunity to ride on the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile stretch of blacktop that begins in Crystola and ends at the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. Cycling is not allowed there the rest of the year.</p>
<p>The Assault on the Peak course will be about half the length of the old course, with cyclists beginning at the starting line for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, near Crystal Reservoir. From the start to the summit the course will be about 20K, or 12.4 miles, in length.</p>
<p>The shorter length, along with a more affordable $75 entry fee, should attract more participants. There were about 350 riders in 2010, the inaugural year. But that number dipped to about 210 last year.</p>
<p>"I really think that a lot more people will be able to finish this kind of distance," McDonough said.</p>
<p>Those who enjoy a good sunrise will appreciate this year's Assault. McDonough said the event will likely start at about 6 a.m. so that cyclists can make their way to the top and back before the road is open to auto traffic.</p>
<p>"The big thing is dropping entry fee to $75," McDonough said. "We had to make a lot of these changes to be able to get it down to that."</p>
<p>The bike race to the summit could quickly grow to become a classic, with riders burning their legs on the steep grades above 13,000 feet. Pikes Peak is a mountain that has challenged runners and auto racers for years. With paving completed from top to bottom, the Pikes Peak Highway provides a great course.</p>
<p>"They really take care of it," McDonough said. "It's really one of the nicest roads in the area."</p>
<p>Based on earlier times - the record from Manitou Springs to the Summit is 2 hours, 17 minutes - McDonough said that the strongest riders could reach the summit finish line in an hour.</p>
<p>Like the 10-minute mark in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an hour for a cyclist could become "the magic number," McDonough said. "That would be an impressive ride."</p>
<p>Registration will open soon. The event website is being worked over. McDonough said a press release with more details will be distributed in about a week.</p> Your help counting cyclists on our regional paths and trails will lead to better riding for everyonetag:pikespeaksports.us,2011-09-09:5021591:Topic:2432982011-09-09T20:54:10.495ZTim Bergstenhttp://pikespeaksports.us/profile/TimBergsten
<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407274?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407274?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407442?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407442?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="260"></img></a> PPACG, in cooperation with the City of Colorado Springs, is sponsoring a Fall 2011 volunteer-based traffic count program to record bicycle and pedestrian traffic on trails and bicycle lanes around the region. The data collected helps to quantify the level of…
<a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407274?profile=original"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407274?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="600"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407442?profile=original"><img width="260" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2656407442?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="260"/></a>PPACG, in cooperation with the City of Colorado Springs, is sponsoring a Fall 2011 volunteer-based traffic count program to record bicycle and pedestrian traffic on trails and bicycle lanes around the region. The data collected helps to quantify the level of usage of the community’s bicycle and pedestrian transportation facilities. This data can be used to estimate existing use as well as future demand on these facilities. It can also help identify and prioritize project needs and the limited resources available to implement bicycle and pedestrian improvements.<br/>
<p>The first traffic count was completed in September 2010, the second was completed in May 2011, and the third was completed in July 2011.</p>
<p>The counting will take place on Sept. 10, 14 and 17.</p>
<p>To volunteer, <a href="http://www.ppacg.org/index.php?option=com_content&id=761" target="_blank">please click here.</a></p>