FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bike the Byways Program Launched Promoting State Tourism

Denver (June 13, 2011)— A new program just launched to encourage tourism visits to all parts of our state. Bike the Byways, a joint Bicycle Colorado and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) initiative, promotes bicycling along the state’s 25 designated Scenic Byways routes.

“We hope this program will encourage folks to get out and visit areas of the state they may not have bicycled in before,” said Dan Grunig, Executive Director of Bicycle Colorado. “We have such a vast array of geography and terrain here in Colorado that the byways really do provide something for everyone.”

Colorado’s designated byways are scattered throughout the state and incorporate both paved and gravel roads. Routes range from a short 19-mile ride near Sterling, to a breath-taking trip to the top of Mt. Evans, to a multi-day tour deep in the San Juans. Cyclists are encouraged to register for free on the Bike the Byways website (www.BikeByways.org) and check off each byway they complete, similar to the popular 14ers hiking checklist. Website visitors can also include their experiences and provide tips about the routes.

From Boulder County Transportation offices

LEE HILL DRIVE CLOSED – 4th Street to Olde Stage, weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, June 13 through 24th. NO BICYCLE ACCESS TO LEE HILL OR OLDE STAGE DURING CLOSURES

No access to mountains from city of Boulder. Boulder County will reconstructing Lee Hill Drive over the next two weeks. The road will be closed during the day and have fairly horrendous surface conditions when it is open at night. Please use extreme caution during construction and obey closures when in effect.

This is the final step in the process of improving Lee Hill Drive for both cyclists and motorists. When re-opened, the road is expected to have its full width of asphalt. Additional work on curb-and-gutter, guardrail and re-vegetation will continue through the first week of July. One final layer of asphalt will mark the completion of the project for improved access and safety this summer and beyond.

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Cherryvale Road, Baseline to Arapahoe – Construction begins Monday, June 13

The 4th annual Rocky Mountain Bicycle Festival rolls into Denver, CO this weekend, June 11 & 12 at INVESCO Field. This year’s event will feature some of the most interesting companies in the cycling industry as well as free sports clinics, GoldSprints, movies, a kid’s riding course and games/art corner, the Cruiser Jamboree, free yoga, massage and more.

“We’re lucky have exhibitors that are some of the most innovative companies around,” said Festival Director Carol Johnson. “Boulder-based Green Guru will be accepting old tubes, wetsuits and climbing rope that they reclaim and turn into everything from leashes to luggage. Ron from King Cage will be showing people how he makes his world-famous titanium and steel bottle cages. We’ll have great custom framebuilders, non-profit groups and niche companies like Hüdz Enhancement Brake Hoods there as well.”