Colorado’s Most Iconic Cycling Events Thrive Under New Ownership
New management brings fresh ideas and the all new Pedal Pass to Colorado cycling.
Effective this spring, a dynamic new team is leading the charge at Colorado’s most popular and iconic cycling events. ClippedIn Events, an experienced staff of cycling industry veterans, event production pros and fitness innovators, is now crafting the cycling experiences at six of Colorado’s most well-known bicycling events: The Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, Subaru Sunrise-Sunset 12 Hr. MTB Race, Primal Colorado Bike Expo, i25 Kia Copper Triangle, Tour de Vineyards and the Icon Eyecare Tour of the Moon. Continuing the decades old traditions of these popular events while adding new experiences, higher quality food and beverage, and fresh opportunities for cyclists to engage, the new owners and their experienced staff are committed to helping novice and seasoned riders alike enjoy the best of Colorado’s cycling landscape.
The New Team
Scott Olmsted, new Managing Partner and longtime cycling event manager, is excited to build on the historical successes of their stable of quality events. “For us, life really is about experiences not things,” says Olmsted, “and our goal is to bring the safe and memorable cycling experiences we always have, with a commitment to ensuring that you have the time of your life pedaling our amazing courses and enjoying our expos and post-ride celebrations. We really do believe Colorado is best experienced from the seat of a bike, and we’re here to help you do that, from registration through the ride itself.”
The timing of the new team’s announcement is intentional since May is National Bike Month, a chance to celebrate the unique benefits of cycling and the many reasons people ride, as well as recognize Colorado’s special place in the cycling world. Whether one is biking to work or school; riding to save money or time; pumping the pedals to preserve health and/or the environment; or, simply exploring a local or far-flung community, Colorado welcomes cyclists. The team is well aware that Colorado currently ranks 6th among the 50 states for its “Bike Friendliness,” (a measure that encompasses statewide spending for cycling infrastructure, miles of cycling accessible roads and trails and the number of bike fatalities, according, to the League of American Bicyclists). Colorado is a bike lover’s paradise: According to the Boulder-based Outdoor Industry Association, 71% of Colorado citizens participate in outdoor activities, including cycling, every year, one of the highest rates in the nation. Communities across Colorado recognize that outdoor recreation supports heath, contributes to a high quality of life and—perhaps most importantly—attracts and sustains employers and families. Olmsted knows that their events “give our participants meaningful ways to experience that uniquely Colorado outdoor culture.”
Fellow Managing Partner, Chandler Smith, directed such iconic multi-day events as The Denver Post Ride The Rockies and Pedal The Plains, and most recently the Mavic Haute Route Rockies. These experiences allowed him to see the power and influence of cycling throughout the state. For Smith, “Colorado is a cyclist’s haven; we’re a bike-friendly state with scenery that is second to none, good roads and trails, and welcoming communities.
We want to continue these great events while adding new ones to build and connect the local and global cycling community. We know Coloradans recognize that being outdoors is great for their health and contributes to the high quality of life we enjoy here. We support that lifestyle with events that give riders and their families extraordinary ways to experience all that our state has to offer. This year we’re offering the new Pedal Pass, an innovative way for riders to sign up for multiple rides at once, and adding a host of enticing benefits to make that an easy and value-driven decision. In addition to our events and online resource, BikeState38, we’re creating exciting avenues for cyclists to engage with one another and with the many opportunities to ride throughout Colorado. ”
Robin Thurston, investor and advisor to the team, brings a wealth of experience and innovation that has united the community of outdoor athletes. Thurston, who co-founded MapMyFitness and its powerful suite of apps for outdoor athletes (MapMyRun, MapMyRide), is especially interested in designing ways that enhance cyclists’ experience, both on the road and within the Colorado cycling community. “The future is about experiences and we plan to re-invent these rides for our participants. I was excited to invest in these events because of the outstanding leadership and event management experience that both Scott and Chandler possess. I grew up riding and racing in Colorado in the 1980’s where I was exposed to these great tours. Through them I developed some incredible lifelong cycling friendships. My hope is that cyclists of all ages and skill levels have similar shared experiences with these iconic events and come back year after year.”
The first of the new team’s events, the annual Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, now in its 31st year, kicks off the summer cycling season in grand style on June 2 and 3 in Castle Rock, CO. Encompassing the Primal Colorado Bike Expo, The Subaru Sunrise to Sunset MTB Race, and the 5 courses (from 8 to 100 miles) of the Elephant Rock Ride, the weekend gets the cycling season off to a memorable and fun start.
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