Pro Challenge Experience – Ride Like the Pros

As you all sit on your spinners and watch Le Tour de France know that with a little planning you can get out and ride like USA Pro Challenge riders here in Colorado! On Sunday Aug. 19, the Pro Challenge Experience Presented By UnitedHealthcare will give recreational and competitive cyclists the opportunity to challenge themselves against some of the most difficult and scenic terrain in the world.

Utilizing portions of the USA Pro Challenge Stage 1 route, the Pro Challenge Experience will give people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride like a pro. Featuring two distances, this historic bike ride and festival is open to cyclists of all ages.

“The Pro Challenge Experience gives fans the opportunity to ride part of the course the pros will utilize the following day,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “We want people to not only have the opportunity to witness the action of the USA Pro Challenge, but also experience it for themselves.”

With two distances available – 45 miles and 72 miles – riders can select the option that is best suited for their ability. Both starting at 7 a.m. MT, the routes begin in downtown Durango with a loop of the USA Pro Challenge official start. Riders will then head through Wildcat Canyon and past the breathtaking scenery of the San Juan Mountains and San Juan National Forest. After returning briefly to downtown Durango, the riders will climb steadily to Durango Mountain Resort via Route 250 and Shalona Hill. At this point, cyclists participating in the 45-mile route can stop and celebrate at a festival hosted by Durango Mountain Resort. Those wishing to continue will complete another 27 miles on the return to Durango via Route 550 with a final push into Fort Lewis College to cross the line at the official finish festival.

The cost to participate in the Pro Challenge Experience is $65 and includes an exclusive commemorative shirt. Spots for the event are limited and can be reserved at www.prochallenge.com/register. Upon registering, participants will have the option to raise funds for America’s Road Home, a nonprofit organization focused on ending family homelessness, and Trails2000, a nonprofit that builds and maintains trails, while educating users and encouraging connectivity.

Participants traveling to the event can book discounted travel packages through the USA Pro Challenge and Durango Mountain Resort. The race will offer a 10 percent discount on The Grand Depart travel package, and Durango Mountain Resort is offering packages including lodging and mountain activities starting at $51 per person per night to participants. In addition to discounted rooms, participants staying at Durango Mountain Resort can reserve transportation to and from the start of the ride in downtown Durango for $15 each way by calling 970-426-7282.

I’m thinking the 72! How about you? We are getting excited for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. Stayed tuned to us here at MTN Town Magazine, we will keep you informed!

~MTN Town Magazine

MtnTownViews.com is MTN Town Magazine‘s daily journal blogging about Colorado’s mountain towns. Like them on Facebook and Follow on Twitter.

Photo Credits: USAPCC
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