The Aspen City Council is excited to announce that they have agreed to invest a fair amount of cash into a “grassroots, old-school, Aspen-style concert” when the USA Pro Cycling Challenge rolls into town in August.
The actual date of the concert is still up in the air, according to Nancy Lesley the director of Special Events for the city of Aspen, Colorado. She revealed that two concert dates will most likely take place, with one on an evening between August 10 and 12 and the other on August 22. The second date would correspond with pro cyclists descending into Aspen from Independence Pass on the first stage of the Cycling Challenge.
The concert will be an open event, free to the public and held in a city park. While the actual race doesn’t kickoff until August 22, 2012, the first concert will help build excitement for the grueling challenge and serve as a countdown to the sporting event.
According to Lesley, last year there weren’t many events and activities planned around the race, which didn’t generate enough fan fair and disappointed vendors. “Because we are a two-stage host (of a seven-stage race), it will keep people in town and the enthusiasm for the race alive.”
Looking to attend the USA Pro Cycling Challenge? The event will feature an exciting 131-mile Queen Stage between Gunnison and Aspen on August 22. Secondly, on August 23, competitors will climb Independence Pass for a 97-mile expedition and will end in Beaver Creek.
There will be 135 of the best cyclists from around the world who will take part in the race that has been noted as “the most challenging race ever held on American soil.” The entire race will span a total of 518 miles through the Rockies.
For cyclists and race fans alike, Aspen vacation rentals are an excellent option for lodging. It is possible to find a beautiful Aspen home rental on Aspen VRBO. Aspen rentals normally come equipped with full kitchens, which is ideal for three or more travelers in their effort to fix healthy meals and get plenty of rest. Some even include two-car (or more) garages to safeguard cars, road bikes, and equipment.
Don’t miss out on all the racing fun in Aspen!!