Race director Josh Kravetz was guest for the Sidebar and gave Susie Wargin the lowdown on what riders can expect in the Urban Assault Ride which takes place on Sunday, July 25th. The ride features a fun and funky obstacle courses set at various checkpoints around town. The race begins at Skyline Park at 16th and Arapahoe at 9:00am.
The event began in Austin, Texas in 2003, and was designed to show riders that cycling is not only a viable means of transportation and a healthy lifestyle choice, but also a vehicle for serious fun.
Teams of two make their way to checkpoints around town where they complete funky obstacle courses before continuing on. Obstacles change from year-to-year and city-to-city, so cyclists can always look forward to something new. This year's obstacles include human bowling, piggy back polo and the paper boy relay. At a special stop at Six Flags Amusement Park, participants will choose from a roller coaster ride or a water attraction.
The combination of cycling and obstacles make it fun for riders of all ages and abilities. Riders can expect to pedal 15-25 miles, depending on the route they choose. Family teams will ride about 15 miles.
New this year, participants have a chance to win a limited edition New Belgium Brewing Cruiser Bike which will be raffled off at the after party.
The Urban Assault Ride is a sustainable event with a mission. Because participants are required to choose their own route between each checkpoint, they gain a better understanding of their city's bike infrastructure and can experience, first hand, the viability of using a bike for in-town transportation.
All 2009 venues were solar powered, and the Chicago UAR was 100% off the grid. A truck fueled by bio-diesel delvers gear to the race, and nearly all waste is compostable or recyclable. In 2009, trash marshals diverted an average of 90% of event-related waste from landfills.
For more information and to sign up, visit www.urbanassaultride.com
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