Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Pedal The Plains Brings The Eastern Plains of Colorado to Life

Pedal The Plains (PTP) the 3-day tour will take participants on a 200-mile adventure as they cycle through the Eastern Plains of Colorado where the countryside is woven together like a quilt stitched with golden, chocolate and emerald patches. Beginning September 14th riders will head from Kiowa to Bennett on a 40.6 mile ride, stay in Bennett for departure on day 2 to Limon, riding 82.5 miles. Day 2 brings a century option (100 mile ride) as well as the Great Mustang Gravel 100 for those looking for a challenge. For day 3, riders make their way 76.2 miles from Limon ending the 3-day tour in Kiowa.

“Pedal The Plains highlights all the wonderful things about the Eastern Plains - the great communities that come out to support the cyclists, the beautiful countryside and the rich history of the area. Additionally, the ride accommodates all levels of cyclists, from the first timers who want to give it a try, to those that need to hammer out as much mileage as possible and even a gravel ride,” comments Deirdre Moynihan.

PTP is an initiative of The Denver Post and the State of Colorado. The Tour incorporates interactive on-route experiences by staging rest stops on farms, posting educational points of interest and serving community meals composed of locally sourced food.

In addition to farm fresh meals, entertainment will also include a beer garden and local flair from country bands to existing harvest festivals and county fairs. Host communities benefit economically through associated fundraising initiatives and the influx of riders and their families. Vehicles for economic gain include, but are not limited to, food and beverage sales, lodging, retail and entertainment.

Pedal The Plains is a Signature Event of The Denver Post Community Foundation and helps support nonprofit agencies that work to improve the lives of Coloradans in the towns hosting the Tour. Pedal The Plains and The Denver Post Community Foundation Grant Program allow us to provide a $3,000 grant to a deserving organization in each host community along with a $7,000 grant to Colorado 4-H and Colorado FFA Foundation. The Grant Program funds nonprofit organizations that provide services for low-income children and youth through community programs that support recreation and/ or youth education.