In what was probably the easiest decision ever made, the social network PikesPeakSports.us and Peak Region Cyclist magazine have announced a new content-sharing agreement that will provide more comprehensive cycling coverage for Colorado Springs-area riders.

"Teaming with the wild boys at PikesPeakSports.us is a no-brainer," said David Pico, publisher of Peak Region Cyclist. "I always see the advancement of the local cycling community as something that's going to take teamwork and input from many different people."

What does the agreement mean? For PikesPeakSports.us, it means a print outlet for the cycling stories that appear on the website, plus exposure to Peak Region Cyclist's readers. The monthly magazine will benefit by tapping into the PikesPeakSports.us network, including regular posts on several Facebook pages and Twitter. For readers, that equates to more cycling features online and in print, more access to breaking news, more local ride information and an event calendar that is second to none.

PikesPeakSports.us was started in February, 2010, by local cyclists and runners Brian McCarrie and Tim Bergsten. Peak Region Cyclist was launched in 2008.

"We're totally stoked about this partnership with Peak Region Cyclist and what it means for the cycling community in Colorado Springs," McCarrie said. "With Peak Region Cyclist's print publication and our online presence, we'll be able to cover more events with greater detail and get it out to more cyclist."

One of the main goals for both organizations is community building.
"We've said from Day 1 that the top priorities for PikesPeakSports.us are, 1. Community, 2. Community, and 3. Community ... not necessarily in that order," Bergsten said. "I think David and Brian and I see that if we're working together, we can help make that happen."

The Pikes Peak Region boasts a large and active cycling community, a fact that accounts for several new cycling events coming here this year, including the Mountain States Cup mountain bike series, The Southern Colorado Tour de Cure, The Ring the Peak endurance mountain bike ride and pro cycling's Quiznos Pro Challenge.
"There's a reason the Pikes Peak Region is attracting great events," Bergsten said. "It's the people here ... people like David and many others. They love cycling, they care for each other and their community. It's a blast to be part of it."

Peak Region Cyclist magazine is available for free each month at bike shops and other locations throughout the region. Anyone with internet access can become a member of PikesPeakSports.us. All are encouraged to share photos, blogs and stories of their riding, running, hiking and climbing adventures there.

Peak Region Cyclist has started an account on PikesPeakSports.us, and a special Peak Region Cyclist page has been added to the site. To access Peak Region Cyclist's online coverage, log on to PikesPeakSports.us and click the Peak Region Cyclist logo.
Pico said he is confident the agreement will benefit everyone who rides in the shadow of Pikes Peak.

"Tim and Brian (at Pikes Peak Sports) have about as much fun with cycling and outdoors as anybody in town," he said. "They've earned the eyes and ears of athletes and weekend warriors through good old-fashioned hard work. It's time to rock and roll."