We reported last month that there are big changes coming to the Assault on the Peak bike ride. Turns out, the ride will have a new event date, a shorter (but still challenging) course, a more affordable entry fee, adds a real race to the mix, and gets a new name to boot!

From Pat McDonough
Summit Cycling Productions
Summit Cycling Productions announced today that registration for The 2012 Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb is open. Scheduled for Saturday, July 14th the annual event that gives cycling enthusiasts their one chance a year to climb to the summit of Pikes Peak, America's Mountain has made a number of other changes for 2012.

The Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb (formerly known as Assault on the Peak) will provide cycling enthusiasts and USA Cycling racers the opportunity to ascend America's most famous mountain using the same course that the automobiles utilize.  The 19.9 km route is incredibly challenging ascending over 4,700 vertical feet and includes over 154 turns on the course up to Pikes Peak summit at 14,115-feet.

The Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb will include a USA Cycling Race open to licensed USA Cycling racers as well as the Fun Ride open to all. The race will include a total prize list of more than $4,000 and features a Pro, Cat 1-2 event for both Men and Women. The Fun Ride will also be sanctioned by USA Cycling and will again be a supported, non-competitive fun ride. Participants will be given an official finishing time, enjoy rest stops and all official finishers will receive a medal.

The biggest news may be the change in fees that riders will be charged to enter into the event. In the past the entry fee was between $150-$200 depending on when the rider entered. The entry fee for the 2012 Pikes Peak or Bust Cycling Hill Climb will be $55 for those riding the Fun Ride and $75 for the USA Cycling Race.

"We worked hard with the City of Colorado Springs and especially those involved with America's Mountain, Pikes Peak Highway to continue to grow this event. The changes we have made, especially the lower entry fees should lower the barrier for cyclists to attempt climbing to the summit of Pikes Peak" explains event director Pat McDonough. "This is really a unique occasion for anyone who wants to test themselves physically and challenge the mountain."

For more information on the 2012 Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak or Bust Cycling Hill Climb visit www.ridepikespeak.com. Participants can register online via a link found on the website.

Event:                                     Red Noland Cadillac Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb
 
Date & Times:                         Saturday, July 14th
                                               Fun Ride @ 6:00am
                                               USA Cycling Races @ 6:30am
                                               Finish Time: 9:00am            
 
Distance:                                20km
 
Elevation:                               Start -  9,390 ft.
                                               Finish - 14,110 ft
                                               Total elevation gain - 4,720ft.                                    
                                                
Grade:                                     Average grade - 7.0%
                                               Maximum grade - 10.5%
 
Fun Ride Info:                        Food & water available at Start & Summit
                                               Water available at Glen Cove
                                               Warm Clothes drop off at Summit
                                               Medals to all finishers
 
Race Info:                               $4,000+ total prizes
                                               Race Awards held at the Summit - 8:30am
 
 
Registration:                            $55 Fun Ride
$75 USA Cycling Race
On line Registration visit event website
                                                www.ridepikespeak.com