PHOTO: Riders make their way past Crystal Reservoir during the inaugural Assault on the Peak in August, 2010. The Assault on the Peak ride climbs about 8,000 feet in 24.5 miles.

Click here to see hundreds of photos and video from the 2010 Assaul...

From the Convention and Visitor's Bureau - Summit Cycling Productions, in conjunction with the city of Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, announced today registration is now open for the 2nd Annual Assault on the Peak.

Scheduled for Sunday, August 28, the 2011 Assault on the Peak will provide cycling enthusiasts with the opportunity to ascend America's most famous mountain. The 24.5-mile route is one of the most challenging organized cycling events in the world, ascending close to 8,000 vertical feet from Manitou Springs, CO to the Pikes Peak summit at 14,115-feet.

Last year, riders from 18 states accepted the challenge to ride America's Mountain. Many veterans of notable hill climbs such as Mt. Evans and Mt. Washington participated in the inaugural event. Once again this August, the Pikes Peak Highway, normally closed to public bicycle traffic, will be completely closed to motor vehicle traffic as cyclists will climb the mountain on a securely closed course.

"The Assault on the Peak offers a unique challenge for recreational cyclists, adventure seekers and elite athletes to summit Pikes Peak on their bike," explains event director Pat McDonough. "It's time to once again conquer the purple mountain majesty in all its glory."

Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the event is billed as a "fully-supported, non-competitive fun ride", meaning participants will be given an official finishing time provided by a professional chip timing company. Riders will have access to several amenities such as refreshments at rest stops along the course, technical support provided by local bicycle shops, transportation down the mountain and other services.

The 2011 Assault on the Peak is the latest in a long line of events geared towards cycling and adventure tourism in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Sports and Special Events Manager Cheryl McCullough agrees, "Colorado Springs was named among 'America's Bike-Friendliest Cities' in 2011 by Bicycling magazine and events such as this, along with the inaugural Quiznos Pro Challenge in 2011, help solidify why. We hope leisure and avid cyclists look at these events as an open invitation to take an adventure vacation in the Pikes Peak region."

Participants can register online at www.bikereg.com. The all-inclusive event is open to men and women ages 18 and up and will be capped at the first 1,500 participants to register. More information on the 2011 Assault on the Peak and a full list of sponsors, visit www.ridespikespeak.com.