April 21, 2010 (Colorado Springs, Colo.)—Summit Cycling Productions, in conjunction with the city of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Highway, announced today plans for the inaugural Assault on the Peak bicycle ride this summer.

 Scheduled for Sunday, August 29, the 2010 Assault on the Peak will provide cycling enthusiasts with the opportunity to ascend America’s most famous mountain.  The 18.5-mile route promises to be one of the most challenging in the world for an organized cycling event, ascending 6,360 vertical feet from the base of Pikes Peak to its 14,115-foot summit.

 Cyclists have long desired to scale America’s easternmost 14,000-foot mountain, but the lone road that climbs its face – the Pikes Peak Highway – is normally closed to public bicycle traffic. But on August 29, the highway will be completely closed to motor vehicle traffic as cyclists will climb the mountain on a securely closed course. 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.

 “The Assault on the Peak fills a void for recreational cyclists, adventure seekers and elite athletes who have always had the ambition to summit Pikes Peak on their bike,” explains event director Pat McDonough. “This is really a unique occasion for anyone who wants to test themselves physically and challenge the mountain.”

 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 and 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 2010 Assault on the Peak is the latest in a long line of events geared towards adventure tourism in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Sports and Special Events Manager Cheryl McCullough agrees, “As a destination we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to offer our services and resources to help ensure the success of this unique cycling event.  Assault on the Peak is THE cycling event of 2010 and will bring in cyclists from all over who seek to conquer Pikes Peak.” The CVB sees this event as an enormous opportunity to further market what the area has to offer both domestic and international travelers.

 “We are excited about hosting this event and believe that it will be a boost for tourism for Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, the city of Colorado Springs and the surrounding region,” said Pikes Peak Highway Manager Jack Glavan.

 For more information on the 2010 Assault on the Peak, visit www.ridepikespeak.com.

 Participants can register online at www.bikereg.com. Registration is limited to the first 1,500 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.