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Travel Channel’s TripFlip Series Features Colorado Springs, U.S. Olympic Training Center in New Episode

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Airing Sunday, May 12th at 6pm Mountain Time, Travel Channel personality and TripFlip series star Bert Kreischer takes the lead on a 3-day, all-expenses-paid trip to the Rocky Mountains with a couple from Los Angeles. The adventure includes parasailing in the Rockies, a night in a famous haunted hotel and an afternoon training session with Olympic athletes at Colorado Springs very own U.S. Olympic Training Center.

According to the show’s website, professional fun-seeker and travel expert Bert Kreischer convinces two random people to spontaneously agree to a 3-day surprise vacation. Kreischer delivers an action-packed itinerary stacked with the kind of VIP access, accommodations, gourmet food, unexpected twists and celebrity appearances that only Travel Channel can deliver. And forget about guidebooks and tour buses, because every Trip Flip is designed to get vacationers off the beaten path, out of their comfort zones and into the mind-blowing, life-changing experiences that inspire us all to travel in the first place.

The episode will air again at 1am Mountain Time on Monday morning. Find more information and behind-the-scenes photos here.

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Pikes Peak Open to Cyclists Year Round in 2013

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, will open the Pikes Peak Highway to unescorted bicyclists year round beginning January 1, 2013.

“After a successful pilot program in September 2012, we are very excited to open the Pikes Peak Highway to cyclists year round,” says Karen Palus, City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director. “We know avid cyclists from the Pikes Peak Region and around the world will come to experience the challenge and beauty that Pike’s Peak – America’s Mountain has to offer.”

All riders must complete a use agreement and liability waiver available at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate. Because of the extreme nature of the mountain, children under the age of 18 must be escorted by a parent or legal guardian. Riders need to be aware that there will be vehicular traffic and construction on the Highway and should be prepared for changing weather conditions.

There is no parking near the tollgate so any riders planning to drive to the highway and then bike to the summit are encouraged to park at the Crystal Reservoir Visitors Center parking lot or above. All riders must follow all safety and traffic rules, use regulations and hours of operation.

Participants are required to pay the regular admission fee or use one of the Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain passes. North Slope fees and passes are not eligible for this opportunity.

More information can be found at www.springsgov.com/pikespeak or www.pikespeakcolorado.com.

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Annual Presidents’ Day Hockey Tournament Skates into Colorado Springs February 15-18, 2013

Monday, February 11th, 2013

The Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey Association (CSAHA) will host the 36th annual Presidents’ Day Hockey Tournament February 15-18, 2013. The tournament is one of the largest and most successful of its kind held in North America.

There will be 87 total teams, two of which are sled hockey teams for paraplegic players, with over 1,300 participants plus their families. Over 60 teams will be staying at local hotels. Some have traveled up to 1,200 miles to play in this Amateur Hockey Association Tournament. Teams are coming from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas and Washington as well as Manitoba and British Columbia, Canada. “CSAHA and the Presidents’ Day Tournament Committee are excited that our event is attracting teams from all over North America. We can’t wait to showcase all of the great things Colorado Springs has to offer. We’re looking forward to another outstanding tournament weekend with a lot of high-level competition,” says Tournament Director Niki Pipkins.

This USA Hockey sanctioned tournament is estimated to bring an economic impact of approximately $1.5 million to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Games are free to the public and are being held at World Arena Ice Hall, Colorado College’s Honnen Arena, Cadet Ice Arena at the Air Force Academy, Sertich Ice Center and Colorado Sports Center. World Arena Main will act as the tournament’s headquarters.

In addition to the tournament, the Association has teamed up with former professional NHL Colorado Avalanche player Scott Parker and his charity “Parker’s Platoon”. This year, the charity’s mission is to help returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) get trained PTSD dogs to aid with recovery from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries). These are the same type of brain injuries that forced Parker to retire from hockey after suffering too many concussions during his career. Additionally, Parker lost teammate Wade Belak last summer and is compelled to help the special needs child he left behind. He is raffling off a 1964 Harley Davidson Panhead that has been completely customized to raise funds for the Belak family.  Raffle tickets are $100 each with only 500 tickets being sold. The winner will be drawn once all 500 have been sold.

For a full schedule of events and more information on CSAHA, visit www.CSAHA.com.

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Bob Bondurant High Performance Driving Expands to Pikes Peak International Raceway

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) today announced a new business venture that will strengthen Colorado’s attraction as a destination for corporate and participant motorsports events. The new partnership, Bondurant Performance Driving at PPIR, combines one of the most versatile motorsports venues with the most respected advanced driver training programs in the country.

The Bondurant School, based in Phoenix, is the largest purpose-built driving school in the world, with courses in high-performance driving, advanced road racing, teen driving, karting, highway safety, military training and executive protection. The school is celebrating its 44th year under the direction of Bob Bondurant, world champion driver and internationally recognized leader in advanced driver training.

PPIR, in Fountain, CO., just south of Colorado Springs, opened in 1997 as a venue for international motorsports events. Today the famed raceway hosts year-round racing, high performance testing, and participant events that appeal to all level of motorsports enthusiasts.

“After site visits and a meeting with my team, we voted with enthusiastic high-fives that PPIR is the beginning of the Bondurant expansion plan,” Bob Bondurant said. “The five-star facility has all the parallel benefits of our Phoenix home base, including the ability to race year-round, but to add the opportunity of an oval to our programs is absolutely fantastic!” he said.

PPIR CEO and co-owner John Molloy said, “Attracting Bondurant to PPIR puts a crown jewel of the motorsports industry in the heart of Colorado. By working together, we truly offer a one stop shop for corporations, event planners, team building leaders and individuals looking for exhilarating motorsports entertainment and educational programs,” Molloy said.

The addition of Bondurant’s presence at PPIR elevates the motorsports industry within the cluster of impressive international and national sports organizations in the Region. “This partnership represents a collaboration of the best in  motorsports and fuels enthusiasm and energy for the entire area,” Greater Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation Board Chairman Doug Quimby said.

Find more about this high-speed experience at www.PPIR.com.

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Colorado Springs Gets Dirty this Summer

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Colorado Springs is stacked with annual events like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and Colorado Balloon Classic, but this summer proves to be one of the dirtiest and most intense. Four rip-roaring challenges will drag competitors and spectators through the mud, really. Whether it’s a mythological Spartan Challenge, a Dirty Dash or a 1,400-foot elevation climb with an elephant-sized reward, there’s no reason not to get a little filthy this May and August. For more Colorado Springs area events, visit www.peakradar.com.

Spartan Race – Hades on Earth
May 5-6, 2012
Spartan Race is the world’s leading obstacle race series of pure primitive craziness. Spartan Race will take place at Fort Carson Army Base. The event is Military Sprint distance (approximately four miles) with a few extra “surprises” compliments of the 4th Infantry and Special Forces units. This Spartan-style race has its own unique rules, rankings and Military medals. Be warned, there is fire, muddy water, barbed wire and a veritable hell, or Hades, on earth. If the courses don’t damage entrants psyche, the clock will. Mud, bruises and awesome stories are free. www.spartanrace.com

Dirt Around the Collar
May 19, 2012
While there isn’t exactly dirt involved, competitors will be rewarded with a poo-tacular prize. It’s a run like no other, so the medallions should be unique, too. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo called on Lucky and Kimba, African elephants, to help make a special memento for the winners of the 4th annual Run to the Shrine. First the elephant poop was dried, then molded and cured with epoxy resin. This event is the only day of the year foot traffic is allowed on the breathtaking road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. Runners tackle the nearly 1,400-foot elevation gain that winds through the zoo with giraffes, tigers and grizzlies lining the course. All proceeds help feed and care for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 800+ animals. www.cmzoo.org 

Brag like the Big Dogs
August 4, 2012
Let’s face it, not everyone is a Greek-sized competitor. Not excited by electrocution? Then the inaugural Big Dog Brag is the mud run of choice. Don’t be fooled, the Big Dog Brag isn’t a Saturday Stoll. There’s no lack of mud pits, walls to scale, cargo net climbs or boulders. The course was designed for participants 13 and up and all fitness levels by a master challenge course architect and national rock crawl track designer. This event lets the whole family feel like a big dog. Proceeds support year-round programs for Extreme Impact and Adventure With A Purpose. www.bigdogbrag.com

Dirty Dash Mud Run
August 11, 2012
Defy the basic laws of running and relationships: push friends in the mud and drag their names through it. The Dirty Dash will take entrants and their friends to a Rocky Mountain High that doesn’t require an intervention or a visit from a friendly DEA agent. Crawl through pipes, launch down giant slip ‘n slides and navigate balance beams. This dirty endeavor even includes a beer (or root beer) chug to finish. Not only can spectators come for free, but they can buy water balloons at the Hog Wash obstacle to pummel runners as they pass. All the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society’s Climb for the Cure. www.thedirtydash.com

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Sky Sox to Feature “Where’s Sox the Fox” Promotion in 2012 Season

Friday, April 13th, 2012

Friday, April 13 will mark the home opener for the AAA Sky Sox Baseball’s 25th Season. The Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association have partnered with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox for a new “Where’s Sox the Fox?” promotion to highlight area attractions.

This new sponsorship will have Sox making appearances at popular regional attractions and random guests from the crowd will have to guess his correct location. Winners will receive one Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association “VIP” pass that provides complimentary admission and discounts to 24 regional attractions. This new promotion will take place during half of the 2012 Sky Sox home games.

VP of Marketing & Membership for the CVB, Amy Long, enthuses that this program is a great way for locals to experience the Colorado Springs region like a visitor. “This partnership is a natural platform to speak to our residents about the new Colorado Springs logo and brand as well as encourage them to enjoy attractions here in their hometown. Being a part of the Sky Sox 25th Anniversary season is just the cherry on top.” The first “Where’s Sox the Fox?” promotion will take place during this Saturday’s home game. Visit the Sky Sox website to purchase tickets.

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World Speed Stacking Comes to U.S. Air Force Academy

Friday, March 23rd, 2012

The World Sport Stacking Association’s (WSSA) biggest event will land at the United States Air Force Academy this weekend bringing together hundreds of sport stackers from around the country competing for state, national and world records.  To top it off, all competitors and spectators can enjoy a unique interactive fan experience throughout the weekend called StackFest .

“We’re happy to be returning to the Air Force Academy after a 10-year hiatus.” said Bob Fox, WSSA Executive Director.  “It’s a terrific venue, and we look forward to hosting our premier event of the year at a facility with such national pride.”

The US National Championships encourages all US stackers, regardless of their age or ability, to compete.  It will draw participants from around the country to compete in up to eight individual, doubles and relay events. StackFest is a series of interactive stacking stations that will take place throughout the weekend.  This is a great fan stacking experience for the whole family that includes stations such as: Build-a-Stack, Jumbo Stacking, Mini-Stacking and more.

Sport stacking is an individual and team sport where participants up stack and down stack 12 specially designed high-tech cups (Speed Stacks®) in pre-determined sequences with lightning quickness. Stackers compete for time in individual events and on relay teams in head-to-head competition. This unique sport promotes hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, concentration, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Events will take place S in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Gymnasiums Saturday, March 24th from 8am-6pm and Sunday, March 25th from 8am-3:30pm

Go to www.theWSSA.com/usnationals for all US National Championship details.

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BMX Racing Comes to Norris-Penrose Event Center

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Southern Colorado (So-Co) Indoor BMX has partnered with Pikes Peak BMX to kick-off this year’s indoor racing season. The event will span several weekends beginning this Friday, January 20 and last into April 2012.

Spectators are always free and welcome to come and cheer on the racers. Various events will include Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX), Mountain Bike (MTB), Mountain Board (MBX) and even Strider bike races for children ages five and under. “Our goal is to promote new rider development while supporting the Colorado Springs community, helping children stay active in the winter months and providing them with positive role models,” states Event Director Bubba Hayes.

BMX made its debut in the 2008 Summer Olympics and encourages participation from boys and girls of all ages. Riders range from as young as three years of age to well into their 60’s. BMX is a true family sport.

This multi-weekend event will take place January 20-22, 27-29, March 23-25 and March 30-April 1, 2012. Collin Hudson, nationally-ranked #1, and Walker Finch, nationally-ranked #2, will be doing BMX clinics during these dates. Other nationally ranked riders will also race during the weekends’ competition.

A full schedule of events and race fees for those who would like to compete can be found at www.southerncoloradoindoorbmx.com.

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Quiznos Pro Challenge to Start in Colorado Springs

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Chris Carmichael of Carmichael Training Represtented the city of Colorado Springs

The Quiznos Pro Challenge™ officially announced the stages, host cities and race format for the inaugural 2011 international pro-cycling competition at a press conference today held at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.  Running from August 22-28, the event will be made up of seven stages, traveling through Colorado’s most picturesque landscapes and visiting 11 Colorado host cities.  Created to be the most challenging pro-cycling race in American history, the Quiznos Pro Challenge is set to cover nearly 600 miles of the region’s demanding terrain.

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Governor-elect and former Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper were joined by representatives from the 11 selected host cites including: personal coach to Lance Armstrong, Chris Carmichael (LOC Chair, Colorado Springs), Scott Damman (City Councilman, Salida), Leah Williams (Mayor, Crested Butte), William Buck (Mayor, Mt. Crested Butte), Jonathan Houck (Mayor Pro-Tem, Gunnison), Mick Ireland (Mayor, Aspen), Dick Cleveland (Mayor, Vail), Ron Wolfe (Mayor, Avon), Scott Myller (City Councilman, Steamboat Springs), John Warner (Mayor, Breckenridge), and Jacob Smith (Mayor, Golden).

Denver professional football legend and avid cyclist Shannon Sharpe spoke at the event to help convey the importance of the race and the announcement to the international sports world.  Sharpe expressed his respect for international cycling and the endurance it takes to compete at a top level while on stage with professional cyclists Tom Danielson, Tim Duggan and Rory Sutherland, as well as Steve Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of USA Cycling.

The 120 world-class cyclists anticipated to participate in the seven-day race will begin their journey in beautiful Colorado Springs, then crisscross their way over the treacherous Rocky Mountains.  The region’s unique topography will provide challenging climbs and extremely fast downhill legs with an awe-inspiring backdrop of several of the United States’ highest mountain peaks leading to the finish in Denver.

The 11 official stage start and finish communities that have been selected for the 2011 race include:

The 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge Stages

August 22 – Stage 1, Prologue time trial, Colorado Springs

August 23 – Stage 2, Salida to Crested Butte, mountain-top finish

August 24 – Stage 3, Gunnison to Aspen, mountain stage

August 25 – Stage 4, Vail, time trail, former Coors Classic stage

August 26 – Stage 5, Avon to Steamboat Springs

August 27 – Stage 6, Steamboat Springs to Breckenridge

August 28 – Stage 7, Golden to Denver

“We are excited to welcome sports fans and the international cycling community to many of Colorado’s most beautiful regions,” said Governor Ritter. “The Quiznos Pro Challenge will provide a majestic tour of many of the state’s natural treasures while becoming the battleground for one of the world’s most intense competitions.”

The initial idea to bring a major stage race back to Colorado is credited to Quiznos Pro Challenge partner Lance Armstrong who expressed interest to Governor Ritter last year.  The Quiznos Pro Challenge is now expected to become one of the most significant international pro-cycling events worldwide, created to reinvigorate the legacy of the Colorado-based Coors International Bicycle Classic which took place from 1979 until 1988.  The official race routes for the 2011 event are in the process of being charted and will be announced in the near future.

“We had so much interest from incredible cities across Colorado that we could hold an event of twice the duration,” said Ellen Kramer, Quiznos Chief Communications Officer.  “We worked diligently throughout the selection process to incorporate cities that provide terrain that is unique to Colorado and delivers one of the most exciting cycling events in the world.  The selected cities will make excellent partners and provide a demanding course for the world’s top cyclists.”

To keep in touch with the latest news and updates on the Quiznos Pro Challenge, visit www.quiznosprochallenge.com.

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Second Annual XTERRA Marathon of Trail Races Open for Registration

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

The second annual XTERRA Marathon Of Trail Races is set for Saturday, October 9, 2010 in Colorado’s newest State Park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Races include a marathon, half marathon and 5k. This Colorado event was introduced as a tribute to race Founder and Director Victoria Seahorn’s late best friend, Lindsey Gabe. Gabe was diagnosed with breast cancer and lost her battle in 2005 at the age of 60 in Colorado Springs. Seahorn created this event in her honor.

The marathon is a double loop of the half marathon. Both races start and finish at the Day Use Trailhead. The marathon and half marathon are true to the XTERRA name…challenging and rewarding. The event field is limited to 300 participants, so early registration is encouraged. Nicole Mahobian will be returning to defend her title as winner of the inaugural half marathon. Many of the “original cast” of last year’s inaugural race will be returning to run again, whether it be to take the challenge of the marathon, beat their time from last year, dare friends or family to join them or simply to enjoy the experience again.

All participants will receive a technical race t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, good food, entry into the swag raffle and the satisfaction of completing a race at the beautiful Cheyenne Mountain State Park. The Crowne Plaza Colorado Springs is the official hotel of the event and offering special rates. To register for one of the races go to www.marathonmajic.com.

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