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.

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.