Scottsdale Cycling Festival Kick-Off Party to generate buzz for large-scale local cycling event
Tour de France finale inspires local cyclists to get in gear
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (July 7, 2010)—To capitalize on the energy of the July 3-25 Tour de France and get local cyclists, both pro and amateur, energized about the upcoming Scottsdale Cycling Festival, the DC Ranch Community Council will host a Kick-Off Party on Friday, July 23, at DNA Cycles in north Scottsdale from 5 to 8 p.m. The Kick-Off Party is an opportunity to meet pro riders and past Tour racers; register for either the Criterium or 70-mile Tour at reduced rates; preview the latest cycling gear; and meet fellow cyclists amid the excitement of the final days of the world’s best-known cycling event, the Tour de France.
With about eight weeks between the Kick-Off Party and the Scottsdale Cycling Festival, the end of July is the ideal timeframe for Scottsdale Cycling Festival cyclists to kick their training into high gear for the 1-kilometer loop Criterium race course and 70-mile citizen’s ride. Both races are sanctioned by USA Cycling. The prize purse for the Criterium is $5,000; Tour de Scottsdale prizes include merchandise, in accordance with USA Cycling regulations.
The Scottsdale Cycling Festival has been expanded in 2010 to include both a Criterium at DC Ranch and the 7th annual Tour de Scottsdale benefiting McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. The weekend long event is Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and offers athletic competition, recreational cycling, spectatorship and family fun.
“Phoenix does not have a large-scale, sanctioned, prize purse-offering cycling event. Which, given the amount of cyclists in the Valley and beautiful roads we ride on, is surprising,” said Austin King, local former pro cyclist who raced for five seasons with the USA National Team. Now 29 and retired from cycling, King holds the record of being the youngest USA Cycling coach when he was 14.
“Many big events start from small, well-organized grassroots efforts that have the backing of a community. The Scottsdale Cycling Festival has this support,” said King. “And especially as the Tour de France wraps up on July 25, cycling has an audience who is primed to learn where they can race and be part of the sport locally.”
King and local pro cyclist Megan French, who rides for Tribe Racing, will be on hand at the Scottsdale Cycling Festival Kick-Off Party to talk about their cycling experiences and offer training advice for the Sept. 30-Oct. 3 event.
SCOTTSDALE CYCLING FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: Scottsdale Cycling Festival Kick-Off Party
WHO: Competitive and non-competitive cyclists; Scottsdale Cycling Festival
volunteers
WHEN: Friday, July 23, 2010; 5-8 p.m.
WHERE: DNA Cycles
7077 E. Mayo Blvd. Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85054
(101 and Scottsdale Rd.)
WHY: Get in gear and start training for the Criterium and 70-mile citizen’s ride; receive discounted race registration rates; learn about volunteer positions and Tour-related fundraising opportunities. Party host DNA Cycles will offer store specials throughout the evening.
COST: Free; light appetizers and beverages will be served. First Kick-Off Party 100 attendees will receive swag-filled goodie bags.
RACE DATE: The Scottsdale Cycling Festival is Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010 in DC Ranch.
MORE: Find the Scottsdale Cycling Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Scottsdale Cycling Festival
More than 2,000 cyclists from around the Valley and around the nation are expected at the Scottsdale Cycling Festival at DC Ranch Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2010. For the first time, the popular 7th Annual 70-mile Tour de Scottsdale citizen’s race that benefits the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy will be paired with a 1-kilometer loop Criterium, adding a competitive element for cyclists and a unique opportunity for spectators. Visit scottsdalecyclingfestival.com.
DC Ranch Community Council
DC Ranch is a 4,400-acre community located adjacent to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in north Scottsdale. The DC Ranch Community Council facilitates a connected and welcoming community that instills pride and a sense of belonging in every DC Ranch resident by providing communications, events, and opportunities to nurture meaningful relationships with the greater community. The leadership of the seven-member Community Council Board of Directors and professional staff upholds the DC Ranch community values and enables occasions for civic, cultural, educational, social, philanthropic and recreational involvement.
About McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Since its founding in 1990, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy has championed the need for, establishment of, and safe public access to Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The Conservancy works with the City of Scottsdale to: ensure completion, management and public appreciation of the Preserve; educate residents and visitors about the Preserve’s environmental and archaeological significance; ensure the public has appropriate access to the land they have repeatedly voted to protect.
