New BelgiumUrban Assault Ride
The New Belgium Urban Assault Ride is fun focused. Teams of two pedal power through Denver for a whacky bike scavenger hunt, strategizing a route based on a list of checkpoints given beforehand. At each stop, participants are greeted with a challenge or obstacle that is light-years beyond tire runs and cargo net climbs that are over saturating the adventure race market. Reinventing the wheel is key for the UAR. “This is your 10th year with the race. We keep gaining momentum. Part of reason is our whimsical obstacles,” says Dan Coppola, Event Manager for the UAR.
Let me introduce you to urban surfing, a challenge new to the race this year. Racers will tow their partner on a skateboard through an obstacle course to give it the extra edge. “It reminds me of being a kid again. These kind of obstacles will make you laugh” says Coppola. Also, be ready to jump in a pool at moments notice! During the Duck Scrabble Obstacle, racers jump into a pool and grab rubber ducks with letters on them to spell a four-letter word. Challenges aren’t just physical but also require brain power. You may find puzzles or riddles that need to be cracked.
The race is for both competitors and fun lovers. “We set the race up so it’s feasible for everyone. If you haven’t pumped up your bike tires in a few years, no problem. We welcome amateur cyclists and professional cyclists,” says Coppola. Besides, whether you are a speed racer on the bike or more comfortable at a grandma pace, the riding is only a sliver of the fun.
Stay around for the after party at Skyline Park at 16th and Arapahoe. New Belgium is the title sponsor, which means even if you get a flat tire during the race it’s nothing a fat tire can’t fix. Beer tokens are included in your registration and prizes are up for grabs. Best mustache is expected to be one of the most competitive categories so keep it stachey!
The mission? Besides a howling good time, organizers want to encourage people to get on their bikes more often. Not just for fitness but to keep the environment in balance. Each race also benefits a local bicycling advocacy group. Proceeds from beer and an auctioned New Belgium cruiser bike benefit Bike Denver.
To get in on this urban adventure on July 22 in Denver visit: www.urbanassaultride.com
You will find a list of checkpoints as well!
** SAVE $10 using the code Bikefun
