Chief executive officer and co-chairman of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Shawn Hunter said that he was very happy with the way the event turned out this year. He was pleased by the gathering of the large crowds, their enthusiastic spirit and their generosity in spending money, as well as by the fact that many people actually came to Colorado just to see this event.

Several Coloradans as well as people from outside the state traveled for more than 50 miles to take part in the event. Estimates suggest that more than $67 million was earned from direct spending by fans and spectators on food, lodging, transportation and entertainment. Apart from gambling on http://www.partycasino.com/, people even placed bets on the likely winners and strong contenders. Other factors contributing to this economic impact included the team and staff, sponsorship, vendor spending, employment opportunities created by this sporting event as well as the tax revenue earned through expenditure related to this racing event.

An approximate 22 % of the total number of spectators came from outside Colorado and a majority of them promising to return next year for this annual event has led Hunter to be optimistic about a promising future for the State of Colorado.

This immensely positive response has led the organizers to announce last month that they are trying to bring this racing event back to Colorado again next year. At present they are evaluating the bids put forward by wannabe host towns and cities. The race will be held again next year from August 20th to August 26th.

John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado believes that Colorado has several special features; the combination of which cannot be seen in other places. These include beautiful scenery, several world-renowned destinations and plenty of great amenities. He hopes that someday this annual cycling event will draw more international crowd and turn Colorado into a major summer hotspot.

A survey about the visitors showed that the race had hit a popularity chord with the families and that majority of the fans appeared in groups of five or more people. The people really enjoyed all the different parts of the seven day experience and thought it was quite impressive for an inaugural edition. A majority of the people coming from outside Colorado said that the cycling event was the main reason behind their visit to Colorado.

Spectator Groups

Among the spectators, a large number of people claimed to be cycling enthusiasts regularly participating in races and club rides as well as supporting charity events focusing on cycling. Around 30% of the fans regularly ride bikes for health and fitness reasons and almost 25% said that they are occasional riders. Some said they don’t ride a bike at all.

Michael B. Hancock, Mayor of Denver commented that the figures of attendees is one thing but the enthusiasm that he saw in the eyes of a million fans who came to witness the event in downtown Denver as well as saw the live event on television, really made him consider this event as a great showcase for Denver as a cycling town.

A small tool-kit which is easily transportable can be a great blessing and can potentially get your bike back up-and-running if you have any faults while out riding, get some tips from your local bike shop on what is best to carry and you could potentially save a day’s riding!

As well as looking good a lot of modern biking clothing also incorporates padding and protection, Fox Racing and Troy Lee Designs for example produce a range of body armour, guards, gloves and helmets which help keep you safe and the armour can fit under your outer clothing.

The importance of a good quality and well-fitted helmet cannot be under-estimated as a fall at any speed could potentially result in some bad injuries. If you can, when out travel with some mates, take good quality maps of the area, familiarise yourself with the routes before hand and make a small first aid kit as part of your biking equipment alongside the tools of the trade.

But most importantly check your bike is in good working order before setting out, and then you can enjoy a great days riding.

In Wales there are some great single track routes particularly in Coed y Brenin, the handbuilt all-weather singletracks are situated in a forest and there is a new dual slalom course.

Coed y Brenin is situated in the Snowdonia National Park and offers fantastic riding to mountain bikers of all experience, if you are looking for some of the best mountain biking in Wales then Coed y Brenin could be the course and experience for you.

There is some great riding to be found in the north of England particularly in North Yorkshire where you can find yourself up on the Moors challenging yourself to complete the Cropton Loop or taking an off-road ride around the Howardian Hills, a slightly easier route and perfect for an evening of riding.

So grab your bike, a map and some mates and get outdoors and enjoy some of the best mountain biking in the UK.