September 24, 2009 - Wet Mountain Tribune, Westclffe, CO

On Saturday September 12, The Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway, All Aboard Westcliffe and Club America WMV, hosted a successful 1st Annual Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure. A group of 123 cyclists endured cool, breezy and wet conditions Saturday, departing during the early morning hours in Westcliffe.

Westcliffe resident and event Chairman Bob Tobin noted “the ride was a huge success for the participants, the local communities, and the host organizations,” noting the event raised close to $5,000.

Riders chose from a challenging 100-mile century that traveled along the scenic and historic byway from Westcliffe to Colorado City and back, a robust metric century that took riders from Westcliffe to Lake San Isabel and back and an eight-mile guided family ride encircling the old mining district north of Silver Cliff that featured presentations on local mining lore by locals Mel Porth, Jim Cole and Custer County Commissioner Jim Austin.

The event was made possible with the generous help of volunteers from American Legion Post 170, Custer County Search and Rescue, Great Old Broads, Club America WMV, Custer County Volunteer Fire Department, Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway, and Custer County and Greenhorn Valley Chambers of Commerce.

Oversight of traffic and safety was provided by Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation and Custer and Pueblo County Sheriffs and Sheriff’s Posse. All Aboard Westcliffe hosted a huge spaghetti feed that greeted riders as they returned from the big day in the saddle.

Kevin League, Co-chair of the event and participant in the century, said the route was “as tough as he had envisioned, and more rewarding than he could have ever imagined.” Lloyd Athearn, a cyclist from Golden, said the route had it all: great climbs and descents, amazing scenery, all with a great hometown atmosphere and hospitably the other events don’t have.
 

If you missed out on the fun and adventure this year, do not fear. Planning for the 2nd Annual Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure is already underway. “We look towards 2010 with excitement and anticipation. We are planning a number of enhancements and improvements so stay tuned, and ‘Join the Adventure,’” notes Tobin.
 

Volunteers who helped out with Bike with Pike are invited to attend a post-event debrief this Friday, September 26 at 5 p.m. at Cliff Lanes. Volunteers will be asked to share ideas and comments concerning this year’s event and discuss ideas and plans for next year. For more information contact Bob Tobin at 783-3229.