The annual Pueblo to Pueblo is coming up Saturday, April 28.
In addition to the 11-mile and 10K runs, and 2-mile walk/run, the Cortez Cultural Center has added a 30-mile bike ride to the Pueblo to Pueblo events.
I was approached by (Cortez resident) Marty McKean, an avid cyclist. He made an argument about the strong economic impact of cycling in the area, said Shawn Collins, Cultural Center executive director. Last year, we had four cyclists ride a 22-mile course. This year, we wanted to expand that.
The bike route begins at the Cortez Cultural Center at 9 a.m., and weaves its way through town to U.S. 491. Bicyclists will ride north on 491 to Colorado Highway 184 in Lewis and head east to CO 145. From there, the riders will head south back to Cortez and turn west on Empire Avenue. Riders will weave back to the finish point at the Cortez Cultural Center, completing the 30-mile trek.
People are doing it for the fun of it. Its not a points race, its to support the Cultural Center, Collins said. This is a feature that we hope will really compliment our walk and runs.
Collins also hopes to see a good turnout for the future of the race.
If it works this year and its a positive thing, we of course want to include it to increase the people supporting the Cultural Center, she said. I want people to realize that culture is so much more. There certainly is a bicycle culture out here. The Cultural Center is the center of our community.
People can register for Pueblo to Pueblo events online at pueblorunandbike2012.eventbrite.com, or people can print and mail in the paper registration form.
Events are $28 for adults, if received on or before Saturday. It is $30 per person thereafter. The 2-mile run/walk is $10 on or before Saturday and $15 after that. Entry fee includes a T-shirt.
Awards will be presented to the top-three male and female finishers in each event.
For more information, log on to http://www.cortezculturalcenter.org/events/pueblo-run.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at [email protected].
