FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Chandler Smith, Tour Director * 303-954-6702, [email protected]

2008 RIDE THE ROCKIES ROUTE ANNOUNCED DENVER (February 3, 2008) – The Denver Post Ride The Rockies presented by Wells Fargo announced the route today for its 23rd annual Colorado bicycle tour, June 15-21, 2008.

Two thousand cyclists will begin their 435-mile trek in Durango, Colorado and finish seven days later in Breckenridge, Colorado. The complete 2008 schedule is:

June 14 Durango – Registration June 15 Durango to Cortez 49 miles June 16 Cortez to Telluride 77 miles Lizard Head Pass – 10,222 feet June 17 Telluride to Montrose 65 miles Dallas Divide – 8,970 feet June 18 Montrose to Crested Butte 92 miles Cerro Summit – 7,950 feet Blue Mesa Summit – 9,288 feet June 19 Crested Butte – REST DAY June 20 Crested Butte to Buena Vista 75 miles Cottonwood Pass – 12,126 feet June 21 Buena Vista to Breckenridge 77 miles Trout Creek Pass – 9,346 feet Hoosier Pass – 11,542 feet

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the 2008 route,” said Tour Director Chandler Smith. “Cyclists will travel classic terrain from tours past and visit towns rich in Colorado history. This year’s event features breathtaking views of Southwestern Colorado and offers cyclists a well deserved rest day in Crested Butte, a town we are visiting for only the second time.”

"Ride The Rockies is a 23-year Colorado tradition and all of us at Wells Fargo are excited to be part of this outstanding event again in 2008,” said Nathan Christian, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Colorado. "This Colorado classic is more than just a premier cycling event that showcases some of the most majestic parts of our great state. It’s also a major contributor to the Colorado communities that host the event, a core value and commitment we share. We are proud to join forces with Ride The Rockies to help keep Colorado a great place to live, work and do business.”

More than 100 dedicated volunteers assist cyclists during the week of the tour. Host communities provide inexpensive community meals and entertainment.

Cyclists can register for the event online or submit a mail-in application form. Mail-in registration forms for the event are available in The Denver Post on Sunday, February 3, Sunday, February 10, Friday, February 15, Sunday, February 17, and Friday, February 22. Registration forms are also available at Denver metro area bicycle and sporting goods stores. Out-of-state cyclists without Internet access can obtain forms by calling (303) 954-6700. Registration forms will be accepted through Friday, February 22, 2008.

Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event, and riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace. However, training for the tour is strongly recommended. Training information is available online at www.ridetherockies.com.

Riders on past Ride The Rockies tours have varied in age from 8- to 82-years-old and have represented all 50 states and 18 foreign countries.

Proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefit Post-News Charities, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation. All funds raised through Post-News Charities are matched at a significant percentage, and 100 percent of all dollars raised are returned to the community. In addition, Post-News Communities awards a $5,000 grant to a nonprofit organization in each town that hosts the tour.

For more information, contact Ride The Rockies at (303) 954-6700 or visit the event web site at www.ridetherockies.com. ###