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SNOWBIRD HOSTS UTAH’S OLDEST BIKE RACE

Presented by Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

August 21-August 22, 2010

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SNOWBIRD, UTAH – For the 32nd straight year, some of Utah’s fastest bicyclists will race up Little Cottonwood Canyon for the legendary Snowbird Bicycle Hill Climb. The event is the oldest bike race in Utah, taxing riders with a 10-mile course that ascends 3,500 vertical feet.

This year’s race, which takes place on Saturday, Aug. 21, begins at 8 a.m. at 9400 South and Highland Drive. The route traverses Little Cottonwood Canyon Road to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon before continuing up to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort and finishing at Entry 2. A 2010 Cervelo RS road bike (valued at $3,600) will be given to one of the entrants in this year’s Bicycle Hill Climb, compliments of Canyon Bicycles and the Tour of Utah.

“The Bicycle Hill Climb holds a special place in Snowbird’s history,” said Snowbird President Bob Bonar, who has ridden in the race numerous times. “Locals love testing their fitness on one of the most scenic and challenging bike routes anywhere in the state.”

Participants who complete the Bicycle Hill Climb have the option of jumping on their mountain bikes and continuing up to Snowbird’s Hidden Peak to complete the Ultra-Widowmaker portion of the course. The Ultra-Widowmaker is a grueling 4-mile climb over 3,000 vertical feet to a peak elevation of 11,000 feet, offering spectacular views of the Wasatch Mountains and Salt Lake Valley. Both races will conclude with an awards ceremony at the base of Snowbird at 10:30 a.m., featuring prizes, a raffle and live music.

For registration information on the Bicycle Hill Climb and Ultra-Widowmaker, visit www.snowbird.com. Spectators are encouraged to come up to Snowbird to cheer on family and friends. Vehicle traffic in Little Cottonwood Canyon will be restricted beginning at 8 a.m.

This year’s Tour of Utah, “America’s Toughest Stage Race,” concludes for the first time at Snowbird on Aug. 22. The grueling “Queen’s Stage” combines more than 100 miles of mountainous climbing beginning in Park City before finishing with the 3,500 vertical foot climb in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Spectators are advised to park at Snowbird by 2 p.m. to avoid the road closure; food, drink and vendor booths will be open to the public.

Aug. 21 also marks the beginning of Oktoberfest, an annual weekend and Labor Day tradition at Snowbird. Oktoberfest runs through Oct. 10 and features festive food, beer, music, dancing, crafts, shopping and more. Guests can spend a weekend in the mountains by taking advantage of specially-priced lodging specials from $59/night and summer activities running throughout the weekend. For more information, please visit www.snowbird.com.