New Belgium Urban Assault Ride 11th Anniversary in Austin

New Belgium Urban Assault Ride Celebrates 11th Anniversary in Austin

Beer, Bikes and Big Wheels on tap at nation’s largest bike scavenger hunt series 

Look out! Here’s a party you don’t want to miss. The nation’s most popular pedal-powered adventure obstacle series, the New Belgium Urban Assault Ride, rides into Austin for its 11th.

What started as a homegrown event that combined the best of bike racing, adventure racing, scavenger hunts and music festivals has evolved into a much-loved tradition for thousands of free-spirited cyclists who embrace the cycling lifestyle and community.  In 2002, 120 cyclists participated; 2,000 are expected at this year’s celebration.  Despite it’s growth, the Urban Assault Ride remains true to it’s mission: to get more people on bikes more often. By involving local businesses, non profits, and landmarks, the Urban Assault Ride has a local feel and connects cyclists to the community.

Its popularity is largely due to it’s unique “Choose your Own Adventure” format, that requires teams of two to plan their own routes to checkpoints all over town. At each stop, riders drop their bikes and tackle funky (and always changing) challenges which may include power-sliding big wheels through a race course, sliding down a 30’ water slide, or playing “limbo” on mini bikes.  Upon crossing the finish line, cyclists enter a huge after party with New Belgium brews and prize contests such as the ‘mustache dance-off.’ 

“Our main goal is to create the best possible day on a bike”, said event founder, Josh Kravetz. “However, the UAR has a deep and long lasting impact in the markets where we’ve held our events. Since riders have to plan their own course around town, they end up teaching themselves safe riding routes.” The result: The majority of UAR participants end up using their bikes more for transportation following their experience. 

Adventure Fit takes this healthy and eco-friendly impact even further by benefiting local bike-advocacy non-profits and shooting for zero-waste events. In 2011, the Urban Assault Ride diverted an average of 95% of event waste from landfills and donated revenues to 19 different non-profits. This is one of the main reasons that New Belgium Brewing continues to be the Urban Assault Ride’s title sponsor.

"The Urban Assault Ride has been a favorite event of the brewery for seven years.  It combines elements that we covet:  costumes, bikes and community.  Add a handful of zany obstacles and checkpoints to that mix and you get whey we’re such big fans of this event,” said Mike Keller, New Belgium’s National Festivarian.  We appreciate that Adventure Fit continues to strive to produce zero-waste events.  If you haven’t been before, this is your year.” 

“If you’re unable to make the ride, at least join us for the after-party festivities," adds Keller.  " Proceeds from beer sales go to benefit local bicycling advocacy groups.”

 http://www.urbanassaultride.com