This past Sunday, the US Pro Challenge provided a front-row seat to those in Denver. The streets we ride everyday suddenly became very important routes while cowbells and cheers echoed throughout the streets.
Living in Cap Hill, multiple chunks of this epic race were only BLOCKS away, and easily accessible for spectators. From a Denverspeax perspective, here are the Top 5 Reasons that the US Pro Challenge rocks (outside of the race itself, of course):
#1: Sponsored Bike Corrals
Thanks, Denver Bicycle Cafe! There’s nothing like being able to walk around the US Pro Challenge knowing that your bike is safe and sound.
For more on the Denver Bike Cafe, click on the picture! Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Aug 2014.
#2: Food Trucks and Big Screens
Kudos to the Crock Spot for dishing up deliciousness in Civic Center alongside other Denver Food Trucks. Our “Build Your Own” dish we opted for below included the following:
- 1/2 Fluffy cous cous
- 1/2 Thai Jasmine fried rice
- Shredded Chicken
- Chimichuri Sauce
- Add veggies
Crock Spot is most definitely social media stalk-worthy, voted #1 by 5280 Magazine in 2013.
Smashburger provided the hugest screen we’ve ever seen for race coverage. This was invaluable as it was nearly impossible to get back to the Center once you joined in spectating on the streets of the actual routes.
Big screens, soft grass to sit down on, and delicious food? Fantastic!
Mmmm…. delicious! Filling, but not stuffing – Crock Spot is where it’s at! Click on this picture to visit their website and check out the menu. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Aug 2014
#3. Awesome Vendors with Awesome Schwag!
Pictured below, Primal provides the best cycling apparel in town, making any team look like a million bucks. Make sure you check out their custom work as well by visiting their site. Thanks for the cool draw-string bags, guys!
Other vendors, like Clif Bar and Sierra Nevada, also made their presence known by filling every square inch of sidewalk surrounding Civic Center Park.
Click on the picture to check out all the goodness that Primal Wear has to offer! Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Aug 2014
#4. Hanging with Friends
The US Pro Challenge is a celebration in Denver, and who better to celebrate with than your buds?! At an event like this, it isn’t difficult to run into many people you know and love.
Awesome time hanging with friends at the US Pro Challenge. Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Aug 2014
#5. Viewing Colorado’s Capitol building in the background the whoooole time
What’s cooler than seeing that beautiful, shiny, golden top wave at you all day while you enjoy one of the best bike races in the world?
What a beautiful day in the Capitol! Photo Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Aug 2014.
Not much, my friends. Not much.
Next year, we’ve decided that we need to have a party pre-US Pro Challenge. Maybe set up right on the route! Luckily, next year, we’ll have all of the cowbells we collected from this year to help cheer on all of the riders!
Share your favorite Pro Challenge memories below – what were your Top 5 favorite things?
denverspeax 
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