The Summer of Cycling at WildRock

By: Kristin Golliher, WildRock CEO & Founder

When WildRock got on board during the summer 2012 to help coordinate the USA Pro Challenge Launch Parties, we immediately knew we were part of something special. So when the word came that Northern Colorado had been selected to host Stage 6 of the 2013 USA Pro Challenge, we couldn’t wait to continue our involvement.

For those new to the cycling scene, the USA Pro Challenge, dubbed “America’s Race,” is an annual multi-day professional road cycling stage race. Since it first took place in Colorado in 2011, the race has garnered international attention for the incredible altitudes (over 12,000-feet), breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery and attracting more than one million annual fans onsite.

Stage 6 of the 2013 race will begin on Saturday, Aug. 24 at The Ranch in Loveland, taking riders through Windsor and then up the Big Thompson Canyon, north to Devils Gulch and into Estes Park. The riders then descend back down the canyon to a final uphill push past Horsetooth Reservoir where the 115.2-mile stage concludes in downtown Fort Collins. The final stage of the race will take place in Denver on Sunday, Aug. 25.

As a contributing partner and supporting sponsor, WildRock has provided online marketing, social media and media relations expertise to help spread the excitement of this event with local residents, fans and visitors alike. While the website was previously a hub for business partners and sponsorship requests, WildRock transitioned the content and imagery to be informative and engaging to a wider audience of fans and viewers, featuring details on ancillary events, fan viewing areas and even road closure information.

Another piece in rallying community support for the event was creating a social media strategy and messaging to enhance engagement with fans. WildRock created both high-level strategy as well as editorial suggestions, alongside a plan for organically growing Facebook fans on the NoCo Cycling page. The WildRock team will also be out at the event on Aug. 24 to coordinate press and media relations throughout the day.

Bringing Stage 6 of the USA Pro Challenge to Northern Colorado has been a true collaboration and undoubtedly a fun project to work on. More than that, it has been a reminder to the entire WildRock team about the importance of being an involved member of the community and reaffirmed our work culture that values giving back. We eagerly await the big day so we can watch the vibrant energy and exposure of the race enrich the communities of Northern Colorado!

Do we have you hooked? There are plenty of ways to get involved in the USA Pro Challenge. Whether you attend the start and finish festivals or just join up along the route with a cowbell to cheer on the racers, be sure to stay tuned to the website and social media channels for details on the event. We hope to see you there!