Green event helps Madison cyclists learn safe routes through town

Urban Assault Ride returns to Madison on August 24

August 24 at 9 AM
Olin Park: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct
Cost: $45/per person
Registration/Information: www.urbanassaultride.com

The Trek Urban Assault Ride, that funky bike scavenger hunt that sends two-person teams riding to checkpoints around town to complete crazy obstacle courses at each stop, returns to Madison on August 24.

Created to provide participants with an entertaining opportunity to learn safe cycling routes through Madison, this green event promotes sustainable transportation and encourages participants to consider their bicycle for transportation and not just recreation.

It seems to be working; 92% of cyclists surveyed after participating in an Urban Assault event indicated they would use their bicycle to run errands. And cyclists who participated in the Portland, Oregon, event on May 25 pledged to ride 25,200 miles through New Belgium Brewing’s TeamWonderbike, potentially diverting some 25,000 pounds of CO2.

This is one ride where mental muscle is just as important as bike skills. Teams of two choose their own route to checkpoints around town, and obstacles, which have included bike jousting, adult big wheel races, flying down an inflatable slip and slide are a surprise until participants arrive at the checkpoint. And it’s an event anyone can do. The distance is around 25 miles and the ride takes two to three hours to complete. The ride is followed by a huge after party with Capital Brewery beer, live music, and plenty of two-wheeled shenanigans.

The event is powered with a solar generator, a bio-diesel truck delivers the gear to each city, and almost all event waste is composted or recycled. In addition, Urban Assault partners exclusively with companies that have sustainable business practices and promote bike advocacy. In addition to New Belgium, Urban Assault partners include Trek Bikes, Keen Footwear, Clif Bar, Sweet Leaf Tea, Swobo, Timbuk 2, Rudy Project and other local sustainability-focused partners.

Other bike-friendly cities selected to host this year’s event are Seattle (May 18), Portland (May 25), Austin (June 22), Fort Collins (July 20), Denver (July 27), Minneapolis (September 21) and Chicago (September 28).

Find out more at www.urbanassaultride.com.