Veteran event directors create new entity to grow Colorado’s leading portfolio of road, gravel, and mountain bike events.
Boulder, Colorado (February 13, 2023) – Outside Interactive, Inc., the world’s largest creator of content, services, education, and experiences for more than 70 million outdoor and active lifestyle enthusiasts, today announced a partnership with The Ride Collective, a new company created by two veteran employees for the purpose of operating Copper Triangle, Crooked Gravel, Enchanted Circle, and five other popular sportives in the series. As part of the partnership, The Ride Collective will acquire this portfolio of annual rides and races, with Outside continuing as a sponsor and promotional supporter.
The Ride Collective is the brainchild of Scott Olmsted and Chandler Smith, longtime event directors with 40 years of combined experience managing events across the Rocky Mountain West. For the last four years, the pair has been running the Outside Events Cycling Series, welcoming new cyclists to legendary rides like Tour of the Moon while launching new courses like Wild Horse Gravel. Olmsted and Smith will now own and manage the series under The Ride Collective, supported by a multiyear marketing partnership with Outside designed to increase exposure and participation.
“The only thing I love more than riding my bike is watching a new cyclist cross the finish line at an event like Copper Triangle,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “Learning to ride really can change a person’s life, and that’s why we acquired these events four years ago after financial challenges had put their future at risk. It’s also why we’re delighted that Scotty and Chandler will be shepherding them into the future. These events are an important part of Colorado history and outdoor culture, and there’s no team more suited to champion them than these guys.”
“With cycling participation at an all-time high and pandemic restrictions lifted, the future of enthusiasts riding events is really bright,” said Olmsted. “With a focus on community, courses, and exceptional support, we’re committed to curating meaningful and fun experiences both on and off the bike,” shared Smith. “We’re grateful to Outside for the opportunity to take these rides forward and the marketing support they’ll provide in our ongoing partnership.” In addition to orchestrating the eight events, The Ride Collective is also committed to growing the next generation of cyclists through a Youth Development Program where kids 16 years or younger may participate for free in their road rides and gravel races.
Registration is now open for the 2023 rides and races at theridecollective.com. The full calendar of events includes:
- Wild Horse Gravel – May 20
- Sunrise to Sunset Castle Rock – June 3
- Crooked Gravel – July 22
- Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park – July 22
- Copper Triangle – August 5
- Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour – August 12
- Tour of the Moon – September 9
- Tour de Vineyards – September 16
About Outside
Outside is the premier destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in the endurance sports, outdoor, and healthy living spaces. Each month, Outside reaches 70 million of the most active consumers in the world across its 30+ media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside believes life is best spent outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, meal plans, gear reviews, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at OutsideInc.com.
About The Ride Collective
The Ride Collective (TRC) is a portfolio of eight professionally-produced events and races in both Colorado and New Mexico. Host venues and terrain vary from the Front Range to the Rocky Mountains to the High Desert. TRC strives to create an inclusive culture where cyclists of most all abilities can enjoy the simple pleasures of riding a bicycle. For some it’s about the challenge, others do it for a cause, but everybody enjoys surfing the energy of the group. TRC events range from 300 to 3,000 participants with a portion of event proceeds benefiting local and regional nonprofit organizations.
