Bicycle Colorado team members met with a slate of state representatives and senators at last week’s USA Pro Challenge: House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, Rep. Joann Ginal, Rep. Millie Hamner, Rep. Bob Rankin, Sen. John Kefalas, Sen. Andy Kerr, Sen. Randy Baumgardner and Sen. Gail Schwartz.

We also connected with other VIPs like Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, USA Pro Challenge organizer Shawn Hunter, and mayors from many of the host cities.

Dan Grunig, our executive director, says the lawmakers were impressed by the size of the crowds, the economic impact and the international promotion Colorado received.

“Most of the time, you just notice cyclists when they’re on the road, but this event brings 1 million people together to celebrate and support bicycling in our state,” Dan says. “Seeing crowds like that gives everyone a true perspective of just how popular bicycling is in Colorado.”

Thanks to race organizers and the many state agencies that contributed to the success of this year’s race. We and many other fans look forward to another amazing event in 2014.