FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2007 For more information call Todd Sadow 520-745-2033 tsadow@epicrides.com Epic Rides, Inc. 2609 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716 520-745-2033 Fax: 520-745-1992 Kona Bicycles Signs on as Title Sponsor of the 24 Hours in Old Pueblo Epic Rides and Kona Bicycles announce a three-year sponsorship agreement for the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo mountain bike event. Kona will be the title sponsor; the event will be the only United States race in the 2007 Kona Global 24 Hour Series (G24). The 2007 Kona Bicycles 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo will be held Feb. 17 north of Tucson, Ariz. "The 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo has a solid reputation and the vibe that Kona has been looking for in an around-the-clock event," said Kona Sponsorship Coordinator Mark Peterson. "A portion of the proceeds is donated to a non-profit that promotes economic development for old mining communities (Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition). This fits right in with our belief that bikes can help make the world a better place." The 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, now in its eighth year, has become a winter mountain bike vacation destination for mountain bikers across North America. Part of its popularity is the emphasis on celebrating mountain bicycling. "We like to think of the event as a huge party that happens to have a mountain bike race going on nearby," said Todd Sadow, president of Epic Rides. "The event has grown to attract more than 3,000 participants and spectators each year and that is a testament of its ability to appeal to a wide range of cyclists - not just the serious racers." Kona initially heard about the event through rave reviews by Kona sales representative, Kevin Noble, who had previously participated in it. "When organizer, Todd Sadow, of Epic Rides gave us his pitch, we knew it was the right fit." said Peterson. "Todd is really professional and organized but has enough zaniness mixed in that he's been able to keep the event real." Peterson added that Sadow "pretty much sealed the deal" when he noted in his sponsorship proposal that Kona would "receive intimate one-on-one time from within the port-o-lets throughout 24-Hour Town." Sadow said he has been highly selective about choosing companies that would be considered as title sponsors because he wanted to be sure that the sponsors share Epic Rides' philosophy about what makes a good mountain bike event. "Kona conveys a similar image through their bikes that we do through our events," he said. "We both believe that it's important not to stray from the roots of mountain bicycling, which is about the joy of riding a bike on dirt. Epic Rides and Kona both believe that bicycling can help make the world a better place." For more information about the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo go online to epicrides.com/twofour/24.htm. About Epic Rides, Inc.: Epic Rides has become world famous for producing events that celebrate the many positive aspects of mountain bicycling. Events such as the Kona 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo, Show Low Bluff Tour of the White Mountains and the Whiskey Off-Road are popular with participants because they offer challenging, fun riding and emphasize the joy inherent in the sport. http://www.epicrides.com About the Kona Bicycle Company: The Kona Bicycle Company designs, manufacturers and distributes more than 60 models of purpose-built, high-performance mountain, road and urban bicycles. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Ferndale, Washington, USA, Kona bicycles are distributed worldwide in more than 60 countries through independent specialty bicycle dealers. Kona funds several professional road, mountain and cyclo-cross racing teams that include world cup champions, world champions and national champions. http://www.konaworld.com |
