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SANTA FE RECEIVES 2014 RIDE CENTER MODEL TRAIL AWARD BY THE INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION
Impressive range of cycling trails and welcoming atmosphere cited in prestigious accolade

SANTA FE, N.M. August 14, 2014: The city of Santa Fe has received the prestigious Silver designation as a 2014 Ride Center destination by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) in recognition of its wide variety of trails available for a range of riding styles. These awards are issued annually to an elite group of locations who provide exceptional mountain bike trail offerings, with the goal of informing riders of all skill levels on where to best enjoy this popular sport.

The IMBA Ride Center designation honors those destinations who not only invite cycling enthusiasts to plan a multi-day trip for the whole family, but also take care of guests both on and off the trail by being places where mountain bikers are welcomed.

Renowned for its versatile terrain, scenic mountain views and selection of trail options, Santa Fe provides travelers with the ideal location for a cycling excursion. The city also hosts a range of activities for cycling enthusiasts of all ages, including:

Super Spoke Cyclocross 2014: Sept. 20, 2014
Hosted by the Santa Fe Reporter, the first annual Super Spoke Cyclocross Race features a course built by Six-Time US National Cyclocross Champion, Laurence Malone. This all day event offers something for everyone, including a kid’s race, racing in costumes, contests, food cards, music, a beer garden and a variety of vendors in addition to the main event competition. For more information and registration information, visit www.ridgelineracing.org/superspoke.

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta Gran Fondo 2014: Sept. 28, 2014
The Inaugural Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta Gran Fondo is a unique ride which will incorporate four gourmet food stations hosted by guest chefs – Mark Kiffin of the Compound Restaurant, Kevin Nashan of Sydney Street Café in St. Louis, Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s in Miami and Matthew Accarrino of SPQR. The ride starts at the historic Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado and four historic Northern New Mexico villages will serve as rest stops for great eats along the ride – Nambe, Cundiyo, Truchas and Chimayo. A 75-mile loop, climbing to Truchas, is available as is an easier 45-mile loop. A Champagne Ruinart Brunch will also be held at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado following the ride. For more information, visit www.santafewineandchile.org/2014/07/santa-fe-wine-chile-fiesta-gran-fondo/.

La Tierra Torture: Annual - May
Part of the New Mexico Off-road Series, the annual La Tierra Torture Mountain Bike Race occurs each May in Santa Fe’s North West quadrant known as La Tierra, and is promoted by cycling enthusiasts known as the “CORE Crew.” During this single-day race all riders will complete the same +/- 9-mile course, split into Categories 1/Pro, 2 and 3 based on skill level. The Core Crew also sponsors the XTERRATRI the Torture triathlon held in August. For more information, visit http://core-crew.com/latierratorture.

Outside Bike & Brew Festival: May 13-17, 2015
In its second year, the Outside Bike & Brew Festival will bring five full days of bikes and beer to Santa Fe, leading up to the Santa Fe Century cycling race. Events include group rides for all ages, a bike poker run and Tour de Brewer rides that conclude at the Santa Fe Brewing’s pilsner release party. Craft beer will be offered throughout the event from New Mexican breweries as well as musical performances, bike-in movies and sponsored bowling among other exciting activities. For more information, visit http://outsidesantafe.com/.

Santa Fe Century – 30th Annual Ride: May 17, 2015
Celebrating its 30th year in 2015, this race takes riders on a scenic and historic journey through old mining towns, the Ortiz and San Pedro Mountains and across the Estancia Valley on the Turquoise Trail. Racers have the option of riding the Century Tour (103 miles), the Gran Fondo (103 miles – timed) the Half-Century Tour (50 miles) or a 20-mile out and back ride. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate – for more information, visit: http://santafecentury.com/.

In addition to the IMBA designation, Santa Fe is rated One of America's Top Mountain Bike Towns by USA Today and a Top Ten Mountain Biking Destination in North America by Singletracks.com. For additional information about Santa Fe’s diverse range of scenic bikeways and trail options as well as a Santa Fe City Trail Map, visit www. santafe.org

About IMBA:
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational association with a mission to create, enhance and preserve great mountain biking experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trail work participation, and cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA's worldwide network includes 35,000 individual members; more than 750 chapters, clubs and patrols; more than 200 corporate partners; and about 600 retailer shops. IMBA's members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries. For more information, visit https://www.imba.com/.