The Race is on!
By Jerry Walch, 7th Jul 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutNewsSport
The 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is on! Originally scheduled for July 8th, it was postponed because of the catastrophic Waldo Canyon fire that destroyed some 350 homes. Now known as the most destructive in the history of Colorado, it forced over 32,000 people to flee from their homes. For a while, whether or not the “Race to the Clouds” would even be held this years was up in the clouds, but it is set to be held on Sunday, August the 12th.
A Little History.
The first Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was held in 1916. The Race to the Clouds is ran over a 12.42 mile section of the Pikes Peak Highway, beginning at an altitude of 9,390 feet and finishing at an altitude of 14,110 feet. This course, with 156 turns and grades averaging 7 percent is a true test of drivers and vehicles. The original course consisted of both gravel and paved sections which made driving at speed quite dangerous at times. Today, the course is completely paved and the Race to the Clouds is run on tarmac from start to finish.
Practice Days
The Race to the Clouds practice days are set for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, August 8th through the 10th. On those days the Pikes Peak Highway will be closed to normal uphill traffic to the summit until 9:30 AM. The practice heats start at 5:00 AM and finish at 9:00 AM. Pikes Peak—American Mountain will be closed all day on the day of The Race to the Clouds, Sunday, August 12th.
Get your tickets now!
This is one of the yearly events that you do not want to miss so you better get your tickets now because they are going fast. The VIP tickets have already sold out but there are still general admission tickets to be had. Also camping permits are going fast too, so if you plan to spend the weekend at one of the camp sites—the Halfway Picnic Campsite, the Glen Cove, or the Ski Area Campsite—you need to get your permits now. Permits for the Glen Cove campsite has already sold out for that weekend. Advanced race tickets will cost $40, on race day the tickets will cost $50. Children under the age of ten will be admitted free of charge. For detailed rules and regulations covering the race, camping sites, etc, click here.
The Fan Fest
A new date has yet to be set for the Fan Fest. The Fan Fest is an event held in downtown Colorado Springs between Colorado Avenue and Bijou Street on Tijon Street. Typically the Fan Fest features a large Budweiser beer garden, live bands, chili cook-off, motorcycle jumpers as well as other live entertainment. Top race qualifiers will display their vehicles (cars, quads, motorcycles, etc.), give driver demos and be present for autograph sessions. It typically features a large Budweiser beer garden, live bands, chili cook-off, motorcycle jumpers as well as other live entertainment. Top race qualifiers will display their vehicles (cars, quads, motorcycles, etc.), give driver demos and be present for autograph sessions. I will keep everyone posted on when this years Fan fest will be held because I cannot hardly wait for the Chili Cook Off. I may even enter it with my infamous ten-alarm chili.
Comments
7th Jul 2012 (#)
Fascinating read Jerry. Wish I could go.
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
You would really enjoy it Steve. Cathy and I have already reserved our tickets and a camping permit for the Halfway Picnic Campsite.
Thanks for moderating, reading and commenting.
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Nice to know these will go on despite the tragedy of fires that destroyed so many homes. Have a great time, Jerry - siva
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Thanks, Siva.
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Thanks Jerry for sharing an interesting article.I am amazed how you manage to attention such events and sports amidst your tight writing schedule.Thanks.
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Much to Cathy's dislike, I never leave my work at home. I always have a laptop with me and I have a satellite uplink installed in my Jeep. I participate in whatever activities we are partaking of during the day and then work halfway through the night.
Thanks for reading and for commenting, Ramalingam.
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Great piece Jerry would love to go the scenery looks spectacular.
Best Wishes
stevetheblogger
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8th Jul 2012 (#)
Thanks for reading and commenting Stevetheblogger.
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29th Dec 2012 (#)
Nice history. Thank you dear brother Jerry for your affectionate appreciation and guidance. Wish you a prosperous and happy New Year.
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