Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, has announced that the Stetina’s Sierra Prospect (SSP) road rally-style Gran Fondo will take place during the Northstar Free-Ride Festival, powered by Interbike, from September 14-16, 2018.
Now in its second year, SSP is a weekend affair consisting of road rides, dinners and more, leading up to the main event on Sunday where participants roll along picturesque Lake Tahoe and into the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
“Our team is really excited to work with Bike Monkey and Peter Stetina, and to bring a first-class road event for both the general public and Interbike attendees to participate in,” said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “The two different course options are both challenging and spectacular to the eye, and I love the fact that it benefits a very worthy local non-profit that is known to help athletes after suffering horrific injuries.”
Registration for the event is now open and features a la carte pricing for all events. The main ride costs US$165.00, with rates set to increase on July 1st.
Interbike Marketweek will take place in the Reno Tahoe region beginning with the Northstar Free-Ride Festival in North Lake Tahoe, CA, on September 14-16, 2018 (with bike demos taking place on September 15-16). OutDoor Demo will run from September 16-17, 2018 for members of the trade, followed by the Interbike Expo in Reno, NV on September 18-20, 2018.
The Sierra Prospect (SSP) event will be produced and managed by Bike Monkey, the organization that produces numerous cycling events including Levi Leipheimer’s Gran Fondo in Santa Rosa, CA. The SSP will start on the evening of Friday, September 14th with a Peter Stetina meet-and-greet for all participants at Revision Brewing Company in Sparks, NV, for the official release of their collaboration beer.
Saturday morning’s Segafredo Coffee ride to the event’s official non-profit partner, the High Fives Foundation, is designed to loosen up riders’ legs and will roll at a moderate group pace. The High Fives Foundation supports the dreams of mountain action sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness, while providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries.
“I’m honoured to join forces with Interbike,” said Peter Stetina. “As a Tahoe resident, this ride is my labour of love, an all-inclusive weekend filled with the aspects I love most in cycling: camaraderie, scenery, pushing boundaries, and of course celebratory beers! I hope we can provide a special experience for all those road riders who want to blend Interbike’s renowned hospitality with a little adventure. See you in September!”
Saturday evening will feature a special dinner prepared by food and wine professionals. Participants will take a moonlit gondola ride to the top of the Northstar Resort for a feast in support of High Fives Foundation.
The road rally main event will start from the Northstar Resort at 08:00 local time, with riders choosing between a 44-mile and 78-mile course, both of which will have a series of timed segments through Lake Tahoe’s crystal blue basin, and finishing on the summit of Mt Rose at 8,911 feet above sea level.
Participants will also have access to all of the activities taking place in the race village as part of the Northstar Free-Ride Festival, powered by Interbike. Events include access to demos, wine walks, live music, kids’ activities, pub crawls and much more.
