Veteran event directors create new entity to grow Colorado’s leading portfolio of road, gravel, and mountain bike events
Boulder, Colorado (February 13, 2023) – The Ride Collective has purchased the Outside Interactive series of cycling events. The Ride Collective is a new company created by two veteran employees for the purpose of operating Copper Triangle, Crooked Gravel, Enchanted Circle, and five other popular sportives in the series. As part of the partnership, The Ride Collective will acquire this portfolio of annual rides and races, with Outside continuing as a sponsor and promotional supporter.
The Ride Collective is the brainchild of Scott Olmsted and Chandler Smith, longtime event directors with 40 years of combined experience managing events across the Rocky Mountain West. For the last four years, the pair has been running the Outside Events Cycling Series, welcoming new cyclists to legendary rides like Tour of the Moon while launching new courses like Wild Horse Gravel. Olmsted and Smith will now own and manage the series under The Ride Collective, supported by a multiyear marketing partnership with Outside designed to increase exposure and participation.
“The only thing I love more than riding my bike is watching a new cyclist cross the finish line at an event like Copper Triangle,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside. “Learning to ride really can change a person’s life, and that’s why we acquired these events four years ago after financial challenges had put their future at risk. It’s also why we’re delighted that Scotty and Chandler will be shepherding them into the future. These events are an important part of Colorado history and outdoor culture, and there’s no team more suited to champion them than these guys.”
“With cycling participation at an all-time high and pandemic restrictions lifted, the future of enthusiasts riding events is really bright,” said Olmsted. “With a focus on community, courses, and exceptional support, we’re committed to curating meaningful and fun experiences both on and off the bike,” shared Smith. “We’re grateful to Outside for the opportunity to take these rides forward and the marketing support they’ll provide in our ongoing partnership.” In addition to orchestrating the eight events, The Ride Collective is also committed to growing the next generation of cyclists through a Youth Development Program where kids 16 years or younger may participate for free in their road rides and gravel races.
Registration is now open for the 2023 rides and races at theridecollective.com. The full calendar of events includes:
- Wild Horse Gravel – May 20
- Sunrise to Sunset Castle Rock – June 3
- Crooked Gravel – July 22
- Sunrise to Sunset Winter Park – July 22
- Copper Triangle – August 5
- Enchanted Circle Bicycle Tour – August 12
- Tour of the Moon – September 9
- Tour de Vineyards – September 16
