US Cycling Monument Slated for North Boulder Park

A monument dedicated to the Red Zinger/Coors Classic, the cycling community in general, and the continuing evolution of the bicycle as human powered transport is seeking donations for the construction of the sculpture.  Below is a press release that gives more detailed information on the project, it’s origins, and how to donate to the cause.  Donors will have their names inscribed in the sandstone benches and pavers around the sculpture.

Check out the Wikipedia link on the Red Zinger/Coors Classic if you are not familiar with the history of this event.  It was an amazing stage race that has been missing from the US racing calendar for years.  After the announcement by Lance Armstrong last week concerning the return of a major stage race to Colorado, it looks like we will be seeing the return of this caliber of event to our region. 

Also check out a few old images from the early days of the Classic, all shot by John Maynard; cool stuff!

August 6, 2010, Boulder Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U S Cycling Monument partners with PLAY Boulder Foundation; now accepting donations for plaza cobbles The U S Cycling Monument, now sponsored by PLAY Boulder Foundation, is accepting contributions to be honored with inscriptions in the sandstone plaza.  These inscribed bench blocks and tumbled sandstone pavers will provide the core funding for construction of the Monument.

Commemorating the legendary Red Zinger/ Coors Classic stage race

This was the biggest pro men's race in North America and arguably the most prestigious women's race in the world. The final stage of the race was centered in North Boulder Park for 12 of its 13-years in existence..  Cycling both as sport and as means of transport continues to thrive and evolve today in Boulder, still known as the 'epicenter of American cycling.'  It is the phenomenon of the Red Zinger/Coors Bicycle Classic that first earned the City this title.  

Project Origins

The project was initiated by sculptor / landscape artist Kimmerjae Johnson in response to an assignment in 2003 from The Landscape Guild, her employer at the time, The task was to 'Do something with the planting beds in North Boulder Park'.  Having lived near the park during the last years of the race, she was inspired to create a sculpture to mark the historic event.  After a lengthy design process, the work was approved by the City of Boulder for permanent installation on December 15, 2008.  In January 2010, sponsorship discussions began with PLAY Boulder Foundation, and the formal partnership agreement was signed June 30.

The sculpture 'Momentum'

The Monument consists of the sculpture entitled 'Momentum' and its surrounding plaza. The sculpture is a spiraling aluminum beam that sails above two large supports made of the local Colorado sandstone: one dynamic arch and another vertical block with plaques that tell the story of the race. At 50' long, it is a grand gesture that, according to sculptor Kimmerjae Johnson, creates a visual bridge between the broad field of the park and Boulder’s mountain profile rising in the Western sky. This will be a destination to visit to learn, remember, and be inspired.

Summary

USCM is dedicated to those who conceived and organized the Red Zinger / Coors Race; its renowned champions and all the athletes who raced in it; as well as the community that gathered in the tens of thousands to support and enjoy it. It is dedicated to a significant moment in the history of world cycling, and to the evolution of human-powered transport continuing onward. To donate and have your name inscribed in the Monument plaza go to: http://www.uscyclingmonument.org/   or call (303) 499-8113.

Related information:

Wikipedia entry on the Red Zinger / Coors Classic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coors_Classic

This is a mock-up of the sculpture where it will be situated in North Boulder Park, the home of the final stage in the Red Zinger/Coors Classic race for 12 of it's 13 years.	©John Maynard	©John Maynard
©John Maynard	©John Maynard	©John Maynard