Governor Polis Kicks Off Pedal the Plains in Lamar

Art and Reality

LAMAR – Governor Jared Polis today joined cabinet members, stakeholders and local leaders to kickoff of the Denver Post Pedal the Plains 2019.

Riders on the Loop

This ride is an opportunity for Coloradans to get out into communities on the eastern plains and celebrate the state’s agriculture industry. The ride will make stops in Lamar, Holly, and Springfield.

Governor Jared Polis on Pedal Morning

“I’m excited to be in Lamar to kickoff this year’s Pedal the Plains ride,” said Governo Polis. “Pedal the Plains gives people across Colorado the chance to experience our beautiful eastern plains. It’s wonderful that a number of our cabinet members are participating this year, and my kids will also be biking the first few miles. We wish them and all the riders the best of luck.”

Tent City at Savage Stadium

“OEDIT and I are committed to rural economic development and this is a great way to showcase the beauty and unique assets of the eastern plains of Colorado. This is also the area I represented in Congress so it holds a special place for me,” said Betsy Markey, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

SDS Benefits from the Pedal the Plains Event

“I am excited for my first Pedal the Plains tour! I look forward to talking to Coloradans along the way, especially to hear about how we can ensure every child and family has the support they need to thrive, and that the mental health needs of rural communities are met. I am thrilled to be biking through the southeastern plains of Colorado and representing the Colorado Department of Human Services,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Department of Human Services.

Bev Haggard Flipping Out

“I’m thrilled to be out here, traveling a critical part of our state’s transportation system by bicycle and representing CDOT. Whether we travel by bike, car, truck, bus, or any other mode, Coloradans all rely on the strong foundation that our road network provides,” said Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Lamar Chamber Info Desk

“Today will be my first Pedal of the Plains tour and it’s exciting to be back on the Eastern Plains – one of our state’s strongest regions,” said Rick Garcia, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs. “DOLA is committed to continuously addressing the needs of our rural communities and partners as well as providing assistance and helping prepare for Colorado’s future.”

Ribbon Cutting

During the Friday night VIP Reception at the Lamar Elks Lodge, State Attorney General, Phil Weiser, addressed the gathering, thanking Dean Singleton for having the idea of the Pedal of the Plains, as well as Mike Felicissimo of Viaero Wireless, one of the original participating sponsors.

Atty Gen, Phil Weiser

Recognition also went to Angie Cue of Lamar, Rod Swisher from Holly, Jackie Crabtree from Holly Public Schools, Steve Sanchez from Springfield and Rebecca Clark of Springfield.

JUDI at Pocket Park Friday Night

Weiser cited some statistics showing the value of outdoor recreation, saying, “92% of Colorado residents participate in some form of outdoor recreation each year and the Outdoor Rec industry generates 511,000 jobs, $36B in consumer spending, $21 B in wages and salaries and $9 B in state and local tax revenue.”

Riders are on Their Marks

Spotlighting the eastern Plains, the Attorney General said, “the Ag sector of the state is a $40B flagship industry that supports $2B in exports to over 100 countries, annually.”

He added that the Pedal the Plains event and the Denver Post community Foundation Grant provide thousands of dollars to local organizations including Colorado’s FFA and 4-H groups.

Jason Sumner, Author of “75 Classic Rides Colorado: The Best Road Biking Routes”, is participating this year and had this to say after today’s Day 1, “It was a deceivingly hard day. The mileage and climb weren’t too bad, but the wind and heat made things tough out there. There were lots of rewards for your hard work though. Great lunch in Granada, and it was fascinating to learn about the area’s history, especially the Amache Relocation Center.”