IMBA Members Will Gather to "Race Across The Sky" on Oct. 22

For Immediate Release 10-08-09
Contact Mark Eller
IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011 ext. 115

On Oct. 22, mountain bikers across the nation will gather in theaters for the debut of “Race Across the Sky -- The Leadville Trail 100” a one-night special in-theater event, featuring a documentary covering the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 bike race. In addition to inspiring footage, the story includes candid conversations with elite and amateur cyclists who overcame extreme challenges to participate in this grueling event. The documentary premier will also feature a broadcast panel discussion amongst some of the principle riders, including Lance Armstrong, Travis Brown, Dave Wiens, race director Ken Chlouber and others.

The Oct. 22 national screenings will occur concurrently at 8 EST, 7 CST, 6 MST, and will be rebroadcast at 8 PST on the West Coast. Theater locations and ticketing information is available online. It's expected that IMBA's grassroots network of 35,000 individual members and 750 mountain bike clubs will turn out in force. They will be further enticed by a prize drawing for attendees who post group pictures (and contact info) for their viewing parties on IMBA's Facebook page.

Producers to Join IMBA's Corporate Ranks

Citizen Pictures, the producers of "Race Across the Sky – The Leadville Trail 100" recently joined IMBA's corporate sponsors program. "It's a great partnership, not just because of the generous support Citizen Pictures has pledged for IMBA, but because our organization has become intimately involved in the Leadville 100 bike race," says IMBA Development Director Rich Cook.

In preparation for the 2009 edition of the race, IMBA trailbuilders joined six-time champion Dave Wiens to re-route a section of the course at the request of the Bureau of Land Management. "It was great working with race director Ken Chlouber, Dave Wiens and more than 40 volunteers who showed up for the Leadville racecourse project," says IMBA's Ryan Schutz. "Events like Leadville bring great things to the sport, like national media attention and a strong sense of community for the racers. They also inflict a good deal of wear and tear on trails, so it's great to see everyone working together on this kind of sustainable trailbuilding effort."