COPPER HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL COPPER TRIANGLE

Ride to Benefit Davis Phinney Foundation

Copper Mountain, CO (July 29, 2009) -- Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle organizers are striving to raise at least $100,000 in their fight against Parkinson’s disease this weekend.  One of America’s top cyclists Davis Phinney, will join more than 3000 cyclists in their fight against Parkinson's disease during the 4th annual Copper Triangle Saturday, August 1.

The Copper Triangle has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides, this year’s event offers both recreational and competitive cyclists the opportunity to participate in a challenging and meticulously supported organized ride.  The 2008 Copper Triangle raised more than $72,000 for the Davis Phinney Foundation.    

The Copper Triangle route is a challenging 78-mile ride that crests Fremont (elevation 11,318’), Tennessee (elevation 10,424’) and Vail (elevation 10,666’) passes. The ride will start and finish in Copper’s Burning Stones Plaza.  Winding through historic mining outposts, three ski areas, and Camp Hale - the Copper Triangle ride is considered one of Colorado’s finest mountain rides.  Fully stocked aid and rest stations will be positioned throughout the course. The total elevation gain for the course is 5,981 ft. Upon returning from the ride, cyclists will be greeted by the Alpine Celebration in the Village at Copper - a post-ride party with music, bbq lunch, prize drawings and cycling expo.  

Copper welcomes the sounds of “So What Brothers” for a free performance in Burning Stones Plaza during “Tunes After the Triangle” Saturday at 3 p.m. during the Alpine Celebration in the Village at Copper. Enjoy eclectic rock from this Denver-based band, and expect high-energy fun and something delicious for a variety of tastes.  

Those not pedaling this weekend are encouraged to help in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.  The Copper Triangle 8-Hour Challenge provides a way for non-cyclists to participate and help raise funds.  Please ask for further information at the event.  

In 2000, Davis Phinney was diagnosed with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease and is now active in the fight against Parkinson’s.  Established in 2004, The Davis Finney Foundation focuses on understanding and exploring the neuro-protective benefits of fitness and exercise on Parkinson’s patients. The Foundation supports collaborative medical research to develop new treatment regimes and works to empower patients in their fight against this crippling disease.

Each participant will receive: a specially designed commemorative Copper Triangle cycling jersey, energy replacing refreshments at the amply stocked aid stations, meticulous support during the ride, a ticket to the “Alpine Celebration” post-ride BBQ in the Village at Copper and a chance to win dozens of prizes.   

After the day’s adventure, participants can enjoy the Village at Copper’s restaurants, shops and continued entertainment.  Copper is offering Copper Triangle participants special lodging rates. Call Copper Mountain Reservations at 866-534-7443 and reference the Copper Triangle or guest code # 3G92VA to receive the discounted rates.

For more information about the ride including merchandise, course maps and the Davis Phinney Foundation please visit www.coppertriangle.com or call 303.282.9020.  

About Copper
Copper gives guests the freedom to define their own vacation experience.  Free scenic chairlift rides, easy access to several 14,000 ft peaks, hundreds of miles of Colorado Scenic Byways, an 18-hole championship golf course and long stretches of celebrated fishing waters make Copper a premier summer destination. That access, combined with an intimate resort village that produces world-class events and entertainment, is especially appealing to hikers, road bikers, runners, anglers and others seeking personal growth and wellness through their mountain experience. To see more, visit www.coppercolorado.com. NEW - Woodward at Copper – make sure to check out the first indoor/outdoor ski and snowboard camp on the planet, by visiting the all-new www.woodwardatcopper.com.

About Intrawest ULC
Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in ten resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America.   In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe.  Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com.