2020

The BEET: Episode 5 with Maria Esswein

A veteran of The APEX, BC Bike Race, and just coming off a 3rd place finish in the 3-day edition of Breck Epic, Maria knows a thing or two about big adventures! The Sugar Beets Cycling rider isn’t into race placement—she was thoroughly surprised to learn she was competitive in the Breck Epic. For Maria, an event is about immersing yourself in nature, enjoying the journey, and embracing the people you meet along the way. Not physically embracing these days! It’s more about being present and celebrating life. But we’ll let her tell you the rest in Episode 5 of The BEET.

Rider Spotlight: Vince & Nick Schino

Vince Schino
With all of the interest we've been showing mom's lately, we thought Father's Day would be a perfect time to reciprocate, and we couldn't think of anyone more appropriate than Vince and Nick Schino, who traveled together from New Jersey to ride The APEX in a pandemic year. We were glad they could find time to sit down and talk with us. They did not disappoint! In fact, we found them pretty inspiring, as athletes and as family.

Video: Course Director Daniel Matheny Tell Us What to Expect for 2021

If you have ever been part of planning an event, you can imagine the work that goes into planning The APEX. Organizing and permitting a cycling event with a single course can be daunting. Multiply the number of days and courses by 4, and you are looking at quite a challenge! Luckily, our team loves a challenge, especially Course Director, Daniel Matheny!

Rider Spotlight: Robbie Day

Robbie Day, 2020 APEX 2nd Place Overall Winner

Sporting some of the best hair in the business, U23 rider Robbie Day surprised himself with a second place overall finish at the very first Pikes Peak APEX. The leading U23 rider is part of the Bear National Team, under the tutelage of Julia Violich, where aspiring elite riders receive the support they need to succeed at the highest level, focusing on personal growth, team work, communication, and comradery.

Rider Spotlight: Chris Carmichael

Chris Carmichael riding Stage 1 of the 2020 APEX
We spent some time last month catching up with renowned endurance coach, Chris Carmichael, who finished 3rd in the Master’s 60+ category at last year’s APEX. Founder of Carmichael Training Systems (CTS), Carmichael was an Olympian and professional cyclist before embarking on a coaching career and founding CTS in 2000.

Rider Spotlight: Russell Finsterwald

Russell Finsterwald after Stage 3 of 2020 APEX
We caught up with Russell Finsterwald last Friday, at the end of a long training week to reminisce about the inaugural race. He revels us in the feeling of hitting Captain Jacks at race speed, dishes his favorite post ride nosh spots and issues a challenge to anyone and everyone coming to Colorado Springs this September!