Urban Assault Ride Comes To Chicago

By Jacy Wojcik in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 22, 2008 5:45PM

We at Chicagoist love all things bike including events that promote biking throughout our city. Which is why we are very excited that Urban Assault Ride is coming to Chicago on Sunday, September 28th. UAR is a bike scavenger hunt where two-person teams ride to checkpoints around town to complete crazy obstacle courses and win prizes. ("Crazy" like: bike jousting, big wheels, keg walk, slip n' slides, bouncy balls, etc.) It culminates with a huge after party with food, New Belgium beer, live music and more games.

Urban Assault Ride was created in Austin, TX by Josh Kravtez at an attempt to get more bikes on the road after realizing that "intimidation factor" was the biggest reason potential commuters don't get on their bikes. He started UAR to get people exploring their cities bike paths, routes, and lanes and discover that cycling through town is easy, safe, healthy and fun. UAR has traveled to Seattle, LA, Denver, Dallas, Portland, Madison, Minneapolis, Ft. Collins and now, Chicago. The staff is primarily volunteers from non-profit organizations that promote bike advocacy and environmental sustainability and proceeds from the UAR benefit local non-profit organizations. UAR's main sponsor is New Belgium Brewing, keeping their title as the number one beer for bike riders. Ok, we just made that up. But is it not true? (Ed. Note: New Belgium is certainly the most visible. Locally, both Goose Island and Three Floyds have donated or sponsored bike-related programs and rides.)

The registration price is lowered until September 14th: $45 gets you an organic cotton t-shirt, bike bell, drawstring back pack, water bottle, donation to charity, raffle ticket entries, food, drinks and after party fun. Sounds like the perfect autumn afternoon to us. Click here to register. We'll see you there.