Governor Polis Kicks Off Pedal the Plains in Lamar

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

“I’m excited to be in Lamar to kickoff this year’s Pedal the Plains ride,” said Governor 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.”

"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.

“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.

“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. 

“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.” 

To date, the ride has gone through the following communities: Bennett, Brush, Burlington, Eads, Fowler, Ft. Morgan, Keenesburg, Kersey, Kiowa, Holyoke, Julesburg, La Junta, Lamar, Limon, Ordway, Sterling, Wiggins, Wray and Yuma.

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