USA Pro Challenge

Driving the USA Pro Challenge, Day 5: Rock, row, top down

The drive from Salida to Colorado Springs, Colo., is only 100 miles. But the navigation system on my 2014 Lexus IS 350C detailed that it was a 2 1/2-hour drive. It didn’t make sense because the majority of the route to the start and finish of stage 4 of the USA Pro Challenge was on U.S 50 and then on state route 115. The reason it took so long is because the roads wind through the Rockies and along the Arkansas River. The roads weave past old towns, rafting rental equipment outfits, general stores and roadside cabins for rent. It was my fifth day driving the Lexus IS 350C, the carmaker’s entry-level retractable hardtop convertible. And after an hour or

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2014 Lexus IS 350C: Day 4 driving the USA Pro Challenge

The third stage of the USA Pro Challenge, my fourth day driving a 2014 Lexus IS 350C, took me from Mt. Crested Butte to Monarch, Colo. What a day for a drive. After a few-mile descent from Mt. Crest Butte (Elevation, 9,898 feet), Hwy. 135 South progressed through long stretches of rolling terrain. A canvas of large rock formations, broken down ranch buildings, and a bright blue ski dotted with pillow-like clouds took me 27 mile to Gunnison, the start of stage 3. The 96-mile stage, the race’s only mountaintop finish, began at 7,793 feet. From Gunnison, it was 50 miles to Monarch Ski Resort, elevation 10,790 feet. The 2014 Lexus IS 350C has 306 horsepower, at it was apparent

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2014 Lexus IS 350C: Day 2, Driving the USA Pro Challenge

Retractable hardtop convertibles are the answer for car owners who like driving convertibles but who live in areas where ragtops can wear quickly or prove otherwise troublesome (like leaking or freezing) in inclement weather. The 2014 Lexus IS 350C hardtop convertible joined the increasing supply of retractable hardtops in 2010. The current 2014 edition is my vehicle for the weeklong USA Pro Challenge, a pro bike race from Aspen to Denver, Colorado. The mountain drive from Snowmass Resort to Aspen is only about 7.5 miles, but it was warm and sunny Monday morning, so after a nearly a five-hour ride yesterday from Denver with the top up, a top-down ride seemed only right. The Lexus IS 350C hardtop retracts electronically

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Lexus signs on as USA Pro Challenge official vehicle

Automobile manufacturers have long been associated with bicycle racing sponsorship. The latest carmaker to join list is Lexus. The luxury brand has been named as the official vehicle of the USA Pro Challenge. The two-year arrangement with the fourth-year race will include several components. Through the Lexus Champion Giveaway, the brand will provide the overall race winner with a three-year lease for a CT 200h hybrid. Additionally, Lexus will be the presenting partner for the Sprint Jersey, which has been worn by some of the top sprinters in the world, including Cannondale’s Peter Sagan. The USA Pro Challenge, August 18-24, and will travel 550 miles from Aspen to Denver, making stops in 10 Colorado host cities. Lexus will 125 cars

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Acura TSX, 2011: Chasing the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon may be the perfect car for a cross-state trip chasing a professional bike race. As contributing editor and videographer Roman Mice details, that’s exactly how The Weekly Driver is reporting on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The inaugural event, Aug. 22-28, featuring 17 teams and the top-three finishers in this year’s Tour de France, covers 518 mile in seven days. Driving throughout Colorado, including well-known cities, Aspen to Vail to Denver, the Acura TSX advanced throughout the mountains as comfortable wagon. It appears it likes the challenge of chasing the riders of the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge. To receive The Weekly Driver newsletter via email, visit FREE NEWSLETTER Facts & Figures: 2011 Acura

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