Enjoy The Ride with Nature Valley

HOP ON YOUR BIKE AND ENJOY NATURE THROUGH YOUR HANDLEBARS!
The view is fantastic and the experience is fun, exciting and something almost everyone can do. Plus, you can ride by yourself or with a group of friends and family. So put a Nature Valley Bar in your bag and go out and find yourself a little nature with your bicycle.
Open sky, fresh air, inspiring scenery; from the seat of a bicycle you can experience all this natural beauty and more. Nature Valley supports cycling because it brings us exciting ways to be active in nature.

Jade Wilcoxson claimed the Best Amateur Jersey in the 2011 Nature Valley Grand Prix. For the 2012 road racing season, she was picked up by a professional team. In her first year as a professional rider, she won the Climbers Jersey at the 2012 Redlands Cycling Classic.


Ride as a family.
Start off cycling with the kids around the block. Then, gradually increase the distance. Soon, you'll all be riding farther than you ever imagined!

Keep bikes tuned up.
Dependable, well-tuned bikes make everyone want to ride more often. A bike shop can adjust brakes, tires and gears to ensure the whole family's bicycles are ready for action.


Try racing.
If you've always wanted to race, just get out there and do it! It's how every professional racer started and it's a great way to improve your skills.

Jade Wilcoxson and her Nature Valley Pro Chase teammates.

Jade Wilcoxson lines up with the leaders at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Jade Wilcoxson (Nature Valley Best Amateur) on the podium at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.





Alison Tetrick has been a pro cyclist since 2009. In 2010, she won the St. Paul Riverfront Time Trial at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. Domestically, she competes for the Exergy TWENTY 12 team. In international competition, she rides for the USA National Team.


Challenge yourself.
Set a goal. Track your progress and celebrate the milestones along the way. It's all part of the thrill of cycling!

Make it fun.
Choose routes with varied terrain and eye-catching scenery. To find great bike routes, talk to a local bike club or ask other cyclists where they ride.


Dress comfortably.
You don't have to wear spandex, but you do need cycling clothes that let you move freely. Being comfortable will make riding more enjoyable.

Alison Tetricks wears the yellow leader's jersey at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Alison Tetrick leads the field at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Alison Tetrick ready for battle at the Nature Valley Grand Prix.





Matthew Busche spent 2008-09 riding with the IS Corp Cycling Team. After winning the Nature Valley Grand Prix's Best Young Rider jersey in 2009, he briefly rode for the Kelly Benefits team. In 2010, he joined the Radio Shack Nissan Trek team. He became the U.S. National Road Race Champion in 2011.


Wear a helmet.
No one ever plans to fall, but it can happen. So, whether you're a kid or an adult, always wear a helmet when you're cycling.

Pay attention to the road.
Watch for potholes, train tracks, wet leaves, and oil slicks. They can all make it harder to steer and stop your bike.


Stay visible.
Make sure cars and other cyclists can see you. During the day wear bright-colored clothing. At night, use lights and reflectors.

Matthew Busche tackles the brutal Chilkoot Hill in the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Matthew Busche on his way to the Nature Valley Best Amateur award.

Matthew Busche, former Nature Valley Best Amateur sports the Stars and Stripes of the US National Champion.





2012 Cycling Events

Cycling events

THE NATURE VALLEY BICYCLE FESTIVAL

The Nature Valley Bicycle Festival is an 11-day celebration of amateur and professional bicycle racing, community cycling and family events. Over 15 years, the Nature Valley Grand Prix has grown from a one-day regional race to a six-race, five-day event that is the premier race on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. Top American racing teams and nearly 300 leading riders from around the world participate each year. Amateur participants can even gain entry by qualifying in Nature Valley Pro Chase events throughout the U.S. The Nature Valley Pro Chase is the only opportunity for amateur racers to have the full professional race experience. The Pro Chase program consists of six regional races that qualify men and women to participate in the Nature Valley Grand Prix as part of the Nature Valley Cycling Team.