Specialized Announces Support of AllRide 6

Morgan Hill, CA – June 23, 2010 - You’ve probably already seen the internet video from Sea Otter in April, or heard the rumors through the chat rooms – if you haven’t, here it is -

Specialized Bicycle Components is proud to announce their partnership with mountain bike legend Kirt Voreis in support of the Specialized AllRide Tour. 

With a career in mountain biking spanning two decades, Voreis’ unique talent and drive to progress the sport is now bringing all aspects of mountain biking to a whole new generation of riders around the country through AllRide. 

Voreis has built his reputation among fans and Pros alike as a Rider’s Rider – riding at the top of almost every mountain biking discipline. The AllRide movement began in 2003, as Voreis started his move away from a successful career in World Cup DH racing and getting deeper into the Freeride scene. 

“I like that Specialized makes a bike for every kind of riding and every budget, which is key to introducing people into the sport”, said Voreis 

“I think the company represents the rider I am, diverse; I've never had a set type of riding I focused on, I've always enjoyed the feeling of riding bikes, period. Specialized shares my passion and sees my vision and it motivates me to inspire others to ride.” 

2010 marks Voreis’ second stint with Specialized, having tackled the DH circuit with teammate Shaun Palmer in the late 90’s. 

This year’s AllRide tour will focus on West Coast and Mountain State locations, offering the crew plenty of opportunities to enjoy and punish their Specialized Bikes, suspension, tires, and other Specialized equipment along the way. 

“We are fired up to have Kirt back in the Specialized family; he is a true ambassador and living legend in the sport of mountain biking,” said Sam Benedict of Specialized Global Marketing. “His dedication to the sport and positive influence on the youth fits perfectly with the lifestyle of the company.” 

To ensure his efforts continue to push the limits of the sport into the future, Voreis also introduced the AllRide Academy to help promote youth riders, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions and goals through mountain biking. 

 • Kirt Voreis – AllRide founder, mountain bike legend, The Man

 • Lindsey Voreis – AllRide Marketing/PR Support and advocate to get more women on mountain bikes

 • Cierra Smith (15) – 2009 Jr. National DH Champion

 • Richie Rude (15) – 2009 Jr. National DH Champion

 • Mikey Sylvestri (20) – 9th Pro Men at 2009 DH Nationals

 • Austin Aldrich (15) – Bend, OR local ripper going big nationally

To help spread the love, the AllRide Tour will also have a selection of demo bikes along for the ride to let riders attending events try them out. The combination of the inspiring presence of the AllRide crew and Specialized bikes will help riders along the Tour push their own limits while riding their local trails with Voreis and several other Specialized Sponsored riders they meet up with along the way.

“A main component of AllRide is connecting with the riders of the world and sharing the love of bikes, while also hoping to get more people, especially kids, into mountain biking,” added Voreis. 

As the tour continues through the season, Voreis and the AllRide crew will be updating blog posts, uploading videos, hitting the Super D and DH race circuit and getting out to Specialized dealers and events to meet and compete with their fans. For more information on the Specialized AllRide Tour and Kirt Voreis log onto http://iamspecialized.com/team/allride