TUCSON, AZ (December 11, 2012) -- Moots and Epic Rides have entered into a two-year agreement naming Moots the official bike sponsor of the 24 hours in the Old Pueblo presented by Tucson Medical Center. Epic Rides created, and has produced, the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo endurance race and festival since 2000.

Moots crew members will travel 900 miles from their high-altitude snowy home in Steamboat Springs, CO to Tucson, AZ to partake as the official bike sponsor and compete in the Southwest's most popular 24-hour relay mountain bike event.

"Moots is very excited to be part of one of the largest 24 Hour events in the world," said Jon Cariveau, Moots marketing manager. "The 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is an endurance event with a great history. We're looking forward to supporting Arizona's cycling community and spending time in the famous Sonoran Desert."

More than 3500 participants are expected in "24-Hour Town" beginning Friday, February 15th. Racing starts at noon on Saturday and concludes after noon on Sunday. The vendor expo, complete with fun, food and entertainment will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The predominately single track course, a ~ 16.5 mile lap with 1200 feet of climbing, is surrounded by the Tortolita, Catalina, and Galiuro Mountain Ranges.

"We are thrilled to have Moots as the official bike sponsor of the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo presented by Tucson Medical Center," said Todd Sadow, President of Epic Rides. "As a brand with such distinguished heritage and respect among the mountain bike community, their presence will provide event attendees with an additional layer of appreciation for craftsmanship and industry insights."

Fair Wheel Bicycles, one of Moots' newest authorized dealer partners, is a longtime partner of the event and the official bike shop for the 2013 event. Fair Wheel Bikes is Tucson's oldest and most reputable pro shop.

Additionally, Moots and Epic Rides have joined together to help raise awareness for Tucson Medical Center's new 4-story Orthopedic and Surgical tower, slated to open in Spring 2013. Moots has donated a Mooto X YBB mountain bike frame (a $3250.00 value), a Moots Cinchpost seat post (a $350.00 value), and a Moots Open Trail Stem (a $415.00 value) as raffle prizes for participants who complete a brief online survey. Three winners will be randomly selected on February 28, 2013. Winners announced in the Epic Rides eNewsletter.

For complete 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo presented by Tucson Medical Center event details, course maps and registration, visit: www.epicrides.com.

About Moots:
Moots Cycles, based in Steamboat Springs, CO has been a respected leader in the cycling community since 1981. The company is known for hand building the finest quality titanium road, mountain and cross bicycle frames, and select components from its facility in the Rocky Mountains. Moots bikes are enjoyed by cycling enthusiasts worldwide for their unsurpassed ride quality, attention to details and superior craftsmanship. In recognition of Moots' business leadership, product innovation and corporate/environmental responsibility Moots was recognized in 2011 as a Colorado Company to Watch. Moots frames and parts are available from high-end specialty bike dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. www.moots.com

About Epic Rides:
Founded in 2000, Epic Rides has become world famous for producing events that celebrate the many positive aspects of mountain biking. Events such as the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo Presented by Tucson Medical Center, the Tour of the White Mountains and the Whiskey Off- Road are popular with participants because they offer challenging, fun riding and emphasize the joy and health benefits inherent in the sport. www.epicrides.com

About Tucson Medical Center/Tucson Orthopedic Institute:
Tucson Medical Center's (TMC) new 4-story Orthopedic and Surgical Tower, opening Spring 2013, will provide new orthopedic and general surgical suites, as well as private orthopedic patient rooms. The facility will support a partnership between TMC and Tucson Orthopedic Institute (TOI) to create a world-class orthopedic specialty center know as the TMC Orthopedic Center, to be managed cooperatively by TMC and TOI. Once open, it will be the only center dedicated to orthopedics in Southern Arizona. www.tmcaz.com

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