The USA Pro Challenge will take place this month, and this is a reminder that you might want to make your plans to enjoy every minute of this year’s event. It is likely to have even more competitors than last year’s 185 participants.

It will be held from Aug. 20-26, and is expected to attract more that 1 million bicycle-racing enthusiasts. The riders enjoy the support as they advance from one city to another after enduring the toughest terrain at the highest altitudes in Colorado.

The race length is 518 miles, and it runs from Durango to Denver, with campovers at numerous destinations along the way.

Each stop will have a unique welcoming and each town is planning a festival atmosphere with live music, staged introductions and vendors to supply refreshments to keep the party rocking. Last year, many of those attending took advantage of camping privileges. Others spent their nights in hotels in different towns so they could continue to follow the race and track the racers who will be vying for that coveted win.

The Golden Visitors Center has brochure information on the race or, if you so wish, you can get help planning your trip at www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.

Golden’s night to welcome and entertain will be Aug. 25. Everyone’s invited to join your neighbors and friends in an experience that rivals that of the Tour de France. But Colorado’s excitement comes from realizing that this race will be reaching altitudes higher than 12,000 feet and speeds of more than 60 mph on mountain descents. You’ll have plenty of places to cheer the riders on or welcome them after an exciting day of exhausting racing.

So get set to follow your favorites at an event that appears to be a memory-making happening for all Coloradoans.

From bikes to clubs

Just a reminder for golfers in our metro area. The U.S. Amateur Golf Championship will be taking place Aug. 13-19 at Cherry Hills Country Club.

This tournament is open to the public and tickets are available at all King Soopers stores and City Markets.

This is a popular tournament for Colorado golfers to attend, so get your tickets now and avoid being turned away at the gate when the competition begins.

Denver County Fair

Yes, there is fair that’s being held in the City and County of Denver for three days from Aug. 10-12 at the National Western Complex.

Although the fair had its planned beginnings back in the 1800s on land that is now City Park, that plan was interrupted by a little thing called the Civil War and for some reason, no one ever revised it until last year.

Now, after a superb beginning, this year marks the second year for Denver’s own county fair. Much of what is offered is traditional to the scene, while other happenings are a surprise: For instance, the fact that it’s scheduled to be held indoors with 14 interlocking pavilions, each with it’s own exhibitors, stage demonstrations, entertainment and open competitions.

Even the carnival will be held inside. This allows more time for live competitions where any of us might win a blue ribbon, depending on how fast you can eat a pie, or win first to third place in a spelling bee and more.

Things like a “Geek” Pavilion, Kid’s Pavilion, unusual live competitions like the Diaper Derby and the fair’s revolutionary design make this county fair unique and a must-see for all in the metro area.

There are several ways to purchase tickets with numerous single-day options and three-day options. The latter will only be made available prior to the event. There’s also a VIP-pass option that includes a Friday evening reception, specialty seating at some events and free gifts at locations throughout the fair.

To obtain complete information and get answers to what you’d like to know, go to www.denvercountycityfair.org.

This is something all ages can enjoy participating in or just watching, so why not give it your support? The organizers suggest car pooling, public transportation and riding your bike to the fair. The hours will be Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.