Colorado has been an avid cycling state for some time, and two recently announced events should garner even more props for the state. Ride 4 Yellow is scheduled for August 8 in Steamboat Springs and consists of two rides through the mountains. Look for cycling superstar Lance Armstrong to participate in at least one.

According to Steamboat Today, Armstrong has committed to the Ride the Divide event, a 26-mile ride along the Continental Divide Trail starting on Rabbit Ears Pass and ending at the top of the gondola at the Steamboat Ski Area. Participation requires cyclists to collect $500 in donations for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and 100 of the 200 open spots are already taken.

The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross is also on the cycling radar and will hold two of its four-weekend events in Fort Collins on November 13 and 14, writes the Coloradoan. Cyclocross is an off-road bike race that usually consists of laps around a short course. Riders traverse cement, trails, grass, mud, and any other challenges race organizers decide to set upon the course.

A race official says the event will bring roughly 700 riders per day to the area, a nice boost to the northern Colorado economy. Fort Collins beat out a site in New Jersey to host the race.