Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Announces Indie Hops as New Title Sponsor

2/21/10 - The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation (DPCCF) is pleased to announce a new title sponsor for the the 4th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix: Indie Hops, an aroma hops merchant headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Indie Hops supplies Oregon-grown aroma hops to craft brewers nationwide. “Craft beer and action sports go hand in hand,” said Indie Hops owner Roger Worthington. “We think a well- hopped beverage, loaded with xanthohumol and quercetin, is a vital recovery drink for athletes and anyone else who wishes to live life well.”

This year the DPGP will feature the “Killer Cove” time trial on Saturday, April 10th.  The 2.3 mile circuit will test the racers’ speed, power, descending, climbing and bike handling. The racers will hit speeds of over 45 mph as they enter Harbor Drive, but will drop below 10 mph as they soldier up and over Cove Road, which features an 18% grade.

The criterium on Sunday, April 11th, will again attract the nation’s top professional and amateur racers. The six turn criterium, which winds through neighborhoods above the bluff overlooking the harbor, ramps up down Pacific Coast Highway (Del Prado) and finishes near Heritage Park, will host a series of public, kids, amateur and pro races from 7 am to 5 pm.

The DPGP has quickly gained accolades among athletes and sports fans as one of the top racing events in the U.S.  In addition to offering world class action on the race course, the DPGP showcases rock and roll music, a beer garden hosted by Karl Strauss Brewery, a vendor area, an In ‘n Out Burgers mobile kitchen and a Fan Zone Expo.  The kids races again promise to be a big hit for the entire family – don’t forget to bring your camera!

“If you like fast action, good music, happy kids, carbon fiber, cheeseburgers, sensational craft beer and watching elite athletes push themselves beyond the limit, then you’re going to want to bring your friends and family down here for the whole day, ” said Worthington, who also double times as voice of the race and the President of the DPCCF.

Indie Hops recently announced its sponsorship of an aroma hops breeding program at Oregon State University. “Our vision for next year’s event is to work with Oregon State to hold a hop sensory panel, featuring Southern California’s top craft brewers,” said Worthington. “The idea is to drive science, unlock the mysteries of hops, play hard and have a whole lotta fun.”