An Unparalleled Adventure—Colorado Springs, Colorado

Frank Beddor Nationals-July 4-July 8, 2012

Haven’t been to an Audi Club North America event? Take the leap and jump in for some serious fun next July as ACNA members and their families celebrate the Frank Beddor Nationals in beautiful Colorado Springs. Whoa. So, what’s unique about this experience?

For one, it’s a gathering of like-minded Audi enthusiasts that will share a spirit of adventure as they gather for the 90th Pikes Peak International Hillclimb—Race to the Clouds. July 2012 will mark the twenty-five year anniversary win of one of the greatest rally driver of all time—Walter Röhrl. Cool and collected, Röhrl piloted an Audi sport quattro S1 up the world’s highest highway in record time of 10:47.85 minutes.

World Rally Champion, Walter Rohrl

To commemorate this victory, ACNA members will gather at the starting line to watch as racers rev their engines, embracing the mighty challenge as they quest for victory, just as Walter did 25 years ago. Planned activities at the Frank Beddor National in Colorado Springs will include scenic drives, golf, member concourse (with an added attraction featuring ur quattros), Thursday reception, Friday Fan Fest, Saturday evening banquet and the grand finale—the Pikes Peak race on Sunday.

But wait, there’s oh-so-much more. Sunny Colorado Springs is an exhilarating vacation destination—so bring the entire family and create a lifetime of memories.

Feed the giraffes
Visit America’s only mountain zoo with more than 750 animals from around the world. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (www.cmzoo.org) is an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery while getting nose to nose with gorillas, feeding giraffes or watching grizzlies fish for trout. Journey through this magnificent mountainside environment and discover more than 30 species of endangered animals—from Sumatran orangutans, to spectacled bears and African elephants. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about sharing the wonders of the natural world with kids (and grownups), and providing memories for a lifetime.

White knuckle it
Too tame you say? How about the ultimate white water rafting (www.raftecho.com) excitement to the Royal Gorge? World class river experiences are available for people of all ages and abilities. Be sure to remind grandma to bring her helmet!

Trains and bikes
Relax and take a leisurely ride to the top of Pikes Peak aboard the Cog Railway (www.cograilway.com). For over 100 years, the Cog Railway has been taking visitors through four life zones from lush high plains to fragile alpine tundra. You’ll pass cascading streams as you wind through a steep canyon of gigantic boulders and tall pines, home to elk, deer and bear. The dramatic granite cliffs often reveal playful Yellow-bellied Marmots and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep. Once you reach the summit, the second part of the adventure kicks in—Pikes Peak by Bike (www.bikithikit.com). Ride down over 7,000 feet from the top of Pikes Peak with professional guides. It’s fun, safe and easy—if you can sit on a bike you’re in!

Goodbye earth, hello sky.
If you’re not afraid of heights be sure to visit Colorado’s natural wonder—the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (www.royalgorgebridge.com). The bridge is one of the world’s highest suspension bridges with its 360-degree panoramic view of the Royal Gorge—the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River. A place where looking down is even more breathtaking than looking up.   

Hankering for a taste of the Old West?
The romantic legend of the cowboy lives on in song. Around the campfire, the cowboy sang of life on the trail with all the challenges, hardships and dangers encountered while pushing contrary critters endless miles up the legendary dusty trails that headed north.

Take the family to the historic Flying W Ranch (www.flyingw.com), a working mountain cattle ranch that specializes in western food and cowboy music. Stroll through the old Western town before the Flying W Wranglers perform. Cowboy music and bunkhouse comedy provide entertainment for the entire family.

181 feet of pure aaaaahhhhh.
Take a hike. A journey along South Cheyenne Canyon to Seven Falls (www.sevenfalls.com) takes you  through the 42-foot-wide Pillars of Hercules with 1,000 foot cliffs above. The box canyon terminates dramatically at a 181-foot waterfall cascading down seven distinct steps. A mountain elevator makes the view accessible and summer lighting makes the experience magical.

Magic and mystery
Take a trip into America’s past and explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings (www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com). The authentic Anasazi cliff dwellings, built more than 700 years ago are fascinating architectural remnants of an American Indian culture that roamed the Four Corners area of the Southwest from 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300. Wander through the grounds and explore the architecture of the ancient Anasazi—there are no “Do not touch” signs!

Still bored?
There’s more…Cave of the Winds (www.caveofthewinds.com),
Garden of the Gods (www.gardenofgods.com)
Cripple Creek (www.cripplecreekrailroad.com), Ghost Town Museum (www.ghosttownmuseum.com), Historic Old Colorado City (www.shopoldcoloradocity.com), Miramont Castle Museum (www.miramontcastle.org).

Garden of the Gods

Relax, enjoy, refresh
As the premier headquarter hotel for club members, Cheyenne Mountain Resort is nestled in the shadows of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. A vast array of amenities include an 18-hole championship Pete Dye-designed golf course, five swimming pools, Kids Splash Park, tennis and racquetball courts, health and fitness center, aquatics center and 35-acre recreation lake for swimming paddle boating, fishing, and sand volleyball.
 
Known for its breathtaking mountain views, exceptional accommodations, and myriad of activities, the AAA Four Diamond Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers the ultimate in Colorado vacationing. The Mountain View restaurant is the signature dining establishment and features a lavish buffet, award-winning Sunday brunch and Colorado Fusion ala carte menu, using the best locally grown, organic products and wild game.

Reserve your room!
As event details are finalized including prices for race event, etc, please look for information in the next issue of quattro quarterly and also at www.audiclubna.org. To reserve a room at the Cheyenne Resort call 800.428.8886 or 719.538.4000 and ask for the Audi Club block of rooms for your special rate. The Cheyenne Mountain Resort is fully booked every year during the Pikes Peak race, so please make your reservations early! The upcoming July 2012 Frank Beddor Nation Event will be unique—offering member activities including watching the Race to the Clouds, and the opportunity to explore an exciting, adventurous fun-filled vacation destination for the entire family.