The ninth annual SmartWool Ride to OR finished again this year on the doorsteps of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association‘s (USSA) Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah, one day before the outdoor industry tribal gathering known as Outdoor Retailer kicked off in Salt Lake City the first week of August.
From VF Corp brass to top SmartWool sales reps, retailers, employees and other friends of the company from all over the industry, more than 80 people this year made the nearly 400 mile journey from SmartWool headquarters in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to attend the bi-annual trade show in Utah.
Ride to OR kits (by Castelli) and matching SmartWool cycling socks adorned the dedicated riders, a number of whom have done the ride each year, as they enjoyed as well as suffered together through some pretty tough miles over the course of four days.
However, no matter how hot, cold, wet or windy, each day ends with an unmatched level of camaraderie and celebration, including friendships old and new and business networking. Fueled and supported by Steamboat’s Iconic Adventures, the group has grown each year, but has remained true to its mission of showcasing one of the greatest outdoor brands in the world while showing what the products — and the lifestyle they support — can really do.
All Images Courtesy SmartWool.
