Attending The Race - Race Day Planning in Breckenridge, PART 2 of 2
PEDAL DANCER FAN GUIDE - Stage 2 and Stage 3 - USA Pro Challenge 2013
The USA Pro Challenge returns to Breckenridge, Colorado, for the third year. Breckenridge has played Host City in every USA Pro Challenges race to date. With options for entering the town from the south or north over climbs before finishing in a quintessentially picturesque Colorado mountain town, Breckenridge is well suited for vacationing spectators and fast approaching bike racers.
Official City of Breckenridge USA Pro Challenge website for spectators wanting to see the race. Official 2013 Spectator Guide
* To read more, view PART I of this Fan Guide, please transfer to USA Pro Challenge in Breckenridge for information about:
STAGE FACTS (Stage 2 & Stage 3 start and finish times)
PEDAL DANCER RECOMMENDATIONS
STAGE ROUTE - MAPS, PROFILES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Teams and Riders at the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Riders in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Teams for 2013 USA Pro Challenge announced
ATTENDING THE RACE AS A SPECTATOR
Road Closures
Full road closure details for the Breckenridge area: All Colorado Road Closures for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge Bike Race. Also read local road closures. State Highway (SH) 9, US 40; Full road closures stop all traffic flow in both directions. Rolling Closures create short term delays of 30-45 minutes along the route.
For Special Events associated with the race day(s) in Breckenridge, please see the GoBreck website for a full list of happenings.
RACE DAY TIMING AND SUGGESTED HIGHLIGHTS
Tuesday, Stage 2:
6:00am - Main St closes to all traffic
10:10am - Race Start in Aspen
11:00am - Race Coverage begins on the Jumbotron
12:00-2:30pm - sections of Hwy 9 to Hoosier Pass progressively closing.
1:00pm - Finish Festival opens in downtown Breckenridge (until 6pm)
1:00pm - Get in place along the route.
1-4:00pm - Begin tracking the race on Tour Tracker
2:30-3:30pm - Riders crest Hoosier Pass
3:25-4:45pm - Riders Finish on Main Street Breckenridge
5:00pm - Roads reopen, except for Main St.
5:30pm - Free Concert at Riverwalk Center
Wednesday, Stage 3:
9:00am - Village activities begin downtown
9:30am - Festival opens (visit the Nissan booth)
9:30am - Autograph Alley Opens near the sign-in stage on Main St.
10:00am - Swan Mountain Rd closes to cars
11:00am - majority of riders heading to the sign-in stage
12:00pm - Road SH 9 southbound into Breckenridge closed
12-1:30pm - I-70 Exit ramps (west and east) closed at Silverthorne
12:10pm - Stage begins on Main Street in Breckenridge / laps in town
12:35-12:50pm - Riders will be on Swan Mountain Rd.
1:00pm - Road SH 9 back into Breckenridge will reopen, and you will be able to exit north.
1:00-3pm - Road SH 9 north to Kremmling to Steamboat will have rolling closures (delays)
1:45-3pm - Hwy 40 Westbound over Rabbit Ears Pass closed.
5:00pm - Expected Finish in Steamboat Springs
*My tip is to ride your bike into the venue or viewing site, or always be aware of road closures and park where you can get your car out if needed, especially if you want to continue chasing the race by driving to Steamboat Springs.
Chasing Stage 3: If you plan to drive from the Start in Breckenridge to the Finish in Steamboat Springs: You may depart Breckenridge by 1pm on SH 9 north, connect to I-70 west, SH 131 north, and SH 141. It should take 2.5 hours to drive to Steamboat using this back route through Wolcott. The Race is expected to end at approximately 4:45pm in downtown Steamboat Springs. Awards ceremony from 4:45-5:15pm. More info: www.steamboatprocycling.com
AT THE RACE
VIP Tickets
Breckenridge, Stage 2 Finish area - Founder Box $350
Breckenridge, Stage 3 Start area - Start Lounge $125
Learn more, or Buy VIP Tickets
What VIP includes: a prime viewing spot on the race route, food, beverage, private access, tables & chairs, live TV race coverage, shade or shelter.
Be a Volunteer at the race in Aspen/Snowmass
Breckenridge needs volunteers from August 20-21. Read more, or sign-up
See yourself on the Big Screen in Breck!
If you tag your race photos #breckbecause on Twitter and Instagram people can see them on the big screen in town! More info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRN1gd0Dvf8
Tips on seeing the race
If you can, Spend an overnight in Breckenridge; you will see the finish of Stage 2 (Tuesday) and the start of Stage 3 (Wednesday). When you are not watching the race - ride your own bike from Breckenridge to Frisco, continue to the top of Vail Pass; kayak or canoe on Lake Dillon (although the water is low this year); mountain bike on the local trails, enjoy the town events in the town of Breckenridge.
Stage 2: on Hoosier Pass or in the town of Breckenridge. Stage 3: In the town of Breckenridge or on Swan Mountain Rd.
Stage 2: If you stay near downtown on Tuesday in Breckenridge you will be able to walk the Festival area and watch the race on the jumbotrons before seeing the finish. Although the barriers could become quite crowded by the time the riders arrive.
Just south of the downtown River Walk area on highway SH 9, there is a stretch of road between the corner at South Park Ave to the corner of Boreas Pass Rd where the riders will pass by twice. Once after descending Hoosier Pass, and a second time after looping town. The sprinters should be in place by the time the reach South Park Ave for the second time.
The climbing is not over once the race is within the borders of the town of Breckenridge. The riders still have the short steep (15%) climb of Moonstone Rd before the finish. This road might be another good viewing opportunity for fans.
Stage 3: At the race start on Wednesday morning, the Team buses and Autograph Alley are the places to collect rider autographs. Team buses and mechanic trailers are the place to see the bikes close up. The sign-in stage (or nearby it to watch the riders freely riding by) is a fun location for good rider viewing and to hear the pre-race interviews by the race announcers.
I like to get to any race early, to walk around when the crowds are light and find all the key locations and how to move between the start/finish line, stage, and team areas, or scout for a good viewing spot along the barricades, that way I know how to move around when the crowds get heavy. Arriving early also allows me to find a good cup of morning coffee!
Swan Mountain Rd is the first climb of the day (Stsge 3) - just 9 miles down the road and waiting for the huge crowds it has supported in years past.
TRAVELING TO BRECKENRIDGE
Breckenridge is a ski resort, very active in winter and summer. The town is incredibly picturesque and fun to walk around. It has numerous shops and cafes. The Blue River runs through town, and there is a River Walk are with green grass and a fun play area for kids in the middle of town. There is good mountain biking and trail hiking in the area, mountain biking on the Colorado Trail, and a golf course on the outskirts of town, plus a mountain slide up Peak 8.
Bike Rental
Bikes may be rented in Frisco and Breckenridge for the day. There are bike paths all over the area.
Frisco is 10-miles north or Breckenridge and has a large beautiful lake (Lake Dillon) with sailing and canoeing, and a downtown area with more shops and restaurants. There is a Marina in Frisco, where you may rent boats if you go up 1-day early or stay longer. The Marina has a bar/restaurant with a view and patios. Good hiking can be found surrounding the area, and fishing in the rivers from Steamboat to Breckenridge. The city of Dillon also borders Lake Dillon and is located on the route of Stage 3 to Steamboat Springs, the town also has hotels, restaurants, and a Marina.
Getting There
Allow 1.5-2+ hours to drive from Denver to Breckenridge, plus additional time for parking and any traffic on the narrow 2-lane Hwy 9 from Frisco to Breck. Pay close attention to Road Closures.
Hotels
Accommodations is Breckenridge are geared toward ski condos and can be quite pricey. The town offer traditional ski town lodging which you can find here. For traditional hotels, the nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne are very close and might be more reasonable. I like to simply insert "hotel" on a google map and see location and price all at the same time (Hotels in Summit County). Rooms are still available.
Camping
No camping is allowed anywhere along the route in the city limits of Breckenridge." Camping is allowed between Blue River and the top of Hoosier Pass, there are only a few spot at the USFS camping spot on Swan Mtn Rd. More information on Camping in Summit County.
GoBreck -- dispersed camping is allowed w/in White River National Forest areas along Hoosier. Dispersed means 100ft off trail, 1/2 mile from water, and below treeline. If you have ?s about dispersed camping, contact Dillon Ranger District at 970-468-5400. We're investigating camping along the highway right of way -- and once I hear back will post a followup here in this thread.
Camping is allowed along the race route south of the Blue River Town limits in unincorporated Summit County to the top of Hoosier Pass. For the stage 3 route, there are some very limited spots for camping available in the USFS campground on Swan Mountain Road.
Cycling
See the variety of bike rides listed at Summit Biking rides in Summit County near Breckenridge. Mountain biking in Breck is good and the trails along the Colorado Trail are fun.
Fun Park
Peak 8 Fun Park (up Ski Hill Rd) offers a Alpine Superslide sledding chute and lift/mountain biking on the ski slope in summertime. The gondola ride to the Fun Park at the base of Peak 8 is free from the parking lot in town.
Restaurants
I used to live in Breckenridge and to be honest I had few favorite restaurants, so I would go simple - Empire Burger at 520 S. Main St, or Giampietros (pizza, pasta) at 100 N. Main St., any of the coffee shops with a snack, there are some good sandwich places in town or grab some ice cream at Cold Stone. Breakfast at the Blue Moose is good. If you need a steak, try the Kenosha Steakhouse.
More information about Breckenridge Please visit The Town of Breckenridge
Other PEDAL DANCER FAN GUIDES - USA Pro Challenge race day planning, travel guides, city special events, route maps and profiles, road closures, and stage start and finish times. (all links coming soon)
I have chased pro races for 13 years on the Continent and in Europe. I am now granted the thrill to be Media at some of the races but am always in touch with my roots as a fan. I share with you my inside tips on how to see and enjoy a professional cycling race. My love of travel, maps, photographs and human interest blend with the love of any bike. Welcome and enjoy the ride! (About Pedal Dancer®)
USA Pro Challenge in Aspen and Snowmass
USA Pro Challenge in Breckenridge (Part 1)
How & Where to Watch the USA Pro in Breckenridge (Part 2)
USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs
USA Pro Challenge in Beaver Creek
USA Pro Challenge in Vail
USA Pro Challenge in Loveland and Fort Collins
USA Pro Challenge in Fort Collins
USA Pro Challenge in Denver
For more information please visit the PEDAL DANCER GUIDE PAGE: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Official website: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/
Monday, Aug. 19 - Stage 1: Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Tuesday, Aug. 20 - Stage 2: Aspen/Snowmass - Breckenridge
Wednesday, Aug. 21 - Stage 3: Breckenridge - Steamboat Springs
Thursday, Aug. 22 - Stage 4: Steamboat Springs - Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 23 - Stage 5: Vail Time Trial
Saturday, Aug. 24 - Stage 6: Loveland - Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25 - Stage 7: Denver Circuit
PEDAL DANCER FAN GUIDE - Stage 2 and Stage 3 - USA Pro Challenge 2013
The USA Pro Challenge returns to Breckenridge, Colorado, for the third year. Breckenridge has played Host City in every USA Pro Challenges race to date. With options for entering the town from the south or north over climbs before finishing in a quintessentially picturesque Colorado mountain town, Breckenridge is well suited for vacationing spectators and fast approaching bike racers.
Official City of Breckenridge USA Pro Challenge website for spectators wanting to see the race. Official 2013 Spectator Guide
* To read more, view PART I of this Fan Guide, please transfer to USA Pro Challenge in Breckenridge for information about:
STAGE FACTS (Stage 2 & Stage 3 start and finish times)
PEDAL DANCER RECOMMENDATIONS
STAGE ROUTE - MAPS, PROFILES AND DESCRIPTIONS
Teams and Riders at the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Riders in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Teams for 2013 USA Pro Challenge announced
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| Bissell team car and young fans in Breckenridge in 2012. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
Road Closures
Full road closure details for the Breckenridge area: All Colorado Road Closures for the 2013 USA Pro Challenge Bike Race. Also read local road closures. State Highway (SH) 9, US 40; Full road closures stop all traffic flow in both directions. Rolling Closures create short term delays of 30-45 minutes along the route.
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| Keeping the roads safe for spectators and riders. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Breckenridge USA Pro Challenge. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Event Map Stage 2 Breckenridge |
Tuesday, Stage 2:
6:00am - Main St closes to all traffic
10:10am - Race Start in Aspen
11:00am - Race Coverage begins on the Jumbotron
12:00-2:30pm - sections of Hwy 9 to Hoosier Pass progressively closing.
1:00pm - Finish Festival opens in downtown Breckenridge (until 6pm)
1:00pm - Get in place along the route.
1-4:00pm - Begin tracking the race on Tour Tracker
2:30-3:30pm - Riders crest Hoosier Pass
3:25-4:45pm - Riders Finish on Main Street Breckenridge
5:00pm - Roads reopen, except for Main St.
5:30pm - Free Concert at Riverwalk Center
Wednesday, Stage 3:
9:00am - Village activities begin downtown
9:30am - Festival opens (visit the Nissan booth)
9:30am - Autograph Alley Opens near the sign-in stage on Main St.
10:00am - Swan Mountain Rd closes to cars
11:00am - majority of riders heading to the sign-in stage
12:00pm - Road SH 9 southbound into Breckenridge closed
12-1:30pm - I-70 Exit ramps (west and east) closed at Silverthorne
12:10pm - Stage begins on Main Street in Breckenridge / laps in town
12:35-12:50pm - Riders will be on Swan Mountain Rd.
1:00pm - Road SH 9 back into Breckenridge will reopen, and you will be able to exit north.
1:00-3pm - Road SH 9 north to Kremmling to Steamboat will have rolling closures (delays)
1:45-3pm - Hwy 40 Westbound over Rabbit Ears Pass closed.
5:00pm - Expected Finish in Steamboat Springs
*My tip is to ride your bike into the venue or viewing site, or always be aware of road closures and park where you can get your car out if needed, especially if you want to continue chasing the race by driving to Steamboat Springs.
Chasing Stage 3: If you plan to drive from the Start in Breckenridge to the Finish in Steamboat Springs: You may depart Breckenridge by 1pm on SH 9 north, connect to I-70 west, SH 131 north, and SH 141. It should take 2.5 hours to drive to Steamboat using this back route through Wolcott. The Race is expected to end at approximately 4:45pm in downtown Steamboat Springs. Awards ceremony from 4:45-5:15pm. More info: www.steamboatprocycling.com
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| Get ready to watch a fast bike race. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
VIP Tickets
Breckenridge, Stage 2 Finish area - Founder Box $350
Breckenridge, Stage 3 Start area - Start Lounge $125
Learn more, or Buy VIP Tickets
What VIP includes: a prime viewing spot on the race route, food, beverage, private access, tables & chairs, live TV race coverage, shade or shelter.
Be a Volunteer at the race in Aspen/Snowmass
Breckenridge needs volunteers from August 20-21. Read more, or sign-up
See yourself on the Big Screen in Breck!
If you tag your race photos #breckbecause on Twitter and Instagram people can see them on the big screen in town! More info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRN1gd0Dvf8
Tips on seeing the race
If you can, Spend an overnight in Breckenridge; you will see the finish of Stage 2 (Tuesday) and the start of Stage 3 (Wednesday). When you are not watching the race - ride your own bike from Breckenridge to Frisco, continue to the top of Vail Pass; kayak or canoe on Lake Dillon (although the water is low this year); mountain bike on the local trails, enjoy the town events in the town of Breckenridge.
- Double it up this year : Breckenridge: Stage 2 Finish + Stage 3 Start
- See a start & finish on the same day : Stage 2 see the Start in Aspen + the Finish in Breckenridge. See the Start of Stage 3 in Breckenridge + the Finish in Steamboat Springs.
- Be on a mountain pass mid-way in the stage: Stage 2 Independence Pass - 12,095ft (3,687 m); Stage 2 Hoosier Pass - 11,542 ft (3,518m); Stage 3 Swan Mountain - 10796 ft (3291 m).
Stage 2: on Hoosier Pass or in the town of Breckenridge. Stage 3: In the town of Breckenridge or on Swan Mountain Rd.
Stage 2: If you stay near downtown on Tuesday in Breckenridge you will be able to walk the Festival area and watch the race on the jumbotrons before seeing the finish. Although the barriers could become quite crowded by the time the riders arrive.
Just south of the downtown River Walk area on highway SH 9, there is a stretch of road between the corner at South Park Ave to the corner of Boreas Pass Rd where the riders will pass by twice. Once after descending Hoosier Pass, and a second time after looping town. The sprinters should be in place by the time the reach South Park Ave for the second time.
The climbing is not over once the race is within the borders of the town of Breckenridge. The riders still have the short steep (15%) climb of Moonstone Rd before the finish. This road might be another good viewing opportunity for fans.
Stage 3: At the race start on Wednesday morning, the Team buses and Autograph Alley are the places to collect rider autographs. Team buses and mechanic trailers are the place to see the bikes close up. The sign-in stage (or nearby it to watch the riders freely riding by) is a fun location for good rider viewing and to hear the pre-race interviews by the race announcers.
I like to get to any race early, to walk around when the crowds are light and find all the key locations and how to move between the start/finish line, stage, and team areas, or scout for a good viewing spot along the barricades, that way I know how to move around when the crowds get heavy. Arriving early also allows me to find a good cup of morning coffee!
Swan Mountain Rd is the first climb of the day (Stsge 3) - just 9 miles down the road and waiting for the huge crowds it has supported in years past.
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| Fans get free swag from RadioShack team bus in Breckenridge in 2012. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| It is free for fans to walk around the team bus area, and maybe even overhear an interview with a rider. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Fans watching the riders pass to and from the sign-in stage in Breckenridge. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Jens Voigt being interviewd by Dave Towle in 2012. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
Breckenridge is a ski resort, very active in winter and summer. The town is incredibly picturesque and fun to walk around. It has numerous shops and cafes. The Blue River runs through town, and there is a River Walk are with green grass and a fun play area for kids in the middle of town. There is good mountain biking and trail hiking in the area, mountain biking on the Colorado Trail, and a golf course on the outskirts of town, plus a mountain slide up Peak 8.
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| You are not in France anymore - this is uniquely Colorado architecture in Brekenridge. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| The River Walk next to the Blue River in Breckenridge. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
Bikes may be rented in Frisco and Breckenridge for the day. There are bike paths all over the area.
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| Bike Paths in summit county (the numbers are in meters) |
Getting There
Allow 1.5-2+ hours to drive from Denver to Breckenridge, plus additional time for parking and any traffic on the narrow 2-lane Hwy 9 from Frisco to Breck. Pay close attention to Road Closures.
Hotels
Accommodations is Breckenridge are geared toward ski condos and can be quite pricey. The town offer traditional ski town lodging which you can find here. For traditional hotels, the nearby towns of Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne are very close and might be more reasonable. I like to simply insert "hotel" on a google map and see location and price all at the same time (Hotels in Summit County). Rooms are still available.
Camping
No camping is allowed anywhere along the route in the city limits of Breckenridge." Camping is allowed between Blue River and the top of Hoosier Pass, there are only a few spot at the USFS camping spot on Swan Mtn Rd. More information on Camping in Summit County.
GoBreck -- dispersed camping is allowed w/in White River National Forest areas along Hoosier. Dispersed means 100ft off trail, 1/2 mile from water, and below treeline. If you have ?s about dispersed camping, contact Dillon Ranger District at 970-468-5400. We're investigating camping along the highway right of way -- and once I hear back will post a followup here in this thread.
Camping is allowed along the race route south of the Blue River Town limits in unincorporated Summit County to the top of Hoosier Pass. For the stage 3 route, there are some very limited spots for camping available in the USFS campground on Swan Mountain Road.
Cycling
See the variety of bike rides listed at Summit Biking rides in Summit County near Breckenridge. Mountain biking in Breck is good and the trails along the Colorado Trail are fun.
Fun Park
Peak 8 Fun Park (up Ski Hill Rd) offers a Alpine Superslide sledding chute and lift/mountain biking on the ski slope in summertime. The gondola ride to the Fun Park at the base of Peak 8 is free from the parking lot in town.
Restaurants
I used to live in Breckenridge and to be honest I had few favorite restaurants, so I would go simple - Empire Burger at 520 S. Main St, or Giampietros (pizza, pasta) at 100 N. Main St., any of the coffee shops with a snack, there are some good sandwich places in town or grab some ice cream at Cold Stone. Breakfast at the Blue Moose is good. If you need a steak, try the Kenosha Steakhouse.
More information about Breckenridge Please visit The Town of Breckenridge
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| Breckenridge Stage Start in 2012 - USA Pro Challenge. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
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| Riders pass again during a neutral race start lap in Breckenridge in 2012. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
I have chased pro races for 13 years on the Continent and in Europe. I am now granted the thrill to be Media at some of the races but am always in touch with my roots as a fan. I share with you my inside tips on how to see and enjoy a professional cycling race. My love of travel, maps, photographs and human interest blend with the love of any bike. Welcome and enjoy the ride! (About Pedal Dancer®)
USA Pro Challenge in Aspen and Snowmass
USA Pro Challenge in Breckenridge (Part 1)
How & Where to Watch the USA Pro in Breckenridge (Part 2)
USA Pro Challenge in Steamboat Springs
USA Pro Challenge in Beaver Creek
USA Pro Challenge in Vail
USA Pro Challenge in Loveland and Fort Collins
USA Pro Challenge in Fort Collins
USA Pro Challenge in Denver
For more information please visit the PEDAL DANCER GUIDE PAGE: USA PRO CHALLENGE
Official website: http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/
Monday, Aug. 19 - Stage 1: Aspen/Snowmass Circuit
Tuesday, Aug. 20 - Stage 2: Aspen/Snowmass - Breckenridge
Wednesday, Aug. 21 - Stage 3: Breckenridge - Steamboat Springs
Thursday, Aug. 22 - Stage 4: Steamboat Springs - Beaver Creek
Friday, Aug. 23 - Stage 5: Vail Time Trial
Saturday, Aug. 24 - Stage 6: Loveland - Fort Collins
Sunday, Aug. 25 - Stage 7: Denver Circuit
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| Shawn Hunter (center), CEO of the USA Pro Challenge, in the middle of a very busy race day in Breckenridge in 2012. Photo © by Karen at Pedal Dancer® |
