Craig Daily Press

The Moffat County Tourism Association is optimistic the first Ride the Rockies visit to Craig and Moffat County in 12 years will pay dividends down the line.

However, MCTA director Shelly Flannery said it's too early to tell whether the area will reap future rewards from the Monday visit, which drew 2,000 to 3,500 people to Craig.

"I think any time you get people inquiring about something, it's an opportunity," Flannery said. "We'll just have to see how that plays out for us. ... It (provided) us an opportunity to talk about the (tourism attractions) we have and things coming up."

Ride the Rockies was a topic of conversation during Wednesday's MCTA board meeting. MCTA provided information to the infusion of tourists who descended on Craig on Monday morning.

Specifically promoted were attractions such as the Museum of Northwest Colorado, Sandwash Basin, Browns Park, Elkhead Reservoir and Dinosaur National Monument. MCTA also advertised places of interest around Craig for prospective tourists and the Whittle the Wood Rendezvous.

Flannery said she heard positive reviews from riders and bicycle tour organizers on Craig's efforts in serving as a host community.

"They were all very impressed with the service and organization of the event in Craig," she said.

Flannery said she heard from riders who were primarily interested in local eateries. Based on the inquiries she heard and feedback she's gotten since Monday, Flannery said local restaurants did well from the tour visit.

A shuttle service offered to Ride the Rockies visitors also was beneficial because it allowed easy access to various destinations around town, Flannery said.