AUSTIN, Texas — October 29, 2026 — Hill Climbers is bringing cycling’s builders, brand leaders, and athletes together for its Second Annual Hill Climbers Summit on Friday, November 13, at the Rivian showroom on South Congress. Partnering with endurance media company Front Pack Sports, this year’s Summit centers on one theme: The Future Is Female.

The headliner is a live audience podcast taping on “The State of Women’s Cycling in the US,” bringing the team, brand, and pro perspectives into one room. Around it, attendees get a group ride, lunch, happy hour, and in-person networking. Panelists include:

• Charles Aaron, Managing Director, Human Powered Health 
• Mellisa Allen, VP of Marketing, Skratch Labs
• Veronica Ewers, Professional Cyclist

The conversation comes at a pivotal time for American cycling in the lead-up to the 2028 LA Olympics, as the sport continues to build its audience, attract new investment, and create opportunities for women across competition, business, and the broader cycling community.

The Summit is an annual gathering built on a simple idea: the most valuable connections happen when people share an interest, get out of the office, and spend time together. This year’s Summit is its eighth live-audience podcast event and fourth corporate-sponsored event, following guests including Rapha CEO Fran Millar, U.S. Crit Champion Lucas Bourgoyne, and entrepreneur Noah Kagan.

“When I started Hill Climbers in 2023, it was just a podcast without any IRL community aspects. We introduced the weekly ride a couple years ago to encourage relationship building and friendly competition, and the appetite for more networking opportunities became clear once we tested the live audience podcast format. Now we’re a national community of cyclists building businesses, making connections, and finding ways to move the sport forward,” said Sam Huntington, founder of Hill Climbers. “The timing for this theme couldn’t be better. From Caitlin Clark to Kristen Faulkner, American pros are commanding more attention than ever, and we’ll explore how cycling can harness the momentum leading into the LA28 Olympics. We want people to leave the Summit with new relationships, a clearer picture of where American women’s cycling is headed, and ideas for how they can support.”

For Front Pack Sports, the partnership is a natural extension of its athlete-first approach to endurance media. Front Pack explores the people, businesses, and ideas shaping the future of sport.

“Hill Climbers has a unique view into what’s happening behind the scenes in the business of cycling, and that’s exactly why we wanted to partner with them,” said Scott Baldwin, founder of Front Pack Sports. “Women’s sports are at an important moment, and we want to understand what’s driving that momentum, where the investment is going, and what still needs to change. Bringing the team, brand, and pro perspectives into one room is what we love about this event. We’re excited to help bring these conversations to a wider audience.”

The weekend continues Saturday with Tour Das Hugel, Austin’s premier cycling event, extending the conversation from the showroom to the roads.

Summit Schedule

Friday, November 13 

Morning:

• 7:30 a.m. : Group ride with Factor and The Meteor.
  • RSVP here
  • Location: The Meteor (2110 S Congress Ave)

Afternoon:

+ Location: Rivian on South Congress (208 S Congress Ave)

+ Tickets: $25–$40. Purchase here

• 4:00 p.m.: Happy hour and networking
• 5:00 p.m.: Panel discussion — The State of Women’s Cycling in the US.
• 6:15 p.m.: Dinner and networking, catered by The Meteor. 
• 7:30 p.m.: Summit concludes.

Saturday, November 14

• Tour Das Hugel. Visit dashugel.bike for details.

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About Hill Climbers

Hill Climbers is a cycling-focused business ecosystem built around a simple idea: better connections build a stronger network. Originally launched as a podcast featuring cycling-minded founders, Hill Climbers now brings together entrepreneurs, investors, executives, athletes, and enthusiasts through group rides, live podcast events, and networking experiences. By connecting people who share a passion for cycling and a drive to build, Hill Climbers is helping create the relationships and opportunities that can move the industry forward.

Learn more at hill-climbers.com.

About Front Pack Sports

Front Pack Sports is an athlete-first consumer media brand endurance athlete’s trust. Built on personality and authenticity, we cover the news, gear, brands, and trends shaping endurance, health, wellness, and performance. Through editorial coverage, its newsletter, social media, and video, Front Pack connects athletes and industry leaders with the stories and perspectives that matter across running, cycling, triathlon, and beyond.

Learn more at frontpacksports.com.