13th Annual Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride: Register Early

09 May 13th Annual Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride: Register Early

Cyclists can now register for the most beautiful road ride in Colorado. Event takes place Saturday, September 3, 2016. Early registration runs through June 6, 2016, but registration remains open up until the event. Go to www.m2dbikeride.com for specifics about how to register. For questions, registration, help, and volunteer opportunities email m2dbikeride@gmail.com or call 970.729.1372.

Registration is now open for the 13th annual Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride which takes place Saturday, September 3, 2016. Riders will depart the scenic mountains of Telluride, CO and make their way to the stunning desert landscape of Gateway, CO.

This year’s ride offers road cyclists four mileage options from 70 to 132 miles and elevation profiles that appeal to beginner cyclist and professionals alike. View all maps and elevation profiles here.

Race options include-

• Norwood to Gateway – 72 Miles
• Norwood to Gateway with Unaweep Hill Climb – 101 Miles

• Telluride to Gateway – 104 Miles
• Telluride the Gateway with Unaweep Hill Climb – 132 Miles

The Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride is the annual fundraiser for the Just For Kids Foundation, a regional non-profit supporting children throughout the San Miguel Watershed. Each year, every dollar raised through participant fundraising before and during the ride is matched dollar for dollar by the Carstens Family Fund at the Denver Foundation. All the money is then awarded to individuals and organizations that provide leadership opportunities for regional youth, as well as organizations that promote self-sufficiency and responsibility. Over the past 10 years, the Just For Kids Foundation is proud to have raised over $2 Million; all of which has been awarded to hundreds of organizations benefitting thousands of underprivileged children.

“The Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride is an incredible opportunity to ride one of the most exceptional routes in Colorado,” said Eric Saunders, President of the Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride. “The various mileage options and descending elevation profile with optional hill climbs make this a particularly fun event that appeals to a large number of cyclists.”

The ride concludes at the Gateway Community Center with food by La Cocina de Luz, live music by the famous Paradox Bluegrass Band, beer, and comprehensive silent auction. The location is a great place for cyclists to relax; family and friends to hang out. The food is delicious and a perfect cap to a fun-filled day.

The event offers transportation back to Telluride and Norwood and discounted lodging options in Naturita, Telluride, Montrose and Grand Junction.

Registration includes participation in the ride, aid stations and supplies along the route, support vehicles and SAG wagon, event water bottle, event SWAG bag, snacks and after-party.

About Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride:

The Mountains to Desert Bike Ride (M2D) is in its 13th year as the annual fundraising event for the Just For Kids Foundation. M2D offers road cyclists mileage options from 70 to 132, from the mountains of Telluride to the desert landscape of Gateway, Colorado. Each dollar fundraised through the ride is matched by the Carstens Family Fund at the Denver Foundation. For more information, visit www.m2dbikeride.com or email m2dbikeride@gmail.com.

About Just For Kids Foundation

JFK was created in 2000 by Bill Carstens, long-time Telluride resident, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. JFK is funded by an endowment established by Mr. Carstens, the Carstens Family Fund at the Denver Foundation. Each year the endowment matches proceeds from the annual fundraiser, Mountains to the Desert Bike Ride (M2D) and private donations. Just For Kids serves children from birth through high school graduation throughout the San Miguel Watershed, including the towns of Telluride, Norwood, Nucla, Naturita, Paradox and all points in between. For more information, visit www.justforkidsfoundation.org or email info@justforkidsfoundation.org.