12 Sep Mountain to Desert Classic Supports of Just for Kids Foundation, 9/21!
The 21st Anniversary of the Mountains to Desert Ride (M2D) takes place September 21, 2024, in support of our regional Just For Kids Foundation (JFK). The local event starts from either Telluride, Norwood, or Ridgway (new in 2024!) and culminates in Gateway, Colorado.
Immerse yourself in Colorado’s breathtaking fall beauty and majestic landscapes as you ride between 70 to 110 miles of gentle, quiet roads. From the awe-inspiring alpine sunrise and enchanting golden aspen forests of Telluride to the striking sandstone cliffs and palisades of the Gateway desert, this iconic ride offers an unforgettable experience.
Saddle up alongside your friends and family for the best Gran Fondo of Western Colorado. You’ll be fully supported all the way, with a finish line of great food and music.
2023 M2D Event Photos by Alex Ferrari
WHAT
The M2D Classic is an annual fundraiser for the Just For Kids Foundation. The ride begins in Ridgway, Telluride, or Norwood into the red cliff desert paradise of Gateway, along the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers. The traditional ride is a fantastic 4000′ drop overall – but, don’t be fooled, you will still enjoy 2615′ of climbing en route! Sign up for Ridgway, to add and additional climb at the front end of the ride!
WHERE
The ride offers three routes lengths available for cyclists to choose from this year, all ending in Gateway (4590′), Colorado: Telluride (8750’) to Gateway (103 mi); Ridgway (6985’) to Gateway (110 mi); and Norwood (7011’) to Gateway (73 mi).
All routesfinish at the Gateway Canyons Resort, rider route map available here.
WHO
For the 21st Annual Mountains to the Desert Classic, you and fellow cyclists have the opportunity to ride the most beautiful century in Colorado. M2D provides route options for all levels of cyclists: ride from Ridgway or Telluride to Gateway for our most challenging courses, or skip a few hills and miles and ride from Norwood to Gateway. All riders welcome – M2D has competitive riders who train all year round as well as off-the-couch riders joining for the fun! ‘
You will be supported along the way with aid stations and sag wagons. Families join with their children for the experience, the peloton rides hard for the best times, and riders of all ages test their mettle between the mountains and the desert.
WHY
Just for Kids! Ride for a great cause, and help us fundraise for the 21st Anniversary! September is the gorgeous end of the summer in the region – experience the ride in a stunning setting, on quiet picturesque roads. You will be accompanied by a motorcycle escort, sag wagons, mechanics on the road, aid stations, and cyclist companions. Wrap up the ride with an excellent catered lunch and live music at the Gateway Resort finish. There will be an award ceremony and prize drawing – extra tickets allotted in the drawing for those who fundraise over $250. Each rider receives a bag containing a shirt and commemorative water bottle.
HOW MUCH
$190 Registration Fee
Available July 2 – Ride Day
$75 Students Registration Fee
$60 Return Shuttle Fee
Not Included in Registration Fee
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