ABOUT US
The wheels of RTR are turned by the efforts of many. RTR employs three full-time and one seasonal employee, therefore relying heavily on our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers. The Denver Post’s Creative, Advertising/Sales and Community Relations Departments are also integral players in the successful execution of this premier event.
Chandler Smith
Tour Director
This June will mark my fifth tour with Ride The Rockies – and what a ride it’s been! In the past 4 years we’ve celebrated milestones in both our silver anniversary and dollars raised for charity. We’ve engaged new communities, ascended new passes and added new experiences in our silent auction, green jersey program and VIP Prologue Ride.
Our 27th annual tour promises to be one of our best yet. Over the course of 6 days, 442 miles and 25,000 vertical feet, cyclists will be treated to 2 national parks, 5 mountain passes, and 7 charming host communities. Throw in a King of the Mountain Stage, co-branded by the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, a century option around Williams Fork Reservoir and a trek along Trail Ridge Road and cyclists will be bellowin’ in their bibs! And what better way to end such a memorable journey than commemorating with 2000 of your closest friends over a cold beer at Odell Brewing Company.
We are grateful to all those who have ridden in the past and to all those who through their generous contributions have made this a great tradition. It has and continues to be a privilege to lead such a dedicated staff and group of volunteers in orchestrating Ride The Rockies. The friendships forged with volunteers, cyclists, partners and host community members are most cherished.
Ride The Rockies draws people from all over the world and has indeed become synonymous with summer in Colorado. I can confidently say there is no better way to see our state’s beautiful countryside than from a saddle…and to think…this is my job! I’m blessed and excited for 2012. Happy training and keep the rubber side down!
Elizabeth Norris
Community Relations Manager
When I started with Ride The Rockies, I never could have imagined the fun I’d have over the years. Going in to my fourth year I’m certain the fun will continue! I learn new things every day and meet great people along the way. Chandler Smith and I have several years of working together under our belts and are ready for the year ahead, which promises to be full of new excitement!
There is never a dull moment at our office as we plan for Ride The Rockies, and this year will be no different. The 2012 route is a beauty–one that will make cyclists’ spandex dance! I look forward to seeing more amazing areas of Colorado that are new to me and meeting up with some of the great communities from years past.
My niece is growing fast and becoming quite the athlete. At age two she can throw like Tim Tebow; it’s not accurate but it goes far! I spend as much time as possible with her and look forward to a second niece or nephew in the future.
With all of the exciting new adventures at work I’ve decided to take a year off from my volunteer commitments so I can devote my time and efforts to building our brand. This year will be for the memory books!
Amy Cockerham
Event Coordinator
Since moving from California to Colorado almost three years ago, life has been a series of interesting and wonderful adventures. First came redefining my idea of climbing a mountain – goodbye 1,500 foot peaks on the Central California coast, hello all-day 14ers! Next came dealing with the concept of that soft, powdery white stuff falling from the sky. From sliding the roads on a two-wheel, rear-wheel drive Jeep to snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding, the winter adventures out here are addicting and endless! Finally, and probably most importantly, I realized I had come to a place where the bike was revered and celebrated. Whether I’m now riding around Denver on warm summer nights or following every minute of the state’s epic Pro Cycling Challenge, I have truly found a love for cycling and its place in Colorado culture.
With this feeling in mind, it is with great pride and an immense amount of excitement that I embark on this new adventure – the 27th Annual Ride The Rockies. I look forward to meeting amazing riders and wonderful volunteers, to further exploring this great state, and to building memories that will last a lifetime. Though my riding experience is limited, my wonder, appreciation, dedication, passion, and desire to soak in this tour are vast. I can’t wait to begin this journey and hope you’ll come along for the ride!
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