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.
This June will mark my sixth year with Ride The Rockies. In the past five years we have celebrated milestones in both our silver anniversary and dollars raised for charity. We have engaged new communities, ascended new passes and added new experiences in our silent auction, green jersey program and VIP Prologue Ride.
Our 28th annual tour has the makings of another memorable ride. Over the course of 7 days, 513 miles and 20,400 vertical feet, cyclists will be treated to 3 mountain passes, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges and eight host communities; each uniquely Colorado and all quite charming. From Telluride to Colorado Springs, cyclists will be bellowin’ in their bibs as they galivant through Southwest Colorado, before crossing the finish line at Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
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 remains a great 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 bicycle. I’m blessed and excited for 2013. Keep the rubber side down!
New staff, new events and a new found love for cycling has made for a fun year! After five years on the team, things just keep getting better! Each year offers new experiences for cyclists and staff alike and 2013 won’t be an exception.
Believe it or not, but up until last year I had never been on a road bike. So after nine years in the cycling industry I realized I should probably get my butt on a bike and see what all the fuss was about. Well…I see it now and it’s a blast! I have a beautiful Felt bike and feel like I’m floating when I ride. I got a late start on the bike last year so this year promises to see more miles. I can’t wait!
My folks sold my childhood home after 32 years and it was a bittersweet parting. They are still nearby and in a great home though. Home is where the heart is right? We gained another addition to the family in September 2012…this time a nephew! Three year old Reece now has a little brother. Baby Collin is the perfect little man and I’m so happy to have him in our family.
I’m proud to announce my involvement with the American Red Cross as a member of the founding board of “Behind the Red”, a group dedicated to educating the community about what the Red Cross does to save lives on a day to day basis when there isn’t a disaster. I’m also looking forward to working with organizations like Project Angel Heart and Centus in the future. Giving back is what keeps me going.
Let’s get ready to ride!
My love for the outdoors has kept me moving and busy over the past year. In an effort to learn new skills and start racing both road and mountain bikes, I am now a proud member of TheCyclist-Lawyer.com race team and look forward to competing this summer. In addition to giving racing a shot, I have also signed up and begun training for my first Ironman, taking place in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho this June.
While training has become a huge part of my life, I have found time to enjoy camping, snowboarding and most recently, rock climbing. In an effort to hone my running skills, I voluntarily manage one of Denver’s largest run clubs and am very grateful for the new friendships I have made through my involvement.
This first year in Colorado has opened many doors to new experiences, people and opportunities. I have been fortunate enough to join the RTR staff full time as the Event Coordinator and look forward to delivering a great event and seeing what other opportunities the year will bring.
I am truly thrilled to be apart of the staff for the 2013 Ride The Rockies bicycle tour. This will be my third tour with Ride The Rockies, having served as a volunteer the past two summers.
As a native of Minnesota, my Midwestern home provided me a number of opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Now living in Colorado, I take comfort in knowing those adventures and opportunities are still plentiful. That is one of the qualities I love about Ride The Rockies; bringing together a large collection of individuals to experience this great state, all while giving back to a number of deserving nonprofits.
I look forward to being involved with an event of this magnitude. My professional experiences up to this point have taken me from the fitness and health industry, as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach to the retail business as a team leader. I am excited for the opportunity to work with great people, in a great state, for a great cause.
