By Elizabeth Edwards — On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the 21st Annual Mountains to the Desert Classic Bike Ride (M2D) will occur in San Miguel County, Colorado to benefit the Just for Kids Foundation (JFK).
It will start in the mesa community of Norwood (at 8:30 a.m.), the ski town of Telluride (at 8:00 a.m.), and the river settlement of Ridgway (at 8:30 a.m.). Racers can choose their ride distance (73 or 103 or 110 miles). JFK aspires to attract a minimum of 110 cyclists for the new Ridgway course option during the 2024 M2D event.
All three course options will pass through golden aspens and brilliant red canyon walls en route to their destination at the beguiling desert landscape of Gateway Canyons Resort.
Long-time M2D Cyclist and JFK Board Member, Scott Benge shares that his favorite part of the courses is “from Uravan to Gateway along the Dolores River!” He reflects that “it is one of the most scenic and ripping fast century rides you can possibly do!”
There will be a party for all bikers in Gateway- with awards, food, beverages, music, a prize drawing, and an optional shuttle back to the starting points of the race. The pricing of the race is dependent on age and time of enrollment; one can register at the website linked below.
The JFK is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which financially aids San Miguel County youth agencies. It was founded by Telluride benefactor, Bill Carstens, in 2000. It is currently sustained by his daughter, Cheryl Carstens Miller and his endowment, the Carstens Family Fund at the Denver Foundation. In 2023, 42 distinct organizations were JFK grant recipients.
Erin Ries, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Rocky Mountain Arts used 2023 JFK funds to create sculpture building experiences for local children in concert with their guardians.
Nathan Schroepfer, a leading instructor for The TelluRiders Mountain Bike School, initially became involved with the M2D fundraiser through his role as a point person for the race’s shuttle service, but recently received a grant from JFK, which he aspires to use for scholarships for children’s bicycle programming. He shares, “ I feel as a mountain bike based company it make[s] our association with JFK that much more important to us, knowing we share a passion for cycling and the mental, emotional and physical benefits that come with this great lifelong sport. We hope to be great stewards of the foundation and the sport of mountain biking all while honoring this special place we get to call home.”
JFK’s positive effect on San Miguel County, in its 24-year tenure, has already been far-reaching. Hopefully, this year’s ride will further stoke the community’s enthusiasm for JFK. If you are not an avid road biker, then there are many other ways that you can support JFK- through sponsoring riders, volunteering for M2D, and donating money to the organization.
Donate here for the college fund and donate here for supporting grants for local organizations. Become a sponsor here.
Event info:
September 21 — Mountains to the Desert Classic|, Telluride, CO, Benefits Just For Kids Foundation. 3 routes and starting points to choose from: Telluride to Gateway: 103 Miles; Norwood to Gateway: 73 Miles; Ridgway to Gateway: 110 Miles (new for 2024!), BBQ party too. Finishes at Gateway Canyon Resort, Evan Tueller, 949-412-4068, [email protected], http://m2dclassic.com, http://justforkidsfoundation.org
