Hailed as Utah’s largest cycling event for people of all abilities, the popular ride welcomes hundreds of participants to Park City
PARK CITY, UTAH (June 21, 2023) — The Summit Challenge will return to the National Ability Center (NAC) on Saturday, August 26, 2023 with the goal of raising $100,000 for adaptive recreation programs. Beginning at 7:00 a.m., the ride runs through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. With multiple distance courses available for riders to participate in, ranging from 16 to 100 miles, cyclists of all abilities will help raise funds for the National Ability Center’s multitude of programs and activities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the hundreds of participants, both new and returning, to the NAC’s Summit Challenge,” said Danny Glasser, Executive Director of the National Ability Center. “This fun community event allows cyclists to pedal together through the scenic mountains of Northern Utah while raising money for our over 5,000 participants annually. Sign up and seek your summit with us!”
Over the last 16 years, the Summit Challenge has come to be known as Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities and continues to provide people of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to experience the thrill and beauty of the Utah mountains. The annual challenge raises money to support over 22,000 experiences that the National Ability Center offers to people of all abilities annually. The fully-supported road ride offers participants a choice of a 16-, 25-, 50-, 80- or 100-mile course to fit all experience levels and 10 rest stops along the way provide fuel, hydration and encouragement. A unique feature to the Summit Challenge includes the chance for riders on the 100-mile course to complete the two-mile climb up Wolf Creek Ranch, a trail that is typically only open during the Tour of Utah. A 1-mile Discovery Loop that offers families a fun-filled way to get involved with the Summit Challenge is also open to attendees at no cost. Starting at 11 a.m. MT, the Event Village on NAC’s campus will be open for lunch, refreshments and entertainment followed by an awards presentation at 2:30 p.m. MT on the main stage.
“This year will mark my third year attending the Summit Challenge Veterans Camp and participating in the Summit Challenge ride. Because of the Summit Challenge, I have learned how to set obtainable goals and made solid connections with other veterans who are avid cyclists who have taught and coached me into being a much more proficient cyclist,” said Rhonda Liddell, Trail Orienteering and Para-Skeleton athlete. “It is hard work, but I love the challenge this event poses for me! It is my goal to ride the 50-mile Summit Challenge route this year, and I plan to reach that goal.”
Early bird tickets are available for purchase now until July 14 at midnight MT, and start at $40. Regular registration closes on Aug. 24 at 5:00 p.m. MT, and prices start at $55 and all adaptive athletes ride for free. Event sponsors include DW Healthcare Partners, Boeing Company, KT Tape, Leave Room for Dessert Eateries, Michelob Ultra, Swire Coca-Cola, USA, Nate Wade Subaru, Summit County Restaurant, Salt Lake Magazine, KPCW, Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley, Vail EpicPromise, Zions Bank, ABC4, Del Taco and Utah Life Elevated. For the full list of sponsors, visit the Summit Challenge website. The National Ability Center encourages riders to raise a minimum of $50 to benefit the leading, adaptive nonprofit.
