2009 Partners Challenge Ride--dare to ride . . . or just donate to a good cause

The 2009 15th Annual Partners Challenge Ride (and Weekend Get-Away) has been set this year for the weekend of September 26-27.   This 2-day, 104-mile mountain bike ride is truly challenging, but a lot of fun, traversing some of the most spectacular mountain terrain and scenery in the country.   It is not a race.  Riders are supported all along the way by volunteers who work at the aid/food stations, patrol the route with sag wagons, and provide bike mechanic services. Click here for more information about the event and course description from last year.  Below is a map of the course.

Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mentors children in our area.   Youth aged 6-17 are referred to the program and then screened and matched with a trained adult volunteer.  The pair make a commitment to spend at least three hours a week together for one year.  The staff of Partners supports this relationship with weekly contact, monthly recreational activities and educational workshops.  Another component of the program focuses on teenagers through Art Partners.  Youth aged 12-17 are matched with a professional artist or crafter in a supported 3-month mentoring apprenticeship.  Partners has been in existence in our area since 1987, providing a huge value to our youth.  Partners does not charge for its services, but rather, relies on volunteers and donations.  For a good newspaper article on Partners, click here.

I am proud that my company this year will be entering a corporate team, which will be made up of 5 riders, including myself.  In addition, the non-riders will be volunteering to work the ride and/or help us to raise funds for Partners.  Our goal as a team is to raise at least $1,500.  If you would like to help us meet our goal, we would truly appreciate your tax deductible donation in any amount.  Please make your check payable to Partners and mail or deliver it to my office at 1245 E. Main St., Montrose, CO  81401, Attn: Partners. 

Alternatively, if you'd like to take the challenge, register as an individual or corporate team to participate in the ride.  The fee for individuals is $300, and for a team, $1,300, limited to 5 riders.  You should be able to download the registration form soon from the Partners' website at www.Partners-West.org.  As of this post, it is not yet online, but should also be available soon through www.active.com.  Until then, feel free to call me, and I'll be happy to mail you a registration form.  The ride is limited to the first 100 riders, but there's no limit on donations!  I'll keep you posted as I find more online about this event, and also, about my training.  I rode one day in the event 2 years ago, which convinced me I needed a new bike and a lot more training!  I've got the new bike, and have started the training.

~Ninah

My agents, Kylee Smith & Betsy Spitzer on Partners' Ride 2007
coming down Owl Creek Pass, Chimney Rock in background