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June 26-July 3, 2008
buzz@boulderweekly.com
• Birding geeks get a guide
by Melissa DeVaughn
• More Elevation stories
• Upcoming Events
 Colorado cyclists get two new charity events
…but one is only for the ladies
by James Dziezynski
Upon seeing a steady stream of road bikers cruising up highway 36 on a Tuesday afternoon, a friend from out of town commented that there must be a big bike race afoot. Nope, I assured him, just another bike day in Boulder, where clear skies and dry roads bring out legions of spandexed warriors and their cherished road bikes, most of which are branded with the names of Mafia informants and weigh less than a cell phone. We love our bikes, and two new charity rides provide some sweet terrain to put them to good use.
Blue River Century / June 21, 2008
100 Miles of Riding, 3 Different Finish Options
www.bluerivercentury.com
Last Saturday saw the inaugural running of the Blue River Century, a unique ride along some of Colorado’s most beautiful and challenging mountain areas in Summit County. With proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research, this 100 mile ride started at River Run at Keystone and followed a course that offered three different finishing options: a 107-mile route up and over Loveland Pass, a 100-mile route ending at A-Basin and a Montezuma finish that also completes a 100-mile route.
Program director Marie Willson designed the course to capture some of the best riding in Colorado and use the Blue River Century to double as a fund raiser for cancer research. “What inspired me is the people I know who have cancer, and I wanted to do something to make a difference,” said Willson. “I like planning, I like cycling and love riding in Summit County. I also think that the LAF is a very high quality organization in terms of providing support and resources to people surviving cancer.”
Besides being a great ride in its own right, the Blue River Century is a fantastic “warm up” for the grueling Triple Bypass ride event two weeks down the road. Though only in Colorado can 100 miles on a bicycle be considered a warm-up for anything except three days of burning quads.
Venus de Miles Road Ride / August 17, 2008
Women’s Only Event 35 and 65-mile options
www.venusdemiles.com
It’s hard to believe Colorado did not have an all-women’s road bike event until this year’s Venus de Miles road ride. The two looping options for the Venus de Miles follow the beautiful farmland roads that start in Longmont and create a circuit that offers some of the best Front Range scenery and riding. The longer 65-mile option goes above Lyons on Highway 7 and swings over to Jamestown before returning to the start. For guys who feel left out, never fear: the event is looking for volunteers to help out at aid stations and as bike mechanics. Event planners have ensured the race is well-supported with plenty of spots to hydrate and grab a snack. All proceeds from the Venus de Miles event will be donated to Greenhouse Scholars (www.greenhousescholars.org), a nonprofit organization that helps underfunded students pay for education opportunities.
“Besides bringing together a community of women, our ride is benefiting a fantastic charity,” says event coordinator Teresa Robbins.
“We’ve seen similar races in other states, and it’s hard to believe Colorado didn’t have a similar all-women’s ride. We hope to get women out there who may feel intimidated by a mixed-gender event — not to mention we have a great course for riders of all abilities.”
With an emphasis on encouraging women and giving back to the community, the Venus de Miles is hoping to make a difference for the riders and the students who will benefit from the fund raising efforts.
Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
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