The Bridges of the Butte 24-Hour Townie Tour, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser for the Adaptive Sports Center, took place last Saturday and Sunday and raised over $40,000! It was another sold-out event that has become the norm for Crested Butte Bike Week that really showcases our little town’s enthusiasm for bikes.
Photos: Trent Bona
Getting after it on Elk Ave.
This year, 13 solo riders and 24 teams “battled” it out to raise as much money as possible lapping around town. The 13 solo riders rode a combined 2,167.5 miles while overall, the entire group of 300 riders rode 13,619.5 miles together, averaging just over 45 miles per rider. Matthew Kuehlhorn earned the Iron Legs Award leading the charge with 120 laps, which translates to about 300 miles. ON A TOWNIE! Elizabeth Philbin clocked in 84 laps and 210 miles in a bear costume to win the Butte-e-full Biker award.
This is an all-ages awesome event!
Other very important notable mentions include:
· Jay Fitzgerald won the Big Wheel Award for being the individual to raise the most money
· The Tea Party Team won the Pedal Pusher Award for being the team that raised the most money
· Sage Maestro won the Mighty Grom Award for being the youth who raised the most money
· The Best Team Themes went to the Cave People & the Royal Family
The night brings out some awesome lights.
· The award for best lighting went to the Resource Engineering Group Team with the TV & the Disco Ball (Playing Caddy Shack for 24 hours, mind you)
· Bob & Linda Colvey were given The Spirit Award because they embody the spirit of the event. They rode many laps on a tandem dressed as chickens.
The silhouette of the Butte.
· Andrew Breibart & Tom Berry won the Volunteer Awards for their tireless efforts as course marshals
This event is one to remember! So many great costumes were out and about during the tour. A huge thanks goes out to all the volunteers and sponsors, and most of all, the riders for raising money for such a great cause. You can always visit the Adaptive Sports Center online at adaptivesports.org.
Lots of fun behind the Eldo.
Riders on a pit stop.
Thanks to Trent Bona for the photos!
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