The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
How many 24-hour laps can Dragon do online?
by Mark Reaman
Bridges of the Butte is normally one of the key events to kick off the summer season. But because of COVID-19, the event was postponed to August 29, with the hope it could take place at the end of summer. Well, we’re there and it can’t—so like so many other events, Bridges is going virtual.
“We had hoped we could hold the event in person but as things remain uncertain, we have moved the event virtual and we are doing our utmost to make it fun and community centered,” explained Adaptive Sports Center events manager Emily Girdwood. “A virtual ride? What does that mean? It means that we will still be asking people to rally behind Adaptive Sports Center and ride their bikes to raise money for our scholarship fund!”
This year the “ride” will take place from noon Saturday, August 29 to noon Saturday, September 12 with a live-stream awards ceremony the afternoon of September 12.
“During these two weeks, people will be encouraged to pick their own challenge, such as riding 100 miles, riding every day, etc., and use this to start their fundraising campaign in support of the ASC’s scholarship fund,” said Girdwood. “Riders can also join Strava clubs based on their bike of choice (mountain, road, handcycle, townie or indoor trainer) to compete for most miles. Throughout the ride we will also issue challenges such as rewarding everyone who gets a new pledge by the end of the day being put in a drawing for a gift certificate to local restaurants.”
Girdwood admits that while being in person for the event is preferable to going virtual, there are some advantages. “This does open up the event to folks outside of the valley and entries are not limited to 300,” she noted.
Last year the maximum 300 people rode in the event and more than $60,000 was raised for the scholarship fund.
Registration for the event is now open at www.adaptivesports.org and just like in the past when they register, participants will receive a personal fundraising page they can share with their families and friends via social media or email.
