Vail Colorado » Children’s Hospital Courage Classic

Jun 05 2009

Children’s Hospital Courage Classic

Published by david at 2:40 pm under Events

Now in it’s 20th year, the Children’s Hospital’s Courage Classic is one of the premier bicycle events in Colorado — and that’s saying a lot in a state with so many cyclists! The Tour covers 157 miles, winding through breathtaking vistas and torturous climbs. Yet some 2,400 cyclists and volunteers get involved each year, breaking fundraising record after record. In 2008, the Courage Classic raised over $2.7 million for the hospital’s worthy causes. Just as the hospital itself, the Courage Classic is a celebration of life and all of its potentials. Those who make the climb up Vail pass are rewarded with the coast down towards Dillon as they pedal their way through the 157 miles over a three tour.

The beneficiary Children’s Hospital is considered to be one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation. Their pediatric research (and training of pediatric specialists) is indeed life-saving and makes huge differences to the not-for-profit facility’s many patients. Being the only free-standing pediatric hospital in the Rocky Mountain region, its work is essential, as is this generous support.

On the first day of the tour, which happens on Saturday, July 25, 2009 this year, the riders begin in Leadville, traveling to Copper Mountain over Vail Pass. This 58 mile trek includes a rise of just under 4000 feet in elevation by pedal power alone! On the second day, Sunday, the riders begin another leg, this time 54 miles, with a gain of over 2200 feet. On Sunday, riders have three choices: a 35 mile Family Ride, a 54 mile ride that includes an uphill climb on Swan Mountain Road, or the 100-mile run straight up Ute Pass (not for the faint of heart.) Then comes day-three: a 45 mile trek and nearly 4000 foot rise again, as the riders challenge Freemont Pass’s 11,318 feet and pedal on through the route’s rolling hills. Two paths, one shorter than the other, both take the participants on to Leadville, where a group of the hospital’s patients greets each rider when they arrive at the finish line.

Vail’s Courage Classic is a venerable event for a very worthy cause. Whether you participate by riding, volunteering or sponsorship, your involvement makes priceless contributions. Only through your generosity can the work of the Children’s Hospital continue. Please, do what you can to support this noble cause!

Tour Details Available at the Courage Classic Website