Mission Statement:
The CT Jamboree strives to broaden the awareness of Multiple Sclerosis by generating financial support for Colorado residents living with this complex illness. By riding the demanding, yet rewarding alpine single-track that unfolds on the Colorado Trail, riders and their supporters will raise awareness and funding for MS in Colorado. In recognition of the precious natural resource where the ride takes place, a percentage of contributions are also devoted to preserving the Colorado Trail for future generations.
About Us
We ride for a cause which touches our lives in a very personal way. One of our closest friends, Ian Altman the ride founder, was diagnosed with MS roughly 10 years ago. In the face of this disabling disease, however, he has done something extraordinary—Ian has dedicated his life to rejecting the notion that sufferers of MS are committed to a life of pain and physical inability. Instead, Ian sets out each day to prove that he can do as much, if not more, with his less-than-perfect body, than most healthy people are capable of. Ian’s story is unique to many of the thousands of Coloradoans diagnosed with MS. Ian was deeply inspired by downhill skiing Olympic Gold Medalist Jimmy Heuga who pursued an active life with MS. Jimmie recently passed away his spirit, inspiration and his “can do” story will live on. Organizations such as Can Do MS (formerly know as the Huega Center) and Rocky Mountain MS Center offer programs along with financial and mental support for other actively-minded individuals living with MS. The CT Jamboree will direct funds raised to these local Colorado organizations along with all the individuals and families impacted by MS.
The idea for the CT Jamboree was born five years ago after Ian, along with friends, rode a 76 mile stretch of the Colorado Trail between Molas Pass and Durango in a single day. After that adventure, the idea of a similar ride, broken into two days, had the potential to be a great fundraising event which drew from riders all over, due to the trail’s supreme alpine setting, idyllic single-track riding and of course, the outstanding cause represented. With the help of a few friends, the inaugural CT Jamboree was held the following summer (2005). The CT Jamboree is and will remain a small and intimate 2 day single track mountain tour with only 60 riders permitted.
Our grassroots benefit ride has grown to include another first of its kind one day race on the same section of the CT. The inaugural race (2008), the CT Classic attracted supreme talent from savage weekend warriors, professional riders and former Olympians. Similar to the Jamboree the CT Classic is limited to 50 racers, all of whom are expected to be largely self-supported and supporting of other racers Interest has escalated steeply in both the CT Jamboree and Classic. In five years of hosting the CTJ and CTC we have raised over $130,000. In 2010 we hope to raise cumulative donations in excess of $180,000.
We ask that each rider collect a minimum of $500 in donations from people and businesses in their communities. A majority of the contributed money will go directly to the Rocky Mountain MS Center, but this year 2% will be also be directed to a local organization that helps maintain the access and integrity of local trail systems: Colorado Trail Foundation.
To ensure that organizational expenses stay low and donation amounts stay high, the CT Jamboree relies heavily on volunteers. If you or others you know are interested in helping out, please let us know. Due to the limited number of riders we understand if you can not make it. Any contribution is deeply appreciated by us and more importantly by those who receive the direct benefit through Rocky Mountain MS Center programs and trail maintenance assistance.
We hope that you too will join us to ride for such a worthy cause!