Mission Statement:
The CT Jamboree strives to broaden awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and generate financial support for Colorado residents affected by this complex illness. By seeking the unique physical challenge that unfolds on the Colorado Trail, riders and their supporters will raise awareness and funding to help people with MS and their families gain access to education designed to enrich and enable their lives. Also, in recognition of the amazing natural environment in which the ride takes place, a percentage of contributions are directed towards organizations that maintain 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, but is shared by downhill skiing Olympic Gold Medalist Jimmy Heuga. Jimmy’s inspirational story and the programs offered by the Heuga Center contributed to Ian’s motivation and dedication to live beyond MS. He has served as a mentor and role model to Ian. Using the funds raised by the CT Jamboree it is our hope to provide other Coloradoans this same opportunity through Huega Center Programs. Along with a number of close friends that share the same passions; Ian has continued to live a healthy and active lifestyle which includes climbing, cycling and skiing endeavors in the San Jaun Mountains and around the world.
The idea for the CT Jamboree was born two years ago after Ian, along with close friends, rode a 70 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 would likely draw interest from other mountain bikers, 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. The turnout was exceptional and the Jamboree raised nearly $10,000 for the Heuga Center, an Edwards, Colorado based non-profit organization that provides programs and support for other actively-minded MS sufferers.
The tradition carries on this year as Jamboree planners work with local Durango and Colorado businesses for product and financial support. We ask that each rider collect a minimum of $250 in donations from people and businesses in their communities. A majority of the contributed money will go directly to the Heuga Center, but this year 5% will be also be given to two local organizations that help maintain the access and integrity of local trail systems: Colorado Trail Foundation and Trails 2000.
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 Huega Center programs and trail maintenance assistance.
We hope that you too will join us to ride for such a worthy cause!
More about Ian and the CT Jamboree...
Silverton Mountain Journal: Volume 2, Issue 7, August 2001
The Durango Telgraph, Volume 6, No.14, April 2007
The Denver Post- Moutaineer credits MS for passion to hit peaks, by Electa Draper
The Durango Herald-Altman an inspiration to all -August 19, 2005
Mountain Flyer Issue 5, 2006: Pedal For a Cause, By John Peel