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. The Heuga Center, an Edwards, Colorado based non-profit organization that provides programs and support for other actively-minded individuals living with MS.
The idea for the CT Jamboree was born four 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 ride 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 recognition of it’s popularity we hope to break the $100,000 cumulative funds raised in 2009.
The tradition carries on for the fourth 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 $500 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!