Thousands participate in the fundraiser
Tandem bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and cruiser bikes all crossed the finish line as 2,500 bike riders made their way to Benson Earth Sciences’ field on Sunday morning to participate in the sixth annual Buffalo Bicycle Classic.
The 2,500 riders made their way along various courses in support of students of CU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Each entry fee will be donated to help selected students to continue their higher education.
“The best part is knowing that the money I pay for registration goes to the charitable purpose of the event, which is scholarships for good students who have demonstrated financial need. About 100 students will receive $2,000 scholarships. Two students will receive full scholarships,” said Clint Talbot, publications director for the College of Arts and Sciences.
On the Buffalo Bike Classic Web site ride organizers John Wyatt and Woody Eaton emphasized that a minimum of $45 of a rider’s $85 entry fee goes towards students scholarships. The BBC’s sponsors cover the cost of the event. In addition, an anonymous donor will match every dollar, up to $100,000, given on top of the $85 fee.
Some tired and weary riders pedaled their way up past Folsom Field to finish the grueling 100-mile ‘century ride’ as they returned from Horsetooth Mountain Park and back. While other less experienced riders took to the road for a family friendly 14-mile loop that circled around Longmont and back.
It was very much a family affair as families cheered on other riders.
“I’m going to cheer on my mom and my sister doing the 35-mile race and sample all the freebies and goodies in the tents” said Annie Kousnan of Boulder.
There were many first timers who had never done a race before and the Buffalo Bicycle Classic.
“I just got into biking and my husband went (to CU) awhile ago so I thought it would be fun. I am excited to do my first race.” Jessica Gabert of Boulder said as she prepared for the 35-mile ride.
The Buffalo Bicycle Classic also had multiple volunteers to help run the event.
“I had to get here really early like 6 a.m. to set up. My company is a sponsor is so it was good to help out. Maybe next year I’ll get my bike out and ride,” said Maggie Kang, a volunteer from Greenwood Village.
Each rider who finished did it not for only themselves but for students who qualified for the scholarships each year. This year the total will reach more than one million dollars in student scholarships since the classic began in 2003.
To get any more information on the Buffalo Bicycle Classic visit their Web site.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Sara Handling at sara.handling@colorado.edu.
