Editor:

We would like to thank all the racers, volunteers and donors who made the fifth annual 12 Hours of Snowmass mountain bike race such a success. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this exciting event will benefit Aspen Youth Center (AYC).

Saturday was a really fun day for everyone who came to Snowmass Ski Area — 140 racers challenged themselves to see how many laps they could put in on the 10-mile course. There were amateurs and professionals and they came from all over Colorado and across the country; one racer came all the way from Prague.

This year, the 12 Hours of Snowmass was the final stop for the USA Cycling Pro Ultra-Endurance Tour, and mountain bike legend, David “Tinker” Juarez turned 11 laps to take the Men’s Solo title. Local superstar, Sari Anderson, won the Women’s Solo with 10 laps.

We would like to thank the town of Snowmass Village, Aspen Skiing Co., Finbarr’s, Alpine Bank, Vectra Bank, New Belgium Brewery and Poc Sports.  We would especially like to thank the Snowmass Wildcat Fire Department who put together a team of firefighters; they added a great deal of camaraderie and friendly competition to the event. The entire day was full of exciting race action and good fun, all to raise money for Aspen Youth Center.

AYC is committed to remaining free for all youth, and fundraising events like 12 Hours of Snowmass make it possible for us to keep our doors open. AYC is the only youth center in the Roaring Fork Valley. We had 13,000 visits last year, and so far this summer, we have been averaging 83 kids per day. In the U.S., there are over 10 million children who are home alone during summer and after school, while parents are working. AYC doors are open five days a week, providing enriching programs and mentorship for youth in grades four to 12.
 
Sarah Visnic and Keith Berglund
Co-directors, Aspen Youth Center