Bicycle Tour of Colorado retires after funding woes
A popular around-the-state bicycle tour in Colorado appears to be folding its tent after failing to pay nonprofits that provided services during this past summer’s ride.
The Bicycle Tour of Colorado celebrated its 24th anniversary in 2018 with a loop around the Rockies that started and ended in Leadville and had overnight stops in Carbondale, Delta, Palisade, Glenwood Springs, and Eagle.
The organizers had made arrangements with many nonprofits along the 425-mile route to provide breakfasts, dinners, and lunches for the 1,200 participants. Some of those nonprofits told the Denver Post that the checks to pay for those services bounced.
Among those left high and dry was the Delta High School Band Parents, which was owed $1,800 for a breakfast. The group’s treasurer noticed the check bounced when she check the books. What started as a fund-raiser to support the high school band’s activities, resulted in a big loss.
Others hit by bounced checks included the Kiwanis Club of Delta ($1,365) and Delta Area Chamber of Commerce ($1,320).
In a letter shared with the Denver Post, the organizers explained:
“We have sponsors that did not come through with money promised to the BTC. We have no funds to pay this at this time. We are working at obtaining funds… we are not sure when we will have funds.”
As for the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, there are no plans for a 25th anniversary tour. The ride’s website is no longer online, and its Facebook page has vanished as well.
A former participant shared an email he received from the organizers with the Grand Junction (CO) Daily Sentinel:
“We regret to inform our loyal supporters that the Bicycle Tour of Colorado will not be hosting a 2019 tour. We wish you all the best. Keep on cycling!”
If you’re looking for other Colorado rides, check out Across State Bicycle Tours: Colorado.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.bikingbis.com/2018/12/18/bicycle-tour-of-ccolorado-retires-after-funding-woes/
