Just when you thought you couldn’t handle one more COVID-related cancellation, the 13th annual Durango Fall Blaze presented by Morehart Murphy Subaru heats up on September 26, 2020. Like many 2020 pivots, we’re taking this beloved event virtual so that no matter where you are, you’re welcome to join the FLC community, current FLC cycling team, FLC cycling alumni, and the Durango community for an unforgettable day of riding to support student athletes on the nationally ranked Skyhawks cycling team.
The ride of the season kicks off on Saturday, September 26 at 9 a.m. Hop on the saddle of whatever steed you prefer from wherever you are to head out on a ride as long as you like! MTB, gravel, road? Of course! E-bike, unicycle, peloton? Go for it! Join the Durango Fall Blaze Strava Club for a bit of friendly competition to win one of three Osprey hip hydration packs. Compete for the most miles ridden, most vertical gained, and most vertical lost (lift-served access, anyone?). Grab a friend or more, and make it a memorable ride, taking photos along the way. Best photos posted on Instagram with #durangofallblaze and @rockymounts will be entered to win one of two Rocky Mounts hitch racks.
Registration for the Fall Blaze is $50 with a suggested $200 fundraising pledge. The first 100 folks to fundraise $100 will receive a four-ounce bottle of tire sealant from Orange Seal, while Optic Nerve sunglasses are up for grabs for the first 150 people reaching the $200 goal (check out other gifts and prizes for reaching fundraising milestones here). Once registered, you’ll receive a personal fundraising link to share with friends, family, and employers so everyone has an opportunity to support this one-of-a-kind campaign. Learn more about becoming a fundraiser.
Register by September 13 to receive a custom number plate for Blaze day. The first 500 people to register will also get a Fall Blaze neck gaiter provided by Champion System. All proceeds benefit FLC cycling program operations and scholarships.
All proceeds benefit FLC cycling program operations and scholarships.
Learn more and register
The FLC cycling program launched in 1994 and is a club sport open to any FLC student interested in riding a bicycle. While the spirit of the program spins around fun, the varsity team boasts a fierce 24 national championship titles in USA Collegiate Cycling Division I disciplines, featuring some of the top young cyclists in the country. Due to major budget cuts, the 2020 Track and BMX programs are temporarily on hold.
“We’ve seen over 1000 kids go through this program in the 16 years I’ve been here. We are asking everyone to dig in and play a part in ensuring this incredible program is more self-sufficient, so we can continue to do what we do,” says Dave Hagen, FLC cycling head coach.
Consider a donation. Right now, you can double your money with our matching funds.
As we get closer to Blaze day, two donors have stepped up the fundraising game by offering to double-match all donations up to $3000. While one donor supports the effort anonymously, the other is Fort Lewis College cycling forefather Dan Brown (Geology, '87), who helped launch the intramural MTB races in 1985 out on the point behind the Bader resident halls. The area has since become known as the Factory Trails as it has been key in the development of many Durango and FLC national champions and Olympians.
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