Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Through the Snowboard Outreach Society, youth in Routt County who may not otherwise have the opportunity to snowboard have learned to ride. In addition, because of SOS, snowboarding members of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club have found a well-run series close to home that gives them a chance to compete at a high level.

Now, SOS is offering people the chance to have fun while giving back to the organization.

The third annual Colorado-Eagle River Ride is a one-day, 100-mile or 100K bicycle ride. To be held July 25, it takes cyclists through the Eagle River Valley, from the Beaver Creek Resort up the rural setting of Colorado Highway 131 and down 20 miles of dirt road along the Colorado River.

The proceeds raised from the event will go to SOS.

Registration is $80 until June 25 and $95 from then to July 24. Race-day registration is $115 at the Beaver Creek Resort East Day Lot.

People can register through the Web site www.sosride.net

SOS was founded in Vail in 1993 and is a grassroots, nonprofit charity that helps support, teach and mentor underserved youth as well as host events and competitions for snowboarding enthusiasts.

SOS Founder, President and Executive Director Arn Menconi is appreciative of the relationship SOS has developed with the Steamboat Ski Area and the city of Steamboat Springs.

"A lot of resorts have helped us, but a lot have said no," Menconi said. "I'm grateful that Steamboat has helped SOS. We've had a great relationship for the past several years with the (Winter Sports Club) producing competitions. The Steamboat competitors have been the biggest, most loyal competitors to our series."

Last season, nearly 40 youth learned to snowboard at the Steamboat Ski Area. Dozens of others took part in competitions held at Howelsen Hill, the Steamboat Ski Area or other Colorado resorts.

On July 25, ambassador Mike Kloser, three-time EcoChallenge winner and former World Cup mountain bike champion, will help lead the ride participants through Eagle County up to Wolcott on a return trip to Beaver Creek.

Aid stations will be on the course and riders will receive a commemorative Colorado-Eagle River Ride jersey and be eligible for other prizes.

For more information on SOS, visit www.sosoutreach.org

-- To reach Melinda Mawdsley call 871-4208 or e-mail mmawdsley@steamboatpilot.com