Via the ride organizers:
The past week’s events have been incredibly difficult for many of our neighbors along the Front Range and our thoughts go out to all those affected by the floods. After meetings, discussions with Larimer County and City officials, and a lot of angst, it is with great regret that we have to cancel the 2013 Ram Bicycle Classic.
With the catastrophe that has hit Colorado this past week, we are faced with disastrous conditions: heavily damaged roads and bridges, law enforcement and medics assigned to evacuations and disaster relief, bike lanes and trails which are underwater or full of debris. Our RBC routes wind right through much of the devastation.
We have considered all our options carefully: rerouting, moving to a later date, and trimming the event to a shorter ride. In the end, our only option is to cancel, which was solidified by Colorado State Patrol who notified us this morning that the event was not possible.
Proceeds raised from the event were intended to support sustainability scholarships and initiatives on campus with four groups: Institute for the Built Environment, Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise, School of Global Environmental Sustainability, and Conservation Leadership Through Learning. Each of these programs are at the forefront of CSU’s effort to create a better world through global leadership and sustainability. We appreciate the support from all those who registered as well as our generous sponsors.
We are keenly aware that you gave us your trust along with your money. Thus, all registrations and sponsorships will still be used to support the beneficiary groups as planned. Due to the impact of this weekend’s disaster, the Ride Committee has decided to share any funds raised, after expenses, with CSUCares – a charity established to help victims of the floods. If you have questions or would prefer to receive a refund, please contact RBC Ride co-director Dot Dickerson directly at dotdickerson@msn.com by Sept. 27, 2013.
We are extremely grateful for the important support provided by our riders and many outstanding sponsors. While the situation is unfortunate, we know we are making the right decision for our community, riders, and supporters. With the 2013 RBC, we were on track for our biggest and best ride yet. We plan to keep the momentum moving forward, and sincerely hope you will join us in making next year’s RBC the best ride ever.
If you purchased a jersey, it will be available for pick up by Sept. 23 at Rockwell North, Colorado State University Campus, 638 S. Sherwood Street, Fort Collins, Colo. Or, you can pick it up at the Bike Fort Collins Booth at FortOber Fest in Old Town Fort Collins on Saturday, Sept. 21 between 2 and 7 p.m.
Sincerely,
The Ram Bicycle Classic Ride Committee
