Mountains To The Desert Classic Supports Youth Of The San Miguel Watershed

Photos courtesy of Just For Kids Foundation and Mountains to the Desert Classic.

Annual cycling events have become a beloved tradition for many Coloradans, and the state’s stunning landscapes continuously attract cyclists from across the world. This year, the Mountains to Desert Classic (M2D) committee invites cyclists to ride on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. This challenging road ride from Telluride to Gateway is a fundraiser for the San Miguel Rivershed Just For Kids Foundation, which empowers youth by providing financial and developmental support.

This fall marks the 20th anniversary of M2D, and organizers eagerly anticipate the participation of 200 cyclists to take on the challenge of the 74-mile, 103-mile or 133-milerides between Telluride and Gateway. Cyclists will strive to raise an impressive $200,000, aiming to surpass last year’s achievement of $160,000. The event will start in downtown Telluride, and cyclists will ride until they reach the red-rock canyons of Gateway Canyons Resort, passing through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking areas along their way, including the Valley Floorand Paradox Valley.

M2D is fondly referred to as “the best Gran Fondo on the Western Slope” by the owner of Lizard Head Cycling Guides, John Humphries. Last year alone, a remarkable $140,000 was granted to 45 children, nonprofit organizations and deserving individuals, and the cumulative impact over the years has exceeded a staggering $3 million.

Just For Kids is an organization based in Telluride that focuses on supporting youth and youth organizations within the towns of Telluride, Norwood, Nucla, Naturita and Paradox by providing leadership opportunities that promote self-sufficiency and responsibility.

The foundation was started by Bill Carstens, M2D ride founder Erik Fallenius’ good friend and local philanthropist. Though Carstens has now passed, the Just For Kids Foundation is still carrying out his mission, providing essential scholarships, operating grants, program support, capital and start-up funding, and new and updated equipment across Colorado with the help of M2D, its sole fundraising event.

M2D holds a special place in the hearts of not just those in Colorado but cyclists all over the world. Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was almost lost. Now, it returns this fall with palpable excitement against the backdrop of Colorado’s finest views, and cyclists will come together from all around to support Colorado youth.

Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of Spoke+Blossom.