CORTEZ – Over its two-plus decades in existence, 12 Hours of Mesa Verde has been a treat for Southwest Colorado riders – and a boon for local community organizations. With another packed field ready to take off at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday, the event gets to celebrate its own milestone.
Another candle on the cake for 12 Hours means the event turns the “Big 2-0” this year, or at least in its 20th edition after switching from “Ride the Lightning” to its current status as a sun-up to sundown draw for thrill-seeking riders from all across the Western U.S.
Aside from challenging riders to their physical limits over the 16.4 mile loop at Phil’s World, the event’s primary focus is raising money for a plethora of local youth programs and organizations – something that the race has done with incredible efficacy over its life span. Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, Good Sam’s Food Pantry and the Pinon Project are among the many beneficiaries, thanks in large part to race director Nic McDonald and his 12 Hours board.
The Fairgrounds will host the annual Cap’s Kids Races, while the teens and adults take on the full circuit in a variety of different team sizes and age classifications. The cannon rings at 7 a.m., as the competitors take off in waves to begin some of the iconic sections of the loop, including Lemonhead and the famous Rib Cage, handing off a clothespin “baton” to their teammates after each circuit.
Packet pickup will be on Friday, May 8, from noon until 9 p.m. at Kokopelli Bike and Board in Cortez.
Longtime volunteer coordinator Ginny McDonald leans on the countless hours of the community members to help facilitate the massive operation. For more information about the event, how to volunteer for various roles from course marshal to venue cleanup, visit www.12hoursofmesaverde.com.
