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Colorado 500 Charity Invitational Dirt Bike Ride
Basalt, CO - August 20-25, 2006
Story By
Bill Kamin
Riders from the four corners of the US, Canada, and the UK, came to enjoy the stunning scenery and miles of incredible single-track through the Gunnison Basin, for the 31st annual Colorado 500 Charity Invitational Dirt Bike Ride. The event begins at the Basalt ranch of founder, former Indy driver Wally Dallenbach, and proceeds through towns including Crested Butte, Ouray, Lake City and Telluride.
“What began with nine race car drivers doing trail rides has evolved into something much more special,” smiled Wally. “By 1985, I saw a need to do more than just play, thus the charitable corporation was founded. It primarily supports the towns where we ride, including schools, hospitals, mountain rescue, etc.” Over one-million dollars has been donated to dozens of local organizations. Substantial amounts also go to organizations that defend the right to use these trails, like COHVCO and the Blue Ribbon Coalition.
Dozens of corporate and private sponsors raised thousands of dollars for the various C500 charities. Toyota Motors USA donated chase trucks for support on the trails. Team Green/Kawasaki donated a motorcycle, factory ride and followed the event with truckloads of tools, supplies, and helping hands. Dunlop and Revloc also provided semi's and staff.
In spite of its history of good deeds, the 500 faces it share of challenges.
Opposition from anti-off-road groups is a constant threat. There's also an awful lot of grey hair in the crowd. At the closing ceremony, director of operations for the 500, Don Riggle, made a strong statement: "We need more, younger riders to keep this thing going." To make his point, he introduced the oldest "rookie" of this year, sixty-seven year-old Earnest Lombard.
Lombard, famous for his contributions to trail riding as the Director of the Idaho State Parks and Recreation Board, is an example of the knowledge and experience possessed by the older participants. His son Kurt may be Ernie's rookie next year, though 39-year old Kurt is in the no-man's land between young and old, compared to the many college-age sons like Michael Buell or Shakotah Knowlton.
The benefits of the father/son method of reducing the average age are plentiful. Most significantly, the younger set learns the values of the 500 while forming their own friendships with many of the more experienced adults. Bonds are forged on the trails by the riders during the week, and people return as friends, even as family, year after year.
Family values are apparent from the time riders arrive at Wally's ranch for registration,
until the closing ceremonies on Friday night. Wally and his wife Peppy are highly visible throughout the week. V.P. Janet Lohman and the rest of the 500 staff seamlessly execute the logistical nightmare of organizing, feeding and monitoring hundreds of riders over thousands of square miles for six days, while always giving the impression of being a small family business.
Paul Gaston brought his twin boys, Peter and John to the event as rookies when they turned 17, and have returned every year since. Paul fell in love with the Rockies on his first ride and ended up buying property nearby.
There is a catch to participating in this great event; you have to be invited by a veteran rider. Or, if you're lucky, your dad or grandfather is a veteran, you have a motorcycle license, and he invites you.
"None of this would be possible without you guys," said Wally, beaming like a proud father as he looked out over the hundreds attending Friday's awards banquet.
Eighteen-year old Peter Sherman applauded as his father John was recognized for ten years of participation in the Colorado 500. "The 500 has been a great bonding experience for me and Peter," said John. "The trail time lets us share experiences we wouldn't have anywhere else." Peter added, "The 500 is something my dad and I can plan for, knowing we'll get at least one week of quality time every year."
