Palmer High School science teacher and bicycling advocate Tim Scott and the boys at the Ascent Cycling bike shop were dreaming big earlier this year when the idea of a 24-hour bike race in Colorado Springs emerged.
“The guys got excited about a 24-hour race,” Scott said. “We’re all inspired by the Leadville 100 and other endurance events. We know that Colorado Springs already has world-class events with the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon and the Hill Climb. It was a consensus idea to try a 24-hour event.”
After several phone calls, some deep thinking and the right meetings with the right people, the 24 Hours of Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Race is set to begin at noon on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Air Force Academy.
Registration is open through Sept. 11 at the 24 Hours of Colorado Springs website. Entry fees are $125 per person, less for collegiate racers and juniors.
Riders will negotiate the famous Falcon Trail, a 13- mile loop, with the start and finish (Race Village) at Falcon Stadium.
Scott knew he wanted the race at the academy. The layout is perfect with its undulating singletrack and huge paved area at the Race Village. But more than anything, he wanted to include the area’s military community.
“We have this community that is impacted by the military,” he said. “That’s not only critical, but it really is a positive thing for us.”
More ideas began to emerge and soon the event became a fund raiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps veterans in need of assistance. And Scott created the “Military Challenge,” hoping to encourage a fun team competition between the various branches. The Military Challenge is open to all members of the armed services.
“This gives people a chance to stand up for their branch and compete for  pride,” Scott said.
He has also created the “First Responder Challenge for police officers, firefighters and medical personnel; the “Collegiate Challenge” open to college students who wish to represent their schools on four-person teams; and “Grandpa’s Challenge” for family members.
There will also be solo and duo divisions for riders who want the challenge of shredding a full day on their own, or with a teammate.
The Race Village will include food, activities and vendors supporting the spirit of the event’s theme, “Be Healthy, Be Green, Be Fast.”
The Air Force Academy is on board with the race.
“The academy has been delightful to work with,” Scott said. “There are top-notch folks working with us. In some regards, I have a better sense of security doing the event with them, than I would in another venue.”
Now, Scott knows he must convince the community to support the event.
“We absolutely have to have the buy-in by the community,” Scott said. “But we’re not ranked among the fittest cities in the country every year for nothing. Though nobody has experienced anything like it here, it is set up to grow and to create this synergy and relationship between the military and the community.”
Part of the puzzle is selling the gonzo experience of a 24-hour race.
“I think to be successful, we’ll have to cater to the teams and encourage people to try a 24-hour experience, encourage families and friends, co-workers to get together and create community.”
Volunteers and organizations that want to help can find info at 24 Hours of Colorado Springs.
Companies and organizations wishing to sponsor the event can contact Scott at 719-651-6037.