The Copper Triangle ride, a beloved Colorado cycling event, is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of financial support for the Davis Phinney Foundation. This foundation, based in Louisville, is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for individuals with Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement. The ride, which takes place on Saturday, attracts around 2,500 cyclists who tackle three Colorado mountain passes on a 79-mile route, starting from Copper Mountain resort and traversing Eagle, Lake, and Summit counties.
What makes this event truly special is the personal connection it fosters. Brandon Halcott, a Davis Phinney Foundation Board member, rides the Copper Triangle every summer, traveling from his home in Park City, Utah, to honor his father, Bill, who passed away from Parkinson's in 2014. Before his passing, the two would brave the ride together on a tandem bike, a tradition that continues to this day. Halcott's dedication is remarkable, as he has made the journey from various cities, including Denver, Chicago, Boston, Miami, and even Nicaragua.
Polly Dawkins, the executive director of the Davis Phinney Foundation, is also a participant this weekend. She has been involved in the ride for approximately 15 years, highlighting the strong camaraderie and support it offers. The foundation's mission is to provide resources and education to those living with Parkinson's, emphasizing the importance of physical activity. Dawkins believes that movement is crucial for individuals with Parkinson's, and the ride helps initiate conversations about the disease.
The Copper Triangle ride's impact extends beyond financial contributions. Since its inception in 2006, the event has raised over $1.6 million for the Davis Phinney Foundation, with most of the funds coming from individual riders' efforts. John Paul Lederach, a Silverthorne resident, has been a consistent participant since 2010, and his fundraising efforts have contributed over half a million dollars to the foundation. Lederach's wife, Wendy, has Parkinson's, and he finds the ride challenging but incredibly rewarding.
The ride's organizers have a unique tradition of setting up a tent at Copper Mountain during the event, where board members engage with cyclists and spread awareness about the foundation's work. This personal connection and the foundation's focus on education and support make the Copper Triangle ride a significant event in the community. As the ride continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals and their efforts can have on those affected by Parkinson's disease.
