CU Boulder hosts annual scholarship-fundraising bicycle race

Early on the morning of Sept. 12, cyclists flocked to the University of Colorado, Boulder to participate in the Buffalo Bicycle Classic (BBC). In years past, the BBC saw approximately 1,200 riders; in light of COVID, there was a virtual race and a decrease in numbers for the in-person 2020 event. However, this year, co-organizer Jenny Anderson was proud to announce that there were 1,100 riders participating in nine different routes. So, whether participants were seasoned cyclists or so-called weekend warriors, the variety of courses, ranging from 14 miles to 100, provided a variety of opportunities for athletes.

"The biggest ride right now is the Epic 75, [and] for people to ride up the Boulder Canyon--we just close westbound traffic--to ride up that beautiful pass and not have to worry about cars, that's the biggest draw for our ride," she said.

Another motivation for riders is the fact that the event serves as an opportunity to raise scholarship money for students. Anderson said, "We're raising money for people who probably wouldn't be able to come to the university." The BBC, which is the largest scholarship fundraising ride in Colorado, has supported and graduated over 390 students since its inception in 2003. Since then, the annual ride has raised over $3.4 million for scholarships over the years.

One participant, a Boulder resident who preferred to remain anonymous, said that she was participating in the ride because of her own experience needing to rely on scholarships in order to graduate. "There's a personal connection," she said, smiling as she said that she hoped to meet people along the ride.

Starting at 7 a.m. cyclists took off in waves approximately every half hour. At least four of the routes included Niwot Road, including Mary's Loop (35 miles), Dirty Buff (44.5 miles), Buff Epic (100 miles), and Century (100 miles). With the variety of course options, the BBC staff has had to coordinate with the City of Boulder, Boulder County, Larimer County, Ward, Nederland and various schools where aid-stations have been established.

While waiting for the various course waves to start, cyclists gathered near Folsom Field; at the check in table, participants were given commemorative bags and water bottles. Participants were also provided breakfast, which included orange juice, muffins and granola, among other breakfast snacks.

Some cyclists prepared by stretching, while others chatted with peers, seemingly enjoying the ambiance.

"It's fun," said volunteer Savannah Santana, smiling. "It's really early in the morning, we're all here, we know that we're here for scholarships, and students, and just riding bikes...It's just good vibes." Santana was a scholar who previously benefited from the BBC and now works for CU's Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE), which is involved with the event.

Tim Coughlin, a Boulder resident participating in the BBC said that "it's a nice ride with a great group of people and it's for a great cause."

Typically, the BBC Fund supports approximately 50 scholars, and in 2020, 17 students graduated. Anderson expressed gratitude and excitement about how, even in light of COVID, the BBC was able to add eight scholars to their ranks. "We were so fortunate because our sponsors made our ride happen....Our sponsors stayed with us and we were able to keep our scholars," she said. "Having as many riders as we have in the past is so gratifying and wonderful. I think a lot of people do this ride because they know it's for a scholarship fund."

A number of riders and volunteers alike also cited "community" as the reason for their participation, including Niwot High School's Sarah Demmel, who attended the ride with her daughter and father. "It's so fun to be able to hang out... make memories...," she said. "We've done other bike events, but this is my first time doing this one."

Laura Rang, another rider, said that she appreciated the camaraderie she finds with her fellow cyclists.

Mike Jones, Assistant Director of First-Generation Programs and Enrichment, volunteered to help at the event saying, "I'm new to Colorado... getting to meet new people, both within CU Boulder, but also the community. I think that's really what's been the best part for me."

For more information about the BBC, or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, visit: https://giving.cu.edu/fund/buffalo-bicycle-classic-scholarship-fund