SBT GRVL reaches out to riders to "Respect the Routt"

July 16, 2024 Shannon Lukens

By Shannon Lukens.

The SBT GRVL ride is reaching out to their riders and participants about the rural Routt County community and how to be respectful in the upcoming gravel bike race on Aug. 18.

The email sent today (Tuesday, July 16) lists the Friday night HLL CLMB, a Film Fest presented by VELO, travel opportunities, and sponsor information.

At the end of the long email from SBT GRVL was a graphic that said, “Respect the Routt,” referring to Routt County (below). It’s a list of, “things to know when living in or visiting rural Routt County.” This includes things like Rules of the Road, Pack out your Trash, Be a Good Neighbor, Leave all Gates as you Found Them, and Respect Private Property and Don’t Trespass. This is in response to rural residents in Routt County who have expressed their frustration with the bike ride and the events all week leading up to race day.

There is a “Local Community” link on the SBT GRVL website that says, “Respect The Rural” is an initiative developed by Steamboat Springs community stakeholders and lays out all of the various ways that you can be kind to the people and the land around you. Give it a read, share it with a fellow SBT GRVL participant, and spread the word. Kindness floats the ‘boat!”

The SBT GRVL ride says the Friday Night HLL CLMB is back. That’s an event at Howelsen Hill on Friday night, Aug. 16, where athletes dress in costume and sprint to their bikes at the base of the ski jumps, and then begin a ride on Emerald Mountain. Proceeds go to The Cycle Effect which is a non-profit dedicated to empowering young women through mountain biking. Link to register