about us

The wheels of RTR are turned by the efforts of many. RTR employs two full-time and two seasonal employees, therefore relying heavily on our knowledgeable and passionate volunteers. The Denver Post's Creative, Advertising and Community Relations Departments are also integral players in the successful execution of this premier event.

staff

Chandler Smith

It seems like only yesterday I was introduced as Ride The Rockies' third tour director. During these past two years I have gained invaluable experience; I have developed a tremendous appreciation for The Ride; and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with a tremendous staff in orchestrating this world class event. Needless to say I am pleased and excited by the direction the Tour is headed. This is in an industry that continues to grow and evolve in the face of adverse economic times. As a staff, we remain committed to developing new venues, forging new partnerships, and exploring new initiatives for the enjoyment and safety of our cyclists and our wonderful volunteers.

Last year we successfully introduced a "Tread Lightly" initiative in an effort to minimize the tour’s footprint and to make the event more sustainable; in doing so we also set a precedent for other bicycle events to follow. Ride The Rockies successfully diverted 70% of its waste from the landfill through composting and recycling. A special thanks to everyone who pitched in. This year’s goal is 80% or more!

2009 also set a fund raising milestone. Ride The Rockies raised a record $250k for Denver Post Charities. This achievement was made possible through generous donations by cyclists and in revenue realized at the first annual silent auction tent. Suffice it to say, this was a smashing success!

This year Ride The Rockies celebrates its Silver Anniversary. During the past 25 years, Ride The Rockies has showcased some of our state’s finest communities, supported numerous charitable organizations and introduced thousands to the excitement and pleasure of road cycling. We are grateful to all those who have ridden and to all those who through their generous contributions have made this a great tradition. Ride the Rockies draws people from all over the word and has become synonymous with summer in Colorado.

To commemorate this special year, Ride The Rockies will add a number of fun and engaging components, including a VIP and Celebrity Prologue Ride for charity and a RTR Facebook Fan Page. We invite everyone to share their favorite memories and pictures. We are also returning to the great town of Grand Junction where it all began back in 1986.

Come join us in celebration and keep the rubber side down!

Elizabeth Norris

Year one, check! It was such a pleasure to be a part of this amazing event last year. I met so many wonderful people, saw parts of beautiful Colorado that I’ve never seen, and made some lifelong memories. There is no ride like Ride The Rockies!

Moving into our 25th year brings excitement and motivation to make 2010 the best year yet. With a great route, charming towns, happy riders, and more money for Denver Post Charities, how can we go wrong? Last year’s silent auction, benefiting Denver Post Charities, was a great success and we look forward to growing that success. I am also very excited to be a part of providing grants to deserving nonprofits in each host community. Look for the check presentations and information about each nonprofit during the ride!

On a personal note, I am very excited to announce that I will be an aunt for the first time! Reece Elizabeth Norris will be born on or around February 25 and I couldn’t be more proud. My brother and sister in law live in Austin and are ready for the new addition. I look forward to meeting Reece and being a part of her life

I have served on the Board of Directors for Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) for two and a half years, and beginning January 1st I am now the Board Chair. I’m proud to be a part of this organization and hope to help it move to the next level. This is a big responsibility, and one I am ready for, but nothing will take away from my dedication to this great ride. See you at the 25th Anniversary Denver Post Ride The Rockies!

Heather Amen

Living in Colorado for most of my life, I grew up hearing about Ride the Rockies. I am so excited to join the Ride the Rockies team for its 25th anniversary in 2010! This year promises to be the best ever with over 2,000 cyclists travelling 532 miles, increasing awareness about the incredible towns and sights Colorado has to offer and raising money to support Denver Post Charities. What an amazing combination!

Over the past seven years I have coordinated events for Rotary International, the San Antonio Zoo, and Ballet Nouveau Colorado. I enjoy working with events of all shapes and sizes, especially multi-day events like Ride the Rockies. I cannot wait to experience this incredible event for myself!

A little bit about me personally, I love being in Colorado with my family and friends. Aside from them, dancing is my favorite thing in the world, and my new obsession is blues dance.

Hope to see you at Ride the Rockies 2010!

Alexis Nichols

Wow, a second year! I am so thrilled to be invited back for the 25th anniversary tour! I cannot wait to see all of the friends that I made last year on the ride. The experience of being a Ride The Rockies team member has been invaluable in obtaining my tourism and events management degree. Further, I just recently attended a “Sustainability in Events” conference and I look forward to applying some of the lessons learned to RTR in helping us to achieve our 2010 Tread Lightly goals!

Right after last years tour I adopted a German Shepherd from the Dumb Friends League and named him Patriot. Between running around with him and riding my horse I tend to spend most of my free time in the outdoors!

If I don’t already know you come up and say hi, I love to visit; my favorite RTR hangouts are the hospitality tent, the DPC silent auction tent and of course the ye ole candy store! I know I will enjoy all 532 miles of this years tour and I hope you do too!