The second annual Ride of the Ancients took place on Sunday in Cortez.
Started last fall by the Southwest Memorial Foundation, the 100-mile ride offers interested riders – from casual bikers to professionals – the opportunity to ride for a cause close to home.
Director Ashley Carelock described the event as a ride, not a race, and noted that all proceeds go to the Montelores Cancer Care Fund.
There were 33 riders that met at Parque de Vida to begin the 100-mile course that weaved through McElmo Canyon and around Canyon of the Ancients National Monument before finishing back at the park for a post-race lunch party.
The first team to finish the course was Colavita Southwest Cycling Team, consisting of James Bodine, Keith Ashmore, Sean Peck and Jimmy Kight.
The first five individual riders to finish were Joseph Shults, Tony Englert, Ashley Carelock, Ben Voymas and Paul Beckler.
Carelock estimated that the event raised around $3,000 for the Montelores Cancer Care Fund.
She also said that it wouldn’t have been possible without local sponsors picking up the tab for shirts, permits and other necessary costs.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” she said. “We couldn’t give away any money without the sponsors.”