24-hour bike race to benefit disabled
A mountain bike race set for later this month will challenge solo riders or teams of two to push their physical limits and make as many laps as possible in 24 hours on a tough course at Herron Park in Kalispell.
Riders will grind through the night to benefit those living with a life-altering disability that makes it difficult for them to recreate without assistance.
The 24 Hours of Flathead race is a fundraiser for nonprofits that work to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.
Tia Celentano along with Heather Cauffman started the inaugural event. They came together because they both know what it’s like to have someone they care about struggle with day-to-day activities after being critically injured.
Celentano’s sister was in a tragic horse accident in Florida that has left her paralyzed. Cauffman’s then-boyfriend, Jeff Marquis, was in a mountain biking accident two years ago on Spencer Mountain that left him paralyzed.
Both point out that Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of purchasing the special equipment needed for those who are paralyzed to continue an active lifestyle.
As an example, Cauffman said a hand bicycle can cost $10,000. The person using it might also need assistance getting in and out of the bike, as well as someone to ride with them.
Cauffman, who remains friends with Marquis, said he’s doing well and is moving toward being able to do some of the activities he once participated in. It brings tears to her eyes when she recalls the first time he made it to the top of Big Mountain following his accident.
“It’s hard watching someone who recreated and did so much not be able to go and get back out there,” she said. “They’re inside all the time and you want them to be able to get out.”
Proceeds of 24 Hour of Flathead will go to Dream Adaptive, BLAST and Eagle Mount, all of the nonprofits facilitate recreational opportunities and adaptive equipment for participation.
24 Hours of Flathead is an eight-mile course through Herron Park and is Montana’s first USA Cycling sanctioned 24-hour mountain bike race. The course is a mix of up hill climbs, single track and dirt road riding.
The race begins at noon on Saturday, Aug. 31 and runs through noon Sunday, Sept. 1. Participants are grouped by single or team and by age groups. Race sponsors such as Wheaton’s Cycle and APEC Engineering will allow for prizes, which will be awarded immediately following the race.
The cost to register is $80 to $95. Visit www.24hoursofflathead.org for race details
Spectators are welcome to cheer the racers on while being entertained with music by 17 Mile and The Hasslers.