The National Ability Center’s slogan is “’I CAN’ lives here.” Next Saturday, 1,000 bikers of all ability levels will prove that slogan true once more in the adaptive sports center’s 18th Summit Challenge.
These bikers will pedal various routes across Park City and the Wasatch Back. There will be rides ranging from 1 mile up to 100 miles, with all proceeds benefiting the center. Most routes cost between $50 and $100 to ride, and additional donations are always welcome, the organization said.
Not only is the event a massive fundraiser for the center, hopefully garnering $175,000, but it showcases adaptive biking and adaptive sporting possibilities. The National Ability Center wants the inclusive community of Park City to become even more tuned into their people and activities. It’s also a good opportunity for riders of all abilities to remind themselves what they’re capable of. All finishers receive medals.
Being the 40th anniversary of the National Ability Center’s founding, the center is going with an ’80s theme this year. Bikers are encouraged to don their best neon and vintage biking gear. There will even be a contest to award the titles of best dressed and best themed bike.
“We’re so excited,” said the center’s director of development, Caitlin Bognaski. “This event is a really cool community event where folks see all of our riders out on the roads. Many different kinds of riders and kinds of bikes.”
Bognaski is thrilled that the center has over $116,000 of their $175,000 fundraising goal already committed as of Tuesday morning. She thanked participants who are coming to ride and fundraise as large teams. Bognaski also reiterated that it’s a community ride, not a race.
The fundraising goal in 2024 was $150,000. The center welcomed 800 riders to the 17th rendition, upping the ante this year. The National Ability Center expects anywhere between 150-200 adaptive riders this year.
“We have had so much success the last couple of years with those teams getting out there and spreading the word and raising funds,” Bognaski said. “We get to feel the power of the community.”
Registration will remain open through Monday unless the center hits 1,000 riders beforehand. They’re already at 645 riders. Riders and fans will be able to come together around the center after the races Aug. 23 to enjoy food, music and additional activities with various vendors.
Bognaski said the center is seeing a good mix of local and out-of-state entries. The center always welcomes in some adaptive teams to train in the lead up to race day. Bognaski added that registration is typically pretty balanced between the different distances, though the 100-mile route is traditionally very popular.
“My favorite part is standing at the start, finish line and seeing so many different people in so many different pieces of equipment head out together on the trails and then come back,” Bognaski said. “For some people, that 4-mile route is a huge achievement, and they succeed. For others, the 100 mile is a huge goal. Seeing everyone getting out there and achieving whatever their personal goals are is really what we’re all about.”
All the rides will start going off from the center around 6 a.m. on Aug. 23. The “vendor village” will remain open at the National Ability Center afterward from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bognaski stressed that their volunteer base makes everything go and that they’re still welcoming volunteers with open arms.
For any additional information on the Summit Challenge, see the center’s website.