On Sunday, September 13, the bridges of Crested Butte turn into a parade route. Riders on townie bikes loop across every bridge in town, some dressed as dinosaurs, cowboys, and unicorns, all raising money for the Adaptive Sports Center. Elk Mountain Storage is a proud sponsor of Bridges of the Butte 2026, and we would love to see you out there.

What Is Bridges of the Butte?

Bridges of the Butte is a uniquely Crested Butte experience that builds community through philanthropy, inclusion, access, and fun. The format is simple: a four-hour Townie Tour that loops across the town's iconic bridges. Ride as many laps as you want, rack up the fundraising, and enjoy the rolling parade of creativity that draws hundreds of locals and spectators to town every year.

The party does not stop at the last bridge. After the ride, everyone gathers for a one-of-a-kind celebration right on Elk Avenue, with basecamp and the awards ceremony at 3rd and Elk.

Event Details at a Glance

The Charity Behind the Bridges

Every dollar raised supports the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte. Since 1987, the Adaptive Sports Center has enriched the lives of people with disabilities and other specific needs through exceptional outdoor adventures. That means affordable lessons, top-tier adaptive equipment, and expert instruction across a wide range of adaptive disciplines, from skiing in winter to mountain biking in summer.

One of the clearest examples of what donations do is the center's Access for All initiative. A typical full-day adaptive lesson costs the center about $900 to deliver. Through Access for All, participants pay only $95 for that full day. Sponsorships, donations, and grants cover the rest. When this town rides across its bridges in costume, that gap is what gets filled.

A Full Weekend of Adaptive Biking

Bridges of the Butte is the community centerpiece of Adaptive Bike Weekend, running September 11 through 13. The weekend also brings the Adaptive Mountain Biking World Championships to Crested Butte Mountain Resort and the Lower Loop, with two days of racing that test climbing, cross country, and technical descending for adaptive riders from across the country. Whether you race, ride the Townie Tour, or just cheer from Elk Avenue, it is one of the best weekends of the year to be in Crested Butte.

Why Elk Mountain Storage Is Sponsoring

Crested Butte is our home. Elk Mountain Storage sits on Red Lady Avenue, a few minutes from the Elk Avenue finish line, and this event is exactly the kind of local tradition we want behind us: joyful, open to everyone, and raising money that stays right here, helping neighbors with disabilities get outside. Learn more about us, see storage prices in Crested Butte, or check out our RV and boat storage if you need room for the bikes and gear between seasons.

How to Take Part

You do not need to be a serious cyclist to join. Here is how to be part of it:

• Ride. Register for the Townie Tour on the event page, solo or as a team with friends, family, or coworkers.
• Donate or fundraise. Support a rider or team, or start your own fundraising page toward the $100,000 goal.
• Volunteer. Anyone 16 or older can help at base camp, and course marshals must be 18 or older. Email taylor@adaptivesports.org to sign up.
• Show up. Spectators are half the fun. Line Elk Avenue on September 13 and cheer the parade through town.

Questions, Answered

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to ride?

No. The Townie Tour is a relaxed, flat cruise through town on cruiser bikes, not a race. Ride as many bridge loops as you like in the four hours, in whatever costume makes you happy.

Can my family come watch without registering?

Yes. Spectators are welcome all afternoon, and the after-party on Elk Avenue is the best seat in town. Bring the kids and enjoy the costumes.

Where does the money actually go?

To the Adaptive Sports Center's programs: subsidized lessons, adaptive equipment, and expert instruction for people with disabilities. The Access for All initiative drops a full-day adaptive lesson from a $900 actual cost to $95 for participants.

How do I volunteer for Bridges of the Butte?

Contact Taylor Watts at taylor@adaptivesports.org or (970) 349-2296 x105. Volunteers 16 and up can work base camp; course marshals must be 18 or older.