10th Annual Pristine Riders Trash Crush returns to Aspen

The 10th Annual Pristine Riders Trash Crush is inviting volunteers to a morning of community clean-up and environmental stewardship in the Aspen area on Friday, May 23. 

Organized by Pristine Riders, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fuses a passion for cycling with environmental action, and Sun Dog Athletics, celebrating its 29th year as “Aspen’s Adventure Sports School,” the clean-up continues a decade-long tradition of giving back to the natural landscapes of the Elk Mountains.

“It’s a real opportunity to clean up the community and experience community,” Pristine Riders Executive Director Erik Skarvan said. “And it’s actually a lot of fun. More fun than people are going to think. It’s a part of the feel-good feeling. It feels good because it is good.”

Skarvan emphasized that even a small number of volunteers can make a meaningful difference. 

“It’s two-and-a-half hours of clean-up,” Skarvan said. “If we can get four or five dozen local volunteers, we’ll be able to clean all the roads and bike paths in under three hours.” 

Volunteers will meet rain or shine at 10 a.m. at the South Gate parking lot of the North Star Nature Preserve to gear up before dispersing to tackle litter along Colorado Highway 82 east of Aspen, the East of Aspen Trail, the ABC Trail, Castle Creek Road, Maroon Creek Road, McLain Flats Road, and Owl Creek Road. The effort, which runs until 12:30 p.m., is part of a larger push to address historic litter buildup and to encourage environmental stewardship through direct action.

Partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program, event organizers will provide orange safety vests and trash bags for all participants. Pitkin County, the city of Aspen, and the Aspen Chamber Resort Association are also supporting the event, reflecting a broad community commitment to keeping public spaces clean. 

Adults 18 years and older, as well as children 7 years and up accompanied by an adult, are encouraged to join. Participants are advised to wear long pants, sun protection, and work gloves, and to bring water and extra clothing in case of changing weather conditions.

The first 25 volunteers to register by emailing sundog@sopris.net will receive a complimentary alfresco lunch courtesy of BUCK, a beloved local restaurant and bar. After the cleanup, volunteers can gather at Koch Park for a casual lunch. Organizers will also host a raffle featuring special prizes and present the ever-popular “Trashy Awards” to recognize standout participants.

Skarvan also spoke about the broader impact of the event, describing it as part of a growing movement of “voluntourism” that offers both visitors and residents a meaningful way to engage with the community during the offseason. 

“You get to experience community, before and after, which is undeniable,” he said. “Hopefully, we can all get out and share the message afterwards.”

As Trash Crush celebrates its tenth year, Skarvan hopes the event will inspire even greater awareness of daily environmental stewardship, reminding participants that if everyone does a little, it can mean a lot. 

Volunteers can register by contacting Skarvan at sundog@sopris.net or 970-925-1069. Updates are also available on the Facebook pages of Sun Dog Athletics and Pristine Riders.