Ride for the Pass canceled

Hundreds were watching the weather forecast this weekend to see if they’d be able to hop on bikes and participate in the 21st installment of Ride for the Pass, an Independence Pass Foundation event scheduled for Saturday morning.The Foundation announced Friday afternoon, as snow and rain came down in Aspen throughout the day, that the Ride was canceled.

Karin Teague, executive director for the foundation, said earlier this week that organizers were watching the weather closely. The Foundation announced the cancellation via Facebook and Twitter on Friday afternoon:

“The bad news is, as the snow continues to fall (and accumulate) here in Aspen, we are hugely disappointed to have to announce that we will be canceling the Ride for the Pass tomorrow. With the forecast calling for continued precipitation throughout the day and overnight and cold temperatures tomorrow morning, conditions will not be conducive to riding.
The good news is, you’ll have something to do tomorrow in the sleet and snow—namely attend our fantastic apres-Ride party from 1:30-3:30 at the St. Regis, where we will have free beer, drinks and fantastic raffle prizes, including his and her townie bikes. So come out and join us in celebrating the snow we WISH had come in January, but which will help keep the Pass green and healthy this summer.
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to our sponsors, volunteers and riders for all of your support this year and in years past on behalf of the Ride, and for your support of the Independence Pass Foundation and the work we do on behalf of our beautiful backyard.”

Because the pass is set to open to vehicles Thursday, the event will not be rescheduled.