Pedal The Plains (PTP) is a signature event of The Denver Post Community Foundation and an initiative of The Denver Post and the State of Colorado. This Tour strives to strengthen community ties by fostering individual connections and fueling economic development by bringing tourism to the eastern plains, and giving locals the opportunity to educate others on their town and businesses. This one-of-a-kind annual cycling event began in 2012 and celebrates the agricultural roots and frontier heritage of Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Described by our former Governor Hickenlooper as “a ride for the rest of us”, Pedal The Plains seeks to engage riders of all abilities, from seasoned cyclists to first-time riders, in an educational and recreational experience. The 2019 Tour will highlight three unique and charming communities. 

Brand new this year to Pedal The Plains 2019, is the Two Wheels For Change Campaign brought to you by the Denver Post Community Foundation. Through the Two Wheels For Change Campaign, people on bikes will be raising funds for change in the communities that will be hosting us for Pedal The Plains 2019. We believe at Pedal The Plains that it is our responsibility to give back to the communities that provide such a welcoming environment and amazing hospitality for our cyclists.

Moneys raised through this campaign will be distributed to the following non-profit agencies that benefit the cycling community through the Denver Post Community Foundation.

• Colorado 4-H: 4-H is America’s largest out-of-school education program for boys and girls. It is a worldwide youth development program available in every state and many countries. Youth who participate in 4-H, get what all young people need to succeed in life–the confidence, compassion and connections with caring adults to make contributions to their communities.

• Denver Post Community Foundation: The Denver Post Community Foundation is responsible for organizing Ride The Rockies. Our organization works to improve and enrich the lives of those in our community through support of programs that benefit arts and culture, children and youth, education and literacy, the provision of basic human services, and now cycling stewardship! We are proud to serve hundreds of Metro Denver nonprofit organizations, programs, and events. Last year, we contributed over $6,000,000 in value – through grants, events, volunteer efforts, and in-kind advertising – to support the efforts of hundreds of outstanding charitable agencies in our community. 

• Energy Outreach Colorado: The mission of Energy Outreach Colorado is to ensure that all low-income Coloradans can meet their home energy needs. Energy Outreach Colorado strives to be Colorado’s leading organization dedicated to efficient delivery of cost-effective energy assistance, emergency furnace repair, energy conservation and energy education for low-income households to maintain their well-being and encourage self-sufficiency.

• FFA Foundation: The Colorado FFA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In 1988, the official name was changed to the National FFA Organization. This change was made to recognize that FFA is not only for those interested in farming, but it is also for those with more diverse interests in the industry of agriculture, encompassing science, business and technology in addition to production farming.

• Friends of Lamar Hope Center: The Friends of Lamar Hope Center is a 501C3 nonprofit organization based out of Lamar, CO. It is an after-school program that provides tutoring services, activities, and support to students of the Lamar School District, while cohesively implementing prevention strategies regarding at-risk problem behaviors. Through positive peer and adult interactions, the hope is for our students to build lasting friendships and skills that will carry them throughout their lives. The center serves approximately 160 area youth on average daily, and continues to remove barriers for youth and families within the community. This enables children to participate and thrive in activities they may have never tried before. We help students identify their talents, and encourage them to find ways to utilize them. Every child has something valuable to offer the world, and we simply hope to provide the avenue for students to identify what that is.