DURANGO, Colorado — During a fall semester unlike any other, one reliable constant will be making its return as the Fort Lewis College cycling program is pleased to announce the 13^th annual Durango Fall Blaze, presented by Morehart Murphy Subaru, will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, September 26.

Like many 2020 pivots, the beloved fundraising event is going virtual so that riders across the country can join the FLC Community, current FLC cyclists, alumni and the Durango community in supporting student-athletes for the perennial nationally ranked Skyhawks cycling team.

The ride of the season kicks off at 9 a.m. that Saturday. Riders of all abilities are invited to chose from road, mountain, gravel, BMX, tandem, e-bike, townie, Peloton, or any other cycling mode and head out on any distanced ride wherever they may be. Participants can compete for the most miles ridden, most vertical gained and most vertical lost by joining the Durango Fall Blaze Strava Club for a bit of friendly competition to win one of three Osprey hip hydration packs.

Besides sharing glimpses of ride in Durango, Golden, Montpellier, Milan and beyond, the best photos posted on Instagram using the hashtag #durangofallblaze and by tagging @rockymounts will be entered to win one of two Rocky Mounts hitch racks.

Registration for the Fall Blaze is $50 with a suggested $200 fundraising pledge. The first 100 riders to fundraise $100 will receive a four-once bottle of tire sealant from Orange Seal, while Optic Nerve sunglasses will also be up for grabs for the first 150 people reaching the $200 fundraising goal. Registrants will receive a personal fundraising link to share with friends, family, employers so everyone has an opportunity to participate in the Fall Blaze.

Those interested can register at www.durangofallblaze.com. If registration is completed before September 13, riders will receive a custom number plate for Blaze day. The first 500 people to register will also get a Fall Blaze neck gaiter, provided by Champion System. All proceeds benefit the FLC cycling program operations and scholarships.

FLC cycling has continued to be a staple at the national level, with 24 national championships to date in USA Collegiate Cycling Division I disciplines since the program's inception in 1994. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, the 2020 Track and BMX programs are temporarily on hold, making the participation in the Fall Blaze even more appreciated as the program continues to navigate the current landscape of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We've seen over 1,000 kids go through this program in the 16 years I've been here," said FLC cycling head coach, Dave Hagen. "We're asking everyone to dig in and play a part in ensuring this incredible program is more self-sufficient, so we can continue to do what we do."

The Durango Fall Blaze is made possible thanks to this year's sponsors Morehart Murphy Subaru, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Orange Seal, Baird Wealth Management, Optic Nerve, 303cycling, Zia Taqueria, Fort Lewis College, FLC Skyhawks cycling, Champion System, Osprey, and Rocky Mounts.

For more information, please visit www.durangofallblaze.com or contact Coach Hagen via email at hagen_d@fortlewis.edu.