The Colorado 500 Online - History

Great Outdoors Colorado OHV Grants

Beginning in 1988, the Colorado 500 Charity Fund made its first annual donation to the U.S. Forest Service. This donation is used for off-road maintenance and benefits all who use off-road vehicles in the National Parks.

A Don Riggle Work Party on the Alpine Trail

In 1995, the Colorado 500 started and have continued to participate in applying and receiving the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) OHV grants. These grants were applied to enhance the trails and roads on a larger scale.

Don Riggle has volunteered his time and dedication to help acquire these grants, oversees all trail work and handles all trail issues. Over the past 7 years the Colorado 500 has generated more than $315 thousand dollars worth of grants that have been applied to the Colorado USFS trails that the Colorado 500 rides on. In addition, the Colorado 500 provides a dedicated trail work crew that goes out each spring and summer prior to the ride and assists the USFS trail maintenance, cutting and clearing the deadfall from the trails. The trail work the Colorado 500 does is for all trail user; mountain bikes, horsemen, etc. The Colorado 500 want to push the idea of "Public Lands for Public Use" and " Share the trails for all to use and enjoy". This year marks completion of the 2 active grants: $75,000 for repair of the Double Top Trail and $19,000 for repair of the Timberline Trail.

This year the 2 active grants are $75,000 for repair of the Double Top Trail and $9,500 for repair of the Timberline Trail.