Riding… For a Cause

Riding… For a Cause
Jul 25, 2024

Best Buddies Breakaway Camps are epic riding adventures with pro-level coaching. Cache_Seven joined the Aspen Breakaway camp in September and while the riding was, indeed, epic, we were there to support Best Buddies International and the work they do to end the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families. We’ll ride to that!

The Cause

Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies International has long been a driving force in creating community and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Focused on five key pillars—one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support—Best Buddies changed the conversation about people with IDD and provides individuals, organizations, and communities much-needed education and access to programming that changes lives.

One of our C7 team members participated in the inaugural Aspen Best Buddies Breakaway Camp from September 14 to September 18. The Camp was a fantastic road cycling event supporting an organization that is super important to all of us at Cache_Seven.

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Photographs courtesy of Best Buddies International

The Rides

Each day of the Breakaway camp offers a variety of activities and options for each day’s ride. One of the week’s highlights (so many to choose from!) was the 77.6-mile Independence Pass ride—a tough but scenic climb just outside of Aspen proper that reaches 12,095 feet above sea level. Passing the Continental Divide along Colorado’s highest paved highway, this ride boasts 7,600 feet of climbing—an adventure to remember. While riding Independence Pass is anything but typical, the “typical” day at the Breakaway camps does resemble the itinerary below.

  • 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session

  • 5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast

  • 7:30 AM Rider Meeting

  • 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

    • A Route: Independence Pass – 77.6 miles and 7,627 feet of elevation gain

    • B Route: 39 miles and 4,342 feet of elevation gain

    • Hike: 6 miles and 1,618 feet of elevation gain

  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at The Little Nell

  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa

  • 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Q/A with one of the World Tour Pro’s attending camp

  • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at The Little Nell

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One person can make a difference and everyone should try.

John F. Kennedy

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Join the Best Buddies Breakaway Camps

If you’re interested in supporting the Best Buddies cause while also getting to ride in some pretty incredible places with pretty incredible people, check out the rides in Aspen (we recommend!) and Malibu (we can’t wait to try it!).

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I have ridden charity events all around the world but Best Buddies truly impressed me. They produce perhaps the safest, smoothest and, best-organized events I’ve ever ridden.

Alberto Contador

Multiple Grand Tour Winner