Ride the North Fork Ride. The Rockies cyclists enjoyed beautiful scenery and the finest in North Fork hospitality as they rode from Glenwood Springs, up and over McClure Pass before zooming into Paonia and then settling in at their host town, Hotchkiss. Hotchkiss K-8 served as their headquarters on Sunday, and was wall to wall camping tents outside and sleeping bags inside.

People in Paonia welcomed the cyclists as well. An official aid station was set up at Paonia Town Park complimented by numerous unofficial aid stations manned by residents who offered snacks, liquid refreshments and even emergency bathrooms for the out-of-town cyclists. Businesses normally closed on Sunday were open to accommodate the needs of the riders.

Hotchkiss was hopping all day Sunday with cyclists arriving, buses shuttling people back and forth to their accommodations in nearby towns, and the influx of tourists walking around Hotchkiss finding packed restaurants and stores. People strolled through the Creamery Arts Center. Others enjoyed live music with local talent at the Delta County Fairgrounds, and food provided by local nonprofits.

Ride The Rockies benefits Partners On behalf of The Denver Post and Ride The Rockies grant program, Elizabeth Norris gives Gayle Davidson, representing Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray, a $5,000 check on Sunday, June 14. Non-profit organizations were asked to apply for the grant since Hotchkiss hosted the cyclists the first night of the ride. Davidson presented Norris with artwork created in the Art Partners program.

Family and friends met cyclists at the school. A lady from Pueblo sat in the shade with her four kids and two Corgis waiting for her husband to arrive. A couple from Golden said the North Fork Valley was one of their favorite places to tour by motorcycle, but that this was their first time to ride their bicycles through the area. Another couple from Grand Junction also had visited the area on motorcycle and were thrilled to come over beautiful McClure Pass by bicycle. Another woman remarked, "Everyone is so friendly here!"

Chandler Smith, Ride The Rockies tour director, told those attending the evening seminar at Heritage Hall, "Hotchkiss is a really great community."

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