STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – This weekend, hundreds of mustached bicyclists in costumes hit the pavement to celebrate the ending of another season and support the Routt County Humane Society. 

The Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride started small. Twelve years ago, organizers Rob Peterson and Nate Bird envisioned a gathering of friends on bikes, barhopping to help ease their service industry pals through the shoulder season. However, it grew into so much more. 

There were 50 people that first year – this year they’re expecting around 500. The rapid growth in popularity of the event inspired Peterson and Bird. They realized they could turn this fun little bar crawl into a fundraiser, benefiting something they are passionate about – being dog owners and animal lovers, the RCHS was an easy choice. 

“It was pretty informal. We didn’t raise a ton of money the first few years,” Bird says. Since, they’ve invested more time in organizing the event and it has grown exponentially. Their largest donation to date is around $17,000. 

It’s no longer just about a group of friends connecting during the mud season; this event is getting noticed. Attendees won’t just be locals; many out-of-towners make a special trip to participate. 

“For the last two years, the Mustache Ride has been deemed best costumed event from Elevation Outdoors Magazine,” Bird says. 

While they’re winning awards, that hasn’t stopped them from giving a few out themselves. They have a few contests of their own within the event: participants can win prizes for having the best costume, team costume, mustache, bike and helmet. 

Peterson and Bird have a few tips to offer attendees:

- Drink plenty of water

- Eat lunch

- Use a helmet 

- Be patient and nice to each other and the participating bars 

- Tip the staff

- Leave your bike if you’ve drank too much

The Mustache Ride kicks off on Saturday, October 6 at McKnight’s Irish Pub. You can purchase tickets for the event online for $30 or $40 at the door the day of. 

For more information visit https://squareup.com/market/MustacheRide