Rides & Vibes partners with St. Mary’s Hospital
Returning for the second year, the Grand Junction Rides & Vibes Mountain Bike and Music Festival comes to downtown Grand Junction on May 5-6. The action-packed event includes mountain bike racing, live music on two stages, beer gardens, various vendors, food trucks, and more. Attendance at the Music Festival is free to the public.
A fan favorite is the Kid’s Ride with a Doctor as kids ride along with Rocky Mountain Orthopedic physicians through the downtown streets. Focusing on improving health and wellness in the community is an initiative shared by St. Mary’s Hospital, presenting sponsor of the 2023 Grand Junction Rides & Vibes, and the Grand Junction Sports Commission, organizers of the event.
“This is one of the largest events in Western Colorado, and it’s a great representation of our outdoor culture,” said Ben Snyder, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Sports Commission. “St. Mary’s Hospital is such an integral part of the community, and having them as the presenting sponsor gives us the support needed to make this event as great as possible.”
St. Mary’s Hospital, part of Intermountain Health, has been named the presenting sponsor of the 2023 event and will support the event through medical services, education booths, and community engagement.
“Whether you are a professional athlete or just getting into the sport, premier events like Rides & Vibes encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles. We are proud to work together with the Grand Junction Sports Commission in building a healthier community,” said St. Mary’s Hospital President Bryan Johnson.
The Kid’s Ride with a Doctor starts at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 5th, and allows kids of any age to participate in the event in a fun and safe manner. Participation in the event is free, but all participants or legal guardians must sign a liability waiver. Be sure to stop by St. Mary’s booth for free kid’s helmet fittings and to learn more about bike safety.
Additional races include the Community Costume Crit on Friday night and the Men’s and Women’s Pro Crit. On Saturday, May 6th, there will be 15, 30, and 40-mile races for amateur riders of all levels. Men’s, Women’s, Master’s, and Junior categories will be offered. Professional men and women will also compete for a total cash purse of $30,000.
The Grand Junction Mountain Bike and Music Festival will take place on May 5-6, 2023, and more information, including event schedule, music lineup, and course information, can be found online www.gjridesandvibes.com.
About St. Mary’s Medical Center:
St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction, Colorado, is the largest medical center between Denver and Salt Lake City. Serving the healthcare needs of western Colorado and eastern Utah for more than 125 years, St. Mary’s has a rich history of serving the many needs of its community. St. Mary’s Medical Center is part of the Intermountain Health system, which operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado and six other western states. Intermountain is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division, SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services.