VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN)—Tara Llanes of the Race for Tara and Andy Buckley the director of Northstar Mountain have announced that October 2-3, 2010 as the official date of the Race for Tara 4. Once again the race will be held at the beautiful Northstar Resort at Tahoe in Tahoe, California.
The Race for Tara started three years ago by Brian and Thayne Bolin after champion downhill mountain biker, Tara Llanes, suffered a horrific crash while racing at the Jeep King of the Mountain event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The event was started to help raise funds for Llanes and her ever-growing medical costs. In its first year Llanes was still in the hospital and only able to call in on the loudspeaker to say, "thank you" to everyone that participated. In the second year Llanes was actually able to drive to the race and show her appreciation to everyone. At this year's event, Llanes was able to not only be at the event, but she was able to participate and race down the mountain in a 4-wheeler DH bike. Now heading into it’s fourth year Llanes would like to give back more than ever.
The Mega DH course is back. Downieville DH Champ and WTB top pro, Mark Weir, was quoted as saying, “It was the most well balanced course the U.S. has ever had.” The 10-minute long course will test the endurance and skill of every participant. The courses will vary depending on the level of rider. There will be a $35 donation for all beginners, intermediates, and experts and a $40 donation for all semi-pro and pro.
A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to Spinal Cord Research and helping other athletes with Spinal Cord Injury and a smaller portion to the continued medical costs Llanes has had to endure. According to a study initiated by the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, “there are nearly 1 in 50 people living with paralysis–approximately six million people." Llanes is working to build a fund for athletes that have catastrophic injuries like herself. “I want to be there for other athletes that are going through the same thing I do day in and day out," she said.
In the last three years the Race for Tara has raised nearly $30,000 thanks to the entire cycling community. Without the help from companies such as Northstar Resort at Tahoe, Giant, Giant for Women, Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Fox Clothing, Shimano, Leatt Brace, Kali Protectives, Cycle Component Network, The Bike Trip, Specialized, Nutcase Helmets, Thule, Smith, Danville Bikes, Tomac Bikes, Troy Lee Designs, Easton, Bell, Crank Brothers, Camelbak, WTB, SixSixOne, Electra, Jamis Bikes, X-Fusion, Fox Shox, Light and Motion, Chris King, Garmin, Dakine, Pearl Izumi, Ride SFO, and SF DirtLab an event of this magnitude would not be possible.
“I was impressed with the amazing support the event received from both companies and individuals," said Matt Robertson of Shimano. "Giant’s presence was amazing, not just the brand but the racers and the employees. They led the charge and were closely followed by the rest of us. The top-level course, talent and venue were all well received and are an encouraging sign for next year. I was excited to see that the industry has the compassion to match the passion that we all share and I was stoked to see Tara back on the dirt. Tara's attitude is an inspiration to us all. Never Give Up."
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