Pikes Peak Range Riders return for 73rd year after being canceled last summer by COVID-19 pandemic
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A southern Colorado tradition is back.
The Pikes Peak Range Riders, a local group that rides horses and camps out on a five-day trip each June, are back in their saddles after dismounting in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group includes a cross-section of local citizens who promote the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and seek to preserve Western heritage and culture.
The riders started Wednesday morning by riding through downtown Colorado Springs during the annual Western Street Breakfast.
"We've been doing this since since 1949," said Greg Budwine, a Range Rider and member of the group's board of directors. "We've canceled because of fires or bad weather, and last year was the first time a pandemic stopped us. But we decided in March that we would ride this summer, and we're glad to be here."
Nearly 170 riders are participating this year, meeting at the Elk Ranch in the mountains of western El Paso County.
After the breakfast, the Range Riders loaded up their horses and gear and drove down narrow, dusty Gold Camp Road to reach the ranch. Most riders took the long way around through Teller County because the steepness and roughness of Gold Camp Road makes towing horse trailers virtually impossible.
Prospective group members must ride in the event as guests for three years, to be eligible for full membership.
"I moved to Colorado Springs seven years ago and have always wanted to do this," said Grant Durham, while riding his horse, Captain. "I used to be in the military, so I like how the Range Riders promote the military and the rodeo."
Another tradition that continues this year, is the riders' penchant for hearty meals; a staff of around a dozen prepares food.
"I've been cooking at this event for 17 years," said Seth Rush. "The meals have changed somewhat. In the early years, the riders wanted steak every day. Now, we serve less meat and more vegetables."
The rodeo, which also was canceled last year, is scheduled to resume next month at the Norris Penrose Event Center.
