BY KAREN BOSSICK
The world will not come to Idaho this year to ride in Rebecca’s Private Idaho.
But Rebecca Rusch, Ketchum’s seven-time World Champion mountain biker, has found a way to let bicyclists from around the world train and compete where they’re at, rather than on the gravel roads of Trail Creek Summit.
“I refused to cancel Private Idaho this year because I knew I could still provide a world-class event in a creative, responsible way,” said Rusch. “Instead of a large group of riders gathering in my hometown for Private Idaho this Labor Day weekend, I’m meeting athletes’ continued need for inspiration, knowledge, wellness and community connection wherever they are.”
In its new format, riders get customized training programs, recovery and ride-specific nutrition plans, gear talks, motivational tips, ride planning hacks, brain training and tech tools tips from Rusch and her network of performance experts. These experts will encourage riders to crush their personal Private Idaho weekend as they choose from four different ride challenges.
Money raised will help Rusch’s Be Good Foundation support local, national and global programs that foster diversity, equity and inclusion in cycling.
The Queen’s Stage Race begins on Sept. 4. The Global RPI Challenge Baked Potato, Tater Tot and French Fry rides will be held on Sept. 6, and a live awards ceremony will be held either Sept. 7 or 8.
“This new hybrid event format is the future and I promise this will inspire you, challenge you and allow you to use your bicycle for good—everything that the Rebecca’s Private Idaho you’ve always known was designed to do,” said Rusch.
Rusch led a virtual #GiddyUpChallenge earlier this year where she convinced nearly 900 people from around the world to “Everest” with her. Rusch lapped Trail Creek Summit enough times to have summited 29,029-foot Mount Everest, while other locals rode to the top of Galena Summit and elsewhere.
Rusch raised more than $130,000 in the process for her Be Good Foundation and COVID-19 relief.
Training for many of the riders has already commenced. But a new expanded format will allow riders from around the world to compete safely for Labor Day Weekend. And riders can take part in the Labor Day Weekend race without all the extras for $49.
For more information, go to https://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com.