Crested Butte and the 79

The 79 staff have all arrived in Crested Butte. The weather was beautiful and the drive was spectacular along the Collegiate Peaks.
Our staff meeting started with a social at 4:00 to get reacquainted and meet the 11 new volunteers. Every year we have a few drop out and replace them with applicants many of which have ridden RTR but now want to volunteer. They come from all over the US and are always given a resounding welcome to the group. The average amongst the volunteers is over 8 years.
The nuts and bolts of the meeting that follows the social covers the many logistics some of which remains the same some of which are unique for the given year. RTR has raised about $1million dollars per year for various charities based in Colorado with no less than $50,000 being awarded to the host communities. The logistics are extremely well organized and we feel that we are ready to welcome the 2,200 participants tomorrow and get them registered and settled. Although the vast majority of the participants tent on the school ball field, many do elect to stay in hotels when available.
We expect picture perfect weather tomorrow and for several days.