It has been the August of close calls on Summit County trails – and the season of generosity.
On Aug. 16, pro mountain biker Howard Grotts, of Durango, was seriously injured at the Breck Epic. He was one mile from winning the six-day, 220-mile race when he crashed and was airlifted to Denver with damage to his back, spine, rubs, clavicle and scapula.
The very next day a trail runner slipped and fell an estimated 30 feet on the harrowing Tenmile Traverse. She was training for a race when she tumbled between Peak 2 and Peak 3, a Class 3+ scramble. She too was airlifted.
Both survived thanks to fast-acting medical and rescue pros. Both now face long, hard recoveries. Even Grotts, a sponsored athlete, will most likely personally pay a large portion of his medical bill.
But in less than a week, hundreds of friends, family and even strangers have donated to their causes.
A Go Fund Me for Sydney, the trail runner, has raised more than $7,500 as of Aug. 21. One person gave $1000. More than 85 others gave at least $20.
The Go Fund Me for Grotts has raised more than $84,000. One person gave $2500. More than 1,100 people have chipped in.
Sydney’s friend and fundraiser host, Taylor, sums up this spirit of generosity:
“We all know and love her resilient spirit and her positive attitude,” she writes on Go Fund Me. “We would like to take some stress off her plate during this difficult time and raise money to support her recovery, since it will take a long time. We know she loves this community, and we know how much this community loves her. Any support you can give her is greatly appreciated!”