Biking For Blindness Cycling Event

Click here to view the 65 Mile (4,000 ft. elevation gain) Route

Click here to view the 34 Mile Route (1,200 ft. elevation gain) Route

Click here to view the Family Friendly 5 Mile Route

The 2nd Annual Biking for Blindness cycling event was originally conceived by two Anchor Center families who came together to raise money for Anchor Center, the school that provides both of their children, Ryder and Tivoli, with the support and education they need. Ryder’s parents, Tom and Kourtney Danielson are the founders of Cinch Cycling, where they coach to improve fitness, technique, nutrition, and strategy to perform while cycling. Tom Danielson is a well-recognized figure in the cycling world known for his 15 years of professional cycling, coaching and as a Tour de France competitor (amongst other esteemed accolades).

Tivoli’s parents, Beth and Chad Barentsen, are also no strangers to the cycling world. Chad is an accomplished competitor, participating in races across Colorado, with Beth and Tivoli cheering him on. Join these two families for an unforgettable day of riding in the beauty of Longmont, Colorado, while raising money for critical vision services!

Anchor Center for Blind Children is a nationally recognized, private nonprofit agency providing early intervention and education services that foster the full potential of children who are visually impaired and blind. The children are able to explore endless sensory rich toys and environments, develop through fun and exploration while discovering what tools work for them.

Ride for Ryder & Tivoli

Thank you for supporting Ryder and Tivoli, both of these adorable children attend the Anchor Center for Blind Children and we want to tell you a little about each of them and their unique journeys.  Anchor Center for Blind Children is a nationally recognized, private nonprofit agency providing early intervention and education services that foster the full potential of children who are visually impaired and blind. The children are able to explore endless sensory rich toys and environments, develop through fun and exploration while discovering what tools work for them. Parents and families are made stronger at Anchor Center by receiving support and education.

Tivoli is a bubbly 2-year-old girl who loves to smile and loves to make others smile. Tivoli was born two months earlier than expected, she was excited to meet us! At 4 months old, we noticed irregular eye movements and Tivoli was diagnosed with FEVR disease; Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy. FEVR is a rare hereditary disease where the retinal blood vessels do not develop normally. As a result, Tivoli’s blood vessels were stretched and partially detached her retinas which resulted in blindness. While there is no “cure,” she has a tremendous ability of using what little vision she does have to get her needs met. She is such a joy to watch run around and explore new things. Tivoli has grown so much since attending Anchor Center, her confidence, her engagement and her happiness have all increased dramatically. She loves to ring the bell, play in the motor room, and meet new friends at Anchor Center. She surprises us every day and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

Ryder was born on Christmas Eve, 2021. He is a cuddly and calm baby who loves spending his time outside listening to EDM music and interacting with his three older siblings. At three months old, Ryder was diagnosed with

 Ocular Albinism and Nystagmus. Ocular Albinism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severely impaired visual acuity and problems combining vision from both eyes to perceive depth.  Nystagmus is an involuntary rhythmic side-to-side, up and down, or circular motion of the eyes. At this point, there is no treatment, and our focus is on teaching Ryder to use the vision he does have to the best of his ability, as well as different coping mechanisms. We believe with the right team in place with resources like the Anchor Center there’s nothing holding Ryder back from living his life to the very fullest!

Learning any news about a child’s health can be terrifying and make you feel alone with so many questions. We were nervous but relieved when we learned about Anchor Center- and it has been an amazing resource since day one. It is a wonderful community space for our children to thrive in and an amazing place for parents and families to receive education. Our kids’ journeys may look different than we first envisioned but it is pure joy to watch them grow and learn in their own unique ways.

Please think of Ryder and Tivoli when asking friends and family to support this incredible place through donation. We’ve met so many amazing children and parents at Anchor Center who are made stronger and more confident by receiving the support and education they need.  And…what better way to celebrate fundraising for Anchor Center than riding the trails in beautiful Colorado! We are excited to raise money and awareness through this ride.

Please join us in supporting the Anchor Center for Blind Children! We are so appreciative of any donation to help us reach our goal.

Thank you! -The Danielson and Barentsen Families

View pictures of last year’s event, here.

Did you know your gift of $200 (for example) will only cost you $100? Yes, your donation to Anchor Center is eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution tax credit. You will receive 50% of your contribution as a credit on your 2023 Colorado state taxes!

Anchor Center for Blind Children is a 501(c)(3) organization (#84-0893509) and cash contributions made are 100% tax deductible. For additional information, please consult with your tax advisor.