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The Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride returns for a 17th year

Cherished tradition raises money for Routt County Humane Society

A group dressed as animals prepare for the 17th annual Mustache Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today

The Steamboat Springs Mustache Ride came back for its 17th year on Saturday, bringing together the community’s love for local businesses and animals.

The event, which benefits the Routt County Humane Society, invites people to show off their best mustaches and silly costumes while taking a bike ride downtown and stopping at their favorite local bars and breweries along the way. 

“People love the camaraderie of this event,” said Julia Hebard, director of communications for the animal shelter. “They love dressing up in costumes, and this time of year is so beautiful. It’s a great way to send off fall as we head towards winter. Plus, people love to save the animals.”



Riders take off from Storm Peak Brewing’s Bus Stop during the 17th annual Mustache Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today

It all begins at Storm Peak Brewing’s Bus Stop, where everyone gathers for a group photo and costume prizes are given out. Then they’re off and ready to enjoy another drink at the next stop, helping small businesses thrive during the offseason.

“There were only 20 of us the first year,” said Rob Peterson, co-founder of the event. “It was just to help our friends out during the mud season. But we got bigger groups and we decided we wanted to work with a nonprofit. That’s where the animal shelter came in.” 



One of the participants in the 17th annual Mustache Ride wins the award for Best Male Mustache on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today

The yearly tradition has become a staple for Steamboat locals, encouraging them to invest in the community while having fun. Although the event may seem like shenanigans, it’s founded with the community in mind.

Event coordinators emphasized that the mission is to bring business to local bars and raise money for the nonprofit. Socializing with the community and making a worthwhile impact are at the heart of the occasion. 

“We would like to thank our community for their continued support,” said Elaine Hicks, executive director of the nonprofit. “Adoptions are slow across the state, which particularly affects our small, rural community. This is a good reminder for everyone to adopt, don’t shop.”

Participants in the 17th annual Mustache Ride pose for a group photo Saturday, Oct. 5. 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today
Riders take off from Storm Peak Brewing’s Bus Stop for the 17th annual Mustache Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today
Riders in the 17th annual Mustache Ride get excited for the pub crawl on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today
Twin riders get ready for the festivities at the 17th annual Mustache Ride on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today
One of the riders in the 17th annual Mustache Ride enjoys the sunny day before the pub crawl Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today
Riders dressed as nuns pose for a photo before the pub crawl on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Emma Pilger/Steamboat Pilot & Today

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