Summer is here in Routt County — and with it comes calving season, long days on the ranch, recreation on our roads and trails and a packed community calendar. From the Routt County Fair to rodeos, farmers markets and events, this is a busy season for everyone who lives and works here.

As Routt County Commissioners we are committed to doing our part to make sure these activities can coexist, and that when conflicts arise, we work toward solutions. Over the years, we have listened to concerns from residents across the county about SBT GRVL, an event that operates under a special event permit that Routt County issues.

We have taken these concerns to heart and worked with event organizers to modify the event in service of reducing its impacts and ensuring that rural roads are safer and more manageable for everyone.

Thankfully, the event no longer overlaps with the Routt County Fair. In addition, it is now comprised of two distinct parts: a recreational ride this Saturday and a competitive race this Sunday. These changes reflect a shared commitment to balancing recreation with the daily needs of our rural and agricultural communities. The changes came in direct response to the community feedback we received.

This year’s ride and race each have different routes, participant caps, and safety plans — developed through public hearings, coordination with law enforcement, and conversations with landowners. Event organizers have committed to removing two-way rural segments, limiting the number of riders, and increasing the presence of flaggers and law enforcement at key intersections.

Just as important as event logistics is how we show up for each other. That means staying safe and giving space and patience to everyone, whether it’s a rancher moving livestock or cyclists out on the roads.

Respecting each other means slowing down, staying alert, being situationally aware, and remembering that we all have a right to be here. This is a weekend we share our beautiful valley with many people from out of the area. Our message is to all, locals and visitors alike: be safe; be kind; and be respectful.

There are local resources to support that effort. The Community Agriculture Alliance has a “Respect the Rural” campaign to help residents and visitors understand how to navigate rural spaces responsibly. Yard signs, educational tools, and links to local guidance are available at: communityagalliance.org/resources-community-connections

For more information on the weekend, including schedules, resources, and details for both the ride and the race, check out the “Local Community Tab” at SBT GRVL. For the course maps visit: SBT GRVL 2025 Race Course or SBT GRVL 2025 Ride Courses.

As Commissioners, we take our responsibilities very seriously. We know that in order to protect what makes Routt County special, while also assimilating to change, we must balance competing desires and interests. We will continue listening, adjusting, and evaluating how events like this fit into our long-term goals and values.