Carroll Adventure and Mountaineering Program (CAMP) has a whole new reason to hit the trails these days. Thanks to a $25,000 gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the program was able to purchase 11 mountain bikes from locally-owned businesses Great Divide Cyclery and Big Sky Cycling and Fitness.
“We’re always committed to investing in the communities we serve, and this is a unique way to do that, all while supporting Carroll College and the local economy,” BCBSMT spokesperson Jesse Zentz said. “We hope this helps Carroll students take advantage of the amazing mountain biking opportunities Helena has to offer. It’s a great way to have fun and shed some calories.”
The idea developed during a chance meeting of CAMP director Bradley Maddock and BCBSMT public relations director John Doran, when the two were taking part in the filming of a promotional video touting the mountain biking scene in Helena.
“In the past, we’ve had a mountain bike program where we take students out mountain biking, but one of the biggest hurdles that we’ve had is that many students don’t have mountain bikes," Maddock said. "So it’s hard for us to take them out and introduce them to the sport. This is going to be huge for Carroll to get the students into it and give them the ability to come out and learn about mountain biking.”
After working closely with Great Divide and Big Sky Cycling to maximize the number of bikes while maintaining quality, a wide range were purchased in August and delivered to Carroll College. The Specialized, Trek and Giant mountain bikes range in size, and all offer a great ride. Most are full suspension, but the selection does feature some hardtail options (front suspension only).
Thank you BCBSMT for investing in our students in such a fun and healthy way!
A number of local television stations were on hand as Carroll students took their inaugural ride on the new bikes. View the coverage here:
KXLH TV: CAMP Students Test New Bikes at Carroll College
KTVH TV: Blue Cross Blue Shield Montana Donates Mountain Bikes To Carroll College
KFBB TV: Bikes Donated to Carroll Adventure and Mountaineering Program