Dreamchaser Update

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I’ve got a Project Hero ride in an hour that I’m supposed to be getting ready for, but I wanted to get in a quick update on yesterday’s story about the Dreamchaser. In case you didn’t see it, in 1982, the town of Leadville, Colorado was hit by economic hardship when the town’s main employer, a mine, closed down. Lake County, looking for ways to boost the economy, came up with the Leadville 100 trail race (100 miles). There is both a run and a mountain bike race. Yesterday the mountain bike race took place. For ten years, a program called Dreamchasers raises money for local students by having a rider start dead last. The Dreamchaser, as he is called, then sets out to pass as many people as possible during the race, with pledges and donations adding up as he does so. Lake County High School Math teacher Jeff Spencer is the Dreamchaser. Yesterday was his second year performing the role, and the results are in. According to the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation, Spencer passed 1,388 riders, and raised $138,000. He placed 44th overall. This is money raised for the community - last year every Lake County senior received a $2,000 college scholarship thanks to Jeff’s efforts. It just goes to show the commitment teachers can have to their students. Link is to a short highlight of the 3rd hour of the men’s race: