Published November 20, 2009 06:05PM
The mountain bike park at Northstar-at-Tahoe resort will host the Race for Tara 4 on Oct. 2-3, 2010.
Tara Llanes and Andy Buckley, Northstar’s director of resort experience, made the announcement on Nov. 20, about a month after the 2009 Race for Tara at Northstar, located near Truckee, California.
The Race for Tara was started three years ago by Brian and Thayne Bolin after Llanes, a champion downhill mountain biker, suffered a horrific crash while racing at the Jeep King of the Mountain event in Beaver Creek, Colorado. A large portion of Race for Tara proceeds will be donated to spinal cord research and helping other athletes with spinal cord injury. A smaller portion will go toward the continued medical costs Llanes has had to endure.
According to a study initiated by the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, “there are nearly 1 in 50 people living with paralysis – approximately 6 million people.” llanes is working to build a fund for athletes that have catastrophic injuries like hers.
“I want to be there for other athletes that are going through the same thing I do day in and day out,” she said.
The Race for Tara was started to help raise funds for Llanes and her ever-growing medical costs. During the race’s first year, Llanes was still in the hospital and only able to call in on the loudspeaker to thank participants. In the second year Tara was actually able to drive to the race and show her appreciation to everyone. In 2009, Tara was not only able to be at the event she was able to participate and race down the mountain in a 4-wheeler DH bike.
Downieville DH Champ and WTB pro Mark Weir said the Northstar downhill is great.
“It was the most well-balanced course the U.S. has ever had,” he said.
The 10-minute long course will test the endurance and skill of every participant. The courses will vary depending on the level of rider. There will be a $35 donation for all beginners, intermediates, and experts and a $40 donation for all semi-pro and pro.
In the last three years the Race for Tara has raised nearly $30,000 thanks to the entire cycling community.
“I was impressed with the amazing support the event received from both companies and individuals,” said Matt Robertson of Shimano. “Giant’s presence was amazing, not just the brand but the racers and the employees. They led the charge and were closely followed by the rest of us.”