The Denver Post Ride the Rockies presented by Wells Fargo welcomes Chandler Smith as Tour Director in its 23 rd year. Smith comes to Ride the Rockies after three years as director of the MS 150 Bike Tour for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter. During Smith's tenure with the MS 150, the Colorado Chapter experienced substantial growth in both number of riders and money raised. In 2007, Smith's final year as director, the tour met a record fundraising goal of $2.5 million.

Before embarking on a career in event management, Smith worked in Group and Corporate Sales and Services for Vail Associates. Smith also served as development manager for City Year San Jose, an AmeriCorps Program in Northern California. As development manager, Smith instituted City Year Gang Busters (CYGB), modeled after the successful marathon and fundraising program, Team in Training.

Smith acknowledges and respects the reputation that has been set in place over the 22-year history of the tour. He welcomes the opportunities and challenges that face him in his new position and hopes to improve the communication and outreach efforts of the ride. This year, Smith plans to increase awareness of the charitable components of the event. "Ride The Rockies has made a significant impact on nonprofit organizations throughout the state," Smith said. "With the proceeds from Ride The Rockies benefiting Post-News Charities, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation, we support Denver-area nonprofits that provide literacy programs and services for low-income youth. Since 2001, Post-News Community/Ride The Rockies grant program has provided over $300,000 to nonprofit organizations in communities that have hosted the event. Fundraising and grant-making is a significant component of the tour and one that should be highlighted and celebrated."

Smith, an avid outdoorsman and music enthusiast, was born and raised in Ft. Collins and is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

For additional information or images please contact Andrea Tuttle at 303-954-6703