Master the Journey 2026 Event Details
Master the Journey promotes youth mountain biking to benefit the T1D community.
We offer family-friendly mountain bike events to complement existing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) community support events and promote healthy, active lifestyles by encouraging participation in mountain biking and lowering barriers to entry.
We help reduce financial strain on T1D patients and their families by directing event proceeds to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation Helping Hand Program.
The 2026 event took place August 15th at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO.
Thank you to our sponsors, Emerson, Tandem Diabetes, and Colorado Springs Sports Corporation, as well as our community partners, Fountain Valley School, Rattler Promotions, Colorado High School Cycling League, Kids on Bikes, and REI, who provided resources, services, and expertise to help us run a fun, safe, family-friendly event. Because of their generous contributions, and the generous support of individual donors, Master the Journey able to direct all race registration proceeds to the Helping Hand Program of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Thank you for your support!
A big “thank you” goes to Shae Lorigan, who volunteered her time and talent to photograph Master the Journey 2026 for us. Photos from the event can be accessed on SmugMug.com.
Race results from our 2026 event are available on RaceResult.com.
The event featured U19, U17, and U15 race categories on an approximately 7-mile course. U19 and U17 participants raced 2 laps, while U15 participants will race 1 lap. Race and event rules:
Have fun, be safe, encourage each other.
Helmets are required at all times when riding. This applies to all event attendees.
Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products are strictly prohibited.
Race age categories are determined by birth year. Racers can choose to compete in a higher age group if desired, but may not race in a lower age group. (Racing in a higher age group is not recommended. Racers, please consult with your coach if you decide to compete outside of your age group.)
Rider starting position for each category will be determined by Colorado High School Cycling League (Colorado League) ranking at the conclusion of the 2025 season, in hierarchical order, starting with varsity. Colorado League riders must register by August 5th, 2026 in order to secure starting position as a function of their 2025 league ranking.
Starting position for riders who do not have a 2025 Colorado League ranking and Colorado League riders who register after August 5th, 2026 will be determined by registration order, after assignment of starting positions for riders with a 2025 Colorado League ranking who registered by August 5th, 2026.
Riders must stay on marked course. Violations of this rule may lead to disqualification.
This is a family-friendly event. Profane, offensive behavior will not be tolerated. Attendees who mistreat others may be asked to leave.
Due to weather, we were unable to complete the Fun-Ride as planned at the completion of the races. Stay tuned to updates to our 2027 event plans where we will be fine-tuning event logistics, such as registration, check in, and scheduling, to continue to improve the experience at future events.
Save the Date for Master the Journey 2027
Master the Journey 2027 is planned to take place on August 14th at Fountain Valley School. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you are interested in competing in the race, volunteering to help out on race day, or wanting to experience the race course during the Fun Ride.
Why are we focused on T1D?
People with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) cannot live without continuous insulin therapy, delivered via multiple daily injections or insulin pump. Out-of-pocket expenses for these patients and their families create disproportionate financial strain that is over two times the national average. According to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation,
“Over 40% of Barbara Davis Center patients are uninsured or underinsured.
“On average, the first year of care for a newly diagnosed type 1 is $20,000.
“Type 1 diabetes is the only disease where patients and caregivers are making life and death insulin dosing decisions, and they are doing it every hour of every day.
“Diabetes is expensive. New Onset patients spend about $1,400 on education and appointment fees. Pump Therapy can create better control but can cost up to $1,200 each month. Insulin for children can cost about $300 a month. Testing 6-8 times a day is normal and all those test strips add up to about $300 a month.”
The overall health and quality of life for people with T1D is significantly improved with routine physical activity. Action sports, such as mountain biking, promote healthy living while also imbuing a sense of thrill and excitement for the participants. Master the Journey is focused on raising awareness for the T1D community, introducing both new and experienced riders to youth mountain bike racing, and supporting T1D families in need.
Master the Journey 2026
August 15th at Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911