THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE BIGGIE

We exist to create value for the Big Sky Community, and to share the joy of riding bikes.

Natalie Osborne, creator of the Big Sky Biggie

Our Mission: To raise awareness and funds for the mountain bike trails in Big Sky, Montana.

The Big Sky Biggie is a Public Benefit Corporation. It is in the ByLaws to donate a percentage of proceeds to organizations that support the Biggie’s mission. Between 2018-2020, funds raised were donated to the Big Sky Community Organization, a primary partner and trails steward.

Beginning in 2021, proceeds will be split evenly between two primary benefactors:

Big Sky Community Organization, for their work in strategic planning and easements.
The Big Sky Chapter of the Southwest Montana Mountain Biking Association, for their work in trail maintenance and stewardship.

Below is a recap of our fundraising achievements!

2020 Recap - the COVID year

Despite efforts to put together an event that would meet all COVID-related mandates, we were unable to hold an event in 2020. However, funds were still raised for our main benefactor, the Big Sky Community Organization.

During the 2020 registration process, we provided a method for participants to donate any amount directly to the our charity organization (BSCO). We didn’t hold a 2020 event, and all participants were rolled over to the 2021 event, unless they requested a refund. Regardless of their status (refund or deferred), we received $1,204.30 in donations that were sent to Big Sky Community Organization.

We would like to personally thank the individuals and organizations that donated to the Big Sky Community Organization:

Adam Sebastian
Alec Steele
Alex Burkhalter
Andrew Laskowski
Barry Yaskus
Ben Still
Brad Jepson
Brett Felton
Chad Wilson
Christopher Rich
Clark LaCouture
David Waters
Deb Lewis
Erin Hess
George Davison
Hans Lien
Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters
Jared Rowbury
Jay Rutherford
Jeffery Banks
Jill Serocki
Justin Nett
Keith Brumund-Smith
Kyle Rafford
Luke Edgar
Merrick Running
Michael Fiorentino
Michael Snyder
Mitchell Castricone
Morgan Comey
Nathan Durham
Pat Lapekas
Peter Von Doersten
PJ Gallagher
Poertner Family
Rick Gulan
Sara Berkstresser
Sarah Bothner
Shane Knowles
Suzanne Samardich
Terrence Cahill
Todd Sack
Wallace Casper

For 2021, we will again collect direct donations from participants at registration. We will also provide an overall donation amount based on the net profits from the event. We are really looking forward to hosting an event in 2021.

2019 Recap

The second annual Big Sky Biggie brought over 220 racers to the town of Big Sky, and was another successful event.

Building on the momentum from the inaugural event, we were able to invest in capital assets, such as a large finish arch and other equipment which will reduce our future costs by not having to rent. Investing a portion of the revenue from the 2019 event, meant we had less to donate back to the community. But, we were still able to donate $3,500 to our main benefactor, Big Sky Community Organization, earmarked for mountain biking trails. The Biggie also donated $500 to Big Sky Search and Rescue for their services and support the day of the event. And, another $500 was donated to the Lone Peak Composite Team, our local NICA team, whose athletes and families donated hundreds of hours to the preparation for this event.

2018 Recap

The inaugural Big Sky Biggie took place Aug 25, 2018, with a 7am start in Town Center. This event featured a 30 and 50 mile course linking together the best singletrack in the area, including trails on private land that were used by special permission for the race. Over 200 riders participated, a tremendous showing for the first year.

The Biggie was conceived as a fundraising non-profit event to benefit the Big Sky Community Organization, and was able to present a gift of $10,000 to the BSCO Board in September. The gift is designated for projects which promote access and improved connectivity to the trail network surrounding Big Sky.

Pictured below, from Left to Right: Grace Young (Treasurer), Natalie Osborne (Race Director), Phil Hess (Safety Director), presenting the first donation check to BSCO.