Inspired by the experiences and people of organizations like First Descents and GrassRoots Soccer, Ryan Sutter has spent the last several years accepting new challenges in an effort to raise awareness and inspire others. This year will be no different.

In a ten day span this August, Ryan will complete The Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race AND the Six Day, 120 mile Gore-Tex TransRockies Run. Ryan will race solo in the Leadville 100 and a mere 2 days later begin the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run as a two man team with fellow Vail Firefighter, Johnny LoFaro. The combined effort will be done to raise money for Ryan’s two favorite charities, GrassRoots Soccer and First Descents.

Grassroot Soccer, co-founded by Ryan's good friend Ethan Zohn, uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize communities to stop the spread of HIV. www.grassrootsoccer.org

First Descents, founded by Ryan's other good friend Brad Ludden, provides adventure therapy including rock climbing, kayaking and surfing to young adult cancer fighters and survivors. www.FirstDescents.org

For this challenge Ryan is splitting the money raised equally between both charities.