Big Belt Buckle Challenge
Learn MoreWhy the Big Belt Buckle Challenge:
For BBBC finishers, the Big Belt Buckle will be a trophy of sorts to be worn with pride
I am sure many of you are wondering why the Big Belt Buckle Challenge (BBBC). There is a history and significance to wearing and most importantly EARNING a Big Belt Buckle, particularly in the Western United States. Cowboys and cowgirls wear them and more recently, there have been some endurance races which bestow the finishers with this badge of honor. The most famous is the legendary Leadville CO MTB race but others have followed suit towards this rightly coveted accessory!
For BBBC finishers, the Big Belt Buckle will be a trophy of sorts to be worn with pride, and to show others their accomplishments. The BBBC Buckle will be the Best In Class. A custom piece of artwork made of the finest materials from the world famous Montana Silversmiths – THE gold standard in Belt Buckles and the proud sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
Why the Big Belt Buckle Challenge:
What is the Big Belt Buckle Challenge?
The BBBC is a series of considerable endurance events where upon completion of all events, participants will receive a donation made to the charity of their choice.
Some Benefits of the BBBC:
- Expose us all to new and different charities, and organizations where we may be able to help make a difference
- Create a community around the challenge. Meet new people with similar interests and the desire to better our lives, and communities
- Set goals and hold one another accountable to train and achieve fitness goals
- Expand one another’s worlds of adventure, fitness, self-improvement and philanthropy
BBBC EVENTS
In order to earn a BIG belt buckle and to get the charitable contribution to your choice of charities, the accomplishment must be BIG…The following list is currently under consideration. The 2022 final list will be published at the end of February.
- SKIN/CLIMB/SKI – Lassen and Shasta and/or Rainier. Climb and ski down. 2 5 day maximum including travel between the mountains.
- ROAD BIKE – Endurance Road Ride – Provincetown MA to Montreal Canada. 500 miles*
7 Day Limit for completion. 497 miles and 16,827’ of climbing (There is a more direct route with similar miles BUT ONLY 7,000’+ of climbing!!). If travel is a problem, a similar race in the West will be considered as a substitute.
- CLIMB – Summit Grand Teton and Mt. Moran
No time limits. And do not need to be completed back to back
- MOUNTAIN BIKE– Park City Point to Point Mountain bike route (does not have to be the actual race day). 77 miles 12,000’ climbing 90% Single Track. One day event https://www.trailforks.com/route/park-city-point-2-point-2021-30259/
- GRAVEL BIKE – Wasatch All Road bike route (does not have to be the actual race day). 100 miles. 12,000’ climbing. One day event
- LOW TO HIGH – Death Valley to Mt Whitney Summit 135 mile road bike ride combined with a 26 mile hike. 282’ BELOW sea level (Badwater Basin) to 14,505’ (Mt. Whitney summit). 2 Day event limit
* As this event is the only event not in the Western United States, for logistical reasons, the BBBC committee will consider an alternative event. The alternate has to be similar miles, elevation gain, and in the same number of days or fewer.
PATH of PHILANTHROPY
As I have started to diversify the philanthropy of the Previte Family Charitable Trust (PFCT), I have come across organizations and causes that were not on my radar previously. Historically, the PFCT has focused on Education, Sobriety and Children’s causes. (link to PFCT page)
Recently, I participated in a fundraising effort with my St. John’s Preparatory high school class. I was introduced to a worthy, great cause that I was unfamiliar with but hit on 2 out of three of the focus areas of the PFCT. Citizens Inn in MA supports Children’s needs and Sobriety. (www.citizensinn.org). As I learned more, I thought about the fact that there are many amazing organizations out there that I am not familiar with and are important to other persons where I and others might be interested and able to help support.. The BBBC will be a way for me and the PFCT to gain exposure to new organizations and contribute directly to them.
What are you waiting for?
The BBBC Committee is always interested in learning about and contributing to the charities of your choice AND at the same time helping to expand your world of adventure!
The BBBC will consider any charity or direct scholarship contribution if you are able to complete ALL of the BIG events. As this is the first year for this event, and unsure of participation, exact contributions are to be determined. A rough guideline is that the BBBC will contribute $2,500 to the charity or scholarship of your choice.
The BBBC will pay upon completion of all 6 events. Event completion to be demonstrated through Strava, Relive, Photo/Video documentation.
In addition to the financial support of your favorite Charity, COMPLETING athletes will receive a custom BIG Belt Buckle from Montana Silversmiths. If you prefer to forego the buckle, those dollars will roll into your charitable contribution.
* The BBBC will also CONSIDER making donations to worthy recipients even without completion of ALL events. Each submittal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.