Sunday marks the fourth annual "Worst Day of the Year Ride," an event where cyclists throughout Mesa County gather to take a ride in the snow.
Despite the cold and slippery conditions dozens of fearless cyclists met up today for a ten mile bike ride.
Bikers we talked to said it's a fun way for them to say goodbye to winter and hello to cycling season that's just around the corner.
"There's been three people who've crashed and it hasn't even started yet," said biker, Jaret Bisham.
Despite the cold temperatures, mud and even snow, brave cyclists met up at Dos Hombres in Grand Junction Sunday morning for the annual bike ride.
"This is our 4th annual worst bike ride, it's our version of a Polar Bear Club," said Chris Brown of Brown Cycles.
Brown said, for those who can face the challenge it's a great way to kick off cycling season.
"The idea was to get together. It's the first ride of the season. Skiing kind of trickling out, cycling starts march 1st," said Brown.
Bikers from all across Mesa County said they were ready for winter to end, so they could get outside and stretch their legs.
"Well I packed my bike all the way here from Fruita, and it's cool event because it's going riding no matter what, with a bunch of other people who go no matter what," said Gary Schlaghack.
"It's just something fun to do instead of sitting at your house, just to get outside and ride bikes," said Jaret Bisham.
Brown heard of the idea from other places across the country, like Portland Oregon, where over three thousand riders break out their bikes- rain or shine.
"We saw that and thought we can do that, so we kind of lit this fuse and see where it goes. Some years its 72 degrees and some years it's miserable so you pick a day in February and just go with it," said Brown.
For some it was their first time, while others have pedaled in the cold for years.
"I haven't done this before, I'm most excited about doing 10 miles because i've never done 10 miles," said Xavier Nelson
“I haven't done it either, I just wanted to see what the worst day of the year was, abut it doesn't look too bad, and we're going to do ten miles on this tandem together," said Jim Nelson.
"Grand Junction is the perfect cycling Mecca so go get that bike out of your garage and get those tires pumped up. In about two weeks it's going to be 90 degrees. Game on," said Brown.
KJCT News 8, reporter Bonnie Silkman asked one biker, "What do you think people will walk away with this event?”
"Hopefully not frost bite," replied Schlaghack
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