Tara Llanes (pronounced YAW-ness) has accomplished more in her life than most of us could ever dream of doing. During her 15 years as a professional mountain biker, Llanes became a four-time national bike champion, winning both silver and bronze at the World Championships and winning the X Games.
Anyone in the mountain biking community is more than familiar with the incredible passion and skill that Llanes possesses. If, like me, you're meeting her for the first time, you will inevitably be blown away and inspired by her positive energy and tenacity.
On Sept.1, 2007, during a competitive race in Colorado, Llanes suffered a terrible accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. This isn't a story about her accident; it's a story about how she's fighting back and giving back to the community that has been with her throughout her journey to recovery.
Shortly after Llanes' accident, while she was still in the hospital, she received a call from a stranger named Brian Bolin.
"He and his father wanted to know if they could host an event to help raise money," Llanes said.
That winter, before Llanes was even out of the hospital, Brian and Thayne Bolin created the Tara Llanes Classic.
"When the race ended I called in to thank everyone. It sounded like there were a million people there. I was a massive ball of tears," Llanes said.
Since then the event has grown to include more sponsors and twice the number of racers on a bigger venue at Northstar-at-Tahoe. The Tara Llanes Classic includes a Shimanu Kid's Race, Mega downhill, and cross country.
"By the third year [2009] they even raised enough money to pay for a whole year of my physical therapy," Llanes said. "I'll be forever grateful. At that point I decided it was time to help others. This year [2011] we're donating to three areas; the Reeve Irvine Research Center, CORE (the Center for Restorative Exercise), and the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery Fund which helps all elite mountain bikers who are affected by paralysis."
The Tara Llanes Classic at Northstar-at-Tahoe has a festival-like atmosphere that's perfect for the whole family, complete with a BBQ and a film premiere by Pink Bike. You can catch up with Llanes and her sponsors in person during the event.
As for what's next for Llanes, "I'm getting back to life," she said. "I've spent the last few years going to therapy every day and working hard. I'm still doing that while I continue to ride my hand cycle and get outside. I'll always be active, and thanks to my sponsors and close friends it's possible."
-- Vanessa Vancour