Great Divide Scholarship Fund
Support Dr. Gary Van Guilder on his quest to raise scholarship funds for the Applied Exercise Science & Performance Graduate program at Western Colorado University!
About the Great Divide Scholarship Fund
On June 14, 2026, I, Dr. Gary Van Guilder, will launch a bikepacking expedition along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) to raise scholarship support for Western Graduate students.
The GDMB covers 2700 miles and follows the Continental Divide from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico and is one of the most popular bikepacking routes in the world. All told, bikepacking the GDMBR passes through remote wilderness, Grizzly country, along unpaved roads and beautiful single-track with a combined elevation gain of nearly 200,000 feet, covering parts of Canada and five rocky mountain states. The route is rich in history, with ghost towns, deserted mines, wagon routes, and old Spanish land grants. On a personal level, this has been something I’ve wanted to do for a number of years. Many people complete the route as personal challenge and to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Others choose to do it as a way to bring notice to a larger cause or for charity. My cause is to raise funds to provide Western Exercise & Sport Science students much-needed scholarships to provide greater opportunities for learning, professional development, and to lower the financial stress of graduate school. Ultimately, my goal is to churn the 200,000 feet of climbing and thousands of miles as a way to lower the financial hurdles for our students, ensuring the next generation of health professionals can invest in their education rather than their debt.
Your gift today helps open doors for current and future Mountaineers, ensuring they have the scholarships, resources, and experiences they need to thrive. Every contribution—no matter the size—builds momentum for this community we all care about. Giving is quick, secure, and deeply impactful. Together, we can shape what’s possible for the next generation of Western students.
Thank you for your generosity, and for sharing this page with friends and family who believe in the power of Western!