For the third year in a row, Team Summit mountain bike athletes will be coming together for its annual cookie fundraiser.

The yearly fundraising effort started five years ago when Biked Goods founder and Team Summit mountain bike coach Tyler Zipperer brought his homemade chocolate chip cookies to the first day of summer practice.

“I took over the Team Summit mountain bike program five years ago, and at that time I was new to coaching,” Zipperer said. “It was a big event in my personal life. I thought what better way to welcome our season, the kids and the family than cookies.”

The kids loved the cookies so much that Zipperer started bringing the cookies to the first day of every season. After a couple years of Zipperer baking cookies purely for his athlete’s enjoyment, the tradition morphed into a giving-back effort.

“At that point we were having our summer kickoff party, and I was sharing the cookies with the kids. They said we need to share these cookies with everyone,” Zipperer said. “That sparked an idea in all of our minds.”

From there, a new tradition was born. Now youth athletes meet every summer at Cool River Coffee House in Breckenridge to bake hundreds of cookies for a team fundraiser.

Since the fundraiser began two summers ago, the Team Summit mountain bike team has been able to fund trips and overnight camps, provide scholarships for young riders who need support and purchase essential gear.

This year, Team Summit is looking to raise funds for an end-of-season camp trip and celebration in Summit County.

“We want to end the year on a high note and celebrate the moments we had together as a team,” Zipperer said. “It gives them something to look forward to, but they are also putting in the work at the beginning of the season to make it happen.”

A new development in the fundraiser this year is delivery. Zipperer and Team Summit athletes will convey the cookies via bike. Patrons can place orders until June 6. Cookie deliveries will be made on June 7.

“I think it only makes sense to do it this way,” Zipperer said. “It is the spirit of getting out on bikes with kids. It is a natural pairing I think.”

For those not within the team’s delivery zone, a local pickup will take place on June 6 near the Wellington Bike Park. The fundraiser is also offering a shipping option for those outside of Summit County. In total, Team Summit is looking to raise $2,000 this year.

“It is a great way to bond and work towards something greater than ourselves or a greater cause,” Zipperer said. “I have always preached to the kids that people and organizations give a lot to us in terms of donations. Yes, it is helping to raise money for the team, but it is also a way for us to give back. Show the spirit of the community.”

A pack of six cookies costs $20, 12 for $36 and 18 for $50. To make a cookie order, visit BikedGoods.co