While most normal people are still sound asleep and snuggled in their air-conditioned homes, there will be a group of men, in the early morning hours of July 3^rd & 4^th, 2008, headed in a northerly direction from Phoenix embarking on the 20^th Anniversary Phoenix JC Comancheros Pony Express Ride.  Many seasoned riders, at least two that were in the first ride, and always a few newbees, that don’t have a clue what they just got involved in.   The original Pony Express, St Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California was over 148 years ago, lasting only 19 months.  The Phoenix Jaycees Comancheros Pony Express Ride was established in March 1976, to coincide with the Jaycees Rodeo of Rodeos and a tribute to the bicentennial celebration that was sweeping our nation.  Plans were probably scribbled on a bar napkin over a cold beer or shot of whiskey.  The first envelope to commemorate the ride bore the design that is on the top left of this website.  This is the first time it has ever been used since the first Comancheros Pony Express Ride.  If you look closely to the left edge of the design you can see the inverted “7” and the “6”, representing 1976.  The Pony Express Rider in this piece of artwork is surrounded by the different designs that depict several different tribes in the State of Arizona. Very few of these envelopes exist today.  The current trademarked Comancheros Pony Express Logo is located at the top right.

The Phoenix JC Comancheros hold various functions throughout the year, raising money to give back to the community, but none of the functions, have a greater impact than our Pony Express Ride. The riders who participate are not just Comancheros, they are men in our communities who believe in what the Comancheros strive to accomplish with an event of this magnitude.  As a participating rider, they must have a sponsor, and without a doubt, year after year, this organization has been blessed with many gracious financial sponsors.   This year is no different. The need for financial contributions to pull off this event is even greater.  The cost of producing an event of this size has increased like everything else in our daily lives.  The riders are responsible for all of their own costs, their Transportation, lodging, meals, and feed for their horses.  Their reward is when they see the incredible smiles from the kids and the charities they are helping. It is with the continued financial donations from our sponsors, which add to the success of each and every Pony Express Ride.