Ride 2016

GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

2016

Vision Zero A TRAFFIC SAFETY PHILOSOPHY IN ACTION

Bike Life CLUBS, SHOPS AND MAKERS G N I L CYC L E F SA OR AL F

BIKE Calendar EVENTS, RIDES, RACES & CLASSES

Special Section

ROLL OUT

LOCAL RIDES + MAPS BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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CLOSEST TO THE TRAIL our prices

PREVAIL FAT BIKE RENTALS…$60.00 SKI TUNE UPS…$20.00 DEMO DAYS…$90.00

rental fee goes towards your final purchase

970-631-8326 2100 W Drake Rd. ste. 4 Fort Collins, 80526

like us and receive 10% off a single item valued below $50 We are your friendly neighborhood bike shop located in west Fort Collins in the Drake shopping center.

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GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO BICYCLING CULTURE & EVENTS

14 Vision Zero

Fort Collins sets the pace for the country

FROM THE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Pedaling for perspective

CONTRIBUTOR PROFILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 NORTHERN COLORADO GETS BIKE WISE . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Education helps keep students of all ages stay safe

PROTECTING THE CYCLING LIFESTYLE . . . . . . . . . . 12 These groups help make your experience safe, convenient, comfortable and fun

PHOTO COURTESY FC BIKES

Meet the writers

BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pedaling benefits health and bottom line

A PARK OR GREENWAY NEAR YOU . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 New paved trails help make 10-minute rule a reality

SHOPPING SPREE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Find a bike shop

JOIN A BIKER GANG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Find a group for your kind of gear

44 Brew Tour

NOCO BIKE BUSINESSES PEDAL ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Your guide to craft brewers in northern Colorado

Small businesses thrive with hard-earned wisdom

RIDE ON, RIDE ON, RIDE ON! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 And remember: alert, aware…alive!

BIKE Calendar EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 RIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 RACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 CLASSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

SPECIAL SECTION:

ROLL OUT

Recommended rides for mountain bikers, road cyclists, commuters and recreation pedalers around our area.

ABOUT THE COVER:

Anna, Tyler and Darren try out a shared bike from the City of Fort Collins as husband and father Todd, follows behind. The family was photographed by Cheri Schonfeld of Sky’s Open Designs in front of the Fort Collins Food Co-operative. www.fcfood.coop

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PEDALING FOR PERSPECTIVE KIM SHARPE

MY LIFE HAS CHANGED drastically in the past few months.

My husband and I downsized from a 3,600-square-foot house to a tiny house that’s maybe 175-square feet. (Okay, it’s really a sailboat that we rebuilt in Fort Collins for four years and finally moved to salt water in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s our house and it’s definitely tiny in comparison.) We got rid of about 99 percent of the possessions we owned, including our car and truck. While I’ve been a year-round bicycle commuter for about a decade—only driving a motor vehicle when absolutely necessary—now I go solely by foot (no pun intended!), bike or public transportation—oh, or by boat. Of all those, going by bike is my favorite.

While it might sound idyllic, this new life has presented significant challenges for this mid-western born and raised landlubber. Some days my brain feels like it’s going to explode due to having to think so hard about EVERYTHING related to boat life. From the mechanics of rigging and hoisting sails to using and monitoring all the interior systems to piloting the boat—the learning curve’s been steep.

Just when I don’t think I can take it anymore and we get to land, I jump on my bike (which is strapped to a railing when we’re transiting) and pedal for a few miles. Granted, sailing offers its own version of peace and serenity, but nothing adjusts my attitude and helps me put everything into perspective like pedaling. During one mindclearing ride I realized I partly love riding my bike because I’m good at it. My bike and I are one. I don’t have to think about how to shift gears, come to a stop or which hand signal to use when turning. Riding a bike is second nature to me.

It’s second nature to this year’s Ride magazine contributors, too.

For example, James Shelton shares some of the knowledge he’s gained either road riding, mountain biking or riding with his young son in his story that fronts this year’s pull-out map section. Tessa Greegor pours her cycling experience into making Fort Collins as bike friendly and safe for riding as possible. And Jeff Brown talks about all the benefits he realizes from commuting by bike.

Whether you’ve been riding all your life or want to learn, there’s a lot of great information in the following pages that will help get your wheels turning and give you a perspective that only pedaling can.

Pedal on!

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2016 BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO PUBLISHER Scott Titterington scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kim Sharpe kim.kbccommunications@gmail.com COPY EDITOR Kristin Titterington kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO Cheri Schonfeld of Sky’s Open Designs CONTRIBUTOR PORTRAITS Cheri Schonfeld, Schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/CARTOGRAPHER Will Allender, Jeffrey Boring, Jeffrey Brown, Carol Busch, Julie Estlick, Tessa Greegor, Nancy Nichols, Kim Sharpe, James Shelton, Dee Wanger ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Ride 2016 is a special publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2016 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

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OUR 2016 CONTRIBUTORS

WILL ALLENDER

I am a cyclist, runner, swimmer and adventurer. I like exploring, and mapping out both past and future rides and routes. As a GIS professional, I enjoyed contributing to the map section of this year’s Ride magazine.

JULIE ESTLICK

I enjoy pedaling to the library with my son and taking lunch-break rides on Bella, a loaner bike for employees of the Health District of Northern Larimer County.

JEFFREY BORING

When I think about biking, I think of strength and independence. Nothing makes me feel healthier and more alive than riding a bike. It brings out the kid in me and is a great way to connect with people and the outdoors.

TESSA GREEGOR

I am fortunate to spend my days working with passionate, bike-minded people, helping to create a more vibrant, livable community through bicycling.

JEFFREY BROWN

Being a cycling enthusiast offers healthy exercise and an opportunity to enjoy nature, even in an urban setting. Bike time also is my time to be environmentally sustainable. The bonus is meeting friends along the trail.

NANCY NICHOLS

My current passion is self-supported bike touring, and my next long-distance adventure looks to be the 3,600-mile-long Mississippi River Trail. Vive le velo!

CAROL BUSCH

I’ll never forget the unexpected joy I felt the very first time I found balance on two wheels. Forty-some odd years later and this Fort Collins native taps into that glee every time I go mountain biking.

KIM SHARPE

As a long-time bike commuter and recreational cyclist, my bike is my ticket to freedom. Freedom to be independent and roam as I roll.

THANK YOU

to those who contributed their time, talent, expertise and passion to create this year’s Ride magazine.

CONTRIBUTOR PORTRAITS BY SKY’S OPEN DESIGNS

JAMES SHELTON

My passion for cycling has uncovered a desire to explore, be independent, stay fit, reduce stress, get lost and find myself.

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DEE WANGER

In the poorest countries I’ve visited, the bicycle is a primary mode of transportation, it’s efficient, effective and economical. For me, it’s all that, plus it’s fun!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

All aboard the magic school bus! A people-powered mode of commuting to school.

Northern Colorado gets bike wise EDUCATION HELPS KEEP STUDENTS OF ALL AGES SAFE NANCY NICHOLS

WHEN FORT COLLINS WAS A GOLD Bicycle Friendly Community several years ago, it aspired to go even higher. To do so would require a much bigger effort. According to the League of American Bicyclists, the only road to Platinum would be through comprehensive bike-safety education.

BICYCLE SAFETY EDUCATION PLAN Stepping up to the challenge, the city created a Bicycle Safety Education Plan that not only netted Platinum—one of just five U.S. cities to do so—but also catalyzed an onslaught of initiatives, including the Bicycle Ambassador Program, with nearly 100 Bicycle Ambassadors to date and a goal for twice that. Coordinated by the city’s FC Bikes program, BAP focuses on teaching adult bicyclists the rules of the road and safe-cycling strategies through free classes, starting with the League’s renowned eight-hour “Smart Cycling” course.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM The Bicycle Safety Education Plan also spawned a vibrant Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which, with the involvement of Bike Fort Collins, educates more

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than 7,000 K-8 students annually through a fun, interactive curriculum presented by specially trained instructors during PE classes.

SRTS in Fort Collins rivals peer programs nationwide. A good example is the program’s bike-safety classes for middle-schoolers. Teaching middle-schoolers the rules of the road by actually taking them on group rides on city streets and multi-use trails, is something Fort Collins SRTS does with panache.

SCHOOL FIX-IT STATIONS Poudre School District (PSD), a key partner in Fort Collins SRTS efforts, has found its own inspiration to do more for students who pedal to school. PSD is planning to install bike fix-it stations at as many schools as possible. PSD high schools already have bike fix-it stations, and middle schools are next in line.

By 2018, elementary schools will get their fair share, for an astounding total of 41 bike fix-it stations at schools!

IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE Great things are happening with bike programming in neighboring communities, as

well. In Loveland, Thompson School District (TSD) has a growing SRTS program led by new coordinator Mechelle Martzmayfie. She’s helping lead a number of initiatives to improve biking (and walking) infrastructure in school areas and to teach bike safety through bike rodeos at all TSD schools.

GREELEY’S FREE BIKE-SHARE At the university level, Greeley is home to a Bronze Bicycle Friendly University at the University of Northern Colorado, with its free bike-share program sporting 100 cruisers and 20 mountain bikes.

CSU RECEIVES PLATINUM Perhaps northern Colorado’s greatest achievement of 2015 came with CSU’s rise to Platinum Bicycle Friendly University status.

One of only five Platinum universities in the nation, CSU gained its status through a new bicycle master plan that includes bike-safety education geared specifically for university students, along with a concerted effort to create a unique bike culture with facilities such as the new Mason Trail extension through campus, attracting thousands of cyclists daily.

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The bike shop

that comes to you 20 years experience

former SRAM, Rock Shox, AVID Tech

Schedule Your Appointment Online

Community return, proceeds of our sales go to support the Fort Collins cycling community.

970-231-0605 • www.MobileBikeWrench.com LIKE BIKE WRENCH ON FACEBOOK

LIKE TEAM AC1 ON FACEBOOK

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MOUNTED PATROLS KEEP CYCLISTS SAFE CAROL BUSCH

FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, northern Colorado cycling enthusiasts, transportation professionals and concerned citizens have spent countless hours helping people discover and maintain a knowledgeable and safe cycling lifestyle.

Programs and groups such as FC Bikes, Bike Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Bike Co-op, CSU’s Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Bicycle Emergency Response Team want your bicycling experience to be safe, convenient, comfortable and fun.

So, whether you want to learn to ride a bike, are curious about bicycle commuting in winter or need emergency response services in the middle of a mountain bike race, there’s a group for you in NoCo.

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE More than 90 volunteers participate in the Bicycle Ambassador Program (BAP), which is managed by FC Bikes and is the region’s largest provider of adult bicycle safety education. Bicycle Ambassadors annually connect with thousands of local riders—and now motor vehicle drivers—through some of the country’s most progressive educational outreach.

From “Everyday Cycling” and “Women on a Roll” presentations to “Smart Cycling” and “Adult Learn to Ride a Bicycle” classes, BAP aims to reach those ‘interested but concerned’ cyclists who aren’t so sure that sharing the road with a motor vehicle is such a great idea. Yet, bicycle education and safety is for riders of all abilities.

Even avid cyclists can learn a thing or two from classes such as “Smart Cycling.” This all-day course helps cyclists build their confidence to ride safely and legally in traffic. “I haven’t met anybody who’s taken the class who hasn’t found it beneficial,” says FC Bikes Program Specialist Jamie Gaskill-Fox. Scott Sampl went into the class with plenty of cycling experience. He recalls thinking, “What could there possibly be that I haven’t run into?” But he was surprised how much he learned and was inspired to become a Bicycle Ambassador.

SHARING THE ROAD In December 2015, BAP programming expanded its outreach to drivers with the new “Bicycle Friendly Driver Certification Program.” This data-driven, interactive,

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OVERLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB

Protecting the cycling lifestyle

SAFETY AND STEWARDSHIP Many Bicycle Ambassadors are also members of the Bicycle Emergency Response Team (BERT), which is run through the Poudre Valley Hospital’s EMT volunteer reserve program. Participating riders are either EMTs or paramedics—the same level of care providers who respond to 911 calls.

The group, which formed in 1994, initially focused on providing emergency response at special events, such as Tour de Fat and the Taste of Fort Collins, as well as football games. Today BERT also provides coverage at more remote races, such as the Blue Sky Marathon and the 40 in the Fort Mountain Bike Race.

Responding to an emergency by bicycle is typically faster than maneuvering an ambulance through a congested area and the ability to provide emergency response in a limited access area can be a matter of life or death. “If there’s a critical patient, we can do all the same assessments as we can in an ambulance,” says Blake Moyer, BERT volunteer coordinator liaison.

Hopefully you won’t need the services of BERT, but you might find yourself in need of a bike pump or a little brush-up on your trail etiquette while out for a spin on much of the single track located between Loveland

and Glendo, Wyo. That’s when the Diamond Peak Mountain Bike Patrol comes into play.

If you happen to see one of the more than 50 volunteers who participate in the Diamond Peak’s patrol, give a nod of thanks. The group is not about enforcement, but rather being riding stewards of the trail. They record trail usage data of every kind, help land managers effectively manage and allocate

resources, and keep riders informed.

“We follow the IMBA Rules of the Trail guidelines when talking with other trail users,” says patrol director Kenny Bearden. Most often patrollers help riders understand yielding etiquette, how to avoid wet or muddy trails, and how to appropriately travel through those conditions when encountered. The patrol, which formed in 1995, is a service of Overland Mountain Bike Club.

Learn more, get involved

Check out the links below for more information on bicycle education and safety—whether you’re seeking knowledge or want to donate your time.

FC Bikes

www.fcgov.com/bicycling All things bike related: bike master plan, infrastructure projects, maps and more

Bicycle Ambassador Program

www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org Classes, events, volunteering, regional resources

Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol www.overlandmtb.org/patrol Volunteer

League of American Bicyclists

www.bikeleague.org National organization dedicated to teaching people how to ride bikes safely

Bicycle Emergency Response Team To request event coverage, email john.stitt@ uchealth.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

scenario-based certification class focuses on educating motorists about the safest way to share the road with cyclists. “We show what the most common crashes involving bicycles and vehicles are and how drivers can avoid those accidents from happening,” Gaskill-Fox says.

The program currently focuses on educating area fleet drivers since they spend more time on the road than anyone. Upon completing the one-anda-half-hour class, participants receive a certificate, sign a pledge card, and are handed a sticker they can put on their vehicle. According to Gaskill-Fox, so far this is the only program of its kind in the nation.

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Vision

Zero

Fort Collins sets the pace for the country Tessa Greegor SWEDEN LED THE WORLD by launching an ambitious plan in 1997, called Vision Zero, to eliminate all traffic injuries and fatalities. Since then, fatal and serious injuries have consistently declined, and the country has one of the lowest annual rates of traffic fatalities in the world. Vision Zero has recently gained traction among cities and states in the U.S. as a traffic safety philosophy, which acknowledges that traffic-related deaths and serious injuries are preventable. At the core of the Vision Zero policy are data-driven strategies related to education, enforcement and safe street design.

FORT COLLINS INTRODUCES VISION ZERO THROUGH ITS BICYCLE MASTER PLAN Vision Zero principles offer a foundation for the city’s bicycle-related plans, programs and projects. In fact, the city’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan (BMP) set two Vision Zero-related goals: eliminate bicycle fatalities and reduce the number and severity of bicyclerelated injuries. Fort Collins has many innovative efforts underway that serve as a roadmap to achieve these goals and create a world-class city for cycling.

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BICYCLE FRIENDLY DRIVER PROGRAM FC Bikes in partnership with Bike Fort Collins, launched the Bicycle Friendly Driver Program in 2015. The goal is to educate over 2,000 drivers in 2016. This program will certify drivers, both professional and public, as ‘Bicycle Friendly.’ The curriculum emphasizes how to share the road with people on bikes, and with 50 percent of bicycle-related crashes at the fault of the driver, the program offers significant potential to increase safety. As of January, the following companies have received (or signed up for) the training: New Belgium Brewing, Martin Marietta, Connell, Gallegos Sanitation, Green Ride and multiple City of Fort Collins departments.

EXPANDING BICYCLE EDUCATION FOR CSU STUDENTS The demographics of the city’s crashes highlight university-aged students as a primary target for additional bicycle safety education. Partnering with CSU, FC Bikes is working to develop new programs to increase bicycle safety education for students. For instance, in 2015 FC Bikes provided bicycle education at “We Ride!,” CSU’s first-ever

two-hour bicycle education component to their RAM welcome.

SCHOOL BICYCLE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM As part of the FC Bikes Bicycle Ambassador Program (BAP), which grew from 44 ambassadors in 2014 to 90 ambassadors in 2015, FC Bikes has launched a School BAP—the nation’s first. This program seeks to establish bicycle ambassadors at middle

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

and high schools to build cycling and support cycling safety among their peers. In 2015, seven students and two teachers at Rocky Mountain High School became ambassadors and participated in an eighthour Smart Cycling class series—a critical step toward establishing this program.

RIDE SMART, DRIVE SMART In 2015, FC Bikes and the city’s Police Services Department launched Ride Smart Drive Smart—an umbrella campaign for the city’s bicycle-related enforcement programs. The initiative builds on a set of new bicycle ordinances, adopted in 2015, which simplify the city’s bicycle code to improve enforcement and

education, while building awareness of top priority safety issues. During established Bicycle Safety Weeks and throughout the year, Police Services takes a data-driven and balanced approach to most effectively advance safety for bicyclists, focusing on priority crash areas and high-risk violations. Bicycle traffic citation fines are now at a consistent $50 in Fort Collins, and the city’s Bicycle Traffic Citation Course offers a bicycle safety education option for a reduced fine.

SAFER STREET DESIGN THROUGH CORRIDOR PLANNING The majority of the city’s bicycle crashes occur at intersections and along major arterial streets. Corridor plans, such as the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan (ETC), will improve the safety and comfort of bicycling along and across these major roadways.

Currently in development, the West Elizabeth ETC is exploring state-of-the-art roadway design concepts, such as protected bike lanes BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

MARKETING THE LOW-STRESS BICYCLE NETWORK The BMP recommended bicycle wayfinding as an important element of a successful 2020 low-stress bicycle network, helping people navigate the system and get to community destinations. In 2015, the city completed a comprehensive Bicycle Wayfinding System Plan; the first of these wayfinding routes will be signed beginning in 2016. This, in conjunction with the city’s comfort-based bike map, will be a great resource for how to get around town on two wheels.

and protected intersections. The first of Fort Collins’ protected bike lanes were installed as a pilot on Laurel Street in 2015.

Lessons learned from this project and other best practices will inform the corridor planning for W. Elizabeth Street to ensure the safest and best designs.

LINCOLN AVENUE GETS A COMPLETE STREET DESIGN The Lincoln Corridor Plan was adopted

by Fort Collins City Council in 2014, and subsequently funded to begin final design and construction. As a major bikeway in Fort Collins with deficient facilities, the project is being designed to achieve a safe and comfortable environment for people of all ages and abilities. Options for protected or enhanced buffered bike lanes, along with enhanced sidewalks, are being explored. Construction should begin in 2016.

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COMPLETING PITKIN’S LOW-STRESS BIKEWAY The BMP established a vision for a low-stress bicycle network by 2020, leveraging existing local streets with low traffic volumes and speeds. In 2015, the city was awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant to implement the Pitkin Bikeway–one of the low-stress bikeways recommended in the plan. An east-west connection from Overland Trail to Riverside, the Pitkin Bikeway has potential to serve thousands of existing and future bicyclists by creating a seamless, low-stress route to key destinations like schools, trails, and parks. The project will be designed and likely constructed in 2016, and key components will include intersection improvements at all arterial street crossings, bicycle wayfinding and signage, and striping enhancements where needed along the route.

LAUNCHING BIKE SHARE Bike share systems around the world are getting more people on bikes, and the more people bicycling, the safer bicycling becomes (safety in numbers). The next generation of the Fort Collins Bike Library will include bike share—public bikes available 24/7 through automated checkout stations around town. The ease and convenience of bike share will give riders another healthy and fun option for traveling around town.

The programs highlighted above are just of few of the initiatives underway in Fort Collins geared toward building a safer and more inviting community for bicycling. The city will continue to advance other innovative programs such as Open Streets events, bicycle education initiatives through the Bicycle Ambassador Program, and new low-stress bicycle infrastructure projects throughout 2016.

Achieving Vision Zero for bicycling will depend on a community-wide approach to increasing safety, whether it is businesses fostering a culture of bicycle safety among employees, remembering to look for bicyclists when approaching an intersection, or simply making the choice to ride your bike. We all play a role in a safer community, and we look forward to helping Fort Collins and northern Colorado become the safest, most enjoyable place to ride a bike.

Visit www.fcgov.com/bicycling for more information.

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Bike Friendly Businesses PEDALING BENEFITS HEALTH AND BOTTOM LINE JULIE ESTLICK

FORT COLLINS LEADS THE NATION in Bike Friendly Businesses (BFB) thanks to a big push by a grassroots group of volunteers sold on the benefits of bikes in the workplace.

The Choice City climbed to the top of the list compiled by the League of American Bicyclists, with 48 companies recognized for creating programs that support bike commuting, social events and community building on two wheels.

It takes more than a few bike racks outside the door to earn a spot on the league’s elite Bicycle Friendly Business list. Companies go through a thorough application and review process that rates their efforts based on the four Es: Encouragement, Education, Engineering, and Evaluation and Planning.

THE FOUR Es Encouraging biking in tangible ways, like employee bike clubs, staff rides that promote team bonding and offering cash incentives to bike

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commuters, is part of the required criteria. Offering bicycling safety skills and maintenance classes satisfy the education component, and providing secure bike parking that is protected from the elements, and repair areas with tools are essential to meet engineering standards.

The final “E,” Evaluation and Planning, includes setting goals for increasing ridership and participation numbers at Bike to Work Day events, keeping rider logs and collecting accurate internal data on employee bike commuting habits.

“Businesses that are bike friendly benefit from a healthier, more productive workforce with lower healthcare costs as well as financial and environmental benefits from reducing the number of vehicles being driven to work,” says Amelia Neptune the league’s program manager for Bicycle Friendly Businesses and Universities. “Employees reduce their stress levels and, if they commute by bike, save money on gas, car insurance and reduce air pollution from vehicles, which helps the whole community.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLORADOAN

YOUR GUIDE TO FORT COLLINS

BICYCLE Friendly BUSINESSES

PLATINUM GOLD

New Belgium Brewing Company

City of Fort Collins

REI - Fort Collins

Fort Collins Bike Library

Rocky Mountain Recumbents

Hodkings Beckley Consulting, LLC

SILVER

Avago Technologies (Fort Collins)

Big Shot Bikes, LLC

Health District of Northern Larimer County Horse & Dragon Brewing Company Niner Bikes Advanced Micro Devices, Fort Collins

Brave New Wheel DataSplice

BFB NETWORK Nationally, there are over 1,090 BFBs in 49 states and the District of Columbia. Local businesses got a leg up on the competition with exhaustive efforts by the Fort Collins Bicycle Friendly Peer Network, which tapped advocates from BFBs to educate other businesses on ways to incorporate biking into their work culture and gain national visibility. The network members reached out personally to colleagues, conducted workshops and even sat down to help companies complete their applications.

“We are all employees at businesses that went through the process of building a bicycling infrastructure and culture and then made our way through the League’s application process. The owners and managers could relate to us,” explains Sue Hewitt, the network’s programming chair and evaluation coordinator for the Health District of Northern Colorado, a Silver-level BFB.

The Gardens on Spring Creek The Town Church Trebuchet Group University of Colorado Health, Poudre Valley Hospital In-Situ Inc. Jax Outdoor Gear National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation Nuance Chocolate

Equinox Brewing Co. ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours Fort Collins Food Cooperative Fort Collins Lincoln Center for the Performing and Visual Arts Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Hospital Front Range Internet, Inc. Hewlett Packard

Peloton Cycles

Terracon Consultant, Inc.

Fort Collins Bike Co-op

6.8 percent of Fort Collins residents commute to work on two wheels, according to the 2014 American Community Survey. Nationally, only .62 percent of commuters get to work by bike.

OtterBox

Recycled Cycles

Dresser-Rand Enginuity

INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, BIKE COMMUTER TAX BREAKS AND CITY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BIKE LANES AND TRAILS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

Odell Brewing Company

RB+B Architects, Inc.

Coloradoan

BRONZE

Source Endurance Training Center of the Rockies

Platte River Power Authority Snooze AM Eatery The Armstrong Hotel The Cupboard The Wright Life Trinity Lutheran Church Whole Foods Market Woodward Inc.

WORTH THE TIME Bike advocates showed candidates that some things they were already doing were significant enough to be highlighted on an application or they suggested new approaches. One big hurdle was convincing busy managers that it was worth their time to complete the paperwork. How did the network combat that?

“Our biggest challenge was helping BFBs get through the process in the most convenient way for them,” says Kurt Freiburg from Woodward, a Bronze-level BFB. “Beer helps.”

“It’s a high bar, but a BFB designation can help businesses attract and retain employees and customers, meet city ClimateWise or wellness goals, and they receive League assessments and tools to continually improve their bicycle culture,” Hewitt adds.

It’s a win-win for everyone!

The League will announce the next round of BFB awardees in spring 2016.

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NEW PAVED TRAILS HELP MAKE 10-MINUTE RULE A REALITY JEFFREY BORING

CAN YOU IMAGINE LARIMER AND WELD COUNTIES without any parks or open spaces? No cranking up the hill on the South Ridge Trail at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space? No scenic bike touring along the Cache la Poudre River in Greeley?

NoCo’s parks, open spaces and trails not only improve quality of life, they’re good for the economy and public health.

Studies show that homes close to parks are worth more than similar homes just a few blocks away and that Americans engage in most of their vigorous activity within just a half-mile of their house.

Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Colorado Beautiful initiative, unveiled in 2015, recognizes the importance of providing outdoor activities close to home and reflects a new, bold vision: “Within one generation every Coloradan will live within a 10-minute walk to a park, trail or open space.”

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This “10-minute Rule” helps shape public policy and many of our future trails will serve thousands of people who live just around the corner.

CLOSING GAPS IN THE POUDRE RIVER TRAIL The Poudre River Trail is northern Colorado’s longest—and arguably most popular—paved trail. It’s also a shining example of a greenway that reflects the “10-minute Rule” concept: Almost 1 million people walk or cycle the trail every year in Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor, Greeley and rural Larimer County, many living within a 10-minute walk or bike ride of the trail.

Two new sections of the Poudre River Trail were built in 2015: one at Arapaho Bend Natural Area in Fort Collins (1.8 miles), and another between I-25 and River Bluffs Open Space in Timnath (0.8 miles). More than 39 miles of the Poudre River Trail have been built with about six

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY BORING

A park or greenway near you

miles remaining to make it complete from Laporte all the way through Greeley. In 2015, Colorado’s Office of Resiliency and Recovery partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation, Larimer County and other agencies to submit a federal grant for a new I-25 bridge over the Poudre River. If funded, the bridge will be built by 2019 and include a Poudre River Trail underpass. The new underpass, coupled with a few key land acquisitions, will ensure the complete 45-mile Poudre River Trail is finished that year.

INTRODUCING THE LONG VIEW Since the 1990s, Larimer County and its partners have created a community separator, or buffer of open spaces, natural areas and other protected lands, between Loveland and Fort Collins. These lands help protect each city’s identity and preserve beautiful Front Range views. In 2017, this

Loveland Recreation Trail.

In 2015, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado Department of Transportation funded a new two-mile section of the Colorado Front Range Trail. The Colorado Front Range Trail—Loveland to Fort Collins Connection will link Fossil Creek Trail north of Carpenter Road in Fort Collins with the Loveland Recreation Trail near Boyd Lake State Park in Loveland. Trail construction will begin in 2016.

GETTING TO 10 MINUTES TAKES YEARS The Poudre River Trail, Long View Corridor Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail—Loveland to Fort Collins Connection have taken years—and in some cases decades—to plan, fund and build.

Soon, trail connectivity between cities and towns in northern Colorado will be better than ever. For many, a 10-minute walk to a park, open space or trail will be possible for the first time.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY BORING

COMING SOON The Colorado Front Range Trail is an ambitious concept: an 800-mile trail between New Mexico and Wyoming, along the Front Range of Colorado. This trail could be a cyclist’s version of the Appalachian Trail or the Continental Divide Trail.

Imagine spending a few weeks cycling from town to town as you make your way through Colorado on a safe, detached paved trail. Sections of this trail are already in place; in Larimer County, they are known as the Poudre River Trail and

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY BORING

community separator also will serve as a commuter trail corridor.

Larimer County, City of Loveland and City of Fort Collins received nearly $2 million from Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2015 to construct a four-mile, paved trail through the Loveland-Fort Collins community separator. The Long View Corridor Trail will connect the paved Loveland Recreation Trail near 57th Street and North Taft Avenue in Loveland with Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area in southern Fort Collins. The open space and natural areas that compose the Long View Corridor will always physically separate the two cities, but will soon unite them with a path.

BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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AL L

E! PL

FOR ALL TYP ES BEER F OF O S PE E P O Y T

We grow

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Harmony Road

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• Nice ride from Fort Collins

970-674-2841 • 6461 Hwy 392 • Windsor www.HighHopsBrewery.com for event schedule and beer list.

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ROLL OUT Rides for all + maps!

Recreation Rides 26

Commuter Routes 30

Road Rides 34

Mountain Bike Trails 38 BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

A ride for everyone and everyone for a ride HAVE FUN. BE SAFE. MAKE MEMORIES. RIDE. JAMES SHELTON

WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO LIVE on the beautiful front range of the Rocky Mountains, where cycling is great. This past year I was able to log 5,300 cycling miles, not an easy feat with a new baby in the house. (I’m so lucky to have a spouse supportive of my habit.) Looking back through photos I realize the variety of rides I was able to tackle, as well. At this point my reflections turn to what I learned or was

reminded of this past year while riding; things that made a difference in many different aspects of life…and not just on the bike.

FAMILY RIDE HAVE A GOAL FOR EVERY RIDE Before each ride, I set at least one goal.

The easiest-to-measure goals are generally around speed, distance, cadence, intervals and the like. Even on family

rides, I will have a goal, like to teach my son a new technique, safety rule or cycling term. But I also try to remember to go on a few rides where the goal isn’t so technical or measurable. Right after my six-year-old came barreling down the hill at the north entrance of our neighborhood at an astonishing 17mph and took a right-hand turn like Taylor Phinney, he had a huge smile on his face. There is nothing like seeing a young child explore, learn and have fun.

Our conversation during the last quarter mile of our ride turned into an additional 15 minutes while sitting in the driveway. It was then I knew I had accomplished an important goal for that ride: connecting with my oldest son.

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RECREATION RIDES

RECREATION RIDE FORT COLLINS:

The scenic Poudre River trail is an easy ride that winds its way from Bellevue to meet up with the Mason Trail. This route offering many refreshment and refueling stops.

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MULTI-SURFACE RIDE SHIFT BODY WEIGHT AND BUILD CORE STRENGTH On a Friday night in August, I was exploring a few of my saved routes as possibilities for a four- to five-hour ride the next morning. I zeroed in on a route with a new segment that isn’t paved, then put my more rugged,

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multi-surface tires on my bike and got a good night’s sleep. The next morning upon completion of my pre-ride ritual, I took off. Making great time and feeling good, I went through Lyons and headed up Highway 7 towards the Peak-to-Peak climb. As I approached the turnoff towards Jamestown, I was excited to tackle the new segment. While descending the dirt road with

some loose gravel, large rocks at times and erosion channels, my road bike handling quickly switched to mountain biking techniques. I had to focus more on the road and the optimal path to take than my cadence and pay more attention to shifting my body weight backwards and side to side than my pedal stroke. After the ups and downs of the dirt road, I found myself back on pavement with a quickly renewed confidence on the road. My descent of Left Hand Canyon was one of the best downhills of the year. On Sunday morning, my core was a little sore and reminded me of how important a strong core is to all types of cycling. Strong muscles in the lower back and abdominal section help

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RECREATION RIDES

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RECREATION RIDE GREELEY:

Greeley’s 20+ mile Poudre River trail system of paved paths follow the Poudre River through Greeley and Windsor to the Larimer county line.

Along the trail is the Poudre River Learning Center where you can learn about the area’s wetland habitat and ecosystems.

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with general bike handling, endurance and cornering, and supports both the lower and upper body muscles.

Family and recreational bicycling basics

LONG ROAD RIDE MANAGE WEIGHT With about 20 miles remaining of a grueling ride on a hot day, I found myself with an ounce of liquid remaining in one bottle and another that was bone dry. I stopped at a local cycling-friendly establishment to buy a bottle of water and a single-serve electrolyte mix.

About 30 to 40 other cyclists were at this roadside respite taking a breather, refueling and swapping stories. I always enjoy overhearing (okay,

• Treats, treats, treats. Like an animal trainer, you’ll get significantly better behavior doling out a steady supply of treats along the way.

By Chris Hutchinson These tips can help family and rec rides be more fun for everyone.

• Take potty breaks wherever possible. Restaurants, shops and even gas stations usually will help you out.

• Drink water whenever you stop. Colorado’s dry desert climate causes people to become dehydrated quickly without even realizing it. Hydrate before your ride and frequently along the way.

• Remember you’re always half-way back. The nice thing about an out-and-back trip is that you’re always half-way through your trip. You’ve got just as far to go back as you’ve traveled.

• Think hard out, easy back. Usually if you’re able to go uphill or into the wind on the outbound journey, the return will be all the sweeter.

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RECREATION RIDES

RECREATION RIDE LOVELAND:

More than 15 miles of scenic trail gently wind through Loveland. From Boyd Lake State Park to the Big Thompson River you’ll enjoy cruising through wide-open Meadows, downtown Loveland and along peaceful waterways.

eavesdropping on) cyclists as they discuss their equipment, rides and adventures. I was lured into a conversation about the newest wheel set on the market. The conversation was centered on the weight difference between this newest set and the current one on a cyclist’s bike. I forget the exact amount, but the weight difference was in the 200 to 300 gram range (which, at most, is three quarters of a pound). While this sounds simple, it’s expensive to reduce the weight of your bike—as much as $1,000 per pound. I quickly turned the conversation to holistic weight management of the cyclist. This is the combined weight of everything on the road.

Proportionately, it’s easier and cheaper for the recreationalto-avid cyclist to focus on weight management of their body if de-

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Start

Mat hew Pouliot, D.O.

Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabiltation Board Certified Pain Medicine Don’t let PAIN affect your ride!

Specializing in treating pain with intervention pain management practices

Don’t let PAIN affect your ride!

Specializing in treating pain with intervention pain management practices

OUR GOALS ARE TO: Treat, if possible, the souce of the pain Promote healthy activities and preventative care

OUR GOALS ARE TO:

Return tothe thesouce mostoffunctional Treat,patients if possible, the pain and productive lifestyle possible

Promote healthy activities and preventative care

Improve performance and enjoyment Return patients to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible Improve performance and enjoyment

Matthew Pouliot, D.O.

Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation BoardMatthew Certified Pain Medicine Pouliot, D.O.

Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Board Certified Pain Medicine

BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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COMMUTER ROUTES

COMMUTE FORT COLLINS:

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Dedicated bike lanes, 50 miles of paved trails and 38 miles of natural surface trails make commuting by bike at breeze.

View the city’s bike map at www.fcgolf.com/bicycling/bike maps.php.

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Bike commuting basics • Choose a commuting route and practice riding it on a weekend day when you are not pressed for time and can become comfortable with your commuting path.

• Begin commuting when weather is less likely to hinder your initial commutes.

• Find a comfortable, stable, dependable, safe bike with good brakes, lights and reliable tires. Local bike shops are a great resource.

• Learn and follow the rules of the road (www.fcgov.com/bicycling).

Read more tips about bike commuting at www.bikeleague.org/content/commuting.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

By Marty Schreiner Prepare for commuting with knowledge

9th Avenue

COMMUTER ROUTES

8th Street

eet

10th Avenue

Str 16th

13th Avenue

13th Street

35th Avenue

47th Avenue

COMMUTE GREELEY:

Commuting by bike in Greeley is getting easier each year. The city has over 90 miles of bike lanes and 24 miles of trails. Find a route with its new bike map online at www.greeleybikes.com.

0

creased weight is a primary goal. That’s not to say that if you want to upgrade your bike to get lighter components not to do it. I’m suggesting managing your body weight as a better way to achieve a decrease in overall weight. I do that by ordering green tea versus a large white chocolate mocha with whipped cream.

It saves a few grams without the spending hundreds of bucks.

STANDARD MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE EXPAND COMFORT ZONE AND IMPROVE TECHNICAL SKILL When I started to cycle on a more regular basis mountain biking was my preferred method. I still love loading up

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2 Miles

the bike, picking up friends and meeting up with a few more at the trailhead. I only have one proper trail close enough to my house to jump on the mountain bike and ride to the trailhead without packing up my truck. With the limited (very close) options and the amount of time I dedicate to mountain biking versus road cycling these days, I find myself settling into a comfort zone when it comes to the mountain bike.

I tend to ride the same trail the same direction and that hasn’t helped me improve. On a Sunday afternoon in May I jumped on the mountain bike, rode to my close trailhead and set out on the first leg, which was an out-and-back BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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COMMUTER ROUTES

Duffield Ave.

N. Monroe Avenue

COMMUTE LOVELAND:

A combination of multi-use trails and on-street infrastructure make commuting by bike in the sweetheart city a great option. Search for bike map at www.cityofloveland.org to find a route that’s right for you.

W. 29th Avenue

CR 20

0.5

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2 Miles

that led to a loop (typical “lollipop” trail). At the loop I made two conscious decisions, take the loop in the opposite direction and increase my speed/effort.

I knew the terrain wasn’t so dangerous that I would get hurt so I took the challenge. I found myself attacking the downhill portion at a high enough pace that it gave me less time to worry, but not so fast that there wasn’t sufficient time to think. At the base of the descent I was proud of the way I handled a couple of technical sections where I normally would have slowed down and had too much time to over-think the approach. When you find yourself stuck in a rut or not improving the way you

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS

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CR 20

I N N T A M O U

N E T B S M U C RE K Y R O C

Your Colorado Recumbent Specialis

t!

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RockyMountainRecumbents.com

SERVICING ALL MAKES AND MODELS NOW ACCEPTING TRADE-INS

BIKES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY • www.breakaway-cycles.com

970-663-1726 • 2237 W. Eisenhower Blvd. • Loveland BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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ROAD RIDES Start

ROAD RIDE—EASY:

Southeast Loveland Loop

Watch out for traffic, but enjoy this relaxing, scenic 16-mile loop that has very little climbing. Go around the 90-degree bend before 1st Street close to the end.

Road cycling basics

By James Shelton Practice pre-ride checks and on-road courtesy.

3-2-1 Courtesy Code • 3 feet to pass. If you’re driving a vehicle, allow at least three feet between you and a cyclist when passing. 2 abreast when clear.

• If you are a cyclist, ride two abreast only if doing so won’t impede traffic.

• Single file. If you’re a cyclist, ride single file to allow cars to pass safely.

ABC Check • “A” is for air. Inflate your tires within the pressure limits printed on the side of your tire.

• “B” is for brakes. Make sure your brake pads are not worn to less than ¼ inch and that they are not rubbing against the wheel or tire. Make sure you can fit your thumb between the brake lever and handlebar when fully squeezed.

• “C” is for chain. Inspect it for rust and gunk. Clean and lube your chain on a regular basis (every seven to 10 days or 150 to 250 miles) and after every wet ride.

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ROAD RIDES

ROAD RIDE—MODERATE: Cement

Plant and Douglas Rollers

Work on your cornering on the bends in the first few miles, which lead up to a short easy climb before descending toward the cement plant and heading back east. The three Douglas Road rollers can be challenging, but fun. Cross Terry Lake Road cautiously as traffic is moving faster than it may seem. Weave around a few ponds and the Fort Collins Country Club before heading back into Fort Collins.

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want, expand your comfort zone: try a new trail, ride in a new direction of a favorite trail, attack a section a little faster or take the more technical route and you may just find yourself with a little more confidence while improving your technical skill set.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL COMMUTER RIDE REDEFINE BIKE TIME TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Most people think of bicycle commuting as riding your bike as the primary mode of transportation to and from work. I have a few friends that are “extreme commut-

ers”…to the point that they have either decreased their family vehicle count from two to one or even from one to zero. I live 35 miles away from my office and work hours that are not very conducive to commuting everyday. There are also many days when I frequently travel to meetings 10-60 miles away from the office and need to show up a little less sweaty than if I rode my bike. There are days that I need to leave the office and pick up one of my young children from school or a friend’s house on the way home as well. Sometimes our everyday lifestyles hinder the ability to commute on a regular basis or as much as we would BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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ROAD RIDES

ROAD RIDE—ADVANCED: South

Horsetooth/Masonville/Carter

Begin this 50-mile ride by heading up to the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir for a few challenging climbs before dropping down into Masonville. Just south of Highway 34, choose either to take the Carter Lake loop from the north if you are up for a straight up steep climb and a switchback descent, or head south and climb the switchbacks up to Carter Lake and head down the steep north side for a thrilling descent. Either way, enjoy the mostly flat ride around the lake. Head back west on W. 1st St. and then north on the long straight ride toward Fort Collins.

like but that shouldn’t stop us from trying. Arranging our schedules to accommodate commuting once a week or even once a month may be a great start. I have also expanded my personal definition of commuting to include regular destinations beyond work. For example, there are always times when we find ourselves needing to go to the grocery store for a few items for dinner or things we forgot in our regular trips to the market.

Instead of getting in the car, grab a backpack and get on the bike. I have used my bike to make those trips more often than commuting to work some months and still achieved the same goals: improve my health and decrease my carbon footprint.

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MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Start

Trailheads, fees & maps

Know trailhead locations, parking fees and trail maps before you go.

• City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, www.fcgov.com/naturalareas • Larimer County Parks, www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parkareas.htm • Lory State Park, http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Lory

Trail conditions

NoCo local trails are well-loved; do your part to keep them rideable. Local rangers close trails when they’re wet and muddy to minimize damage; respect these closures.

Track trail status online at the above sites.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE—EASY:

Lory State Park’s Valley Trail

Ride the West Valley Trail north to Arthur’s Rock Trailhead, go east and return via the East Valley Trail. Or extend the ride with a figure-8 on the South Valley Trail Loop: at Arthur’s Rock parking, ride east to south Valley Trail. Return on the west side, cross back over to the East Valley Trail and ride north to the start.

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MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE—MODERATE:

Maxwell-Shoreline-Michaud

Ride Maxwell northwest from the open space parking off CR 24. At the top, cross CR 23, pick up the single track that drops to the reservoir shoreline and heads north, past the swim beach, up a steep hill and terminates on the road. Ride pavement for about a mile. Pick up single track on the backside of Reservoir Ridge Open Space.

Multiple options for returning to front side.

Mountain biking basics

By Carol Busch

Trail etiquette • Bikes always yield to pedestrians and horses.

• Downhill users yield to uphill.

• When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback rider.

• Respect trail closers, road closures and other trail users.

• Stay on designated trails. Don’t make new trails.

• Control your bicycle.

Start

Read more about trail etiquette at www.imba.com/about/rules-trail.

BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Start

Mill Creek Park at Blue Sky Trailhead

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE—ADVANCED:

Ride north on connecter trail to the Swan Johnson Trail. Left on Towers - climb for 3 miles. Mill Creek is on the right, opposite the Spring Creek Trail. Once you’re deposited in Lory State Park, return south via the East Valley and Shoreline Trails. Multiple return options.

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BERTHOUD Berthoud Brewing Company 450 S. 8th St., Ste. B 970-670-0774 www.berthoudbrewing.com City Star Brewing 321 Mountain Ave. 970-532-7827 FORT COLLINS 1933 Brewing Company 4025 South Mason St., Unit C 970-377-4107

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company 124 Racquette Dr. 970-631-8038 www.horseanddragonbrewing. com The Jessup Farm Barrel House 1921 Jessup Dr. 970-568-8345 www.jessupfarm.com/barrelhouse

Weldworks Brewing 508 8th Ave. 970-460-6345 www.weldworksbrewing.com

Snowbank Brewing 225 S. Lemay Ave., Ste. 1 970-999-5658

Wiley Roots Brewing Company 625 3rd St. 970-515-7315 www.wileyrootsbrewing.com

Soul Squared Brewery 326 Smith St. 970-286-7769 www.soulsquaredbrewing.com Tap and Handle 307 S. College Ave. 970-484-1116 www.tapandhandle.com Taps 165 Boardwalk 970-449-4462 www.tapsfc.com

LOVELAND Big Beaver Brewing 2707 Eisenhower Blvd. Unit 9 www.bigbeaverbrew.com Big Thompson Brewery 114 E. 15th St. 970-619-8138 www.lovelandbrewery.com Buckhorn Brewers 4229 W. Eisenhower Blvd.

970-980-8688

Three Four Beer Company 829 S. Shields St. 970-221-3434 www.threefourbeerco.com

Crow Hop Brewing Co. 217 E. 3rd St. 970-633-0643 www.crowhopbrewing.com

Wilbur’s Total Beverage 2201 S. College Ave. 970-226-8662 www.wilburstotalbeverage.com

Grimm Brothers Brewhouse 623 N. Denver Ave. 970-624-6045 www.grimmbrewhouse.com

Zwei Bruder Brewing 4612 S. Mason St., #120 970-223-2482 www.zweibruderbrewing.com

Loveland Ale Works 118 W. 4th St. 970-619-8726 www.lovelandaleworks.com

Pateros Creek Brewing Company 242 N. College Ave. 970-368-2739 www.pateroscreekbrewing.com

GREELEY Brix Taphouse & Brewery 813 8th St. 970-371-8029 www.brixtaphouseandbrewery. com

Rock Bottom Brewery 6025 Sky Pond Dr. 970-622-2077 www.rockbottom.com

Equinox Brewing Company 133 Remington St. 970-484-1368

Prost Brewing Company 321 Old Firehouse Alley 303-729-1175 www.prostbrewing.com

Broken Plow Brewery 4731 W. 10th St. 970-301-4575 www.brokenplowbrewery.com

Fort Collins Brewery & Tavern 1020 E. Lincoln Ave. 970-682-2260 www.fortcollinsbrewery.com

Rally King Brewing 1624 S. Lemay Ave. #4 970-568-8936 www.rallykingbrewing.com

Crabtree Brewing 2961 29th St. 970-356-0516

Anheuser Busch 2351 Busch Dr. 970-221-0922 Black Bottle Brewery 1611 S. College Ave. 970-493-2337 www.blackbottlebrewery.com CB & Potts 1415 W. Elizabeth St. 970-221-1139 www.cbpotts.com CooperSmiths Pub & Brewing 5 Old Town Square 970-498-0483 www.coopersmithspub.com CSU Brewing at the Ramskeller Lory Student Center 970-491-3903

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Funkwerks 1900 E. Lincoln Ave., Unit B 970-482-3865

Road 34 1213 W. Elizabeth St. 970-491-9934 www.road34.com

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McClellan’s Brewing Company 1035 S. Taft Hill Rd. 970-568-8473 www. mccleallansbrewingcompany.com New Belgium Brewery 500 Linden St. 970-221-0524 Odell Brewing Company 800 E. Lincoln Ave. 970-498-9070 www.odellbrewing.com

BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

Verboten Brewing 125 E. 5th St. 970-775-7371 www.verbotenbrewing.com WINDSOR High Hops at the Windsor Gardener 6461 State Highway 392 970-686-7771 www.highhops.net

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LAPORTE MOUNTAIN OAK

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LINCOLN RIV

CSU Campus PROSPECT

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POUDRE TRAIL

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ELIZABETH

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COLLEGE (287)

MULBERRY

DRAKE

MASON TRAIL

HORSETOOTH

HARMONY

LEMAY

SHIELDS

TAFT

SPRING CREEK TRAIL

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Ride where motorists can see you and Remember to ride WITH traffic

Call Traffic Operations for more information on the Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program.

970.221.6630

626 LINDEN•FORT COLLINS

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BIKE STORE MAPS! FORT COLLINS

8. Lee’s Cyclery 931 E. Harmony Rd. 226-6006 leescyclery.com

1. Big Shot Bikes 106 N. Link Lane 775-1233 bigshotbikes.com

9. Niner Bikes 2330 E. Prospect Rd., Ste. 4 877-646-3792

2. Black Sheep Bikes 204 N. Link Lane 218-5952 blacksheepbikes.com

10. Peleton Cycles 3027 E. Harmony Rd. 449-5595 peleton-cycles.com

3. Brave New Wheel 105 E. Myrtle St. 416-0417 bravenewwheel.com

11. Peleton Cycles 2101 S. College Ave. 484-1800 peleton-cycles.com

4. Drake Cyclery 2100 W. Drake Rd., Ste. 4 631-8326 drakecyclery.com

12. Performance Bicycle 2407 S. College Ave. 419-2770 performancebike.com

5. FC Bike Coop 1501 N. College Ave. 484-3804 fcbikecoop.org

13. Phoenix Cyclery 1532 E. Mulberry St., Ste. D 493-4517

6. Gearage 119 E. Mountain Ave 416-6803 gearageoutdoorsports.com

14. Provelo 4612 S. Mason St. 204-9935 provelobikes.com

7. Lee’s Cyclery 202 W. Laurel St. 482-6006 leescyclery.com

24. Lee’s Cyclery 4880 Thompson Pkwy.

667-8735 leescyclery.com

17. Road 34 1228 W. Elizabeth St. 689-3556 road34.com 18. Rocky Mountain Recumbents 2111 S. College Ave. 221-4838 rockymountainrecumbent.com

GREELEY

19. Bike Peddler Cycling & Fitness 5240 W. 9th St. Dr., #200 356-3663 bikepeddler.biz

25. Loveland Cycle ‘n Fitness 524 Cleveland Ave. 667-1943 lovelandcycle.com 26. Rocky Mountain Cyclery 504 N. Garfield Ave. 669-2361 facebook.com/RockyMountain Cyclery

WINDSOR 27. Spokes 427 Main St. 686-9275 spokesinc.com

20. George’s Repair Shop 825 W. 7th St. 352-9492

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BUS HWY 85

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BUS 34 43RD AVE

HWY 287

GREELEY 59TH AVE

LAKE LOVELAND

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23. Days Roll By 1528 N. Lincoln Ave. 481-4339

16. Richard’s Bike Shop 4319 Silverview Ct. 420-2039

I-25

BUS 34

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22. Breakaway Cycles 2237 W. Eisenhower Blvd.

663-1726 breakaway-cycles.com

21. Ride 3830 W. 10th St. 356-7617 ridegreeley.com

LOVELAND 22

LOVELAND

15. Recycled Cycles 4031 S. Mason St. 223-1969 CSU Lory Student Center 491-9555 recycled-cycles.com

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Join a biker gang

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

FIND A GROUP FOR YOUR KIND OF GEAR

NOTHING BEATS BICYCLING for exercise, transportation and just plain fun.

Regardless of your age and ability, there are groups that can get your wheels turning.

occurring as inspiration strikes. www.facebook.com/thebellestarrs.

9SEVENTY RACING is a multisport racing team founded in Fort Collins. Its disciplines include cycling, running, triathlon and snow sports. The group embraces a “lifestyle of racing” and welcomes athletes of all skill levels and backgrounds in a fun, friendly and supportive environment. Members enjoy promoting health and wellness by supporting athletic events, raising awareness about athleticism, and contributing to the community through clinics and volunteering. www.9seventyracing.com.

THE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BAC), a subcommittee of the City of Fort Collins Transportation Board, meets the fourth Monday of each month, 6-8pm, in the Community Room at 215 N. Mason St. It’s composed of representatives of various city boards and commissions and community organizations that have a stake in bicycling, as well as several individual members at large.

The BAC reviews, recommends, and when appropriate, works proactively to identify potential capital improvements, bicycle policies, and Bicycle Plan priorities and future goals. www.fcgov.com/bac.

BELLE STARRS is a women’s bicycle “gang” that strives to inspire more women to get on their bikes and ride. No spandex or fancy equipment needed, just a passion for two wheels and the free spirit that accompanies it. The Belle Starrs (a.k.a. Rambunctious Women of the Road and Trail) organize group rides in and around Fort Collins. Planned rides happen about once a month, with many spontaneous rides

THE FC BIKES BICYCLE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (BAP) is the education division of the City of Fort Collins FC Bikes program. The BAP trains people to become ambassadors of safe cycling. Ambassadors then teach others in the community how to ride and share roads and trails safely with a goal of reducing the number of motor vehicle/bicycle/pedestrian crashes. www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

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THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION COALITION (BPEC) is a group of movers and shakers in NoCo’s bicycling community.

BPEC members meet once a month to learn about bicycling-related matters, share information and plan ways to work together to meet the needs of our community.

Participants represent bicycle advocacy groups, nonprofit agencies, state and local governments, medical professionals, school districts, youth, parents and teachers. www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org/bpec.

BIKE FORT COLLINS (BFC) is the region’s oldest and largest bicycling focused advocacy group. Their vision for northern Colorado is More Bikes, Safe Streets, One Voice! Through education, engagement and advocacy, BFC unites NoCo in building a world-class community, committed to cycling for transportation, recreation and social good. www.bikefortcollins.org.

THE CICLISMO YOUTH FOUNDATION (CYF) is dedicated to making cycling opportunities accessible to youth in northern Colorado.

CYF aims to positively support the social

and emotional development of children through the sport of cycling. CYF has programs for a variety of ages and abilities. www.ciclismoyouthfoundation.org.

DIAMOND PEAKS MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROL (A SERVICE OF OVERLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB) – The Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol holds various training and outreach events for those interested in becoming a mountain bike patroller. www.overlandmtb.org/patrol.

EPIC BMX supports bicycle motocross (BMX) racing at the American Bicycle Association-sanctioned (ABA) track in south Fort Collins. The organization sponsors races on Thursday evening and Saturday mornings. They also conduct BMX skills clinics; ABA membership is required. www.epicbmxfc.com.

FC BIKES is the City of Fort Collins’ bicycle program. Through collaboration with northern Colorado communities, other city departments and local organizations, the FC Bikes program promotes safe bicycling and encourages it as a viable, healthy means of transportation for Fort Collins’ residents, employees and visitors of all ages and abilities. Through advocacy, programming, planning and infrastructure, the FC Bikes program seeks to increase bicycling while creating and maintaining a bicycle-friendly community. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

PHOTO COURTESY OVERLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB

THE FORT COLLINS BIKE LIBRARY has been expanded through a system of automated self-checkout stations around town. Visit the library at the Downtown Transit Center for route-planning assistance, visitor information, cycling information, specialty bikes, helmets and more! Become a sponsor and contribute to the growth of the program. www.fcbikelibrary.org.

THE FORT COLLINS BICYCLE CO-OP builds community through bicycling by helping people earn a bike who otherwise couldn’t afford one; educating people about all things bike-related including bike maintenance BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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PHOTO COURTESY KIDS TRIPS ©ADELAIDE CHIN

sustainable growth of competitive cycling in northern Colorado through resource and process sharing, community outreach, and coordination and integration of efforts. www.YourGroupRide.com.

and safety; and refurbishing and donating bicycles for a wide variety of charity events and programs for those in need. The Bike Co-op also sells affordable used bikes, parts and accessories, and offers low- or no-cost mechanic service. www.fcbikecoop.org.

FORT COLLINS CYCLING CLUB (FCCC) is a road bicycling club for people of all ages and abilities. It hosts rides that provide cyclists with the opportunity to experience riding with club members who ride at comparable speeds and like to socialize after the rides. www.fccycleclub.org.

THE FORT COLLINS VELO PARK ASSOCIATION is a nonprofit organization formed in 2006 to bring a world-class community cycling venue to Fort Collins. This facility will provide multiple benefits to the community, such as: a safe environment for all cyclists to gain confidence and skills; a multi-use park for athletic activities and community events; and training and competition for all levels of cycling. www.fcvelo.org.

FORT FOLLIES empowers women in the Fort Collins area to be active and impactful members of the cycling community through riding, racing and philanthropy. The group is suited for

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women of all abilities and disciplines who want to ride for recreation, get in shape or race competitively. www.fortfollies.com.

GREELEY BIKES is the City of Greeley’s initiative to encourage and educate more people to travel by bike. Designated a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists in 2013, Greeley is coming into its own as a great place to ride. www.greeleybikes.com.

THE NOCO BIKE & PED COLLABORATIVE, representing jurisdictions, agencies, community organizations and individuals in northern Colorado, advances connectivity of non-motorized networks for recreation, transportation and economic development through coordination, education and promotion. The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Windsor Recreation Center, 250 11th St., WS. Email abuckley@nfrmpo.org for more information or to sign up to receive meeting notices and occasional emails. www.nfrmpo.org/ ResourcesDocuments/nocobikeped.aspx.

NORTHERN COLORADO CYCLING EVENTS (NCCE) is a loose board of promoters, managers and other leaders in the local competitive cycling community. NCCE members are committed to the long-term,

OVERLAND MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB (OVERLAND) is the premier mountain biking organization in the northern Colorado and southern Wyoming region, and a federally registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Overland members build and maintain trails, teach people how to ride and patrol trails assisting all user groups. www.overlandmtb.org.

PEDAL CLUB (PEOPLE’S EFFORTS TO DE-EMPHASIZE AUTOS IN LOVELAND), established on Earth Day in 1970, educates the public on bicycle-related issues, supports SRTS and organizes group rides. The group’s diverse members represent every type of cyclist. www.pedalclub.org.

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SRTS) is a nationwide effort to encourage students to walk or bike to school by addressing the safety risks associated with walking and riding a bike. The Fort Collins and Loveland SRTS programs bring bike-ped safety instruction into local schools and are building a cadre of PE teachers and volunteer trainers to provide SRTS instruction to Poudre School District and Thompson School District K-12 students. www.fcgov. com/saferoutes, www.cityofloveland.org.

TEAM B.O.B. (A.K.A, BABES ON BIKES) has been promoting women mountain bikers since 1992. The group offers group rides for novice and experienced riders, as well as skills seminars. The team also performs trail maintenance and participates in cycling-related community events. www.coteambob.com.

TRIPS FOR KIDS is committed to providing transformative cycling experiences to underserved youth populations. The group hosts free rides twice a month, providing bikes, helmets, lunch, transportation and instruction to kids 8-17 years. Trips are www.tripsforkidsfoco.org.

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PHOTO COURTESY NINER BIKES

Bike businesses pedal on SMALL BUSINESSES THRIVE WITH HARD-EARNED WISDOM INTRO BY DEE WANGER

IMAGINE…YOU’RE PLANNING a month-long cycling experience. You choose your destination, consult and collect maps, and pack appropriate apparel, suitable food and water, and the right first-aid and repair kits. The bike doesn’t feel too burdened. You’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

As you begin, the roadways are heavy with cars and less-than-courteous drivers.

That’s okay because you’re psyched to be on a trip. The headwinds come—strong and shifty, but you’re willing to power through and pedal harder. Rain starts to fall and you realize you forgot your fenders. You stop to wait it out, altering your plans for the day. A friendly stranger offers you a ride.

Accepting it keeps you on schedule. The sun comes out, so you get riding again with renewed energy. Then you get a flat. And your mom calls with bad news.

This is the perfect metaphor for doing business as a start-up or small bike company in northern Colorado. Each one starts with an idea—a dream—then follows that with a plan. But even the best-laid plans don’t follow a perfect, predictable linear path. And each one—whether it was attempted and discontinued, or continues to thrive—should be applauded. Founders and their supporters had the courage to

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begin a business, the strength to make it through several iterations to aim for positive market share, the wisdom to know when to stop, and the opportunity to celebrate growth and success.

The next time you visit a local bike-related store or website, or cross paths with people working in one of NoCo’s bike-related businesses, congratulate them for their wisdom and fortitude.

They’ll appreciate the kudos!

AKINZ 970-682-1750, www.akinz.com

Akinz is a casual clothing line with handcrafted elements. Stop by the shop to get a hand-screened bike tee, handmade beanie, layering elements like leggings, hats and accessories, or a hoodie for cold night adventures. The Akinz goal is to create unique and fun pieces that inspire adventures while bicycling around town, mountain biking, hiking, wake boarding, snowboarding or just spending time with great friends.

BIG SHOT BIKES 970-775-1233, www.bigshotbikes.com

Big Shot Bikes specializes in made-toorder fixed-gear and single-speed bikes.

Using an online customization tool,

customers can design their very own bike, choosing everything from the color of the chain to the style of handlebars. With millions of color combinations from which to choose, customers can design a bike that is truly one of a kind.

BLACK SHEEP BIKES 970-218-5952, www.blacksheepbikes.com

Black Sheep Bikes was born out of a flock of high-quality, hand-crafted bicycles, here in this Titanium utopia we call Colorado. They stand out in this flock with their signature aesthetic and ground-breaking designs. Tuned race machines to all-terrain phat bikes, it is easy to see how Black Sheep can translate any wheel size and style of riding into a beautiful high-performance bicycle that will last a lifetime.

BOO BICYCLES 970-444-2228, www.boo bicycles.com

Boo Bicycles handcrafts both high-performance, bamboo-carbon race bikes and more affordable bamboo-aluminum road and townie bikes. Bamboo is extremely lightweight and stiff, and the silky smooth ride and telepathic handling are unmatched. They have been piloted by two of Fort Collins’ best young talents, Skyler Trujillo and Brannan Fix.

CANTITOE ROAD 800-422-2104, 970-472-0125 www.cantitoeroad.com

Sweeten your ride with bicycle parts, tools and accessories from Cantitoe Road.

CARVER SURF RACKS/287 BIKES 808-389-4372, www.carversurfracks.com

CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK BY RICHARD JONES 970-222-4190, www.convertiblebackpacks.us

The Convertible Backpack by Richard Jones is a full set of bicycle touring panniers that converts to a comfortable internal frame backpack. The Convertible can be purchased as either rear pannier only, or a front and rear set. Go from biking to hiking and back again with our specialized dual-mode bags.

PHOTO COURTESY ODDITY CYCLES

PHOTO COURTESY AKINZ

A creative fabricator, Orlando Baker started dabbling into bikes in the early 1990s as a mode of transportation. This led Orlando into innovative ideas based on his personal needs. Inspired by an industrial town “the motor city,” he manufacturers bicycle surf racks and provides local fabrication of the next generation of inspired idea.

CYCLETOTE BICYCLE TRAILERS 800-747-2407, www.cycletote.com

CycleTote Bicycle Trailers are built to enhance any bike ride. Easily transport your dog, children, disabled teens or cargo no matter where your biking adventure takes you. With four decades of experience, your CycleTote is guaranteed to be safe, sturdy and dependable on every ride.

MOONMEN BIKES 970-556-4074, www.moonmenbikes.com

Moonmen Bikes, Fort Collins’ premier custom Titanium bicycle manufacturer, designs and builds elegant and unique bicycles for all applications. Building products are of the highest quality, from individual components to complete dream bikes. Out of this world creations, crafted here on planet earth.

NINER BIKES 877-646-3792, www.ninerbikes.com

Founded in southern California and now based in Fort Collins, Niner makes bikes for the passionate rider. Featuring CVA™ Suspension and the C5 Carbon

warranty, Niner Bikes are globally recognized for ride quality and designed in your backyard.

ODDITY CYCLES 816-812-8598, www.odditycycles.com

Extraordinary handcrafted bicycle frames and components, made from the finest quality steel or titanium materials. Interested in a custom bike to fit your needs, fit your wants, fit your wildest dreams? Oddity creates curvy tubed, functional worksof-art. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado.

ON THE WHEEL www.on-the-wheel.com

On the Wheel is a distinctive collection of masterfully hand-blown wine goblets and beer glasses featuring images of original paintings of classic cruiser bicycles by award-winning Colorado artist Amanda Acheson. Each glass included in a suite of four bears a different design. Four-glass suites are presented in an artfully designed, museum-shop quality gift box designed to appeal to your appreciation for fine beverages and great times on two wheels.

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country mountain bikes. Their goal is to build the best 24-inch bike that allows young riders to take their riding to the next level, create fun family memories on the trail and build a lifetime love of mountain bike riding. Climb higher and ride farther as a family!

YENDRABUILT 970-430-6505, www.yendrabuilt.com PHOTO COURTESY YIPSAN BICYCLES

At YendraBuilt, they dream, design and fabricate functional works of art. They can take your needs and ideas and turn them into reality. From a trike designed for delivering kegs of craft brew to a custom-built jockey box for serving beer, YendraBuilt specializes in many unique commercial and residential products.

YIPSAN BICYCLES PARSLEY ART ANKLE BANDS

SWOBO BICYCLES AND APPAREL

970-672-0168, www.YiPsanbicycles.com

www.parsleyartstudio.com

970-219-3166, www.swobo.com

Ride in style with handmade, fashionable bicycle ankle bands that keep your pants from catching in your gears or getting covered in bike grease. Each design is a limited edition and sewn for durability.

Haberdashers of velocipede couture, purveyors of sensible bikes, avoiders of the bummer life, Swobo’s motto is simple: no-nonsense bikes and clothing for possibly complicated, but no-nonsense people.

PUSH INDUSTRIES, INC.

TRAILCRAFT CYCLES

970-278-1110, www.pushindustries.com

970-310-3714, www.trailcraftcycles.com

Established in 2003 in Irvine, CA, PUSH quickly established itself as the premiere suspension tuner for North America. In May 2005, PUSH moved to northern Colorado for expansion and a more centralized location for customers of its world-class suspension products and apparel. One hundred percent of all PUSH suspension parts are machined in house.

Trailcraft Cycles specializes in super lightweight, high-performance, 24-inch cross

YiPsan Bicycles was conceived by Renold Yip to continue the craft of frame building in a single-person workshop. YiPsan’s goal is to integrate modern fitting concepts, frame tubing and components with traditional building skills. YiPsan bicycles are built by hand, one at a time; so that every bicycle is unique. YiPsan builds road, cross, track, touring and off-road bicycles, and specializes in steel.

RIDEKICK INTERNATIONAL Ridekick International produces electricpowered trailers that attach to almost any bicycle to carry loads and provide a 19-mile-per-hour boost. At an affordable cost, the Ridekick power trailer helps you use your bike for short trips, taking you farther, getting there faster and fresher, and for a lot of fun. Ridekick headquarters are based in Fort Collins.

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PHOTO COURTESY MOONMEN BIKES

877-974-4440, www.ridekick.com

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

4612 S MASON #110 | 970-204-9935 | WWW.PROVELOBIKES.COM

CLOSEST TO THE TRAIL our prices

PREVAIL FAT BIKE RENTALS…$60.00 SKI TUNE UPS…$20.00 DEMO DAYS…$90.00

rental fee goes towards your final purchase

970-631-8326 2100 W Drake Rd. ste. 4 Fort Collins, 80526

like us and receive 10% off a single item valued below $50 We are your friendly neighborhood bike shop located in west Fort Collins in the Drake shopping center.

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THE 2016 BICYCLING

Calendar EVENTS

Bicycle Advisory Committee The BAC, a subcommittee of the City of Fort Collins Transportation Board, meets the fourth Monday of each month.

The BAC reviews, recommends, and when appropriate, works proactively to identify potential capital improvements, bicycle policies, and Bicycle Plan priorities and future goals. Community Room, 215 N. Mason St., FC. 6-8pm.

970-416-2471, www.fcgov.com/bac.

Fort Collins Cycling Club (FCCC) FCCC, a road cycling club, hosts weekly rides, social dinners after rides in the summer months and social club meetings once a month during the winter. Check website for details. www.fccycleclub.org.

Overland Mountain Bike Club Overland meets the first Thursday of each month, March-October. Visitors and potential members are invited to attend and see what’s going on in the club and mountain biking community.

Check website for locations. 6:30pm.

970-430-5336, www.overlandmtb.

www.thecupboard.com

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MARCH THROUGH MAY Bike Spring Roll into spring! Explore Fort Collins with a Scavenger Hunt by Bike in April.

Celebrate Women’s Month in May. View a complete class and event schedule at www.fcgov.com/bikespring.

APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER Trail Work Days Get dirty with Overland Mountain Bike Club members as they build and maintain trails throughout northern Colorado.

Check the website for days, times and locations. www.overlandmtb.org.

JUNE THROUGH AUGUST Bike Summer Enjoy Colorado’s summer by bike.

June is Bike Month. Ride on Bike to Work Day. View a complete class and event schedule at www.fcgov.com/ bikesummer.

SEPTEMBER THROUGH NOVEMBER Bike Autumn Autumn is better by bike. View a complete class and event schedule at www.fcgov.com/bikeautumn.

DECEMBER Bike Winter Enjoy a class or event that will have you cold-weather riding in no time. Get free bike lights for shorter days at Light up the Night. Ride with others to see Holiday Lights by Bike. View a complete class and event schedule at www.fcgov.com/bikewinter.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Fort Collins Bike Share - Grand Opening The Bike Library evolved! Free bike demos and giveaways! Downtown Fort Collins. Check website for details. www.fcbikelibrary.org.

SUNDAY, MAY 22 McKee Classic Bike Tour The most beautiful ride in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this pedal-atyour-own pace community tour offers four scenic routes (10, 30, 37 and 62 miles), great practice for the season’s upcoming races and family fun. Begins and ends at McKee Medical Center, 3600 N. Boise Ave., LV. www.mckeefoundationevents.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL

SUNDAY, JUNE 5 Open Streets Come play in the street! Explore a section of Fort Collins, visit local businesses, and bike, walk, jog, play and meet your neighbors in a car-free environment. 10am-3pm. www.fcbikes.com/openstreets.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11 (TENTATIVE) Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day This Overland Mountain Bike Club event is open to kids of all ages, with a limit of 50 participants. Includes guided rides with safety and trail etiquette instruction, a post-ride lunch and swag for the kids. Free. Maxwell Natural Area, FC. 9am. www.overlandmtb.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22 Bike to Work Day Ride your bike to work and fuel up at free breakfast stations located all around the region. www.fcgov.com/ bikesummer, www.greeleybikes.com, www.cityofloveland.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 22 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 24 Tooth or Consequences MTB Festival A weekend of mountain biking fun with a Short Track Race on Friday, an Enduro Race on Saturday, and 40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race on Sunday. Lory State Park, FC. www.overlandmbtb.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 Neighborhood Night Out FC Bikes’ Bicycle Ambassador Program and Safe Routes to School will partner to offer family-friendly bicycle education to one neighborhood during Neighborhood Night Out. View details and apply online at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 (TENTATIVE) Wanda’s Ride The fourth annual fundraiser organized by the Fort Collins Cycling Club (FCCC) for Wanda Roche, a FCCC member who was permanently disabled in a bike accident. Donations from this ride assist in enhancing her mobility and independence.

Information and registration will be available at www.fccycleclub.org.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Open Streets Come play in the street! Explore a section of Fort Collins, visit local businesses, and bike, walk, jog, play and meet your neighbors in a car-free environment. 10am-3pm. www.fcbikes.com/openstreets.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Ride4Success Enjoy a 10-mile family ride, or 25or 50-mile ride through Greeley neighborhoods, on the Poudre Trail and across harvest-time farmland as far north as Pierce, and then OktoBREWfest.

Proceeds benefit The Success Foundation Serving Greeley-Evans Schools. Start at Lincoln Park, Downtown Greeley.

8:30am. www.Ride4Success.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Winter Bike to Work Day Warm up with a free breakfast when you ride your bike to work. 7:30-9am. www.fcgov.com/bikewinter.

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RIDES

SUNDAYS Fort Follies Sunday Funday Road Ride While men are welcome, this ride mainly attracts women riders who want to get stronger and more comfortable riding in a group, and is typically 3060 miles at an average of 15-18 mph.

10am. Rides begin after daylight savings. www.fortfollies.com.

WEDNESDAYS Overland Singletrack Social Rides March-October, weather and trail conditions permitting, enjoy a fun ride and after-ride get together. All skill levels welcome. Start at Spring Canyon Park, FC, or Blue Sky Trailhead, FC. Start times vary. www.overlandmtb.org.

RACES

SUNDAY, JULY 24 40 in the Fort Endurance MTB Race Fort Collins’ own endurance mountain bike race, presented by Overland. Held on the trails in Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, the event will be bigger and better his year with expanded course options, more sponsors and a great after-ride party. Volunteer or race. Soldier Canyon Group Area, Lory State Park, FC. 7am. www.overlandmtb.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 Laramie Enduro Endurance MTB Race An Overland Partner Event, this is one of the nation’s premier endurance mountain bike races. Volunteer or race.

Interstate 80 and Happy Jack Road, Wyo. 7am. www.laramieenduro.org, www.overlandmtb.org.

Check www.yourgroupride.com for a comprehensive list of road and mountain bike races in NoCo.

your adv en t u re Adven t ure adventure

your

YOUR

BEGINS Here HERE Begins

Begins Here

With the widest selection of wine, beer and spirits in Northern Colorado, let WILBUR’S TOTAL BEVERAGE welcome you to Fort Collins.

Whether you’re here for the weekend, the season or with us for a while, let Wilbur’s Total Beverage welcome you to Fort Collins.

With the widest selection of wine, beer and spirits in Northern Colorado and a customer-first approach, make Wilbur’s your home now that you’re here!

2201 S. College • 970-226-8662 WilbursTotalBeverage.com

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CLASSES

Smart cycling This fun course is for beginning and seasoned cyclists alike, and helps you gain confidence to ride safely and legally in an urban environment. Learn basic on-bike handling skills, crash avoidance techniques and bicycle safety checks. Bikes and helmets required, and can be provided if needed; request in advance. Free. Ages 14+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Full-day classes on Saturdays: Mar. 26, June 25, Aug. 20 Evening and Saturday classes: May 19 & 21, July 13 & 16, Sept. 22 & 24

Cycling in winter Interested in riding year-round, but not sure how to prepare? Learn tips and techniques to help you ride safely, confidently and comfortably. Free.

Ages 14+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Cycling with children Do you want to commute, run errands or travel to school by bike with your children?

Learn about the benefits of cycling with children, kid-friendly gear and clothing, safety considerations, route selection and how to teach children the rules of the road through bicycling. Free. Ages 14+.

Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

1.5-hour class: Apr. 16

Bicycle Friendly Driver Certification Course Do you ever wonder how to safely navigate the road when cyclists are present? This course provides information about traffic safety laws and responsibilities for both cyclists and motorists, shared responsibilities, and how to avoid crashes or conflicts. Free.

Ages 16+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassador program.org. Special presentations available for businesses. 1.5-hour class: Mar. 30, Apr. 5, May 3, June 7 Adult Learn to Ride a Bicycle You’re never too old to learn to ride a bike! Through a safe, easy and effective method, students learn how to balance, pedal, start, stop and steer a bike. You also will learn how to properly fit a helmet. Free. Ages 14+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Everyday Cycling Learn the benefits of using a bike for transportation and how to make it comfortable, convenient and fun.

Topics include: what to ride, what to wear, what to carry and how to

carry it, route selection and safety techniques. Free. Ages 10+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

1.5-hour class: Mar. 30, Apr. 18, May 10

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PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Adult Learn to Ride for Women For adult women interested in learning how to ride a bike. Using a safe, easy and effective method, a female instructor will teach you how to balance, pedal, start, stop and steer a bike. You will also learn how to properly fit a helmet. Free. Ages 14+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Four 1.5-hour sessions. Wednesdays, May 4-24 Women on a Roll For women interested in bicycling.

Learn about specific clothing and gear, where to ride, tips for biking with children, safety tips, and how to connect with local women’s cycling clubs and organizations. Free. Ages 14+. Register online and view full schedule at www.bicycleambassador program.org. 1.5-hour class scheduled: May 10 and June 15 For more information about bicycling events, rides and classes in Larimer County, visit www. bicycleambassadorprogram.org/calendar.

Visit www.greeleybikes.com for cycling events in Greeley-Evans. Check www. yourgroupride.com for races in NoCo.

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Ride on, ride on, ride on!

AND REMEMBER: ALERT, AWARE…ALIVE! JEFFREY BROWN

You know what’s

awesome fun?

Commuting to work in the saddle of your bicycle— snow, rain or shine.

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BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

SINCE 1985, I HAVE LIVED in Fort Collins and ridden a bicycle to work as often as possible. In the beginning, my commute was for financial reasons. While raising three kids on a tight budget, riding saved me a lot of money. Today, bike commuting is hardwired into me—“hustle builds muscle.” It gets my smile on first thing and starts the day out right. I am disappointed when I can’t ride.

RIDING ROOTS My love of riding originated at altitude, growing up at 10,152 feet in Leadville.

Being competitive in nature, I played baseball, football, basketball, ran track and was pretty much always in motion. Getting where I needed to be on two wheels fit right in. One of my best memories as a child is the year my brother Kevin and I

got matching Schwinn Stingrays. We were huge fans of Evel Knievel, so my mom made us cool matching outfits to go with our new bikes. We wore them while riding the hills around town.

The bikes I ride today are a new Giant Revolt 3, for a bit of road cycling (something new for me), and a Specialized 29’er hard tail for single tracking and around town. I also own a Schwinn unicycle, which I learned to ride at Metro State College; it always attracts kids, bringing out smiles. I am looking forward to riding this one to entertain my five grandsons.

CYCLING SCENES You never know what you’re going to sneak up on when you ride. Over the years, I have enjoyed a lot of wildlife along the trail— deer, foxes, muskrat, snakes, and birds, such

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFREY BROWN

as blue heron, pelicans, hawks and owls.

The call of the red-winged black birds are always a welcome song as it announces spring. My most memorable early morning encounter was a turtle crossing the Spring Creek Trail, near today’s Spring Creek Gardens. It measured 18 to 20 inches long, 15 inches wide and 14 inches tall!

BIKING BONUSES Other really cool bonuses of bike commuting are seeing others smile back as we pass on the trail and stopping for a chat with fellow commuter friends you pass daily. One of my early commuter friends was the “Can Man.” If you remember who he was, you’ve been around town awhile.

This friendly young man collected aluminum cans in a basket on his bike and sang aloud in an awesome Spanish voice, along

with a radio strapped to his handle bars. It was a very sad day when I learned he was struck by a car and killed.

SAFETY FIRST So I want to emphasize the safety first part of commuting. It’s important to be triple A out there—Alert, Aware, Alive. The worst offense is no lights! Be seen, front and rear.

Wear bright clothing. Ride on the correct side of the path, trail or road. When we commute there are three basic systems we have at our tread—streets, trails and sidewalks. Every option has its own set of rules.

Follow traffic rules. Dismount in dismount zones. Keep your speed under control on trails. Little children and animals are unpredictable; give them space. Unfortunately, reckless behaviors on the commute are common. I call it “going coyote” when I see

reckless moves by cyclists. This recklessness puts motorists and cyclists at risk, and doesn’t do much for cyclists’ image.

Weather adds complexity to bike commuting. Wearing appropriate clothing is a must. I have found that we all have a limit. For me, 15 degrees and more than three inches of snow takes my commute to an alternative method. In the rainy season know where you can take shelter along your route. Know your limits.

So hey, get started! Purchase a comfortable bike, helmet, front and rear lights, a lock and a pack. Take the free Traffic Skills 101 class offered by FC Bikes. Plan three routes and keep it simple to start.

Test your route on the weekend and keep track of how much time it takes to get where you need to go. Then wait no longer to get your “Ride On!” BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO

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BICYCLING GUIDE TO NORTHERN COLORADO