A Summer to Remember

When we say it’s not all about the bike, this summer was the perfect example of what we mean. Yes, our riders covered countless miles, learned new skills, conquered new hills, and got stronger. Yet what really stood out were the friendships built, the barriers broken, and the confidence discovered. Across five counties, The Cycle Effect teams laughed, bonded, gave back, and discovered an unshakeable sense of belonging with their teammates. 

Here are just some of the incredible highlights from summer 2025:

Piloted A New Program In Garfield County! This May, we launched our newest program in Garfield County, welcoming 23 participants over the course of 11 days of programming. With the support of two local coaches and additional staff from Eagle and Mesa, riders quickly found a community of confidence and connection. We piloted two groups: Girls Mountain Biking Team (ages 10–18) with a focus on skills, teammates, and personal growth. Mujeres y Pedales (ages 18+) celebrated confidence, connection, and community. The impact was immediate and inspiring: 100% of participants reported increased confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging on the trails. What an incredible way to kick off a new chapter for The Cycle Effect!

Coaches Leveled UP! Our coaches invested in themselves. Across all counties, coaches trained hard, developed new skills, and many earned their BICP Level 1 certification, strengthening their ability to teach and mentor. Their dedication ensures every rider has the support she needs to grow both on and off the bike. Congratulations to our Eagle Coaches: Jessica, Kirsten, and Shawna from VVMTA. Cheers to our Summit County Coaches: Erin, Cassie and Kelly. And hooray for our Routt County Coaches Abby, Anna B., and Anna S!

Riders Gave Back to the Trails! Our teams don’t just ride trails, they care for them. Riders in every county dedicated hours of trail work and beautification projects. In Eagle County, riders worked on our Adopt-A-Trail, Haymaker, the Ute in Arrowhead as well as the Singletree Connector trail. The Eagle team also spent a day weeding in the Eagle Bike Park! Our Summit County team worked on the Keystone Gulch and more. This service helps our riders see their role not only as athletes but also as stewards of the land we love.

Adventured In The Backcountry! One of the summer’s biggest highlights was the annual hut trip in Leadville, where teams from Summit, Routt, Mesa, and Eagle counties came together under one roof. The trip was rooted in our core value of belonging. Over shared meals, group rides, and late-night laughter, four teams became one. By the end of the weekend, girls were exchanging contact info, taking farewell selfies, and hugging tightly before saying goodbye. Mission accomplished.

Collaborated With Rad Orgs! Our Summit County Mujeres y Pedales team joined forces with VNTRbirds for a fiesta de pedales celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Together, they tackled a bilingual group ride in Breckenridge, strengthening connections while taking on challenging new terrain. In Routt County, thanks to our partnership with Everything Outdoor Steamboat (EOS), we introduced 14 Steamboat Springs Middle School students to trail riding—many for the very first time. Together, we’re expanding access to the outdoors and building confidence on and off the bike.

Brought families together! Mesa County hosted its first-ever TCE Team & Family Ice Cream Social at the Incubator, bringing together riders, families, and staff for connection (and sundaes!). The event included ramps and other features for our athletes to practice on, access to our gear vans to learn about our programs, and a relaxed environment for the community to gather. In Eagle County, TCE families enjoyed exploring the Epic Adventure Area at the top of Vail Mountain! 

Tried a new kind of saddle! (*Tips the cowgirl hat*) Athletes in Routt County enjoyed an evening of trail riding, cow brushing, and s’mores under the stars at Glas Deffryn Ranch. Twelve girls saddled up for an unforgettable night filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of memories that stick. 

From the launch of new programs to the deepening of old traditions, this summer was full of joy, growth, and transformation. Every county, every rider, every coach contributed to a season we’ll never forget.

We say it often because it’s true: it’s not about the bike. It’s about belonging, empowerment, and discovering just how strong we really are together. 

Here’s to an unforgettable summer and to everything that lies ahead this Fall!