Marty Caivano
It takes hard work to build a business in a small town like Lyons, Colo., but “Death March Dave” Chase always makes time for what’s important: riding.
your bike. Let’s build it exactly the way you want it.” Chase spends hours with his customers, listening carefully to details about their riding style, favorite trails and previous bikes before guiding them in their purchases. Many customers test potential rigs on the nearby Hall Ranch trails, with a mix of rock gardens, switchbacks and flowing singletrack. His love for trails means Chase also makes time for advocacy. He partners with the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance and works on Lyons committees to foster trail access. His most recent effort helped construct a five-mile trail connecting the Hall Ranch and Heil Valley Ranch trail systems, near Boulder—a substantial step forward in a historically restrictive environment for mountain bikers. If this wasn’t enough work for a married guy with two daughters, Chase also organizes group rides Tuesday evenings from the shop, as well as the yearly Lyons Fat Tire Festival. The two-day event features guided rides and a barbeque held in his front yard.
“What I want to do is help out mountain bikers who are very passionate about the sport and help out the local community,” Chase says. “At the same time, I want to provide for my family and not have to leave Lyons. If I can make that happen, I’ve made my own personal slice of heaven.” Chase’s slice, in fact, has just gotten bigger. In April, he left the “world’s smallest bike shop” to move into his current 650-square-foot location then stopped working at Pearl Izumi to keep his shop open all day. “I’m excited to be open every day, but I’m a bit nervous, apprehensive and scared.” Chase says. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think it’d work, but all the same, I have a mortgage and a family to feed. I’m excited to have mornings with my kids and be able to take my five-yearold to school. She talks about it almost every day.” You can check out the shop, follow Chase’s riding adventures and learn about local riding spots by visiting www.redstonecyclery.com –Marty Caivano 127