Ride Magazine

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Guide to northern Colorado

bicycling culture & evenTS

2012

Bicycle

Ambassador Program Safe Routes

to School

Local

cycling scene

Bike Calendar

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2012

Guide to northern Colorado bicycling culture & evenTS

From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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We’re getting personal

Contributor profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Meet the writers / riders

Bicycle Ambassador Program rolls out. . . . . 8 Our bike-friendly community is about to get even nicer

Safe Routes to School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Good for kids, the environment, and your pocketbook

Going the distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Daily commuting by bicycle exercises your body and relaxes your mind

Bikes and beers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 KRFC launches new program

Bicycles=big bucks, better work force?. . . 16

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Made in Fort Collins

Local builders offer specialty bikes and accessories ©SethBecktonphoto.com

18

Join the revolution

The local cycling community has something for everyone from racing enthusiasts to spectators

Fort Collins is about to find out

Evolution is in the air. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Bike Library rolls into fifth year with changes on the horizon

Support for cycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Pulling together to make this a great place to pedal

A common space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

BIKE

Calendar

CYCLING EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Regular Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 RACE Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 BIKE Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

About the Cover:

On the cover: Teacher Chris West with students, Justin Janus, Conner Culhane and Madison Vigil.

Photo by Darren Mahuron, summitstyle.com

Chris West received a Champions of Change award from the White House. The program’s focus was Let’s Move, which honors leaders who are helping kids lead healthy, active lifestyles. View the presentation of the award at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBj4LBwJHm0.

Chris has been a physical education instructor at Bauder Elementary School in Fort Collins for the past 15 years. He has been co-leader of Bauder Elementary Wellness team since 2006.

Chris says: “I am excited that this award will be instrumental in creating new partnerships to increase physical activity for our youth.

The brain is primed for academic success when exercise is a part of the learning environment. It is a partner in academic achievement.”

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Share everything Kindergarten rules apply to trails and roadways

FROM THE EDITOR We’re getting personal

Having a bicycle-friendly community is not about the miles

of trails or the number of Bike Boxes a place has. It’s about the people. It’s about the way people feel when they ride their bikes. Do they feel included? Free? A part of something bigger? Safe?

Whether your ride transports you to work or to recreate on the weekends, whether you have a full-suspension mountain bike or a fixie, you are part of our local cycling culture.

And it is people like you who enjoy our exceptional infrastructure and demand more of it—more signal detection at intersections, more bike parking, and better connections throughout the bike network.

You are the people who will be our Bicycle Ambassadors. You are the people who spread the good word on KRFC on the new Bikes and Beer show. And you are the people who commute to work, once a year or every day. You make it fun and funny to ride a bike—think Tour de Fat! And 2012 you generate vigor and culture when you bring your simple machines together.

As the year revolves, we are preparing to apply for the League of American Bicyclists’ BICYCLE Bicycle Friendly Community AMBASSADor ProGrAM award once again. Currently, SAFE rouTES Fort Collins is a Gold-level To SChooL LoCAL community; optimistically, our CYCLInG SCEnE efforts in education, encourageBIKE Calendar ment, engineering, enforcement and evaluation will be recognized in 2013 with a Platinum-level designation.

You can help Fort Collins get there! Sign up to be a Bicycle Ambassador. Support your local bicycle retailers and manufacturers.

Participate in the 25th annual Bike to Work Day on June 27. And keep pedaling!

Happy trails, Molly

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Guide to northern Colorado

biCyClinG Culture & eventS

Ride

Ride 2012

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Guide to northern Colorado

bicycling culture & evenTS

PUBLISHER Scott Titterington scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Molly North mnorth@fcgov.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 ADVERTISING SALES Sara Hansen sara.rmpublishing@gmail.com Cover Photo Darren Mahuron, Summit Studios, summitstyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Bevin Barbara-Campbell, Jacob Castillo, Danielle Hastings, Robinson Noble, Nancy Nichols, Molly North, Kim Sharpe, Jordan Twiggs Rocky Mountain Publishing 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 www.rmparent.com Ride! 2012, is a special publication of Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing.

Copyright 2012 Rocky Mountain Publishing, 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521, 970-221-9210.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited.

Our community partners:

bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Ride contributors Rob Noble

Bevin Barber-Campbell I ride because driving is soulcrushing to me. I ride to set an example and I feel as though I am a part of a revolution. I enjoy watching my kids get hooked on one of life’s purest pleasures.

My bike is a Moots YBB. She’s a dreamboat!

I have met my best friends and developed my closest relationships through cycling. My favorite ride is Dadd Gulch (Upper & Lower). I ride an Orbea 26-inch hardtail single-speed.

Jacob Castillo

Molly North

I like cycling because...it’s complete freedom. Ever since I was a child, a bike was my pass to wherever I wanted to go. Traveling by bike is a total sensory experience that keeps the soul alive. My favorite ride is Horsetooth Dams. It’s close and it’s quick. My bike is “The Legacy”

by Panda Bicycles...of course.

Riding to work is relaxing, and recreational biking keeps me fit.

I love watching a sunrise as I cycle through quiet farmlands... the sound of tires on pavement and birds chirping. I own four bikes, but the bike I ride most is my trek 1000.

Susan Kelly

Kim Sharpe

I love the Bike Library and our great bike lanes, trails, bike maps and bicycling resources.

We borrowed bikes from the Bike Library for our wedding so that 75 of our closest friends and family could ride from the ceremony to the reception. It was amazing! My bike, Chuchoteur, The Whisperer, is a bicycle of beauty and character.

I commute by bike almost every day year round. I love being outdoors getting fresh air and exercise. Every commute is an adventure! My commuter bike was built by one of my sons, Blake. When he and my husband built me a custom trailer, I named them “Thelma and Louise.”

Nancy Nichols

Jordan Twiggs Since I was 2 years old, I’ve been on the wonderful machine we know as the bicycle. Be it touring, commuting, or rallying the trails of the foothills, I have always found freedom in pedaling. The Fort Collins community has rooted my passion for our two-wheeled companion.

I’m a bike-racer turned touring cyclist. I also commute by bike and cycle for fitness. I have cycled enough to circumnavigate the globe several times and have worked for Adventure Cycling Association. I own several bikes, and my latest favorite is my Rivendell Atlantis touring/ commuting bike.

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bicycling guide to northern colorado

bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Bicycle Ambassador Program rolls out Where there’s a wheel, there’s a way

By MOLLY NORTH Fort Collins is a bicycle-friendly city

that promotes a healthier, more active lifestyle for its residents. An extensive network of bike lanes and scenic trails has been developed; theft-prevention programs are being implemented; the number of bicycle parking spots continues to increase; and about 10 percent of our working force bikes to work. The flat terrain and temperate climate are conducive to bicycling. And it shows; we sustain 17 bicycle retailers and 13 bicycle manufacturers. Fort Collins has been recognized across the country for its bicycling nature, including a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation awarded by the League of American Bicyclists.

But being bicycle friendly is contingent on more than just infrastructure and popularity. It goes beyond the number of cyclists or the miles of trails. It is about nurturing a safe bicycling culture where cyclists understand their rights and responsibilities, and where everyone considers cycling a safe, convenient option for transportation and recreation.

An editorial in the Coloradoan applauded the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC) and the City of Fort Collins’ FC Bikes program for “creating a hands-on, friendly approach toward bolstering the bicycling culture.

Far too often, it’s easier to punish or criticize bicyclists rather than offer them the tools they need to ensure a safer ride for themselves and for motorists.”

A clear example of this approach is the new Bicycle Ambassador Program rolling out in Fort Collins and Loveland this spring and summer. Bicycle Ambassadors are trained volunteer advocates who provide education outreach to children, college students and adults through presentations, bike-skills courses, a community patrol and monthly neighborhood open garages.

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Children—introducing kids to the fun and freedom of riding a bike should go hand-in-hand with solid safety and basic bike maintenance education. Safe Routes to School is a nationwide effort to encourage students to walk or bike to school. Strap & Snap is a lively, educational presentation that teaches children the importance of wearing bicycle helmets. Bike rodeos offer an opportunity for children and families to practice on a skills course.

Tax Benefit. Because the majority of our crashes involve adults and because our adults are teaching our youth, adults need to understand the basics of safe cycling.

College students—for many college students, the bicycle represents more than just a fun way to recreate – it is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly form of transportation. And many freshmen haven’t been on a bike for years, so it’s important to review bike equipment, parking, route planning and the rules of the road. Staff, faculty and students from CSU are working together to improve bicycle infrastructure and encourage safe cycling on campus.

incentivize and encourage safe-cycling behaviors. They also will educate and engage with those who are not of best practices, yet.

Adults—many adults in northern Colorado use a bicycle as their main means of transportation and others use a bicycle for exercise and recreation. Bicycle Ambassadors teach adults how to balance and pedal a bicycle, how to share the road as a cyclist and motorist, and how to get involved with a Bicycle Commuter

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Community Patrol—a team of urban cyclists will be trained on the basics of bicycle maintenance and rules of the road. They will commit to stop and offer assistance to fellow cyclists and set a standard for exemplary riding behavior. They will be equipped with business cards for identification, tools to help fix a flat, and prizes to

Neighborhood Open Garage—volunteers will provide bicycle-safety education, route planning and bike repairs for their neighbors by hosting a monthly Open Garage. Local bike retailers and manufacturers will train the volunteers, provide tools and patch kits, and offer discounts to their stores if further repairs are needed. Open Garages will be identified by yard signs and flyers distributed throughout participating neighborhoods.

To learn more about the Bicycle Ambassador Program, volunteer as an ambassador, or request a presentation or clinic, visit www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Safe Routes to School Good for kids, the environment, and your pocketbook

By Nancy Nichols with bevin barber-campell Safe Routes to School is far more

harmful emissions as well as the number of vehicles motoring along nearby streets and in the school’s driveway and parking lots before and after school.

Through its new Safe Routes to School program, the City of Fort Collins is helping to bolster biking and walking programs in local schools. In addition to receiving classroom instruction on safe biking and walking, schoolchildren get a chance to improve their bike-handling skills in bike rodeos and to participate in many other activities, such as walking school buses, bike trains, International Walk to School Day and National Bike to School Day. The city aims to reach 11,000 elementary and middle-school students annually with Safe Routes to School.

Adults help put the “safe” in Safe Routes to School, and the city’s effort to spur more healthy, active transportation depends on the involvement of parents, PTOs, teachers and other interested volunteers.

To learn how to get involved with Safe Routes to School or to schedule a presentation for your school or community group, visit www.fcgov.com/safe routes or call 970-416-2357.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEVIN BARBER-CAMPELL

than a program — it’s a concept about daily transportation choices that can lead to healthier lifelong habits.

Active transportation resonates with a growing number of Fort Collins parents, teachers and volunteers who have jumped on the Safe Routes bandwagon present in more than 3,000 schools nationwide.

Bevin Barber-Campbell, a parent champion of the Bike & Walk to School program at Laurel Elementary School of Arts and Technology, thinks biking to school is good for her kids, the environment and her family’s pocketbook.

“Biking to school with my kids is my favorite time of day,” Barber-Campbell says. “I love the quality time together, and my kids arrive at school alert, happy and ready to learn.”

Barber-Campbell’s twins, Arlo and Stella, are first-graders at Laurel and already veteran bike commuters, riding up to 5.5 miles each way since they were in preschool.

By choosing to bike rather than drive, Barber-Campbell is not only helping her kids get quality exercise but also reducing

Arlo Campbell (center) drives his “walking school bus” with kindergartner friends at Laurel Elementary.

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bicycling guide to northern colorado

Walking and wheeling to school program Laurel Elementary rolls out a model Safe Routes program Laurel Elementary is fast becoming a model Safe Routes venue.

Located near Eastside Park in Fort Collins, the school hosts two allschool Bike & Walk to School Days each year. Students also participate in a Frequent Biker/Walker Program, with punch cards to keep track of days walked or biked to school. This friendly competition encourages kids to bike and walk to school when they might otherwise arrive in a motor vehicle. Nearly a quarter of Laurel students are participating.

Laurel’s Bike & Walk to School Committee also hosts chaperoned bike trains and is developing a walking school bus route for the surrounding neighborhood. Bike trains and walking school buses allow kids to get to school safely under the supervision of an adult, be it a parent, teacher or community volunteer. Currently an informal walking school bus departs from a nearby church every Friday, allowing families who drive to experiment with a remote drop-off location and giving kids the chance to walk at least part of the way to school.

“We are really ambitious,” says committee member Bevin BarberCampbell. “Our goal is to significantly decrease the percentage of parents regularly driving their kids to school.”

Barber-Campbell hopes elements of Laurel’s Bike & Walk to School program will be replicated at other Fort Collins schools. To help make this happen, she plans to develop a turnkey toolkit that parents and staff at other schools can use to implement their own programs, without (no pun intended) reinventing the wheel.

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Going the distance

Daily commuting by bicycle exercises your body and relaxes your mind

BY Susan Singley Kelly Daily biking has several advan-

tages including the exercise, the mountain views and the simple joy and freedom of a bike. If your home and daily destination are within a few miles of each other, then bike commuting is practical at least some of the time. Forty-two percent of residents from Loveland, 30 percent from Greeley and 18 percent from Fort Collins commute to jobs outside their home city. What if you travel a long distance to work? What if meetings have you running from place to place throughout the day?

Enter three inter-regional bike commuters to show that regardless of the distance, the weather, or your crazy schedule, biking to work can be practical, fun and even make you better at your job!

When the weather turns “With the right clothing, cold isn’t really an issue,” says Ryan Will, who also rides between Fort Collins and Loveland. “Anybody that skis, snowshoes, etc. probably has most of the clothing they need already. Really windy days can be a challenge, and on those days, I just focus on the amazing scenery,” he says. Learning how to see and be seen when the days get shorter is crucial; reflective clothing, a bright, white light in front, and a red blinking light in the rear are the minimum.

Will also adds, “The ride allows for a nice ‘wind-down’ period after a tough day at the office, and I think my family appreciates that.”

All about town If you must get quickly from one meeting to

fore getting home. “I find that I smile a lot more on the days that I ride my bike. When in a vehicle, I find that I don’t appreciate the mountains and beauty around me like I do when I’m on my bike,” says Sean Kellar of Johnstown.

Get smart Need another reason to get out there? Exercise boosts brain functioning and focus, and bike commuters agree it helps them do their job. “Bike commuting allows me to arrive at the office with a clear head, and provides me with good thinking time,” says Will. “Some of my best ideas come when I am in the saddle.”

Did you know?

The average bike commuter loses 13 pounds in their first year, and everyone wins when employees are healthy and happy. Employers can support bike commuting by providing education (bike safety Lunch & Learns are available through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition, www.bpeclarimer. org), incentives, benefits, and infrastructure, such as secure bike parking and shower facilities. Businesses can also provide bikes; McWhinney owns four loaner bikes that employees can check out for a meeting or lunchtime ride.

Tom Knostman recites poetry and sings into the wind during the 11-mile bike trip to his office at the City of Loveland where he works as a Civil Engineer.

Ease into it Tom Knostman, who commutes from Fort Collins to Loveland, recommends getting started on a commute over 10 miles by finding a good half-way point to park your car. Drive the first half and hop on your bike to finish the trip. Once you get used to the ride, keep extending the bike part and decreasing the driving.

Picking a route that’s scenic, inviting and safe is also part of the fun.

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another, think about carpooling with someone who drove that day. Another option is to consider driving in for the day with the bike in tow and riding to your meetings.

Get balanced Tree pose might help get you to an elevated state, but a bike saddle can be the portal to work-life balance and happiness. The evening ride gives you time to unwind and relieve stress be-

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Ryan Will is Director of Finance at McWhinney, and can be found nearly every day making the 11-mile trip from Fort Collins to his office in east Loveland into a headwind both ways.

Sean Kellar of Johnstown, also a City of Loveland Civil Engineer, enjoys every minute of the 15.5-mile ride to his office in downtown Loveland and takes the long way home as often as he can.

CycleTote Encourages the Use of

BiCyClE TrailErs

In the Front range, there are many beautiful rides that challenge and push even the best of riders who then head home for their cars to go grocery shopping. Instead, at CycleTote, we encourage bicyclists to use trailers which can haul loads beyond the capability of a bicycle and rider. With a bicycle trailer it becomes easy to transport anything that a car’s trunk can hold, and even some items that won’t fit into a car.

Most of us live within three miles of a grocery store. Saddle bags and panniers are useful for small loads, but there is a limit to what they can carry. The weight needs to be carefully balanced or all of that extra weight and its wiggle can affect the rider.

Cargo trailers make it fun and easy to go by bicycle and return with enough groceries, including rolls of toilet paper, kitty litter and cartons of milk, to last all week.

Depending on their size, CycleTote trailers carry 100 to 175 lbs. Full-size bicycle wheels reduce the rolling resistance between road and tires. The trailers can be loaded for long rides and even overnight camping trips. One rider said, “I put 60 miles on my cargo trailer the first time out, including 4,500 vertical feet in our northeast Connecticut hills. The trailer was so quiet and the pull so smooth that I forgot about it for long periods of time, and looked back occasionally to make sure it was still there.”

Cargo trailers also carry items too awkward for a car’s trunk. Creative bicycle riders have hauled kayaks, firewood and large pieces of cardboard headed for a recycling center. One CycleTote owner moved all his belongings from his old apartment to another.

Late that night, after everything else had been moved, he bungeed his mattress across the top of his trailer, wrapped battery powered

Christmas lights around it and peddled across Fort Collins to his new home.

CycleTote Bicycle Trailers manufactures fabric-covered cargo trailers, aluminum utility trailers and a large, aluminum-mesh, landscape trailer. We also build dog trailers, a child trailer, and a trailer that children with special needs can ride in. We have been manufacturing top quality bicycle trailers in Fort Collins, Colorado since 1979. Today we continue to build each trailer, one-at-a-time, by hand. Visit us on the web at cycletote.com or call 1.800.747.2407.

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bicycling guide to northern colorado

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PHOTO COURTESY OF YENDRA BUILT

Bikes and Beers KRFC launches new program

by Danielle Hastings Walk down any street and you will

see people smiling. Â Whether they are sitting on a patio enjoying a delicious craft beer from one of the many local breweries or riding their bike down the street, they are smiling. Life is good in Fort Collins.

Breweries and Bike Shops not only play an important role in the excellent quality of life we enjoy here, but they also contribute to the economy of northern Colorado in a significant way. Breweries add $83.2 million to the Larimer County payroll and support 938 direct jobs, according to a new study by Colorado State University’s Regional Economics Institute and the Beverage Business Institute.

Beyond providing jobs these breweries give back to their communities in a big way. Last year at Tour De Fat 2011 beer and bike enthusiasts raised more than $90,000 in Fort Collins on September 3 14

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for the Overland Mountain Bike Club, Bike Fort Collins, and Fort Collins Bike Co-op, then raised more than $60,000 in Denver on September 10 for Bike Denver and the Denver Cruiser Ride.

KRFC 88.9 FM is the volunteerpowered community-supported radio station in Fort Collins. Their goal is to be the voice of the community and feature local music, culture, business and community affairs that people in northern Colorado care about.

In August 2011 KRFC had a shift in programming that furthered their passion for Live Local Listen Local. With the format shift they found that they wanted to have a community affairs show about the two things that make Fort Collins a great place to live and work. Bikes and Beers.

So KRFC gathered friends from

bicycling guide to northern colorado

the local breweries and bike shops to create a show that features all the great things about Bikes and Beers. This show is a celebration of the culture and community of Fort Collins.

Wednesdays at 6pm Bikes and Beers will premiere on KRFC 88.9 FM. Tune in on your radio dial, smart phone or online at krfcfm.org. Kimberlee Rubin of Fort Collins Brewery, Owen Shepherd of Oskar Blues and Andy Yount, local bike impressario, will host the first show. They will discuss the Culture of Beer in Fort Collins, covering everything from the economy to the quality of life that Bikes and Beers has in Fort Collins.

So kick up your heels after a long ride down the trails of Fort Collins, crack open a delicious local beer and tune in to KRFC 88.9 for Bikes and Beers, its why we live here!

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PHOTO BY ROBINSON NOBLE bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Bicycles = big bucks, better work force?

Fort Collins is about to find out

By Kim Sharpe Love it or hate it, bicycling in Fort

Collins is part of the city’s culture. It’s also part of the city’s economic backbone. With 18 bicycle retail shops, 13 bicycle manufacturers and dozens of other bicycling-related businesses (from art to fashion designers to coffee shops), there’s no denying that bicycling is an important component of Fort Collins’ financial portfolio.

But just how big is the economic impact of bicycling on our city’s coffers, retailers and industry? That’s exactly what a new study is trying to determine.

Colorado State University Associate Professor of Economics Martin Shields is leading the study that formally tests the hypothesis that bike-friendly communities are magnets for a desirable workforce. In a proposal to fund the study, he says, “anecdotal evidence suggests that a strong bike culture is [an] amenity that can help communities attract and retain creative workers. For example, the computer chip design industry is an important driver of the Fort Collins economy, and interviews with company leaders indicate that many of their workers are also active cyclists who moved to the city in part because of its ‘bike-friendly culture.’”

This study is important for Fort Collins, “because it will scientifically and undeniably document the impact bicycling has on our community,” says Molly North, City of Fort Collins interim bicycling coordinator. “It’s also great because it’s only the second study of its kind to be conducted in the nation. It will be another notable way in which Fort Collins can be a model for other communities.”

North further explains that “the League of American Bicyclists recognizes 5 E’s: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation. Some bicycle advocates talk 16

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about the 7 E’s, adding economics and environment. This study will help quantify and qualify the economic impact cycling can have on individuals, businesses and communities.”

The nation’s first economic impact study of bicycling was conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010.

and conducting cost-benefit analyses for bicycle infrastructure development.”

While the Wisconsin statistically valid study deserves credit for being the first of its kind, its primary focus on recreational bicycling makes it different from the Fort Collins study. Recreational cycling is a factor in the local study, but its main goal

It confirmed that, “in addition to purchasing equipment, resident and non-resident recreational bicyclists support economic activity through expenditures on food and beverages, entertainment, transportation, accommodation, government fees and other retail shopping while bicycling.”

The Wisconsin study’s “…primary recommendation for helping communities benefit from bicycle recreation and tourism is to continue and augment this assistance. This includes coordinated marketing efforts, sharing information among communities regarding event planning, assisting communities in developing realistic expectations for economic impacts,

is to help stakeholders better understand how improvements in the bicycle infrastructure adds value to local and regional economic development efforts.

The study also is expected to offer opportunities for spin-off projects, such as, “…measuring bicycle-related tourism, the effect of real-estate sales associated with bicycle facilities and infrastructure, special events as economic generators, the rise and effect of the local bicycle industry as an economic cluster, and the relationship between on-street bike parking and local business sales.”

The results of the Fort Collins study are due in late May 2012.

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Recumbant Cycling can be about RELIEF+ WE LOOK TO CYCLING FOR RELIEF from the stressors in our everyday existence. We go out for a ride and as we pedal and breathe, our troubles take a back seat for a while. What do we do when the act of cycling itself causes problems? Do we stop riding because our seats no longer fit our physiology, our necks get stiff, or our hands go numb or get hot spots, our shoulders ache, or we develop balance issues?

How do we get relief from the pains of cycling?

We start pedaling on a recumbent. Whether you are a 20-year-old with neck issues, a 30-year-old with hip and knee problems, a 40-year-old with back problems, or even a 70-year-old developing balance issues, there is a recumbent out there for you. Recumbents are worthwhile even if you aren’t experiencing any cycling position issues; lots of people think they are just plain fun.

There are many different styles but they are grouped into four major categories. There are two versions of the two wheel recumbents, long and short wheelbase. There are recumbent tricycles in two wheelbase versions as well.

The two wheel versions can be categorized into low racers, high racers, touring bikes and recreational bikes. The tricycles can

be categorized into Racers, touring trikes, recreational trikes, folding trikes and kids’ trikes (we don’t mean a bigwheel).

The recumbent position (laid back with your hips forward of your spine) can eliminate most common cycling position problems. Many recumbents use seats that are stretched around a framework, making a hammock. This distributes weight over a larger area and takes pressure off of the perineal area and sit bones. The more natural position of the recumbent seat has another advantage; it allows your neck a gentler curve in line with your spine, keeping it from getting stiff.

Recumbents have two main handlebar styles, above-seat steering and under-seat steering.

Above-seat steering positions your hands about chest level, some close to the chest and some further away. This takes the body weight off of the hands and does away with numbness and hot spots. Under-seat steering not only does away with the hot spots and numbness but puts your shoulders in their natural position at your sides which makes them much less likely to ache.

If you have balance issues, riding an upright frame where your feet cannot touch the ground when you are seated can be dangerous. Most

+

+

++ +

recumbents have low seats positioned in such a way that it is easy to sit and have your feet on the ground. The lower seat also means there isn’t as far to fall if you do tip over. While recumbent trikes are slightly heavier than two wheelers, they have an advantage when climbing. If you get tired while on a hill and can’t maintain speed or cadence, you don’t have to worry about tipping over.

If you are one of the many people who love to be outside instead of exercising inside a gym but just cannot get comfortable on a bike, check out a recumbent. Rocky Mountain Recumbents has a selection of different styles for you to try. It’s a great way to get relief.

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bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Join the revolution Join the revolution Join the revolution Join the revolution Join the Join therevolution revolution The local cycling community has something for everyone from racing enthusiast to spectator

By Robinson Noble

Getting involved in the Fort Col-

lins cycling community is easy, fun and extremely rewarding for cyclists and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Our cycling calendar is full of opportunities to be a participant, a volunteer, or a spectator. Almost every week you can find competitive events ranging from local grassroots racing (where kids race for free) to world-class pro fields like those witnessed at the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross. Our cycling calendar has plenty of fun rides with the Tour de Fat taking center stage as our crown jewel of cycling folly. We also take plenty of opportunities to hang out together at any number of social events on our cycling calendar 18

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throughout the year.

The absolute best resource for all cycling-related information in Fort Collins is Dan Porter’s website, www.Your GroupRide.com. If you are new to town or you are new to our cycling community, this is one resource you need to know about. When you visit Dan’s site you will see a comprehensive on-line calendar of cycling events. Also check out information about local cycling routes, fundraisers, social events, local cycling news and community forums.

We have over 20 wonderfully diverse bike shops in Fort Collins that are a viable resource for beta on our local cycling scene. Get to know the employees (and owners) at your favorite shop. The guys

bicycling guide to northern colorado

and gals who work behind the counters and workbenches love cycling. They keep their fingers on the pulse of local trail conditions, club rides and they can also help you with route selection if you are new to the area.

Even if you don’t have a bike you can get connected to our cycling community by simply taking advantage of our free Bike Library kiosk in Old Town Square. Bikes of all shapes and sizes can be checked out for a day or a week. Bikes can even be reserved in advance. The volunteers, who work there are extremely knowledgeable about local trails, brew pubs, restaurants and brewery tour advice. Visit them at www.fcbikelibrary.org

PHOTO BY ROBINSON NOBLE

If you would like to get your children involved in more cycling-related activities, the Ciclismo Youth Foundation (www.ciclismoyouthfoundation. org) is a resource you should know about. Their mission is to create and promote youth cycling opportunities in Fort Collins. The Foundation hosts local Tuesday night races at New Belgium Brewing Company and at Lory State Park where riders of all skill levels and ages are welcome. The Foundation also supports local high school-age riders in the Colorado High School Cycling League (www. coloradomtb.org) with coaching, logistical support, team clothing and equipment. In 2011, Poudre High School took 3rd in the State behind the Durango and Vail squads.

Connecting with the Fort Collins cycling community can be as easy as donating a couple hours of your time. All of the events listed on our local cycling calendar are labors of love. If you contact the folks organizing any event and offer to donate your time, I guarantee you will have instant friends…and probably a free beer and a t-shirt thrown your way, too. Most local cycling-event promoters can be contacted through the Northern Colorado Cycling Events (NCCE) home page (www.yourgroupride. com/ncce-home).

If competing isn’t your thing but you like to watch people suffer, you will be able to count yourself in good company as a spectator at virtually any cycling event in our town. In fact, sometimes the fans become the spectacle. At the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross in 2010, fans rolled a hot tub on a trailer into the middle of the venue during one of the cold-

PHOTO BY ROBINSON NOBLE

est and snowiest race days of the year. Lots of new friends were made that day.

For those who are socially motivated, Fort Collins boasts a cycling club for just about anyone. We have women’s clubs, competitive racing clubs, mountain bike clubs, road clubs and social clubs of all flavors (I think that some of them don’t even ride bikes… they just sit around and drink beer and talk about bikes). Most of the clubs advertise rides and club functions on Dan Porter’s website. I encourage you to go on a few rides and find a group that you like.

It won’t take long before you are fully indoctrinated in your new club and wearing new team colors.

Not to be missed, The City of Fort Collins’ website has plenty of information about local cycling activities, events and cycling-related resources. My personal favorite resource is a map showing all the bike paths and designated cycling routes through town (www.fcgov.com/bicycling/bike-maps.php).

My advice: print it out at work and pin it next to your computer monitor so you have something useful to look at when you are at work.

But probably the best and easiest way to get connected to our vibrant cycling community is to get connected with your bike. Everything else will take care of itself.

Robinson Noble is a professional geologist, semi-professional photographer, cycling enthusiast, single-speed racer, promoter of the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross, head coach of the Poudre High School cycling team and board member of the Ciclismo Youth Foundation. Robinson has worked, lived and played in Fort Collins since 1995.

PHOTO BY ROBINSON NOBLE

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g n i h t y r e v e Sheargrareten rules apapylys PHOTO BY SCOTT TITTERINGTON

adw Kind o r d n a to trails harpe

By Kim S

“Share everything.” This tops

the list of all those things you learned in kindergarten about how to do life.

Surely the author of the list, Robert Fulghum, must have had trails and roadways in mind when he penned that.

After all, they are part of “everything.”

If you’ve frequented Fort Collins in the past few months, you may have noticed some colorful banners flying high around the City saying, “Fort Collins Shares the Road.” They feature a bicycle, bus, car, horse, pedestrian, scooter, skateboard and wheelchair. Loveland soon will display

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its new “Loveland Shares the Road” banner, too. Larimer County communities are sending the message that we’re about making our byways and highways safe for all and we should be when you consider the following statistics.

According to 2007-2010 data from Fort Collins Police crash reports and shared by Joe Olson, City of Fort Collins traffic engineer, 83 percent of bicycle crashes occurred at intersections. Most involved right of way violations by motorists and/or bicyclists. Thirty-six percent of bike crash-

bicycling guide to northern colorado

es involved bicyclists riding against traffic, usually when they are riding on a sidewalk and proceed through an intersection without stopping.

Numbers are similar in Loveland.

Most of that city’s bicycle or pedestrian versus vehicle crashes also occur at intersections.

“Right of way violations by both motorists and cyclists are the main cause of crashes,” Olson says. “Everybody, regardless of mode of travel, needs to be aware and respectful of other road users.”

Beyond marketing, the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland are building safety features into their infrastructure plans.

“Pedestrians, bicycles, transit and vehicles. They all have needs and we try to balance those needs in all of our project designs,” says Rick Richter, City of Fort Collins capital projects manager. “We also incorporate input from representatives of all those needs. The key is to limit conflicts.”

A new pedestrian bridge that will be built this summer over the railroad tracks and Mason Trail behind the Whole Foods grocery store on College Avenue is a great example of how the City of Fort Collins plans with all these needs in mind.

After discussions with the BNSF Railway Company, polling trail users

Build it and they will come and go

Loveland • Underpass for pedestrians and bicycles at Madison Avenue and the Greeley-Loveland Canal • Sharrows (Shared Lane Markings) • More bike lanes and sidewalks

and a thorough cost analysis, the city determined that “the overpass, which is part of the Mason Corridor Project, is the best option,” says Claire Thomas, City of Fort Collins marketing and publicity specialist. “It will offer a great way for people to cross the tracks safely from a retail center to the Mason Trail.”

The bridge will have a set of stairs on the east and west side, plus elevators to accommodate bicycles, wheelchairs and strollers. BNSF plans to route its trains around Fort Collins between July 23 and July 29 so it can make some track repairs in Old Town. The city will build the overpass during this seven-day period to take advantage of the absence of rail traffic. For more information about the Mason Trail Project, and to sign up for construction alerts and updates, visit fcgov.com/mason.

Frank Hempen, Jr., City of Loveland senior civil engineer who oversees that city’s capital improvement programs, says Loveland’s first-ever and soon-tobe-approved Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will help the city “clearly identify how we can expand bike-friendly cor-

PHOTO BY SCOTT TITTERINGTON

Fort Collins • Underpass for pedestrians and bicycles at Trautman and the Mason Trail • Underpass at Turnberry and Richard’s Lake Road • Pedestrian bridge over the Mason Trail behind Whole Foods [pictured opposite] • More bike lanes routed to the inside of right turn lanes to help limit right hook crashes • More Bike Boxes (like the one at Shields and Plum) • More Shared Lane Markings • More signal actuation to detect cyclists at intersections

ridors for users by incorporating infrastructure, best management practices and maintenance, and education.”

He said the City of Loveland plans to add “sharrows” to streets that are too narrow to accommodate bike lanes. It also is installing bicycle-friendly curbs, gutters and inlet grates in existing bike lanes that need modifications to make them safe.

Ray Moe, a transportation-planning consultant who has been working with the City of Loveland on its bike and ped plan agrees. He says, “When the city rebuilds or reconstructs streets, it makes modifications that take into account the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.”

Tying together the plans of Fort Collins and Loveland are organizations such as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (bpeclarimer.org). BPEC stands ready to help educate residents about how to share the roads and trails safely. The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) also provides support on a regional level “with grants to fund bike projects and by funneling federal money to member communities,” explains Aaron Fodge, MPO senior transportation planner. (Learn more about the MPO at nfrmop.org.)

But all plans and infrastructure improvements aside, it still comes back to what you learned in kindergarten – “share everything (even roads and trails)…nicely.”

The meaning of the marks Bike Box

[pictured above] A bike box is an intersection safety design feature intended to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of bicycle/ vehicle collisions, primarily when vehicles turn right and bicycles proceed straight. The bike lane leading up to the intersection is painted green and ends at a green box painted across the whole lane of traffic in which bicyclists are meant to congregate so they can clear the intersection before motorists.

Vehicles must stop behind the green box and are not allowed to make right turns on red at any intersection with a bike box.

Share Lane Markings

[pictured opposite] Shared Lane Markings are used on streets too narrow to install bike lanes, but which experience high bicycle volume. Shared lane markings provide notification to motorists and cyclists that both types of vehicles may share the travel lane, but not side by side.

Bicyclists are encouraged to travel in the lanes as a car would–right in the center.

Shared lane markings also encourage cyclists to ride in the street instead of on the sidewalk. They also discourage wrong-way riding by bicyclists.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FC BIKE LIBRARY

Evolution is in the air

Bike Library rolls into fifth year with changes on the horizon

by Nancy Nichols Fort Collins residents and visi-

tors have enjoyed four wonderful years of free bikes thanks to the City’s Bike Library program. But with grant funding for the Bike Library running out at the end of 2012, the question for city leaders, businesses and cycling advocates is how to keep the good times rolling.

The Bike Library blossomed organically from the fertile soil of activetransportation initiatives tracing back to local programs such as Yellow Bikes and Free Wheels of the 1990s. These early programs provided efficient, practical commuter bikes for businesses to use for running errands around town, in turn cutting down on motor vehicle congestion and emissions.

After a few fits and starts, the city’s bike-sharing program experienced a growth spurt in recent years and expanded its focus to include tourists.

The Bike Library picked up its greatest speed in April 2008 when it received the first of four years’ worth of grant funding to develop the service.

The Bike Library’s fleet is now 240 bicycles strong. In the past four years more than 11,000 patrons have hopped 22

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astride a Bike Library machine to explore the city’s world-class downtown and nearby recreational trails or simply to get from one part of town to the other quickly and conveniently.

“I cannot overstate how much [the Bike Library] enhanced my week in Fort Collins,” says Steve of San Luis Obispo, Calif., who visited Fort Collins in 2011.

“I love the town, and a great deal of my love came from riding everywhere. The Poudre Trail and Spring Creek Trail were fantastic, and I think the library serves a beautiful purpose in such a bike-friendly town. It seems that to experience Fort Collins requires a bike, and the Bike Library made that possible for me.”

Bike Library patrons collectively have pedaled nearly 150,000 miles. About half of the users have been tourists interested in visiting the local breweries and downtown businesses or simply rolling along the scenic recreational trails.

“This [Bike Library] service is outstanding!” says Claudia from Gainesville, Fla. “I have trouble getting my head around it, it is so wonderful and free! Every city should have [a bike library]. Then again, not every place is as

bicycling guide to northern colorado

bike-friendly as Fort Collins,” she says.

“City planners have really taken cyclists into consideration. Wish I could spend more time here.”

The Bike Library is a partnership involving the City’s FC Bikes program, Bike Fort Collins, the Downtown Development Authority, Colorado State University, Best Western University Inn and community volunteers. The Fort Collins Bike Co-op was also involved early on.

The Bike Library serves more than tourists. Local patrons include not only college students but also residents from all walks of life.

“A homeless person came to the Bike Library looking for a bike to borrow,” says Jeff Morrell, president of Bike Fort Collins. “He was staying at The Mission and had a job interview on the south side of town. He checked out a bicycle and was able to find a job, and [later on] he was able to buy his own bicycle.”

To keep the Bike Library going strong, the City’s Transportation Planning department is conducting an alternatives analysis to consider best options for long-term, sustainable operations.

The analysis includes evaluation of successful bike-sharing programs in cities such as Boulder, Colo.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Madison, Wis. “What we’ve discovered is that our Bike Library is fairly unique in terms of the personal service we provide,” says Amy Lewin, a city transportation planner who is leading the alternatives analysis. “The current trend in other cities is for automated systems. We are evaluating whether there’s a place for automated bike sharing in Fort Collins.”

Lewin says desired characteristics for the Bike Library in the future would include easy access and convenience, smooth linkages to transit services, availability to people from all socioeconomic groups, and efficient operations.

Watch for upcoming opportunities to provide input on how the Bike Library might evolve. For information on the alternatives analysis and general information about the Bike Library, visit www.fcgov.com/bikelibrary.

is

Friendly - Knowledgable - Helpful

Northern Colorado’s

Source For...

Locally Owned and Operated

•

100 E. Foothills Pkwy #2 proV elobikes.com (970)204-9935 bicycling guide to northern colorado

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BOO BiCYCLES

Made in Fort Collins

Local builders offer specialty bicycles and trailers

1

By Jacob Castillo To someone from the outside

looking in, something special seems to be happening in the Fort Collins bike scene. To those who live here, we understand that it has been this way for years. We are fortunate to have some amazing frame-builders and bike companies that call Fort Collins home. Not to mention that we have top-tier riding for everyone from professional cyclists to casual city cruisers. Be it road, mountain, BMX, cross, trials, or track, Fort Collins has something for everyone, and a frame builder or bike company that will deliver what you want and need right here in our own backyard.

The level of innovation, craftsmanship, and artistry in the Fort Collins bike industry is second to none. If you want an electric bike, we’ve got that covered. A titanium performance machine? It’s here. A bamboo dream 24

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ride? Look no further. Heck! We even have custom keg-delivery bikes.

Steel, aluminum, alternative materials…bikes, racks, trailers… you name it, Fort Collins has it. So the next time you are looking for a new bike or bike accessory think of your local building community. There is indeed something for everyone made right here in Fort Collins.

Big Shot Bikes 775-1233, www.bigshotbikes.com

Big Shot Bikes specializes in madeto-order fixed gear and single-speed bikes. Using the unique customization tool on the website, customers are able to design their very own bike, choosing everything from the color of the chain to the style of handlebars.

With millions of color combinations to choose from, customers can design a bike that is truly one-of-a-kind.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Black Sheep 218-5952, www.blacksheepbikes.com

Started in 1999, Black Sheep Bikes has been a constant progression in ride quality and style. With a combined 30 years experience in bicycle design and fabrication, they never stop trying new ideas and pushing the level of refinement of their products. Transportation, utility, recreation, wherever you find a bicycle need, they have found an elegant solution.

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Boo Bicycles

515-554-9226, www.boobicycles.com

Boo Bicycles specializes in highperformance bamboo-carbon fiber hybrid bikes for on road and off. Every Boo is 100 percent custom. They are designed by Princeton mechanical engineer and professional racer Nick Frey and hand built by master craftsman James Wolf from the very highest quality bamboo in the world.

CycleTote

482-2401, www.cycletote.com

Since 1979, CycleTote has built lightweight, nimble trailers as well as larger heavy-duty trailers. The hand-crafted aluminum trailers they design and manufacture empower riders to haul cargo, pets, and other people safely with their bicycle. An optional automatic braking system enables control during hilly descents, providing one of the safest ways to navigate descents. They build each trailer one-at-a-time, by hand.

Meetsauce Cycles 581-6692, www.meetsaucecycles.com

Taylor, at Meetsauce, has been handbuilding bikes in Fort Collins for over 18 years and has some unique designs. He builds cr-mo road, track, commuter, 29ers, and custom fork and stems. He also offers a patina finish with clear coat paint.

3

Orlando Baker Designs

carversurfracks@yahoo.com

A creative fabricator, Orlando Baker started dabbling into bikes in the early ‘90s 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 local fabrication of the next inspired idea.

Panda Bicycles 372-2123, www.pandabicycles.com

Panda Bicycles specializes in an earthfriendly new technology that allows them to use bamboo stalks as the frame material. Not only is bamboo an environmentally friendly material, it is also amazingly light and strong. But most importantly, these are fun bikes with a nice soft flex for a comfortable ride.

trailer takes you beyond the reasons why you might not use your bike for short trips by going farther, faster, and having more fun. It is designed in Fort Collins and assembled in northern Colorado.

RunAbout Cycles 493-4541, www.electric-cycle.com

RunAbout Cycles is a electric-bicycle design company, designing, engineering, and hand-building electric human hybrid bicycles, tricycles and conversion kits to enhance the cycling experience.

They custom build E bikes for customers to ride, and for companies to supply to bicycle stores across the country.

track bikes and traditional mountain bikes for off-road use. Each bike is a custom, one-off work of art, to be treasured for a lifetime.

Note: This story was updated in 2012 from Josh Kerson’s original story published in 2010.

3

Yendra Built 430-6505, www.yendrabuilt.com

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 to a custom built jockey box for serving beer, YendraBuilt specializes in many unique commercial and residential jobs.

YiPsan 672-0168, www.yipsanbicycles.com

YiPsan bicycles are hand-made bikes, tailor fit to the rider’s specific measurements. Renold Yip specializes in measuring the rider and finds out how he or she will want to use the bike. He hand creates road bikes, touring bikes,

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORLANDO BAKER DESIGNS

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Ridekick International 877-974-4440, www.ridekick.com

Ridekick International produces electric-powered 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

PHOTO COURTESY OF CYCLETOtE

bicycling guide to northern colorado

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Pulling together to make this a great place to pedal Bicycle Advisory Committee is a subcom-

mittee of the Transportation Board. The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) reviews bicycle plans for capital improvements, provides recommendations to the Transportation Board regarding bicycle policies, and prioritizes bike plan recommendations. All meetings are open to the public; regular meetings are the second Monday of every month at 6pm in the Community Room at 215 North Mason. http://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/ transportation-bac.php.

The Bicycle Ambassador Program is a joint

effort between the Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC) and the City of Fort Collins/FC Bikes. The Bicycle Ambassador Program has several components to en26

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courage people to ride their bikes and share the road lawfully and safely in both Fort Collins and Loveland. Programs include educational outreach to children, youth and families, college students, and adults. In addition, Neighborhood Open Garages are a monthly opportunity to plan routes and learn basic bike repair. The new Community Patrol will encourage and reward safe cycling behavior, and gently educate using “teachable moments.” www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC), through education and encour-

agement, works to reduce the number of motor vehicle/bicycle/pedestrian crashes in our communities, and increase knowledge and awareness about

bicycling guide to northern colorado

”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF FORT COLLINS

Support for cycling

how to safely share the road. The coalition works to increase the number of bicycle riders and pedestrians in the community. The BPEC members include bicycle advocacy groups, nonprofit agencies, state and local governments, school districts, youth, parents and teachers. www.healthylarimer.org/ bpec.shtml.

Bike Fort Collins has been involved with and

continues to create new bicycle programs to encourage safe and enjoyable cycling.

Their projects include and are not limited to the FC Bike Library, Safe Routes to School and the Vintage Bicycle Museum Without Walls. Bike Fort Collins hosts Community Forums to gather feedback and help prioritize issues in the city. www.bikefortcollins.net/BFC.

BikeWise (Linking Northern Colorado) is the

regional extension of the City of Fort Collins’ bike program. BikeWise strives to create a bicycle-friendly region, so that, no matter what city or town you travel in, bicycle safety and accessibility will be a priority. Also, Bike Wise encourages connections among communities throughout the region to share best bicycle-planning practices with respect to infrastructure and facilities and to provide consistent bicycle-safety education and promotion throughout northern Colorado. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

CSU Rams Cycling Club is open to all stu-

dents. Whether or not you have raced before, the club is happy to get you on your bike and rolling. Their goal is to get more students on bikes, so if you don’t want to race you can meet them for their group rides. www.ramscycling.com.

Epic BMX supports bicycle motocross

(BMX) racing at the ABA-sanctioned track in south Fort Collins. The organization sponsors races on Thursday evening and Saturday mornings. They also conduct BMX skills clinics. Sanctioned by USABMX. ABA membership required. www.epicbmxfc.com.

FC Bikes is the city of Fort Collins’ bicycle

program. FC Bikes staff act as the liaison for all bicycle-related questions in our community. FC Bikes promotes a safe bicycling community through collaboration with communities in northern Colorado, City departments, and local bicycle organizations. Safe cycling is promoted through programming and infrastructure that emphasizes improvements in existing education, encouragement, engineering, enforcement and evaluation. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Fort Collins Cycling Club is a not-for-profit

club whose mission is to promote cycling in Fort Collins and the surrounding area.

The club’s 150+ membership is made up of mostly recreational riders and bike commuters. Riders of all ages and abili-

ties are welcome and rides are non-competitive, no-drop social rides. During the fall and winter, the club meets every third Thursday at various locations in Fort Collins. The club holds regular group rides and special events. Membership, ride and event information is available at www.fccycleclub.org.

The Fort Collins Velodrome Association’s vision

is to help to create a world-class Velo Park that our community’s recreational, fitness, educational, and competitive cycling culture deserves and will support. It will be open to people of all ages and abilities and, through effective programming, will make use of its recreational and competitive courses, some nearly “round the clock.” It could be designed with and for environmental and economic sustainability by our community’s pros to attract cyclists from the region, nation, and world for year-round recreation, training and events. www.fcvelo.org.

Northern Colorado Cycling Events (NCCE) is a

loose board of promoters, managers and other leaders in the local competitive cycling community. They are committed to the long-term, sustainable growth of competitive cycling in northern Colorado through resource and process sharing, community outreach, and coordination and integration of their efforts. We strive to develop northern Colorado’s profile as a premiere racing scene at every level from grassroots though international events. www.YourGroupRide.com.

Overland Mountain Bike Club promotes moun-

tain biking by providing education and assistance to all trail users, and by working to build and maintain quality, sustainable trails that enhance the mountain-biking experience. Overland hosts an array of fun events, group rides, and volunteer events. www.overlandmtb.org.

P.E.D.A.L. (Peoples’ Efforts to De-emphasize Autos in Loveland) began on Earth Day in

1970 and is still educating the public

on bicycle-related issues and organizing group rides. The group’s diverse members represent every type of northern Colorado cyclist. www.pedalclub.org.

Safe Routes to School is a nationwide ef-

fort to encourage students to walk or bike to school by addressing the safety risks associated with walking and riding a bike. In 1969, 50 percent of all schoolchildren walked or rode a bike to school, but by 2005 that number was down to just 15 percent.

The Fort Collins SRTS program brings bike-ped safety instruction into local schools and is building a cadre of PE teachers and volunteer trainers to provide SRTS instruction to 11,000 K-12 students annually. www.fcgov.com/saferoutes.

Team B.O.B., also known as 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 does trail maintenance and cycling-related community events. www.coteambob.com.

The Bike Co-op’s mission is Building

Community Through Bicycling. They provide tools and expertise about how to fix your own bike, bike-safety education, earn-a-bike, and bikes for Ghana. Watch for the launch of a new Trips4Kids chapter in 2012. The Coop accepts donations of anything bike related. The sale of low-cost bikes and parts helps pay their rent. www.fcbikecoop.org.

Velo-One Cycling of Colorado wants to build

a supportive and friendly riding, racing, and social environment for all to enjoy, from seasoned racers to new recreational riders. Their goal is to put together a club where members know each other, ride together, race together, and share the common bond of cycling. Visit the website for upto-date membership and ride details. www.velo-one.com. bicycling guide to northern colorado

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2012 BICYCLE Saturday-Sunday, April 7-8

Calendar

EVENTS•Regular Rides•RACE Series•Classes

CSU Collegiate and USAC races Cobb Lake Circuit Race and CSU Oval Criterium. All categories from citizen to pro.

Fundraiser for Rams Cycling Team. CSU Oval.

Rams Cycling Team. www.ramscycling.com.

Tuesday, April 17

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Lunch & Learn: Enjoy Your Bike, Wheel to Wheel Learn how to make your workplace more bike-friendly. Snacks provided by the Food Co-op. Lyric Cinema Cafe, 300 E. Mountain, FC. 11:30am-1pm. RSVP to info@bicycle ambassadorprogram.org. Sponsored by the Bicycle Ambassador Program. www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Bicycle Plaid Mob Cyclist show up with at least $10 cash and mob a business with purchases. Refreshments.

Fountain in Old Town Square, FC. 5:30pm.

Sponsored by the Bicycle Ambassador Program and Be Local. www.bicycleambassador program.org.

Wednesday, April 18

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Two-Wheelin’ Wednesday Tour CSU campus ending at the Rec Center for a bike-in movie, Dumb & Dumber. CSU Oval, 6pm; Rec Center movie, 7:30. Sponsored by the Bicycle Ambassador Program. www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Thursday, April 19

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Tubes, Tools and Training Thursday Open bike garage, music, refreshments and giveaways. 222 Laporte Ave., FC. 5:307:30pm. Sponsored by the Bicycle Ambassador Program. www.bicycleambassadorpro gram.org.

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Fort Collins · Greeley · Loveland · Windsor Saturday, April 21

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Kids Weekend Bike Rodeo Bicycle rodeo course, private lessons, mechanic, helmet check, food, giveaways. Decorate your bike or helmet. Bikes available to use.

222 Laporte Ave., FC. Noon-3pm. Sponsored

by Safe Routes to School. www.bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Saturday, April 21

Bicycle Ambassador Program Launch Week: Belle Stars’ 2nd Annual Spring Fling Dancing and fun. Music by The Haunted Windchimes and The Last Riot. Age 21+.

7pm-whenever. Crankenstein, 215 N. College Ave., FC, Sponsored by the Belle Stars. www. bicycleambassadorprogram.org.

Saturday, May 5

14th Annual Spring Warmup Ride 12-, 26-, 43-, and 62-mile routes. Sag support, breakfast snack and lunch provided. Proceeds benefit Health District of Northern Larimer County’s Tooth Fairy Fund. Spring Canyon Park Pavillion, 8:30am-3:30pm. Sponsored by Fort Collins Cycling Club. www.fccycleclub.org.

Saturday, May 12

Poudre Trail-athon Discover the Poudre Trail on this self-paced morning of fun with 9 event stations. Poudre Learning Center, 83 Ave. & Poudre River, GR, 9am-12pm. Sponsored by Poudre River Trail Corridor. 336-4044. www.poudretrail.org.

Saturday, May 19

Glendo Trail Day Help work on the trail. Ride after. 8:30am, Overland Mountain Bike Club. 430-5336. www.overlandmtb.org.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Sunday, May 20

Community Classic Bike Tour 10- 30-, 37- & 62-mile ride options. Benefits Stepping Stones Adult Day Program at McKee., McKee Medical Center 2000 Boise Ave., LV. 6:30am. Register at www.McKee Foundation.com or (970) 203-2519.

Saturday, June 16

Curt Gowdy Trail Day Help work on the trail. Ride after. 8:30am, Overland Mountain Bike Club. 430-5336. www.overlandmtb.org.

Sunday, June 24

Tour de Poudre Two loops, 35 and 60 miles along the Poudre River Trail. Sag wagon support. Funds go to plant trees. Includes lunch and beverages at the brewery. Funds go to tree research and planting. New Belgium Brewery , 500 Linden St, FC., 7:30am-1pm. Sponsored by Colorado Tree Coalition. www.coloradotrees.org.

Wednesday, June 27

Bike to Work Day, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland.

Ride your bike to work and receive a free breakfast at any one of the breakfast stations.

6:30-9:30am. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Thursday, June 28

Downtown Bike Show 6-8pm. Bean Cycle. 144 N. College Ave., FC. Sponsored by FCBikes. 416-2411. www.fcgov. com/bicycling.

Friday, June 29

Bike n’ Jazz, Gardens on Spring Creek.

2145 Center Ave., FC. 6-8pm. Sponsored by FCBikes. 416-2411. www.fcgov.com/ bicycling.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Ride 29

TVNNFS bike FORT COLLINS Ride the Rockie s

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Bike to Work Wednesday s: ĂŠ

Monday, July 16

State Championship BMX race Epic BMX track. Saber Cat Drive between Lady Moon Drive and Ziegler Road, FC. 9am-3pm. 412-3726. www.epicbmxfc.com.

Friday-Sunday, August 17-19

Fort Collins Cycling Festival Watch on the Jumbo Tron. Friday: Packet pickup. Saturday: Rocky Mountain Criterium. Sunday: Horsetooth Road Race, Cancer Ride. Old Town, FC www.fccyclingfest.com.

Saturday, August 25

Glendo Trail Day Help work on the trail. Ride after. 8:30am, Overland Mountain Bike Club. 430-5336. www.overlandmtb.org.

Thursday, August 30

Bike-in Movies Beginning Aug. 30 -Oct 4 for 6 weeks. New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden, FC. Movies start at dark. New Belgium. 221-0524. www.newbelgium.com.

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City Streets Crit Õ�ÞÊ·Ó{ Ê

Taft Hill Time Trial Series

Saturday, September 1

Ă•Â˜iĂŠxÂ‡Ă“Ăˆ ĂŠ

9th Annual Bike-in Cinema

Tour de Fat Bicycle parade and festival. New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden, FC. New Belgium.

221-0524. www.newbelgium.com.

Fort Collins Cycling FestivalĂŠ

Saturday, September 15

Lory Mountain Bike Challenge Ă•}Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠĂ‡Â‡Ă“n ĂŠ

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Curt Gowdy Trail Day Help work on the trail. Ride after. 8:30am, Overland Mountain Bike Club. 430-5336. www.overlandmtb.org.

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Sunday, September 23

4th Annual Ram Bicycle Classic Four rides including a 101-mile, metriccentury, half-metric-century & family cruiser ride. Post-ride party. CSU Campus, FC. 6:30am for long rides. 9am for cruiser ride.

Sponsored by CSU GSSE program. www.rambicycleclassic.org.

Saturday, July 7

40 in the Fort Endurance Mountain Bike Race 40-mile endurance race. Team, Sport, Open, Single-Speed and Just-For-Fun categories.

Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Overland Mountain Bike Club.

430-5336 www.OverlandMTB.org.

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Sunday, July 15

Urban Assault Ride Bike scavenger hunt, obstacle courses, raffle, and party. Benefits Ciclismo Youth Foundation. New Belgium Brewery , 500 Linden St, FC. 9am. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewing. http://urbanassaultride.com/ftcollins.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Saturday-Sunday, October 6-7

USGP of Cyclocross New Belgium Cup National cyclocross races. Kids clinic, races, after-event party at New Belgium. Races at 5757 S. College Ave., FC. www.yourgroupride.com

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Ride 31

Saturday, October 13

Halloween Race and Chili Cook-Off. Epic BMX track. Saber Cat Drive between Lady Moon Drive and Ziegler Road, FC. 9am-3pm. 412-3726. www.epicbmxfc.com.

Wednesday, December 5

Bike Lunch Talk 12-1pm. Sponsored by FC Bikes. Home State Bank, 303 E. Mountain Ave., FC. 416-2411. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Soderberg Trailhead. West of Horsetooth Reservoir off road to Masonville (first Tuesdays alternate ride location), FC. 5:30pm. Sponsored

by Team Babes on Bikes. www.coteambob.com.

Tues Morning Rides Start times, locations and mileage vary, LV, 667-6957. www.pedalclub.org.

Friday, December 7

Laid-Back Rides 20 miles, Easy. Thompson City of Loveland Water and Power, 200 N. Wilson Ave., LV. 6pm, 663-3364. www.pedalclub.org.

Wednesday, December 12

TTH Ride Fast friendly ride. Full drop. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC, 11:07am, www.yourgroupride.com.

Light up the Night 6-8pm. Sponsored by FC Bikes. 416-2411. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Winter Bike to Work Day, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland.

Ride your bike to work and receive a free breakfast at any one of the breakfast stations.

7-9am. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Saturday-Sunday, December 15-16

Colorado Cyclocross State Championships Challenging, spectator-friendly course. Bike washes, showers, open beer garden, Echelon Energy’s Short Bus party-on-wheels, food vendors. Exigent Energy. The Ranch Events Complex, LV, www.crossofthenorth.com.

Regular Rides Mondays Laid-Back Rides 20 miles, Easy. Start times and locations vary, LV, 667-6879. www.pedalclub.org.

Team Peloton Ride 1-1.5 hours, recovery/social ride. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC, 6pm. 4495595. www.peloton-cycles.com.

Tuesdays Rio Recovery Ride, Mid-level. Not fast.

Starting first Tuesday in April. Rio Grande Restaurant, 149 W. Mountain, FC. 6:30-8pm. teamriomanager@gmail.com.

Team BOB Rides Women’s mountain bike club rides. All levels welcome. Horsetooth Mountain Park,

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Thursdays Thursday Night Road Rides 20-25 miles. Moderate pace, beginners welcome. Spokes, 1530-C Main St., WS. 5:30pm.

686-9275. www.spokesinc.com, www.facebook.com/SpokesBicycles.

Group road 101 Beginner Road Rides 1+ hours, easy, no-drop ride. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC. 5:30pm. 449-5595. www.peloton-cycles.com.

Thursday Morning Rides Fun social rides. Start times, locations and mileage vary, LV, 613-9012. www.pedalclub.org.

Tuesday Ride 10-15 miles. Entry level (10/12 mph) with intermediate (15/20 mph) options. No drops. Postride get-together. Location TBD, FC. 6-8pm.

Fort Collins Cycling Club. www.fccycleclub.org.

PEDAL Pushers Cyclists will have fun learning bicycle handling skills and safety while increasing their endurance, Ages 8-14, April 19th thru June 14th, 4:30pm. Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., LV, 4:30pm, 663-3364. www.pedalclub.org.

Womens Road Ride 1+ hours,easy, no-drop ride. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC, 449-5595. www.peloton-cycles.com.

TTH Ride Fast friendly ride. Full drop. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC, 11:07am, www.yourgroupride.com.

Club Peloton Ride Moderate training ride. Peleton Store, 3027 E. Harmony Rd, FC. 6pm. 449-5595. www.peloton-cycles.com.

Wednesdays ProVelo ride Fast pace, A-AX ride. Slower-pace option.

ProVelo Bike Shop, 100 E. Foothills Pkwy.

FC. 5pm. Fort Collins Cycling Team, 2049935. www.provelobikes.com.

Rattlesnake Bite/Pinewood Hill Rides 20 miles. Difficult hill climb. Namaqua Park, N. County Road 19E, LV, 6pm, 669-7596. www.pedalclub.org.

Mountain bike Ride 1-1.5 hours, Shuttle provided. JJ’s (Harmony and Taft Hill), FC. 5:30pm. 449-5595. www.peloton-cycles.com.

Wednesday Worlds Ride Fast, mostly flat. Moutain Vista Dr. and eastern I-25 Frontage Road, FC, 5:30pm, info@ yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Fridays Co-Pilots Tandem Rides Free rides for low-vision/blind and other disabled individuals; volunteers and tandems needed. All ability levels. One Friday each month (except final ride) Please RSVP. New World Sports, 244 N. College Ave., FC. Meet at 4:30-5:30pm. 224-5857. Sponsored by Ensight Skills Center and New World Sports. www.newworldsportsllc.com.

Saturdays Saturday rides Road and Mountain Bike rides. Check at the shop for times and locations. Spokes, 1530-C Main St., WS. Times vary. 686-9275. www.spokesinc.com. www.facebook.com/ SpokesBicycles.

ProVelo Saturday Rides Moderate to very fast pace. Groups split by ability. ProVelo, 100 E. Foothills Parkway, FC. 9-12am summer; 10am winter.

Fort Collins Cycling Team. 204-9935. www.provelobikes.com.

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Ride 33

Saturday Rides 30-50 miles. Moderate with easy options.

Start times and locations vary. LV. 218-8665. www.pedalclub.org.

Saturday Group Ride All levels, no drops, 2-3 hours. Eaton Middle School, 225 Juniper Ave., Eaton. 10am. Two Rivers Cycling Club. 356-3663. www.two riverscycling.org.

Sundays Rio Base Mile Rides 2-3 hours. Mid-level. No drop. October through April. Rio Grande Restaurant, 149 W. Mountain, FC. 10:30am. teamriomanager@gmail.com.

Show and Go Rides Moderate. Start times and mileage vary, Loveland Civic Hall, South Parking Lot, LV, 2188665. www.pedalclub.org.

Head for the Hills—Sunday Hill Climbs 20-45 miles. Road bike rides on local hills.

2-4pm. Meet at Spring Canyon Community Park, 2626 W. Horsethooth Rd., FC. Fort Collins Cycling Club, www.fccycleclub.org.

Sunday Group Ride All levels, no drops, 2-3 hours. The Buzz Coffee Shop. 1923 59th Ave. #135, GR. 10am. Two Rivers Cycling Club. 356-3663. www.tworiverscycling.org.

BIKE

Winter FORT COLLINS Winter CyCling SkillS 101

Bike lunCh talk

light up the night

December 2, 2-5pm

December 5,12-1pm

December 7, 6-8pm

Bike to Work Day December 12, 7-9am For more information, call 970.224.6112

Race Series

or visit us online at:

fcgov.com/bicycling

Mondays Damn Double Dam Time Trials July 5-26. Individual time trial open to all ages and abilities. Overland Trail and Stadium Hill. 5:30pm. info@yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

Tuesdays Horsetooth Time Trial Series April 3-24. Individual time trial open to all ages and abilities. North Taft and 287 Under the Overpass. 5:30pm. info@yourgroupride. com, www.yourgroupride.com.

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New Belgium Brewery Short Track MTB Race Series May 8-29. Mountain bike races for all ages.

New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden, FC. Starting at 4:30pm. info@yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

City Street Crits July 3-24. Volunteers and citizen-racers welcome. FC Streets Department, SW corner 9th (Lemay) and Vine Dr., FC. 5-7:30pm. info@ yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Lory State Park Mountain Bike Series Aug. 7-28. Mountain bike racing for all ages.

Lory State Park, 4:30pm. info@yourgroup ride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

Crazy Joe Cross Series Sept. 4-25. info@yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

WHERE THERE’S A WHEEL,

THERE’S A WAY cHiLd, YouTH And fAmiLY EducATion AduLT EducATion – buSinESSES, SEnioRS, And moToRiSTS coLLEgE STudEnT EducATion communiTY pATRoL nEigHboRHood opEn gARAgE

LEARn moRE And Sign up To VoLunTEER:

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bicycling guide to northern colorado

Ride 35

Fort Collins Cyclocross Race Series Oct. 2-30. Cyclocross races for all ages. New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden, FC. Starting at 4:30pm. info@yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

Thursday BMX Races All ages and abilities. Sanctioned by American Bicycle Association. June-October. Epic BMX track. Saber Cat Drive between Lady Moon Drive and Ziegler Road, FC. 5pm. 412-3726. www.epicbmxfc.com.

Taft Hill Time Trial Series June 5-26. Individual time trial open to all ages and abilities. North Taft and 287 Under the Overpass. 5:30pm. info@yourgroupride. com, www.yourgroupride.com.

Saturdays BMX Races All ages and abilities. Sanctioned by American Bicycle Association. Epic BMX track. Saber Cat Drive between Lady Moon Drive and Ziegler Road, FC. 9am-12pm. 412-3726. www.epicbmxfc.com.

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Sundays 5th Annual Races at the CSU Oval May 20-June 10. All ages and abilities welcome. Volunteers and citizen-racers welcome.

CSU Oval. FC. 3pm-7pm. 484-3297. info@ yourgroupride.com, www.yourgroupride.com.

Classes Traffic Skills 101 for Cyclists

Second Saturdays, May, July, September, November Nine-hour course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash-avoidance techniques. Classroom and hands-on instruction. Ages: 15 and up, Cost is free. Lunch provided. Northside Azatlan Center, 112 Willow St., FC. 8am-4pm.

Sponsored by FC Bikes. 416-2411. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Bicycling 123 Youth Skills certificate class

Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21; May 12, 19 Four-hour class to train instructors in safe cycling skills for youth under the City of Fort Collins Safe Routes to School Program. Minimum age 14. Bike Co-op, 331 N. College Ave., 1:305:30pm. 310-5238. www.fcbikecoop.org/.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

National League Cycling Instructor Seminar

Friday-Sunday, May 4-6 Instructors will be certified by the League of American Bicyclists to teach bicycle safety.

Space limited to 15. Scholarships available. Bike Co-op, 331 N. College Ave., 310-5238. www. fcbikecoop.org/programs/education/index.php.

B.I.K.E. Camp, Beginner & Intermediate

Mondays-Fridays, June-August Learn basic road rules, safe riding, emergency skills, bike handling skills and drills, hydration, and maintenance! Recreational riding along the Poudre and Spring Creek trails. 610 years, beginner; 11-14 years, Intermediate.

8:30am-12:30pm. 224-6032. www.fcgov.com/ bicycling.June 4-8, Northside Aztlan Center; June 11-15, EPIC; June 18-22, Spring Canyon Park; June 25-29, Fossil Creek Park; July 9-13, Boys & Girls Club; July 16-20, Fossil Ridge HS; July 23-27, EPIC; July 30-August 3, Rolland Moore Park.

Winter Cycling Skills 101 Sunday, December 2 Classroom and hands-on instruction. Free.

2-5pm. Sponsored by FC Bikes. Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre, FC. 416-2411. www.fcgov.com/bicycling.

Climate Wise

Benefits Business RECoRdIng $39 MIllIon In sAvIngs among Fort Collins businesses since its inception in 2000, Climate Wise has shown tangible benefits to participation in the program, but there was more to be learned. A number of intangible benefits came to light recently through the results of a Colorado state University (CsU) political science graduate level qualitative methods research project.

Climate Wise works with local businesses and organizations to offer them the means for saving money and protecting the environment. The program has recruited more than 300 business partners who have reported remarkable results. not only has Climate Wise helped businesses save nearly $13 million during 2010, they also reduced 136 thousand metric tons of CO2e. This is approximately equivalent to 12 million trees planted annually. Cumulative water savings since 2000 amounted to six billion gallons and electric energy savings registered at 480 million kWh. Additionally, 170 thousand tons of materials were diverted from the landfill

the examples in the workplace.

Businesses commented on

free bike tune-ups if they biked to work. REI found that its

through reduction, reuse, and recycling. While those are

the ease with which Climate

employees rode 16,678 miles

impressive numbers, a missing piece to the reporting was

Wise ideas were implemented.

to and from work in 2010,

that of the intangible benefits.

Trebuchet Group, a local

collectively saving $8,339 in

consulting firm, found an easy

transportation costs.

CsU students’ research and observations revealed the intangible benefits to the efforts of this award-winning

way to participate. Trebuchet

program. The results showed that, first, businesses

tracks its employees’ alternative

goals and track trends in terms

consider Climate Wise the catalyst to increased activity,

transportation and, in 2010,

of numbers, it’s very helpful to

even if the business already had sustainability plans

logged 2,500 miles in biking,

have partners bear witness what

in place. second, there was a general feeling that

carpooling, and walking.

they see internally and pass on

RB+B Architects developed an

networking and information sharing helped develop a

“While we have definite

their personal experiences,� says

sense of community with shared values and goals. As a

internal challenge called ATmo

Kathy Collier, Climate Wise

result of the information sharing, ideas became projects

(Alternative Transportation Month),

program coordinator.

with measureable results. Third, the publicity that

saving a total of 1,600 miles (330

partners received was touted as a great benefit. Finally,

gallons of gas) through the use of

to join this free program, visit

some employers found that their employees began to

alternative modes of transportation.

fcgov.com/climatewise or call

incorporate personal sustainable living practices based on

REI employees were offered

>/72 /2D3@B7A3;3<B

For more information on how

970-221-6700.

bicycling guide to northern colorado

Ride 37

A COMMON SPACE

by JORDAN TWIGGS

We are in constant motion.

And we need reliable transportation to travel from one house to another or home to occupation.

Roughly four of every five commuters choose the automobile. This enclosed capsule offers protection from the outside elements. It entices us with comfort and speed, both principles that society increasingly clings to.

Near the opposite end of the transportation spectrum is the bicycle. We admire the simplicity and sense of freedom of this tried-and-true, twowheeled companion. We enjoy moving freely from point to point under our own pedal power. To enjoy these frivolous and minimalistic, yet fundamental, pleasures, the bicycle commuter makes sacrifices; the most important of these forfeitures is safety.

A clash exists between those who pedal and those who push a pedal.

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Cyclists are required to obey the same rules as motorists. So bicycles and cars are constantly traveling upon the same routes and, more importantly, crossing each others’ paths. The result can be frustrating and tense and can very easily turn into harmful actions and reactions.

As more bicycle commuters enter the picture, more motorists become upset.

Some don’t feel the need to share the common travel pathways. This animosity pushes them to make a clear point of “this road is for cars, not for bikes” or something similar. All too often, enraged drivers push cyclists off the road, which sometimes seriously injures the rider.

When cut off, cyclists often become enraged and lash out at drivers, which creates an even more negative view of cyclists. It is a vicious pattern of recognition, reaction, retaliation, and negative reinforcement.

We are all commuters in today’s so-

bicycling guide to northern colorado

ciety. Cyclists might wish that all would commute by cycle. Drivers might like to be rid of the interference and inconvenience caused by the adaptation of roadways for bicycles.

Neither of these polarized options is viable. We need to embrace the mixture of human-powered and motorized modes of transportation. Harmony is possible if we cultivate general respect for those around us, empathy for each others’ point of view, and an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of transportation.

A combination of cyclists and motorists is likely to withstand the test of time. We must do our best to make room for one another. When the road has separate lanes, honor the space instead of viewing it as a burden. When you must share a common space, be patient and remember that we’re all trying to get somewhere, in our own way.

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