Much like New Belgium Brewing, the Rio is synonymous with Fort Collins cycling. Patrick McGaughran, the owner of all five Colorado Rios opened the first restaurant here in Fort Collins in 1986. He first sponsored an elite road team in 1999. His title sponsorship of that team continues nearly 25 years later and has catapulted riders like Tejay van Garderen, Chad Haga and Mara Abbot into the World Tour. In addition to the elite road team, Pat has advertised on YGR since 2009 (my second advertiser), hosted every single RioSwap, sponsored the Fort Follies, the FoCo Fondo, and several other races that have come and gone. The team currently runs the Frostbite Time Trial. Few if any other businesses have poured more money into the Colorado road racing scene than RioPat. I can’t begin to count how many birthdays, anniversaries and other special events my family has celebrated at the Rio in addition the usual FAC. I’m proud to have ridden for the Rio for a few years and appreciate Pat’s continued support. Please join me in hoisting a world-famous margarite in honor of the Rio the next time you’re on Mountain Ave.
