Whit and Zack Allison, promotors of the FoCo Fondo, have launched a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit to continue their efforts to support cycling for all in Northern Colorado and beyond. Friends of FoCo Fondo is dedicated to creating greater access, opportunity, and connection within the cycling community. Building on the success of the FoCo Fondo, the organization will continue to offer vital programs such as leadership development, scholarships, and childcare solutions while expanding its reach to support riders of all backgrounds. With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, Friends of FoCo Fondo is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone, from casual cyclists to competitive athletes, can experience the transformative power of bikes. Check out the press release below and swing by the launch party at New Belgium on Thursday, December 5th. The crew will be in the community room from 5:30 to 7:00.
Board of Directors
- Whitney Allison
- Zack Allison
- Jess Cooper
- Lauren Mehl
- Logan Von Bokel
FoCo Fondo Stats
- 2000 registered riders in 2024, with 32% identifying as women or gender expansive (up from just one athlete in 2021!)
- Funded a 20-athlete BIPOC program that provides entry and housing.
- Supported 18 para-athletes—up from just one in 2022.
- Hosted clinics and programs like the Full Women’s Weekend (capped out with 55 athletes at the clinic and 80 on the ride!) and our First-Year Beginner’s Clinic, which exceeded its cap with 35 riders.
- Kid’s Entry Program welcomed 67 young riders, including free entry for those under 13.
Friends of FoCo Fondo represents not just the event’s growth, but also its potential to create a lasting impact — whether it’s helping more para-athletes find a place in cycling or helping kids in our community can experience the joy of riding.
Connect
Press Release
Fort Collins, COLORADO – Friends of FoCo Fondo creates access, opportunity, and community connection for people who ride bikes and those who want to ride bikes. Friends of FoCo Fondo believes that the world is better when we have access to bikes – to use them for transportation, exercise, competition, or just sheer joy. Bikes are transformative.
Friends of FoCo Fondo will undertake the key initiatives that benefit the local Fort Collins – and the cycling community at large – that have been previously produced by FoCo Fondo, including the Leadership Program, scholarship programs, the women’s weekend (partnered with the Fort Follies), Hitch a Ride program, childcare solutions, and the Safe Routes to School partnership. The non-profit arm will also continue and expand relationships with existing cycling organizations within the region to provide resources, support, and amplify messaging to elevate all types of riders.
“The work done by FoCo Fondo – now Friends of FoCo Fondo – creates a welcoming para category at their event,” offers para-athlete leader, Sam Summer. “By breaking down barriers, they helped me to create access, bringing together the para community, and offering opportunity for challenge and competition.”
“We’re so excited to launch Friends of FoCo Fondo and bring more stability and growth to these initiatives beyond just our local events, but to benefit all those wishing to be a part of the cycling community,” offers Whitney Allison, Executive Director of Friends of FoCo Fondo. “I love that these programs partner with inspiring organizations already doing incredible things. We’ve been fortunate to partner with most of these organizations through our current work – providing key resources and amplifying their messages.”
Friends of FoCo Fondo is a 501(c)(3) born out of the initiatives historically created and hosted by FoCo Fondo. FoCo Fondo is one of the largest cycling events in the United States, seeing 2,000 riders in 2024, with routes from 12-miles to 118. 2025 will be the event’s 10-year anniversary and will see expanded weekend festivities, bike demos, expo, and more.
For more information about FoCo Fondo’s addition of a non-profit and how you can get involved, please visit www.friendsoffocofondo.com
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