No matter the goal…just enjoy the ride.

 

By Cynthia Wilson

 

Women who ride in Fort Collins have many teams/communities to choose from. As a woman I could sometimes be hesitant to just jump on my bike and race. Let’s face it, Fort Collins has some massively talented riders both men and women. The bike community here is about embracing and supporting each other. No matter your gifts as a rider there is probably a place for you.

 

Each team has a focus and a unique flavor. It may not be a one size fits all. Don’t be afraid to dig into the team and feel it out before you join. Go to races and just enjoy the sport. Find your heart in the bicycle community.

 

Local Teams:

 

Fort Follies: “We seek to empower women in the Fort Collins area to be active and impactful members of our cycling community through riding, racing, and philanthropy. We strongly believe in a positive, supportive, and inclusive team, suited for women of all abilities and disciplines.”

 

They have weekly rides. Once a month they have a beginner rides. They have a great education component and a various age rage of riders.

 

CSU: “Any student – graduate or undergrad can join!  You must be registered for classes to race collegiate races and you must be a full-time student to be eligible to got to any Collegiate Nationals Championships Stop by our meetings or email our officers to sign up.”

Weekly Rides. National and local races.

 

First City Cycling: “RACING BIKES, PROMOTING RACES, SUPPORTING THE CYCLING COMMUNITY, EATING SANDWICHES. BASED IN FORT COLLINS, CO.”

Both men and women competing and riding weekly. Cross of the North and City Street Crits are just a few events they host.

 

Peloton Cycles: “Experience the power of the peloton. Together, we can take the lead, as an active cycling community committed to biking as a better way of life.”

Indoor trainer nights and free maintenance clinics.

 

Team Rio Grande Racing: “Our mission is to promote true sportsmanship and provide quality opportunities for aspiring athletes in all categories – while having fun. Our Elite team has consistently provided a successful path to the professional peloton for many athletes. Former Team Rio Grande Racing members include current U.S. Pro Champion Mara Abbott, Allison Powers, Taylor Sheldon, Scott Nydam, and current U.S. Pro Tour rider Tejay Van Garderen.”

 

Lees Cyclery:  Adventure trips, weekly rides and education.

 

Team BOB: “Team BOB (Babes On Bikes) is a women’s mountain biking club located in Fort Collins. We promote the sport of mountain bicycling among all women. The club strives to encourage participation in recreational and competitive mountain biking by helping women of all abilities achieve their personal riding goals.” Weekly Rides and community building

 

Belle Stars: “Rambunctious Women of the Road and Trail. A woman’s bicycle gang located in Fort Collins, CO. We strive to inspire more women to get on their bikes and ride! No spandex or fancy equipment needed, just a passion for two wheels and the free spirit that accompanies it.” Special Events and Rides

 

Overland Mountain Bike Club: “We ride because it’s fun. We work so we can ride. We teach so more will ride. We ride. Join us for one of our activities. Check our Calendar for more information. (Oh, and you don’t have to be a member to participate.)” Weekly rides, Service Projects, Mentorship opportunities.

 

Ciclismo Youth Foundation: “Our Mission: promote, advocate and create youth cycling opportunities in our community”. High School Racing. Girls and boys have separate teams.

 

Local Pros:

 

Whitney Schultz : “Whitney, a California native who currently resides in Fort Collins, CO, is returning to Colavita/Fine Cooking for her second season. After playing soccer for almost half her life, Whitney discovered cycling through the collegiate team at the University of Texas at Austin.  A shoulder fracture in early 2012 led to renewed vigor for cycling, which ultimately paid off in podium finishes at key criteriums and circuit races, including a 3rd place finish at the Coastal Empire Cycle Fest at USA Crits 2013 Speedweek series.”

 

Georgia Gould: “Georgia has been a fixture on the international Mountain Bike scene for the past 5 years. She has represented Team USA at 7 World Championships, 2 Olympic Games (Beijing- 2008, London- 2012) and 2 continental championships. Her palmares include an Olympic bronze medal (London, 2012), multiple US national championships and scores of race and series wins. She has been an outspoken advocate for women in cycling, and she currently serves as one of 2 mountain bike representatives on the U.C.I. Athletes’ Commission.”

 

Amanda Miller : “Amanda Miller did not come from a traditional cycling background. Growing up on a grain farm in Iowa, Miller played basketball from third grade until she was a junior in high school. In trying to stay in shape during the basketball offseason, Miller needed a change from running the gravel roads near her house. She went for a bike ride and became enthralled with it. She bought a new bicycle, got a job at the local bicycle shop where she met some racers. The local racers invited her to join the group rides and eventually Miller started participating in local races. In 2005, Miller rode in her first race and was hooked. The sport became a passion and her results improved quickly. At the age of 20, Miller placed third in the 2006 National Criterium Championships among Cat 3/4 women.”

 

So ladies: grab a bike, wave to the passers by. Go to a race. Do a weekly ride. Go to a free trainer night. Ride to win, push yourself, ride for fun, commute, or make new friends and enjoy yourself.


What is your focus or desire as a rider? I know there is a ride for you.