The Steamboat Cycling Club offers group rides for the recreational rider
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — In 2017, I was gravel riding alone around Routt County. I kept encountering groups of riders, wondering, “Where do all these cyclists come from?” I researched existing groups and clubs around town and concluded that many were likely to be visitors. Despite our vibrant cycling community and the presence of many mountain bikers, we didn’t seem to have any road/gravel groups that got on their bikes and went for a Sunday ride.
I had just come from the Illini Cycling Club at the University of Illinois, where we made a point to be much more than a racing-only group. I wanted something more social like that here. So, I looked at a calendar, created a Facebook page, and designed some flyers, and the Steamboat Springs Cycling Club was born.
The group’s premise is simple – if you want someone to go on a ride with and can handle sometimes going far out of town, bring your bike and a helmet, and show up. It doesn’t matter what bike you have, either, as long as it works. The 1974 Raleigh International I typically rode was my collegiate race bike.
While it’s been tweaked quite a bit for gravel, I’ll be the first to tell somebody that they don’t need a fancy bike – they should first try to ride the one they have. I’d even love to get a group of people for a 3-speed century someday, but that’ll be a tall task in a mountain town. When possible, people are also encouraged to participate in local rides, such as the Tour de Steamboat and Ride the Cog, as well as various events organized by local advocacy groups, including Routt County Riders.
We’re all pretty busy in this town, so I keep it to 2 Sundays a month – a 25-mile and a 50-mile ride, plus the occasional month with an extra Sunday for a century. E-bikes are not explicitly prohibited, but are best kept to the 25-mile routes. Getting caught up in mountain activities here is easy, and the schedule keeps me from staying off my bike too long. The club is slowly growing, with a rotating group of people who ride when they want to, not because they have to. We’re pretty easy to find – look up the schedule on facebook.com/groups/steamboatspringscyclingclub
or find one of the flyers at your favorite local shop. If a Sunday works for you – grab your bike and come for a ride!
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