July / August 2014 BicyclePaper.com Vol 3 Issue 2 Memorabilia Shifting Times By Paul Johnson, Classic Cycle Coming down the mountain, a rider enjoys a rocky and technical section while the sun shines through the Aspen trees in New Mexico. Photos courtesy of Angel Fire Resort Experience the Fun of Angel Fire Bike Park By Andrea Boutelle ngel Fire Bike Park, located in a small alpine com- Built just a handful of years ago, this popular bike park Amunity nestled in northern New Mexico, has quickly has quickly gained traction as one of the best in the nation. become the premier mountain bik- Recently awarded #1 Bike Park in the ing destination in the Southwest. Southwest by readers of MTBParks.com The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and designated one of the top parks in surround the village with spectacular North America by Liftopia.com, Angel A. The Vittoria Margherita: a simple and elegant style. vistas and provide top-notch biking Fire continues to solidify its reputation Photo courtesy of Paul Johnson on a variety of terrain. The altitude as one of the largest world-class moun- hese days, modern engineering In the beginning, bikes were direct- and latitude in this secluded section tain biking destinations in the U.S. Tgreets us every time we walk into drive and the only way to get a differ- of the region produce a mild sum- All of the resort’s trails are developed a local bike shop. Steel tubing is a rare ent gear ratio was to change the size mer climate and exceptional riding and built by a team of actual riders. sight compared with the amount of of the wheels. One gear dictated the conditions that extend late into the The passion is evident as man-made carbon fiber littered about the show- action, but since the days of the high- fall. Boasting the longest season in elements are blended with the natural room floor. Many bikes now utilize wheeler, it was obvious that a single the Southern Rockies, Angel Fire terrain setting to make for exciting hydraulic fluid to activate disc brakes gear was less than ideal when faced Bike Park is open May through Oc- features, amazing flow and more than and modern suspension keeps the tires with big hills or stiff winds. tober and offers chairlift-accessed 60 miles of trail options. on the trail. Once clunky mechanical The earliest multiple-gear bicycles terrain for downhill and cross-coun- Ranging from smooth and flowy contraptions, derailleurs are now sleek usually employed flip-flop hubs with two try mountain bike riding. Collective singletrack to teeth-jarring rock drops, and smooth, some with battery-oper- or three cogs or internal gear boxes in characteristics of the bike park in- the variety of terrain is virtually endless. ated electronics controlling the action. the rear hub or the bottom bracket shell. clude riding clinics, bike rentals and For those ready to start pedaling at the Nowadays you can get a couple dozen These designs still survive 100 years later repairs, guided tours, skills parks, Many wooden features like this can be base, there is the beginning of Enlight- gear choices all operated by push but- but have never offered much gear range, freestyle features, special events and found in the bike park. enment, a 4.5-mile cross-country trail tons. Ever wonder how we arrived and they sure don’t offer the visual fun bike-friendly slope side lodging. Whether a total shredder, that climbs up the mountain. For this journey, legs will burn at this point? Let’s take a look at the that external derailleurs give us. an intermediate rider wanting to step up their game or and lungs will work overtime with the thin air; starting at technological progression bicycle de- someone new to chairlift-accessed mountain bike terrain, railleurs have made over the decades. SEE “DERAILLEURS” ON paGE 8 Angel Fire is for all ages and abilities. SEE “ANGEL FIRE” ON paGE 9 LaW FORT COLLINS BUDGET YOUTH RACING Light up and go. What Where should the From the High School does the law say about money go? City Council League to the pro ranks, night riding? wants you to help the next crop of racers is determine the priorities coming. for 2015. PG 10 PG 7 PG 4 News Trips for Kids Denver/Boulder Celebrates 10 Years By Alexa Strabuk July / August 2014 Volume 3 • Number 2 en years ago, Andrew Goodwillie envisioned a seemingly distant scenario. He imagined a year-round. This led to the enactment of the Publishers Jay Stilwell Tgroup of diverse youth united around one singular commonality: the possession of a bicycle. Earn-A-Bike program in 2007. Ryan Price In 2004, Goodwillie founded the Denver/Boulder chapter of Trips for Kids International (TFK), Earn-A-Bike teaches youth essential bicycle Associate Publisher Claire Bonin sponsored by the founding TFK chapter. Marilyn Price started the organization in Marin County, mechanics and repair. By working a certain Editorial Calif., supervising its transition from a pilot program in 1986 to a nonprofit in 1988. It currently number of hours, they have the ability to “earn” Editor in Chief Claire Bonin operates in more than 80 different locations throughout North America, Israel and Sierra Leone a donated bicycle. Aside from teaching basic me- Associate Editor Darren Dencklau with a mission to “provide materials, moral support and inspiration” through bikes and biking to chanics, Earn-A-Bike imparts conflict resolution, Editorial Intern Alexa Strabuk at-risk, disadvantaged youth. perseverance, Writers Claire Bonin Andrea Boutelle For Goodwillie, now the current Outreach Ambassador, creating patience and Dave Campbell tangible cycling opportunities for urban youth to explore and experience “service-above- Darren Dencklau Colorado seemed imperative. He was surprised to discover how many young self ” skills to be Maynard Hershon people live in Denver and have limited or no access to the mountains; for employed in oth- Paul Johnson Paul Kieler them, it was more of a mural painted on a distant wall. By strengthening er parts of day- Charles Pekow the younger generation’s affinity for the natural world, Goodwillie hoped to-day life. Cow- Rick Price to empower kids to set goals and fulfill ostensibly far-fetched dreams. And an overheard Kate Rau while these hopes haven’t changed, other aspects certainly have. one of the young Stacy Sebeczek David Cowan, the new executive director with TFK Denver/Boulder participants say, Alexa Strabuk Brad Tucker recounts, “During the preliminary years, it was all volunteers. [Goodwil- “I used to sit lie’s] goal was just to get kids out on bikes. He had this dream . he at home and Photographers Jim Anderson basically just hodgepodged some bikes together.” During the first year play Xbox all day Angel Fire Resort of operation, Goodwillie implemented the Ride-A-Bike program. He and now I just Kirsten Boyer Photography exposed 116 participants to Colorado’s iconic Front Range, hoping to Happy riders enjoy some time in the woods. want to come Kate Eng gain momentum. And gain momentum it did. Over the past 10 years, Photo courtesy of Trips for Kids Denver/Boulder and work on Leslie Farnsworth-Lee that initial number of 116 has grown to 8,000. Goodwillie marvels in an open letter, “Every rider bikes!” Exponentially, the demand grew. Luminant Photography that participates in our program expresses the same awe and delight....” He continues, “We were When TFK Denver/Boulder developed a Rick Price Trips for Kids getting something very right.” need to find a more stable source of income, Denver/Boulder The Ride-A-Bike program in Denver/Boulder collaborates with other youth initiatives in the The Hanafin Family Foundation provided a area and provides daylong, after-school mountain bike and urban trips for children 10 and up. $105,000 grant to open Lucky Bikes Re-cyclery, Art and Production Outings are led by seasoned leaders who, with assistance from adult volunteers, educate children a shop that accepts bike and part donations and Design and Production Amy Beardemphl about safe and fun ways to have a memorable bike ride in an encouraging setting. With Colorado’s proceeds to refurbish them for resale. Lucky Bikes impressive scenery, the youth unquestionably get front row seats in perhaps the coolest classroom officially opened its doors in April of 2013 and Advertising ever. Curriculum and learning opportunities present themselves on each ride, pushing participants began employing youth to help run the business. Contact Darren Dencklau to step outside of their comfort zones and to realize their full potential. The intent is to introduce real-world techniques Phone 206-903-1333 x 103 Toll Free: 1-888-836-5720 From being stuck in the confines of a four-walled room to the invaluable chance to learn out and marketable job skills. Goodwillie hopes the Email [email protected] in the open air, Ride-A-Bike has made quite the impression. According to the TFK Denver/Boul- shop will be a “successful, sustainable social en- [email protected] der website, one kid said, “I’ve been on three rides with Trips for Kids. They’re so fun and really terprise.” Looking to the future, Cowan says, “In Distribution challenging. Getting out on these rides makes being locked up tolerable. I can’t wait to get a bike 2004, 116 youth were involved in the program. Distribution & Mailing Get Active Colorado, LLC when I’m back on my feet.” Another one adds, “I love being in the mountains. That was the most In 2014, we hope to reach 2,000 participants. We rewarding thing I’ve ever done.” want to stick to the goals we set for ourselves by In the wake of such a positive first couple of years, Cowan says that one of the challenges was introducing diverse groups to the joy of cycling moving from volunteer to paid staff.