Pedal The Springs

SRAM and RockShox. Chances are you know these names because you’ve seen them on your bike. But SRAM, the parent company for brands like RockShox, Truvativ, Zipp, Quarq, Time and Hammerhead, is much more than a company that builds bike parts; they’re community builders. Find out more about their efforts to build up the cycling community in Colorado Springs and around the world through their SRAM Field Guide program, in this conversation.

Global bike part manufacturing company SRAM began in 1987 and was named after founders Scott King, Stan Ray Day & Sam Patterson. Their Vision Statement is “We believe in the power of bicycles in expanding the potential of cycling. We create manufactured components and inspire cyclists.” The position of SRAM Field Guide was created to provide community representatives to help them fulfill their mission and to make an impact for cycling in the communities where they reside. There are currently 13 of 31 of the SRAM Field Guide positions filled, with opportunities open in the midwest, northeast and across the globe.

Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, ride leader and ambassador for cycling in Colorado Springs 

Guests:

• Chris Negrete, SRAM North American Field Guide Manager and mountain biker
• Molly Murrow, SRAM Southern Colorado Field Guide, hard core mountain biker 

Mentioned in This Episode:

Aravaipa Running and Races https://www.aravaiparunning.com/

Ascent Cycling https://www.ascentcycling.net/

Bike to Work Day June 22 https://coloradosprings.gov/bikes/page/annual-biking-events

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort http://bicycleresort.com

Colorado High School Cycling League https://coloradomtb.org/

Colorado Springs Cycling Club https://www.bikesprings.org/

Criterium Bicycles https://www.criterium.com/

Kids on Bikes Colorado Springs https://kidsonbikes.net/

The Pikes Peak APEX 4 Stage MTB Challenge sponsored by RockShox https://www.pikespeakapex.com/

Routes Outfitter https://routesoutfitter.com/

SRAM https://www.sram.com/en/sram

SRAM Careers https://www.sram.com/en/company/careers

Trails End Taproom Trailblazers https://www.trailsendtaproom.com/trailblazers

Women’s Mountain Biking Association of Colorado Springs (WMBA) https://www.wmbacos.org/

Special thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes.

And to supporter and partner, the MeadowGrass Music Festival 2022

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

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When the snow hits and the temperatures dip, winter doesn’t have to mean the end to your biking season. We have tips to help keep you in the saddle all winter long. Whether you live in the Springs, are planning to visit or wherever you live, it’s all about having the right planning, preparation and gear.  We talk with a local cycling enthusiast and a local outdoor outfitter to find out the best gear, food options and other considerations along with some great winter rides to check out.

 Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Guests: 

Chris Welch, 200 hour registered yoga teacher and athlete who moonlights as an attorney. He has fat biked in almost every condition imaginable from frigid races in the Midwest to completing the Leadville winter fat bike series in 2020-2021. He is well versed in all of the things you need to know if you are considering cycling in the winter or in the snow. Winter is his favorite season.

Jason Mezzy, owner of Routes Outfitter, mountain biker, road cyclist, skier, snowboarder. Taking on new winter cycling challenges.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort http://bicycleresort.com/ BikeIowa Pogie Liteshttps://bikeiowa.myshopify.com/products/pogielites

Borealis Fat Bikeshttps://www.fatbike.com/

Borealis Fat Bike Worldshttps://fatbikeworlds.org/

Christopher Welch (Thegraveldefender on Instagram) https://www.instagram.com/thegraveldefender/

Colorado Springs Cycling Club Frozen Water Bottle Ridehttps://www.bikesprings.org/

Crested Butte Mountain Biking Associationhttps://crestedbuttemountainbike.com/

Crested Butte Mountain Bike Parkhttps://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/cb-bike-park.aspx

Cycling Santahttps://chasingsanta.com/

Gold Camp Tunnelshttps://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7016675/gold-camp-road

Iditarod Trail Invitational Bike Alaskahttps://bikepacking.com/event/2021-iditarod-trail-invitational/

Leadville Mineral Belt Trailhttps://www.mineralbelttrail.com/

Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Race Series - Cloud City Wheelershttps://www.cloudcitywheelers.com/race

Salsa Beargrease & Salsa Muklukhttps://www.salsacycles.com/

Santa Fe Trailhttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/santa-fe-regional-trail

Steamboat Bike Parkhttps://www.steamboat.com/things-to-do/downhill-mountain-biking

Routes Outfitterhttps://routesoutfitter.com/

Trails End Taproomhttps://www.trailsendtaproom.com/

Triple D Winter Race Serieshttp://tripledrace.com/

45 North – great winter clothing, face and head coverings, etc. https://45nrth.com/

1000 Miles to Gnome - documentary Steve Cannonhttps://www.adventureentertainment.com/1000-miles-to-nome

Winter Ride Tips:

-Dress in layers, start a little chilled, bring bag to carry gear, when stop indoors don’t sweat strip off layers. Chemical warmers, heated vest, Lobster gloves, any gloves/mittens that keep fingers together, Pogies snow mobile (Bike Iowa - Pogie Lites, 45 North, eye protection ski goggles, winter boots and flat pedals, wool socks.

-Have a backup plan “bailout plan” (someone to call), maybe stick closer to home or populated areas for first adventures

-Cell phones die faster in colder temps or can be out of range, keep it close to your body or near chemical hand warmers, use a Garmin with emergency tracking.

-Stay up on bike maintenance. Test out different tire pressures for best traction, Hydraulic brakes, bleed break, studded tires.

-Water bottles can freeze: put alcohol in your bottle won't freeze as fast (unless you’re racing) also try putting your bottle upside down or a little tea in it, keep up against chemical warmers, or bring a canteen with hot tea or soup, put your coat over the top of your camelback and thread the tube down your sleeve.

-Food Bars freeze bring real food, keep it close to your body, stuff that won’t freeze, Carbo Rocket, Hammer Perpetulum, Scratch Labs, Hot tea, coffee, soup.

Special thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes.

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

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Get the lowdown on electric bike offerings in the Springs from our local ebike share program to a full service ebike delivery and outfitting service. Find out about the variety of local trails and destinations to explore whether you plan to shop or head out on a 25-mile mountain adventure. Whether you’re visiting the Springs or a native who’s never tried ebiking, find out about that eBike Smile everyone gets when they give it a try.

eBike discount code: PEDALSPRINGS

For PikeRide, download the app and set up an account before entering the code PEDALSPRINGS under "coupons and credits." The code will be valid for 1 free ride up to 20 minutes in duration.

For Rocke Mountain Bikes $20 off per rental and then $125 off purchase of a Biktrix ebike, call 719-257-3983.

Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Guests:

• Jolie Nesmith, Executive Director of PikeRide, local non-profit electric-assist bike share program
• Caitlin Murphy, Owner/Operator Rocke Mountain Door to Door e-bike delivery service
• Daniel Giffin, Torie’s 14-year-old son, cyclist and new ebike user

Mentioned in this Episode:

Amp’d Adventures http://ampdadventures.com/ Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort http://bicycleresort.com/ Pikes Peak Cycling Hillclimb Challenge https://www.coloradospringssports.org/pikespeakcyclinghillclimb/ Pike Ride https://www.pikeride.org/ Rocke Mountain Bikes https://www.rockemountainbike.com/

Special thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes.

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

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If you're looking to break into or hone your craft as a bicycle mechanic, we’re talking with those in the know about what it’s like to go to the U of Q school for bike mechanics right here in Colorado Springs. 

Meet the director, an instructor and a recent grad and get all three’s perspectives on what makes the school top notch and how you can attend.

Host: Torie Giffin: owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort 

Guests: 

Jeff Donaldson: Director of U of Q Institute formerly Barnett Bicycle Institute 

Flash: Instructor at U of Q

Tatiana Pastor: Student and QBMS (Quality Bicycle Mechanic Scholarship recipient) from the Wheelhouse Detroit bike shop

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort http://bicycleresort.com/

Barnett Bicycle Institute https://www.qbp.com/u-of-q/institute/about/mission

U of Q Bicycle Institutehttps://www.qbp.com/u-of-q/institute/about/mission

Quality Bicycle Productshttps://www.qbp.com

Wheelhouse Detroit bike shophttps://www.wheelhousedetroit.com/

Special thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes.

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

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From a high-altitude advantage to the variety of terrain and world class training facilities offered, there are many reasons athletes come from all over the world to train in Colorado Springs. After all, we’re Olympic City USA, home to the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center and a city where champions are made. Two such champions are Jamol Eastman and Edwin Sutherland from Barbados and fresh off of wins in the Pan American Games after training in the Springs.

Podcast host Torie Giffin had the opportunity to host the two pro athletes at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort for a few months before they headed off to their summer competitions. Find out more about why they came to train in the Springs, how they connected with their coach and trainer Andy Sparks, the owner of Performance United, and how that decision has paid off for them – along with their favorite places to ride.

Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, recreational road cyclist and a little mountain biking

Guests: 

- Andy Sparks, Owner of Performance United and Professional coach and trainer, former Olympic Track & Sprint Cyclist, Coached Sarah Hammer to 8 world championships and 4 silver medals

- Jamol Eastman, Barbados, Silver 2021 Pan American Track Cycling, former National Champion

- Edwin Sutherland, Barbados, Bronze medalist in Pan Am Games and Silver and Bronze in Caribbean Championships

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort http://bicycleresort.com/

Edwin Sutherland https://www.instagram.com/edwin_sutherland/?hl=en

William J. Hybl Sports Medicine & Performance Center https://www.hyblcenter.org/

Jamol Eastman https://www.instagram.com/raised_by.wolves/

Olympic Velodrome https://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOPC/Olympic-Paralympic-Training-Centers/CSOPTC/Velodrome-Programs-and-Pricing

Performance United https://performance-united.com/

Pikes Peak Cycling Hill Climb Challenge https://www.coloradospringssports.org/ppchc-race-information/

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

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If you’re living in or visiting Colorado Springs you don’t want to miss one of the most popular hangouts for trail lovers, the Trails End Taproom. The self-pour taproom boasts one of the best outdoor fitness social clubs and gatherings around – Trails End Trailblazers. Weekly, dozens of runners, hikers and mountain bikers head out from the Trails End to nearby Red Rock Canyon Open Space for a guided adventure.

In this episode Torie gets all the details on the weekly Trailblazers event, the Trails End Taproom (including its second location, in Monument), and neighboring Routes Outfitter, from Kevin Weise of Trails End Taproom and Jason Messy of Routes Outfitter.

Pedal the Springs is produced by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at https://www.bicycleresort.com for more information.

LINKS

Trails End Taproom https://www.trailsendtaproom.com/

Routes Outfitter https://routesoutfitter.com/

Trails End Trailblazers https://www.facebook.com/COSTrailblazers

https://www.trailsendtaproom.com/trailblazers

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort https://www.bicycleresort.com

Red Rock Canyon Open Space https://redrockcanyonopenspace.org/

Trestle Bike Park https://www.trestlebikepark.com/

Revel Bikes https://www.revelbikes.com/

Ridegg https://ridegg.com/

Soulcraft Beer https://www.soulcraftbeer.com/

Visit Colorado Springs https://www.visitcos.com/

All Trails https://www.alltrails.com/

TrailLink https://www.traillink.com/

  Join host Torie Giffin, bike ambassador for Colorado Springs and owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, and friends as they discuss the urban trails connecting our city! From the Legacy Loop to Shooks Run, follow along as we detail the delightful Urban Trail Systems of Colorado Springs!

Host: Torie Giffin, Owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Guests:

Allen Beauchamp: Community Engagement Coordinator of the Trails & Open Space Coalition

Emily Duncan: Trails Development Coordinator for the City of Colorado Spring Parks & Recreation Department

Andrew Vanderwag: Owner of GoWest Camps

The Pikes Peak Trail System, our extensive trail network and the vision for the future of our trails. We discuss local advocacy efforts, popular trails, bicycle tourism, safe 20-30 mile rides for multiple day excursions; way finding, e-bike use on trails, and connectivity.

It’s the biggest mountain biking event to come to the Front Range of Colorado, a four-stage challenge race offering a bucket list opportunity for amateurs and the top cyclists in the world to race alongside the majestic mountains of the Pikes Peak Region. The prize purse is set at $50,000 to be equally split among men and women. It's the 2nd biggest prize purse in North America. 

In this special edition of Pedal the Springs - we’re talking with the people in the know from The Pikes Peak APEX Challenge including the race director Mica Rice, presenting sponsor RockShox and a local trail building advocacy organization who all say this is really big deal for Colorado Springs that will put the city on the map as a world class mountain biking destination. 

Find out all the details about the stages, locations, how to get involved, where to watch and how this non-profit event produced by the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance will help make a difference for our trails and community for years to come. 

Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Guests:

• Sarah Rawley, Brand Content Specialist at RockShox presenting sponsor of the The Pikes Peak APEX Race
• Micah Rice, Executive Director of the The Pikes Peak APEX Race, Vice President of Strategy and Operations for Sports Strategies.
• Cory Sutela, Director of Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, the mountain biking trail building and advocacy organization in the Pikes Peak Region.

Links to show topics:

The Pikes Peak APEX

Pikes Peak outdoor Recreation Alliance 

RockShox

ASSOS

Circa Real Estate Group

Heuberger Subaru

USA Cycling

Air Force Academy

Austin Bluffs

Bear Creek Regional Park

Blodgett

Captain Jacks

Cheyenne Canyon

City of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Chamber and EDC Sports Economic Team

Colorado Springs Regional Parks and Open Spaces  

Colorado Tourism Office 

Downtown Colorado Springs 

Falcon Trail

Frosty Park

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

Gold Camp Road & Tunnels

High Drive 

Jones Park

Kate Courtney #sparklewatts

Keegan Swenson 

Lake Moraine Trail

LART Lodging and Rental Tax Fund

Leadville 100 Mtb

Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates

Mountain Bike Pikes Peak

N. Cheyenne Canyon

Palmer Park

Pikes Peak

Pipeline Trail

Rampart Range Road 

Rampart Reservoir Trail

Red Leg Brewing Company

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Ring the Peak

Ring the Peak Trail project

RockShox

Rocky Mountain Field Institute

Russell Finsterwald 

Santa Fe Trail

Sports Corp 

SRAM 

Stratton Open Space

Todd Wells

TOPS Trails, Open Space & Parks Tax

Trails and Open Space Coalition

Ute Valley Park

Visit COS

Pedal the Springs is produced and presented by the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, the only bicycle-themed lodging and must-stay for cyclists coming to Colorado. Check us out at bicycleresort.com for more information.

Racers will get 50% off newly-renovated signature bicycle-themed and friendly suites with proof of race registration. 30% discount on standard rooms. Call 719-634-2851 or Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Get dialed into the mountain biking scene in Colorado Springs! Local mountain bikers and trail builders talk in detail about where to ride, the variety of terrain and trails for all types and levels of mountain bikers and what’s on the horizon that will solidify the Springs as a world class destination for mountain biking. 

Host: Torie Giffin, owner of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort , road cyclist, some mtb  (Fun game to consider when listening to this podcast is to drink water or your favorite beverage everytime Torie says “Awesome”) 

Guests: Cory Sutela, Director of Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, trail builder, mountain biker, bike commuter, local expert; 

Kip Biese, with KJ Bike Coaching, coach, racer, road cyclist and mountain biker

 Tim Black with Manitou Spokes, Mountain Biker, group ride leader. Links to show topics:

The Pikes Peak APEX presented by RockShox

Barr Camp

Buffalo Creek: Blackjack Trail

Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort

Canyon City: Oil Well Flats, Island in the Sky

Challenge Unlimited Pikes Peak by Bike

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

City of Colorado Springs

Colorado High School Cycling League

Colorado Springs Mountain Biking Fb Group

Colorado Springs Regional Parks and Open Spaces: Air Force Academy, Austin Bluffs, Barr Trail, Blodgett Peak, Captain Jacks, Catamount Trail, Cheyenne Canyon, The Chutes, Elk Park, Falcon Trail, Gold Camp Road, Hogback Ridge Trail, Intemann Trail, Jones Park, Lake Morraine Trail, Mount Herman Road, N. Cheyenne Canyon, Palmer Park, Pikes Peak, Pulpit Rock, Rampart Reservoir, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, St. Peter’s Dome, Stratton Open Space, Ute Valley Park

 

Crested Butte: 401 Trail

Front Rangers

Garden of the Gods

Highlander Racing High School Mountain Bike Team

International Mountain Biking Association IMBA

Kids on Bikes Bike Camps

KJ Bike Coaching

Lake Pueblo State Park

Manitou Spokes

Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates

Mountain Bike Pikes Peak

Mountain Bike Project Ap

Rampart Rager

Relive

Ring the Peak

Strava

Trailblazers Trails End Taproom

Trailforks Ap Colorado Springs