In an exciting development for the cycling community, on December 1, 2024, GRO Races officially handed over the reins of its beloved 6 Hours in Frog Hollow and 25 Hours in Frog Hollow events to Zia Rides, a rider-owned company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Known for its passion for creating unforgettable biking experiences across the Southwest, Zia Rides is poised to carry on the legacy of these cherished events.
Seth Bush (left) of Zia Rides and Cimarron Chacon (right) of GRO Races. Photo courtesy of Cimarron Chacon
With this acquisition, Zia Rides now organizes 10 cycling events across the region, primarily focused on relay-style mountain bike racing. “We’re thrilled to bring these iconic events into our fold,” said Seth Bush, owner of Zia Rides. “Expanding to Utah aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re excited to honor the traditions established by GRO Races while adding our own touch.”
A Legacy of Community and Tradition
The 25 Hours in Frog Hollow race was first held in 2009 with just 73 participants, launching on Halloween with racers donning costumes. This whimsical start set the stage for enduring traditions, including the beloved Midnight Pie and homemade treats prepared by race founder and director, Cimarron Chacon. Over 16 years, the race grew into a legacy event, selling out in record time for the 2024 season.
Brent Denney of the Honey Stinger / Bontrager Team flies in the solo men’s race of the 25 Hours of Frog Hollow. Photo by CrawlingSpider.com
The shorter 6 Hours in Frog Hollow followed in 2010, attracting 63 racers in its inaugural year. Since moving to the spring in 2013, it has consistently sold out. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a loyal and supportive community by my side,” Chacon shared. “These events became family gatherings, and I count many of our participants as friends.”
This year, the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow saw an influx of first-time racers, including the children of early participants, further cementing its status as a generational event.
The Next Chapter
Zia Rides plans to maintain the close-knit feel of the Frog Hollow races by working with many of the same staff and volunteers. Bush emphasized the company’s commitment to continuity, saying, “Expect to see the same friendly faces and familiar energy that make these events so special.”
Zia Rides’ updated event pages are now live, and registration for the 2025 season has opened on BikeReg:
Legacy merchandise and past event photos remain available for those looking to capture memories. Discounted merchandise can be purchased on the GRO Promotions store, while historic event photos are hosted by Crawling SpiderPhotography.
GRO Races Looks Ahead
With the sale of the Frog Hollow races, GRO Races will focus on growing its True Grit Epic series, returning in 2025 as a revamped gravel, mountain, and stage event. The organization is also expanding its presence with new events in Pennsylvania under the UnPaved brand and international ventures like The Hring race in Reykjavik, Iceland, on July 5, 2025.
Shayna Powless of Team TWENTY24 on her way to the women’s win in the 2021 True Grit Gravel race held on March 12. Find her on Instagram: @shaynapowless Photo by Dan Amodt, True Grit Epic
For Chacon, the transition is bittersweet but filled with optimism. “It has been my honor to host these events for 16 years. I can’t imagine a better organization than Zia Rides to carry the torch. I hope you’ll continue to support the Frog Hollow races and their incredible community.”
As the Frog Hollow races enter a new era, both GRO Races and Zia Rides remain united in their mission to deliver exceptional experiences for cyclists across the Southwest and beyond.
By John Summerson — Let’s face it. You may not think of winter as a time for big road climbing. Snow may be on the ground and chill winds are blowing in many areas. Hitting the basement or gym for some indoor drudgery on the bike or even hanging it up entirely until the spring thaw may be more likely. However, all is not lost. There are substantial ascents within the western U.S. mainland that can be done year-round. You may have to travel depending on where you reside but it will be worth it in the end, as much for your mental state as anything else. Below are several challenging winter climbs. All are at least category 1 in difficulty and may help ensure you keep at least some of your warmer weather uphill fitness you worked so hard for. While not easy, they are all over steady and moderate grade (just in case of a bit weaker winter legs) and see little traffic most days.
Kitt Peak. Photo courtesy of John Summerson
Kitt Peak, Arizona (12.4 miles at 5.5% avg grade)
Kitt Peak is a very isolated and scenic climb located deep in the Sonoran Desert west of Tucson. One of Arizona’s smaller island mountains, the hill is also one of the most interesting with a large observatory complex on top. The road is a twisty one and essentially circles the massive on the way up. A mostly steady grade allows you to admire the long views of the desert as well. At the Visitor’s Center turn right up a single lane road for a very short distance to crest at one of the many telescopes on the summit of the mountain. Take some time to explore the summit if you can.
Directions – From Tucson, AZ head west on Route 86 for approximately 35 miles. The Kitt Peak Observatory Road (Route 386) will be on your left and the climb begins at the junction.
Montezuma Grade. Photo courtesy of John Summerson
Montezuma Grade, California (10.8 miles at 6.0% avg grade)
Also known as Route S22, Montezuma Grade is a solid and scenic climb out of the low desert of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Soon after beginning the ascent the route gets twisty with good views. Multiple curves carry you along the ridgeline through steady and moderate grade. The traffic can be high speed in places but there is usually little of it. The climb ends at an unmarked summit as the grade flattens out on top. With its very low elevation start Montezuma Grade is a scorcher in summer but an excellent winter/spring/fall ascent.
Directions – From the town square in Borrego Springs, CA head west on S22 for 1.3 miles. Turn left here to continue on S22 and the climb begins 0.1 miles from that left turn.
Eldorado Canyon. Photo courtesy of John Summerson
Eldorado Canyon, Nevada (8.7 miles at 6.1% avg grade)
An isolated ascent, Eldorado Canyon, located southeast of Las Vegas, rises up from the Colorado River canyon through dazzling and stark desert terrain. The first section of climbing is over moderate slope. After 0.2 miles turn left to continue to climb over more shallow grade which tends to gradually steepen. After just under 2.5 miles the road enters a canyon and you will notice hoodoos in the drainage to your left. About 1 mile further into the canyon the grade steepens for a stretch but you will never encounter steep pedaling on this hill. Soon signs of civilization appear as the canyon widens a bit and the grade decreases as you approach the small community of Nelson. As you leave town the grade increases over the final stretch up to the unmarked but obvious summit with long views.
Directions – From Interstate 11 just south of Las Vegas, NV, head south on Route 95 for about 12 miles to Route 165 (on the left). Travel 165 for ~20 miles eventually descending the climb, and turn right just before the end of the road and the Colorado River. Where the pavement ends at a dirt parking area, turn around to begin the listed climb.
By Charles Pekow — A new mountain bike haven may be coming to Buckeye, Arizona. It would be within a 640-acre addition to the 8,700-acre Skyline Regional Park. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns the land and has agreed in principle to lease or transfer it to the city. BLM has opened a public comment period on the transfer, which runs until August 23.
A trail marker in Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye, Arizona. Photo by Mwinog2777, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The land is located in the White Tank Mountains within city limits, north of I-10. The plan calls for building a trail network that will connect with the park’s existing 11 mountain bike trails of varying elevations. According to the BLM, the plan will include “trailhead parking, rest nodes with restrooms, shade structures, seating and site furnishings, signage, and access roads from the future Verrado road network. The trails are anticipated to be single-track, shared-use, non-motorized trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use.”
Potential future developments, according to the BLM, “include a bike skills area that would utilize the varied terrain of the White Tank Mountains foothills to offer a variety of bike recreation opportunities, such as pump track-style courses, BMX challenge courses, flow trails, mountain bike trails of varying difficulty, and training areas for beginners.”
The plan must go through several steps. After the comment period, the BLM will conduct an environmental assessment, which will also have a 30-day comment period.
BOULDER, Colorado (January 16, 2025) – SHIMANO presents RITUAL Mountain Bike Film Tour powered by Outside, a nationwide celebration of mountain biking’s best films, is expanding this year to hit big screens in 23 mountain towns. Kicking off in March at The Orange Peel in Asheville, North Carolina, the tour will showcase epic adventures, legendary lines, stellar storytelling and interstellar athletes in its second year.
RITUAL to hit the trail with screenings in 23 mountain bike destinations starting this spring. (Photo: Fred Marmsater)
“In 2024 we held screenings in ten mountain biking destinations in addition to dozens of partner events, and the reception from riders across the county was stellar,” said Chris Keig, Co-Founder of RITUAL. “Based on an outstanding inaugural year, we’re doubling down to bring these stories to more mountain biking fans across the country.”
Mark your calendar for this year’s lineup of events that rally the community and riders around stunning cinematography and captivating stories in the country’s most legendary mountain biking cities and venues—complete with big-time sponsor giveaways, live music and high fives all around. Here’s the game plan for 2025:
March 6, 2025
Asheville, NC
The Orange Peel
March 7, 2025
Knoxville, TN
The Relix Venue
March 9, 2025
Greenville, SC
The Camelot Theater
March 11, 2025
Charlotte, NC
Visulite Theatre
March 13, 2025
Bentonville, AR
Meteor Guitar Gallery
March 19, 2025
Salt Lake City, UT
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
March 20, 2025
Ogden, UT
Peery’s Egyptian Theater
March 21, 2025
Park, City, UT
Park City Brewing
March 25, 2025
Boise, ID
The Egyptian Theatre
March 29, 2025
Bend, OR
Volcanic Theatre Pub (2 shows)
April 1, 2025
Portland, OR
McMenamins – The Mission
April 4, 2025
Seattle, WA
SIFF Cinema Downtown
April 8, 2025
Spokane, WA
Bing Crosby Theater
April 10, 2025
Missoula, MT
The Wilma Theater
April 12, 2025
Bozeman, MT
The Ellen Theater
April 14, 2025
Denver, CO
Oriental Theater
April 15, 2025
Fort Collins, CO
The Lyric Theater
April 17, 2025
Boulder, CO
Boulder Theater
April 22, 2025
Minneapolis, MN
The Parkway Theater
April 23, 2025
Madison, WI
The Marquee Theater
April 24, 2025
Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan Theater Screening Room
April 25, 2025
Grand Rapids, MI
Wealthy Theatre
50 partner shows have also been confirmed for this year. RITUAL’s Affiliate Program allows community organizers to bring one of mountain biking’s most compelling events to their hometowns, to raise funds for causes of their choice by hosting their own RITUAL premier experiences. Those interested in hosting a turnkey partner show can learn more here.
Guaranteed to make your fingers itch for the grips, RITUAL is poised to host this year’s hottest mix of soon-to-be-released films and recent classics never before seen on the big screen. The two-hour show consists of two stroke-worthy segments and an intermission, featuring a dynamic mix of films ranging from 20-minute long-form stories to three-minute shred flicks rooted in adventure, inspiration and spectacular cinematography from both emerging and proven independent filmmakers.
Don’t miss the full-send filmgoing experience of the SHIMANO presents RITUAL Mountain Bike Film Tour powered by Outside. Get in on the action and click here to find a screening near you.
RITUAL is hitting the road with support from Shimano, Lazer Helmets, Outside, Trailforks, Gunnison Crested Butte, Schwalbe Tires, FlyLow, Send It, Oskar Blues Brewery, IMBA and Pinkbike
For Dangerholm’s most recent bike build, he took the Solace Gravel eRIDE and transformed it to something out of the ordinary. For inspiration, he turned to the post-apocalyptic storylines and worked his (rusty) magic.
GIVISIEZ, Switzerland (16th January 2025) — The SCOTT Solace “Wasteland” is a custom build that combines raw, post-apocalyptic style with insane performance. Inspired by Mad Max, it features a rugged steel fork, saw-style brake discs, and a paint job that rusts over time. Built on the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE frame, this bike is made to ride into the unknown – no limits, no rules.
(Words and photos by Dangerholm)
Concept Idea
On the topic of being swept away, there is something special about certain movie universes. How concept, lore and world building can be so compelling that you feel like you’re drawn into it. But a big factor can also be if it just looks good, because after all it is visual art.
One such example is the Mad Max movie franchise, and especially the two latest additions shot in recent years. Incredible creations in all shapes and forms, but with a strong theme of rust, shiny metal and pointy dangerous things. Despite having an air about them of how they’ve been built in scrap yards, they are some of the coolest and most badass looking cars and motorcycles ever created.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
Modern e-bikes like the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE are absolutely fantastic riding bikes, with looks so sleek most people don’t even notice there’s a battery. But if we’re being completely honest they are rarely mentioned if we’d ask about the coolest and most badass bikes. Great as they are, they simply don’t have the same allure as perhaps downhill bikes or World Tour road race bikes. And that is perfectly fine because very few bikes do.
But what if we take a Solace Gravel eRIDE and make it look like something straight out of these action movies?
The Build
The SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE is a bit of a wolf in sheep clothing if you ask me. Yes, it is an E-Bike and it is comfortable but this is a bike that’s way faster than what you’d expect after a first glance. And tons of fun too. This is mainly because of two factors. The little wonder that is the TQ HPR50 drive system and that it in reality is a quite close sibling to its race focused SCOTT Addict Gravel RC bike when it comes to geometry and ride experience. It’s just that here you have the option to get an extra boost.
Most obvious is of course the extra ”Klunker” style tube in the front triangle, serving no purpose other than to add to the appearance of the bike. This was cut up and I re-shaped the top tube to fit as good as possible inside the Solace front triangle. While I’m no stranger to modifications I’m no carbon work expert, so I left it to my local carbon repair man to bond it in place.
To go with the rusty metal theme, I made a new drive unit guard plate out of metal, along with seat stay skid plates held in place using the fender attachment points.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
The Fork
The most visually striking part about the bike is definitely the very unique looking fork. While the standard SCOTT carbon fork is perfectly fine, this area of the bike held an opportunity to go ”full Mad Max” with steel and give the bike a much more menacing appearance.
The result was a fork and handlebar combination like nothing else out there, full of amazing little details. The aero shaped tubing of the fork crown matches the headset cover, which locks the fork in place, with Damascus steel styling. Coins act as fork tube and handlebar ends, and the brake mount placement with its special cable routing is a little work of art.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
Color & Design
Carbon fiber makes for lightweight and great riding bicycles, but needless to say it’s not present on any of the scrapyard style Mad Max vehicles. Here raw metal, matte black, rust and worn fabrics reign supreme. The easy way out would’ve of course been to simply paint the frame matte black. But in the world of specialty paints you can find many interesting things.
The paint used on this bike truly does rust. It contains a type of iron powder, so after application you roughly sand the paint and spray it with an activator that speeds up the rusting process.
So now any time the bike is washed or sits in the rain, it’ll rust all over again taking on new tones and textures. But of course, in our desert universe it’ll see a lot more dust than rain.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
The Brakes
Why the custom fabricated disc guard on the fork and its bolt-on counterpart on the frame? Well, pushing the spirit of allowing myself to get a bit carried away and going with my wildest ideas, clearly the bike needed saw disc style brake discs.The brake discs are actually fully rideable, even though they are clearly not performance items like their other offerings.
For the brakes I went with a mechanical option, as this would go much better visually with the rest of the bike and would allow me to use metal cable housing instead of plastic brake hoses.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
The Drivetrain
TQ’s HPR50 system is the heart of it all, providing 50Nm of torque paired to a 360Wh battery hidden inside the down tube. The crank arms come from Rotor, paired with cage-style pedals, and the chainring is a custom size version of Garbaruk’s TQ compatible model.
The cassette and super strong chain comes from the e-bike approved SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission product line. The matching X0 Eagle Transmission rear derailleur has been paired to SRAM Wireless Blips, working as tiny shifter buttons hidden in the retro Fly Bikes Ruben Alcantara BMX grips.
I built the wheels with a Paul Components front hub and a DT Swiss 350 rear hub, using Velo Orange Voyager rims and brass nipples from Monē. The rims are quite modern in construction, but have a boxy and old-school look. The idea behind using chrome style rims was simply to make the wheels pop a little more visually, making for a nice contrast against the rest of the bike.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
Accessories
The Syncros seat post has been modified with mounts for a King Cage Oliver Flask Cage, made specifically to fit a Stanley flask.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
On the down tube you’ll find a King Cage Manything Cage, which normally is used as a luggage rack but here holds a retro Elite bottle instead using leather straps.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
The old and worn Brooks leather saddle is the only item on the bike, aside from the steel fork and handlebar, with true patina. It was my commuter saddle for many years, including surviving a crash or two.
But the best part with the Solace Wasteland is that it actually is so much fun to ride. Not only is it still a great bike thanks to the SCOTT Solace Gravel eRIDE frame being the base, there’s just something about looking down at that fork, handlebar and rusty top tube while you’re riding. It makes your mind wander and it makes you want to ride a little more aggressively. Maybe Immortal Joe and his henchmen are on your tail, guzzoline drinking engines screaming behind you…
In the end, the only downside with this bike is that it’s very difficult to find a matching riding attire.
As I’ve been forced to realize, post-apocalyptic riding kits have not yet come in style.
SPEC LIST
Frame: SCOTT Solace Gravel 10 eRIDE size L Fork: Monē Bikes custom fabricated Headset: Syncros with Monē Bikes locking cover Handlebar: Monē Bikes custom fabricated Grips: Fly Bikes Ruben Alcantara Signature Shifters: SRAM Wireless Blips Brake Levers: Extralite UltraLevers 3 Brake Cable Housing: Jagwire Elite Link Brake Calipers: Paul Components Klampers Brake Discs: BrakeStuff custom saw disc 160mm Brake Disc Bolts: Mèti titanium Saddle: Brooks Swift Titanium Seat post: Syncros Duncan SL D-Shape Drive System: TQ-HPR50 50Nm 360Wh Crankarms: Rotor eKapic Pedals: SE Bikes Bear Trap Chainring: Garbaruk TQ-Compatible 42T Chain: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission Cassette: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission 10-52T Rear Derailleur: SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission Rear Derailleur Cage: CeramicSpeed OSPW X Front Hub: Paul Components Rear Hub: DT Swiss 350 Rims: Vélo Orange Voyager Tires: Onza Ibex and Continental Ruban Bottle Cages: King Cage Manythings Cage and Oliver Flask Cage Bottles: Stanley and Elite
About Gustav Gullholm aka Dangerholm
Gustav Gullholm, better known as Dangerholm, is a custom bike builder from Sweden. In recent years he’s taken bikes to their extreme by building the World’s Lightest XC bikes as well as the lightest 29″ Downhill bike. It’s not all about weight though, the bikes must always ride great and look the part.
If you would like to know more about Dangerholm, follow up below.
Photo by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT SportsPhoto by Gustav Gullholm, courtesy of SCOTT Sports
By Kyle Harline and Cameron Carter, Bike Utah Policy Staff
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (January 16, 2025) — Utah lawmakers meet from January to March each year for the state legislative session to debate and pass legislation. Among the issues discussed is active transportation, which has far-reaching effects on our communities, economy, road safety, and quality of life. Active transportation refers to human-powered movement—like biking, walking, scootering, or skating—that helps people recreate and get from one place to another
Promoting and protecting active transportation is key to creating accessible and vibrant communities. Expanding bike lanes and pedestrian paths encourages people to walk and bike, reducing traffic congestion and parking demand. Active transportation also improves physical and mental health and supports social connection. These improvements boost local economies by connecting people to nearby businesses and creating safer, more inviting public spaces.
This year’s bike-related bills are listed below. Follow Bike Utah’s Active Transportation Bill Tracker for updates during the legislative session, and consider donating to support this legislative work.
A 2025 Utah bill would prevent bike lanes from being obstructed like this one on 200 S in Salt Lake City. Photo by Dave Iltis
Bicycle Lane Safety Amendments (Rep. Mauga) (House Bill number to be assigned)
This bill aims to ensure bike lanes are free from obstructions and safety hazards. It prohibits vehicles from driving or parking within a bike lane unless signaling to turn or otherwise instructed by traffic signs (similar to state law in Arizona and Nevada). Additionally, it requires cities and UDOT to address bike lane barriers such as construction zones by minimizing the obstruction or providing a detour. This bill will improve bike safety, reduce road injuries and fatalities, encourage more active transportation, and support active, healthy communities.
Bicycle Rack Amendments (Rep. Mauga) (House Bill number to be assigned)
This bill provides new state funding for cities to install bike racks at businesses and in public spaces, increasing the presence of bike racks throughout the state. Lack of safe and convenient bike parking is often a barrier for many Utahns looking to bike to local businesses. This new state funding requires Utah cities to provide matching funds, ensure bike racks are secure and easily accessible, and create a fair and transparent process for businesses to qualify.
Traffic Safety Amendments (Rep. Fitisemanu) (House Bill number to be assigned)
This bill allows the use of red-light cameras at certain dangerous intersections in Utah as a pilot program within UDOT. State law currently prohibits the use of red light and speed cameras. This bill will likely improve road safety as red-light cameras are a proven tool for encouraging safer driving behaviors. Since intersections are often the most dangerous places for vulnerable road users, this bill will contribute to safer streets for people walking and biking.
HB 134 Food Cart Amendments (Rep. Dailey-Provost)
This bill clarifies state law to allow food carts be pulled by ebikes. Current law prohibits this practice since ebikes have an electric motor. This bill provides greater flexibility for food cart operators, allowing them to use ebikes as a more sustainable and accessible means of transportation for their business. This bill would allow Hatch’s Chocolates ebike powered ice cream food cart to hit the road after being denied by Salt Lake City. Cycling Utah has worked on this bill with Rep. Jen Dailey-Provost.
A 2025 Utah legislative bill would allow this electric bike powered Ice Cream food cart to hit the road. Photo by Dave Iltis
HB 88 Housing Policy Amendments (Rep. Ward)
This bill provides that an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a permitted use on single-family residential lots within an urban city (cities within a 1st or 2nd class county). Although this is primarily a housing bill, it also supports active transportation by promoting more compact and walkable development. By allowing ADUs in existing urban neighborhoods, this bill encourages development that makes walking and biking more practical and accessible for more Utahns.
HB 90 Zoning Amendments (Rep. Ward)
This bill provides that small lot homes, as small as 4000 sqft, are a permitted use within an urban city. Beyond the housing affordability benefits of this bill, it will allow for more compact neighborhoods that support walking and biking by placing homes closer to schools, parks, and local businesses. It also provides that housing is a permitted use in all commercial zones of urban cities, which will further support active transportation by encouraging development of mixed-used neighborhoods.
Citation on Connecting Communities (Rep. Loubet, Sen. Fillmore)
This citation recognizes how land use policies are often the most influential factor in shaping how people travel. As the state invests in transportation and housing solutions, this citation calls for greater focus on aligning these efforts with zoning policies that support more compact, walkable neighborhoods. Prioritizing this connection will ensure that future growth encourages active transportation, reduces car dependence, and fosters more vibrant, accessible communities.
How to Get Involved
Community involvement is vital to the legislative process. Your voice and actions can influence decisions that impact your community, making it essential to advocate for policies that align with your values and needs. Speak up about policies that impact your life.
The Utah Legislature’s website makes it easy to track bills, listen to committee hearings, provide public comment, and set up alerts during the 45-day session, from January 21 to March 7. Here are a few ways to engage during the session:
Tour de Big Bear to feature Festival, Road, Gravel, and MTB Races August 1-3, 2025
BIG BEAR LAKE, California (January 8, 2025) – The Big Bear Cycling Association (BBCA) announced the highly anticipated return of the Tour de Big Bear in 2025. The Tour de Big Bear has solidified its status as a leading Gran Fondo in North America. Voted number one in 2023, it has again been ranked among the top 10 by Gran Fondo Guide this year. Organizers are excited to announce that the event is set to expand and elevate the cycling experience with a weekend full of new races & rides, bike demos, and enhanced activities for 2025.
Photo courtesy Tour de Big Bear
New Horizons for Tour de Big Bear
Situated in the stunning San Bernardino National Forest at an altitude of 6,752 feet, Big Bear provides ideal cool temperatures for summer biking. The event, located at Big Bear Mountain Resort, features routes passing through high mountain areas like Onyx Summit and offers picturesque views of the Arctic Circle (CA 330) around Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all skill levels. As riders navigate these routes, they will encounter fun and festive Aid Stations offering ribs and other delicious snacks, along with entertainment, photo contests, and even a couch for a coffee break.
To accommodate the rising popularity of mountain biking, the Tour de Big Bear is expanding its 2025 schedule to include Cross Country mountain bike events. Organizers are crafting exciting new routes for both novice and experienced riders, with more information to be released in the upcoming months.
During the first week of August, Big Bear Lake will become a focal point for the cycling community, as the Monster Energy Pro Downhill Series will be hosting the USA Cycling Gravity National Championship that same weekend at the nearby Snow Summit resort.
New Features and Enhancements
Furthermore, the Tour de Big Bear is expanding its 2-day expo to include a “Bikes and Brews” festival. Cyclists and attendees can indulge in beer tastings and enjoy live music, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Families are encouraged to join the celebration with attractions like Kids Balance Bike Races, a Skills Course, the ever-popular evening Glow Ride, and various festival entertainments.
Photo by Captivating Sports Photos, courtesy Tour de Big Bear
Innovative Collaborations for Event Growth
In partnership with Visit Big Bear, a significant change for the 2025 event is the strategic alliance with Facets Marketing, an agency renowned for its expertise in cycling and adventure sports. This collaboration highlights a mutual commitment to enhancing the Tour de Big Bear while honoring the vibrant Big Bear community. Facets Marketing, under the leadership of cycling industry expert Holly Colson, will take the lead in implementing the growth strategy for the Tour de Big Bear. Colson brings a wealth of experience from her executive roles in the cycling industry and her extensive background in marketing events such as the Life Time Sea Otter Classic.
Event Details and Goals
In addition to the new Mountain Biking events, the Tour de Big Bear offers road routes for all skill levels, including a Family Fun Ride, 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile events, and thrilling gravel rides such as the 50-mile Dirty Bear and 25-mile Dirty Cub. The event will kick off and conclude at Big Bear Mountain Resort, registration is now open.
The weekend is packed with engaging activities like the Friday Poker Ride, Friday Night Glow Ride, and Sunday Recovery Rides. Meanwhile, the cycling expo on August 1 and 2 will boast 50+ cycling vendors, product demos, a complimentary bike valet, and a wide array of food and beverage options.
The BBCA is also committed to giving back to the community. Since inception, the event has distributed more than $1 million to local charities and schools. With the expanded 2025 event, the association aims to double this impact of support to the local area.
Photo by Captivating Sports Photos, courtesy Tour de Big Bear
Be a Part of Big Bear Weekend
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, a casual enthusiast, or a family seeking adventure, the 2025 Tour de Big Bear promises a truly exhilarating experience. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary weekend of cycling, community, and the breathtaking beauty of Big Bear Lake.
August 1-3 — Tour de Big Bear, Big Bear Lake, CA, Southern California’s favorite ride! Now with MTB Races too. Features legendary aid stations, beautiful mountain scenery and spectacular summer weather. With 25, 50, 75, 106 and 100 mile courses, and 25 and 50 Mile Gravel Rides plus a family fun ride, there’s a route for every cycling enthusiast!, Chris Barnes, 951-970-6720, 909-878-0707, [email protected]
10th anniversary event brings the best of fat biking back to its roots for three-day festival
CRESTED BUTTE, Colorado (January 8, 2025) – The Borealis Fat Bike Worlds are set to return to their birthplace in Crested Butte, Colorado, from January 24 to 26, 2025, marking the event’s 10th anniversary. This milestone celebration, themed “Return to the Roots,” promises a weekend filled with competitive racing, social gatherings, and live entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Fat Tire Worlds.
In 2015, the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association launched the inaugural Fat Bike Worlds, centered around a “not-so-serious” world cup championship fat biking race. Since then the event has traveled to locations including Pinedale, Wyoming; New Richmond, Wisconsin; and Leadville, Colorado. Returning to Crested Butte for this landmark anniversary underscores the region’s significance in the fat biking community: as one of the earliest adopters of fat biking, the Gunnison Valley has played a pivotal role in popularizing this winter sport, attracting fat bike riders from around the globe to experience its extensive network of winter biking trails.
Photo courtesy of Fat Tire Worlds.
The full schedule of events at Fat Bike Worlds is outlined below:
Friday, January 24: Festivities commence with a welcome party at the Elevation Hotel, featuring complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon for participants, a full menu available from José restaurant, and live music by Wiley Jones.
Saturday, January 25: The Championship Race will challenge riders with five laps, while a fun race option offers three laps, at Crested Butte’s Town Ranch. An awards party will follow at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts, complete with live music by Led Zeppelin cover band, Ten Years Gone.
Sunday, January 26: The weekend concludes with a group ride to and from Zuni Brewing in CB South — exploring more of Crested Butte’s extensive winter trail network — followed by free beer & fun.
Registration for Fat Bike Worlds is $165, which includes race registration; welcome party on Friday sponsored by Elevation Hotel; awards party and concert on Saturday with free Zuni beer; group ride on Sunday (following by free beer at Zuni West Brewing Company); and a swag bag for the first 250 registrants. The first 120 Championship race finishers will also receive a retro FBW leather flask.
Detailed schedules, course information, lodging options, and registration can be found on the official Fat Bike Worlds website.
SILVER CITY, New Mexico (January 9, 2025) — For the 38th year, Tour of the Gila invites competitive bicyclists to challenge themselves on scenic mountain roads throughout southwest New Mexico. The five-day stage race is set for Wednesday, April 23, through Sunday, April 27, 2025. Registration is now open.
Lauren Stephens holds on to the leader’s red jersey. Photo by Veloimages/Brian Hodes, courtesy Tour of the Gila
Tour of the Gila will again be sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), and qualifying teams will receive invitations to compete in 2025. For amateur competitors, Tour of the Gila offers four USA Cycling-sanctioned races as well as citizen races that allow recreational athletes to join the fun.
In a change from recent years, Tour of the Gila will open with an individual time trial for the UCI races on Wednesday, April 23. This means some amateur racers begin with the Silver City to Mogollon Road Race on Thursday, April 24, while others start with the Inner Loop Road Race on Friday, April 25.
“Taking feedback from veteran racers to heart, we are returning to a format that allows amateurs to experience more of what they enjoy most about Tour of the Gila: road racing,” race director Jack Brennan said. “The reordered stages could also affect race dynamics. We’ll see how it plays out.”
While Tour of the Gila attracts exceedingly competitive cyclists, the race organizers acknowledge that not all highly experienced athletes belong to elite or pro teams receiving invitations to the UCI races. For that reason, Tour of the Gila carved out the possibility of a Men 1,2 (40+) race. Interested riders must join a waitlist, and if a minimum field size is met by March 1, registration will open for that race.
Following is a summary of the amateur races Tour of the Gila will offer in 2025:
Men 1,2 (40+ bonus) and Men 3 (40+ bonus):
Four stages (three road races plus a criterium)
Thursday, April 24, through Sunday, April 27, 2025
Entry Fee: $240
Women 1,2,3 (35+ bonus); Men 4,5 (40+ bonus); Master Men 3,4,5 (40+, 50+, 60+ bonus)
SACRAMENTO, California (January 10, 2025) — CalBike applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for leaving funding intact for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) in his proposed budget, after two years of steep cuts. The ATP is the state’s only dedicated funding source for infrastructure that supports biking, walking, and public transit.
However, the governor’s budget doesn’t go far enough and preserves backward-facing investments that bake in decades of warmer temperatures and climate catastrophes. To have a realistic chance of mitigating the multiple disasters California faces due to climate chaos, we must stop investing in old ways of moving goods and people and reimagine our transportation systems.
A cyclist and scooter rider on the Bancroft Way protected bike lane in Berkeley. Governor Newsom’s budget reverses past cuts to Active Transportation, but doesn’t go far enough according to CalBike. Photo by Dave Iltis
The last budget cut two-thirds of the ATP budget, giving the California Transportation Commission(CTC) only enough funding to approve the top 13 projects out of dozens of worthy applications for grants. This budget should restore the $400 million taken from the ATP, allowing CTC to greenlight more green transportation infrastructure projects.
But that isn’t enough. The ATP is chronically underfunded, slowing the pace of California’s transition to a state that prioritizes safe passage for people using low- and no-carbon transportation options. CalBike is asking the legislature to double ATP funding going forward.
“The Active Transportation Program represents a tiny fraction of California’s transportation expenditures, yet it delivers powerful benefits for climate change mitigation,” says Jared Sanchez, CalBike’s policy director. “You can build a bike lane, upgrade a sidewalk, or add a bus-only lane for a fraction of the cost to build and maintain highway lanes. California should be investing much more in infrastructure like bicycle highways and connected biking and walking networks to make our communities healthier and safer from the ravages of climate disasters.”
State highway money (perhaps $1B) continues to build climate-killing roadways that increase traffic, fail to mitigate congestion, and work in opposition to the state’s climate goals. We must begin to shift our transportation spending to carbon-neutral options if we are to have any hope of stopping or reversing climate change.
MARINA, California (January 10, 2025) — Light & Motion, a US based manufacturer of bike lights, announced in a statement on their website recently that they will be closing shop. The 35 year old company cites challenges of being a US manufacturer. Further, they will not be able to provide repair services going forward. Their website shows no lights available for purchase. Cycling West has previously reviewed their lights and have used the lights extensively for years.
Due to many factors, Light & Motion, a US manufacturer of dive, bike, photography and video lights is closing its operations. Over our 35 years in business, we have delivered some amazing products and enjoyed innovating to solve customer problems while building products in the US.
The challenges of being a US manufacturer are significant and the political winds, regardless of the talk, have been against US manufacturing, which continues its decline. We designed our lights to provide many years of continued use and we thank you all for your support over the years. We are not able to provide service, but some of our dealers are able to repair lights, including Backscatter.
MISSOULA, Montana – Cyclists have four new reasons to hit the road as the United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS) expands with major additions in Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. These newly designated routes—USBR 37 in Indiana, USBR 51 in Missouri, and USBR 50 and USBR 55 in Kansas—add significant mileage to the growing national network, which now spans 23,186 miles.
The USBRS added 4 new routes in 2024. The Warsaw Swinging Bridge on USBR 51 is in Missouri. Photo courtesy Adventure Cycling
This expansion marks the largest single-year increase in USBRS history, with 3,568 miles added in 2024. Designed to utilize existing roads, trails, and bike-friendly infrastructure, the USBRS offers cyclists new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional tours, and daily commutes.
The new routes are more than just a boon for cyclists. They bring increased tourism, economic benefits, and enhanced safety to the communities they pass through, while also promoting sustainable and active transportation options.
“State DOTs are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, praising the additions. “Our partnership with the Adventure Cycling Association to continually expand the U.S Bicycle Route System is just one of the many ways states are meeting that goal. The four new routes being added to the USBRS network in Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri further highlight the active transportation benefits that come from expanding this national system.”
The USBRS added 4 new routes in 2024 (in yellow).
As the USBRS moves closer to its goal of 50,000 miles, these new routes represent a major step forward in connecting communities and offering cyclists of all kinds more ways to explore the United States.
21 athletes will compete in the UCI Cyclocross World Championships on January 31 – February 2.
LIEVIN, France (January 8, 2025) – USA Cycling announced today the roster for the 2025 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, taking place in Liévin, France, from January 31 to February 2, 2025.
This season has been action-packed for the selected athletes, featuring a full domestic schedule, the Continental Championships, the National Championships, and an intense European racing block over the holiday season. Now, the stage is set to close out the season at the World Championships.
Vida Lopez de San Roman, UCI World Cup Besançon. Photo by Ethan Glading, courtesy of USA Cycling
Headlining this year’s roster is a formidable group of Continental and National Champions. In November, the Pan American Championships in Missoula, Montana, served as a key event where winners earned automatic nominations to the World Championships. The standout athletes include Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Comp Edge Racing), Lauren Zoerner (Highlands Ranch, Colo.; Comp Edge Racing), Garrett Beshore (Longmont, Colo.; Boulder Junior Cycling), and Alyssa Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes).
In December, the National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, delivered some of the most exciting races of the season. Highlights included a thrilling Elite Men’s race, where Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes) sprinted to victory, and an incredible performance by 18-year-old Vida Lopez de San Roman (Sebastopol, Calif.; Bear National Team), who dominated the Elite Women’s race to become the youngest National Champion in history, as well as 35-time national champion Katie Clouse (Park City, Utah; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing), who returns to the World Championships for the first time since 2022. Lopez de San Roman will compete in the U23 category at the World Championships, vying for the coveted rainbow jersey, while the 23-year-old Clouse will be the only American to take on the Elite Women.
Also joining the team are Under-23 and Junior National Champions who have delivered in the European World Cup circuit this year. Henry Coote (Manchester, Mass.; Comp Edge Racing), Katherine Sarkisov (North Potomac, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes), and Lidia Cusack (Chevy Chase, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes) have all secured their spots with strong performances throughout the season.
As the season’s grand finale approaches, the team is ready to represent the U.S. on the world stage in Liévin.
The Team USA roster is as follows:
Elite Men
Eric Brunner (Boulder, Colo.; Comp Edge Racing)
Scott Funston (Boulder, Colo.; Cervelo / OrangeLiving)
Andrew Strohmeyer (Mount Airy, Md.; CXD / Trek Bikes)
Elite Women
Katie Clouse (Park City, Utah; Steve Tilford Foundation Racing)
Cyclocross is not an Olympic sport; therefore, it is fully funded by generous contributions to the MudFund. If you would like to continue seeing American success, consider making a donation to the MudFund.
SANDY, Utah (January 9, 2025) — The Utah Crits (formerly Salt Lake Criterium) will return in 2025 to Sandy, Utah. The two-day speed fest will be held on June 14-15 showcasing an exhilarating mix of professional and amateur bike racing, as well as community events.
Ulises Castillo of the iSpeed-FELT team winning the Salt Lake Criterium Men’s Pro, 1, 2 Race held at America First Stadium, Sandy, Utah, July 7, 2024. Photo by Dave Iltis
This premier event will feature two dynamic locations:
June 14: Sandy Promenade
Professional men and women will compete for over $20,000 in prize money, contributing to the $100,000 combined prize purse for the American Criterium Cup.
The day also includes:
A community 5K challenge
A competitive 1-mile running race
A Low Rider and Vintage Bike Show
An engaging expo area, food trucks, and a beer garden, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
June 15: America First (REAL) Stadium Course
Renowned for its challenging layout, this venue will host a full day of racing action. Attendees can enjoy an expo area and a variety of food and drink options throughout the day.
The Saturday event is part of the six race American Criterium Cup (https://americancritcup.com), a national series in its fourth season. The events are:
June 6 – Tulsa Tough, Tulsa, OK
June 14 – The LHM | CC Utah Crit, Sandy, UT
June 28 – Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland, Milwaukee, WI
July 19 – Bailey & Glasser LLP Twilight Criterium, Boise, ID
July 17 – Chicago Grit – Fulton Market Grand Prix, Chicago, IL
August 31 – Bommarito Audi West County Gateway Cup, St. Louis, MO
For more information, exciting updates, rider registration, and event insights, visit saltlakecriterium.com and coming soon utahcrits.com
