SACRAMENTO, California (October 10, 2023) — The Safe Passage for Bikes Bill (AB 825, Bryan) would have allowed people to ride bikes on sidewalks adjacent to streets that do not include a Class I, Class II, or Class IV bikeway. By vetoing this crucial bill, Governor Gavin Newsom has condemned people who get around by bike to mix with potentially lethal car and truck traffic rather than finding safe haven on sidewalks.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of the Safe Passage for Bikes bill means that cities can prevent cyclists from riding on the sidewalk even if no bike lane exists. Here, a mother and child navigate Hopkins Street sidewalk in Berkeley, California. Photo by Dave Iltis
“Is sidewalk riding ideal? No,” said Jared Sanchez, policy director for CalBike. “In a perfect world, most streets would be Complete Streets, with safe facilities for all modes of transportation. But that’s not the reality today and it will take years to transform every dangerous roadway in California into a safe route for biking. In the meantime, people on bikes must, at times, travel on streets with fast traffic and no bike lanes. By vetoing this bill, the governor has taken an action that will lead to more deaths and injuries of people on bikes.”
While CalBike agrees with the governor’s assertion in his veto statement that building better bike infrastructure is the best way to provide safe spaces for people who ride bikes and that the state has moved in the right direction to create more protected and connected bikeways, infrastructure for safe biking remains woefully inadequate.
It’s ironic that the governor to relies on Caltrans’ efforts to build Complete Streets when that agency has just fired the deputy director in charge of multimodal planning as she prepared to call it out on violating its own policies. Clearly, our state agencies aren’t doing enough to support active transportation. CalBike regrets the governor’s decision to veto an interim measure that would have provided safe passage for bikes while we work to build more bikeways.
California has to invest much more in Complete Streets to meet the demand for safe passage for bikes. We need dedicated funding for Complete Streets improvements on Caltrans-controlled roadways so Californians have more low- and no-carbon transportation options and greater mobility.
AB 825 would have been a step toward ending harassment of people on bikes
As an excellent LA Times investigation showed, police disproportionately target people on bikes, particularly Black and Latino men, stopping them for small infractions and then subjecting them to invasive searches. Disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to lack safe bikeways, forcing people to ride on sidewalks. Decriminalizing sidewalk riding would have not only protected bike riders from traffic violence, it would also have reduced harm to vulnerable populations from police encounters that can sometimes be deadly.
Cycling West and Cycling Utah Magazine’s Fall 2023 Issue is now available as a free download (5 MB download). Pick up a copy at your favorite Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern California bike shop or other location.
Cycling West Fall 2023 Issue Cover Art: Vintage Bike Racing. Watercolor by Rich Vroom Title: Untitled Medium: Watercolor on paper. Rich Vroom was a watercolor artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His studio is in Sugarhouse where he taught classes, paints, and bike races. He also taught at the University of Utah. Rich passed away in 2023. See a remembrance of Rich elsewhere in this issue. Prints may be available for purchase. Contact: [email protected] Follow Rich on Instagram @richvroom or on Facebook: Rich Vroom Watercolors.
Contents
The Closest Grand Tour of All Time: The 1984 Vuelta a España — page 2
SBT GRVL – The Best Bike Race in North America — page 3
A Look at Relative Energy Needs for Cyclists:Do You Get Enough? — page 5
What Shoes Do You Choose for Bikepacking? — page 6
The Athlete’s Kitchen — Peanut Butter: A Love Story — page 7
SRAM’s New Transmission Drivetrain: Full Power Shifting — page 8
Introducing Dave Walker’s Cycling Cartoons — page 9
September Trivia: La Vuelta a España! — page 10
Navajo Nation All-In to Promote Cycling for Youth — page 10
Remembering Rich Vroom (1957-2023) — Artist, Bicycle Racer, Family Man — page 11
Bikepacking the Oregon Timber Trail — page 12
Endurance Bike Racing: Pre-Race Fuel and Preparation Tips — page 15
How To Find New Mountain Bike Trails To Ride — page 15
Study: Electric Bikes on Public Land — page 21
Softer Foam in Helmets May Make Them Safer — page 21
September Cycling Trivia Answers — page 21
Federal Grants for Bicycle Infrastructure — page 21
Feds Approve Greater Access to Rocky Flats and Rocky Mountain Greenway — page 21
Mountain Biking May Eventually Gain Access to Grand Canyon National Monument. — page 21
Bike Sharing Continues to Grow post-COVID? — page 21
BLM to Study Allowing eBikes to Rio Grande del Norte and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments — page 21
Can Bikes Help Reduce Poverty in sub-Saharan Africa? — page 21
Biggest worldwide mountain bike stars compete in Utah this Friday down daunting steep cliffs.
VIRGIN, Utah (October 10, 2023) — Red Bull Rampage has built up a reputation as the Formula 1 World Championships of the extreme sports world with the best mountain bike stars just happy to get down the course safely as the 2023 edition launches this Friday on the ochre-colored cliffs of Virgin, Utah, USA. Here is all you need to know:
– The only worldwide event that comes close to Red Bull Rampage is the Natural Selection Tour that sees backcountry freestyle snowboarders take on nature’s biggest lines, with the most extreme and intense mountain bike test thrilling fans since 2001 – the 2023 event this week, its 17th edition.
– Slopestyle star Nicholi Rogatkin has stoked fan enthusiasm for this year’s edition by travelling to New York City where the event’s emblematic start gates appeared in iconic locations including Domino Park and Liberty State Park plus an immersive experience took place at LUME Studios that leveraged state-of-the-art projection to transport guests to the wide-open spaces of Virgin, Utah.
– The American, 27, said: “New York City is famously fast and frenetic, the complete opposite of the wide, open deserts of Virgin, Utah and it was great to explore the contrast between the two.”
– Unlike the traditional mountain bike slopestyle course of wooden ramps and smooth terrain, Red Bull Rampage is more of a freeride event that takes place on loose ground that offers hardly any grip with riders using robust downhill bikes boasting a lot of suspension and large tires.
– Riders and their small dig team can craft the natural terrain for their lines within the marked area over the first four days with shovels, picks and 75 sandbags before a rest day and then a further four days to practice.
– The riders have two runs of three minutes each to impress the judges with riders scored throughout on difficulty level of the line, tricks and style, fluid and control and finally altitude over the breathtaking cliffs, dizzying exposure and almost vertical gullies that connect the lines.
– The top five riders from 2022 were automatically pre-qualified for this year’s event, while the other 13 wildcards and five alternates were selected by a committee of former Rampage competitors, pro athletes, judges and industry experts based on competition results and video submissions.
– Four former winners and three event rookies are among those set to compete, highlighting a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers ready to leave their mark on the event.
– Five events have been held at this location, where some of freeride’s most iconic moments have occurred, including Cam Zink’s huge 360 off the Oakley Icon Sender in 2010 and Kelly McGarry’s legendary backflip over the 72-foot road gap in 2013.
– There is no return for defending champion Brett Rheeder, who has retired from competition. Four-time winner Brandon Semenuk was also pre-qualified based on his third-place finish in 2022, but scheduling conflicts have put paid to his appearance at this year’s event, with Gee Atherton stepping in as his replacement. The undeniable king of mountain bike slopestyle Emil Johansson is on the list as a wildcard however, making it his second appearance at Rampage following his 2019 debut.
– 2022 runner-up Szymon Godziek said: “Red Bull Rampage is the ultimate test of your skill on a mountain bike. I’m excited to return to Utah for my seventh Rampage invitation, reconnect with the top riders in the freeride scene and put together a run that showcases my style and technique.”
2023 Red Bull Rampage riders
Pre-qualified athletes:
Szymon Godziek (POL)
Reed Boggs (USA)
Thomas Genon (BEL)
Carson Storch (USA)
Wildcard invites:
Adolf Silva (SPA)
Alex Volokhov (CAN)
Bienvenido Aguado Alba (SPA)
Brendan Fairclough (GBR)
Cam Zink (USA)
Clemens Kaudela (AUT)
DJ Brandt (USA)
Emil Johansson (SWE)
Jaxson Riddle (USA)
Kurt Sorge (CAN)
Kyle Strait (USA)
Talus Turk (USA)
Tom Van Steenbergen (USA)
Gee Atherton (UK)
Reed Boggs (USA)
Watch Red Bull Rampage exclusively on ESPN+ in the US, and on Red Bull TV outside U.S. this Friday HERE.
Nicholi Rogatkin poses for a portrait at the Red Bull Rampage in the City at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ on October 4, 2023. // Todd Owyoung / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310050033 // Usage for editorial use only //Nicholi Rogatkin at the Red Bull Rampage in the City at Domino Park in Brooklyn, NY on October 4, 2023. // Todd Owyoung / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310050040 // Usage for editorial use only //Thomas Genon builds line at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061505 // Usage for editorial use only //Gee Atherton builds line at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061497 // Usage for editorial use only //Aerial image at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061495 // Usage for editorial use only //Carson Storch builds his line at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061487 // Usage for editorial use only //Builder constructs line at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061486 // Usage for editorial use only //Szymon Godziek builds line at Red Bull Rampage 2023 in Virgin, Utah, USA on October 5, 2023. // Peter Jamison / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202310061485 // Usage for editorial use only //
At the second edition of the UCI Gravel World Championships in Veneto, Italy, National Champions Lauren Stephens and Keegan Swenson were the top American finishers in their respective fields.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (October 9, 2023) — USA Cycling competed in the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships held in Veneto, Italy on October 7-8. In the event’s second year, USA Cycling sent a full team with ambitious goals. The competition witnessed athletes tackling grueling courses and intense competition to secure top finishes among the world’s best gravel racers.
The newly crowned Gravel National Champions delivered outstanding performances with Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; EF EDUCATION-TIBCO-SVB) finishing sixth in the Elite Women’s race on Saturday, and Keegan Swenson (Heber City, Utah; Santa Cruz, SRAM, htSQD) sprinting for fifth in the Elite Men’s race on Sunday.
The race started at Lake Le Bandie where riders would make their way into Pieve di Soligo, and then complete two different loops before returning to Pieve di Soligo. The women’s race covered a total distance of 87 miles with an elevation gain of 5,446 feet, while the men’s race spanned 105 miles with an elevation gain of 6,201 feet. Both courses featured at least eight critical climbs, amplifying the race and adding to the challenge for the competitors.
The race was full throttle from the start, with many of the Americans initially starting in the back. The three-mile start loop around the lake was pivotal before heading out on Italy’s tight, twisty gravel road for the next few hours. While team tactics were part of the strategy, the chaos of many riders trying to navigate the course’s various bottlenecks meant that much of the race ended up being a test of survival and an early battle for position.
Picture by Thomas Maheux/SWpix.com – 07/10/2023 – Cycling – 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships – Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy – Elite Women’s Race – Lauren Stephens – USA. Photo courtesy SWPix/USA Cycling
Elite Women
The women’s team was trying to work for Stephens on the day. The first selection formed after 40 kilometers where Stephens was in the lead group of 25 racers. In the next 13 kilometers, the next selection was made with 13 riders, and Stephens still holding strong. She would continue to fight through the steep climbs, keeping the leaders in sight. She rode through the finish line at 4 hours and 53 minutes finishing in sixth, bettering last year’s 15th place at the inaugural World Championships. Another returning Worlds team member, Sarah Sturm (Durango, Colo.; Specialized/ Rapha/ Wahoo), was the next American finisher in and received 16th place.
Results:
1 – Katarzyna Niewiadoma (POL)
2 – Silvia Persico (ITA)
3 – Demi Vollering (NED)
6 – Lauren Stephens (Dallas, Texas; EF EDUCATION-TIBCO-SVB)
16 – Sarah Sturm (Durango, Colo.; Specialized/ Rapha/ Wahoo)
39 – Paige Onweller (Belleville, Mich.; Trek/WTB/ABUS/HED/SRAM)
43 – Heidi Franz (Seattle, Wash.; DNA Pro Cycling)
44 – Crystal Anthony (Bentonville, Ark.; Liv Racing Collective)
55 – Morgan Aguirre (Seattle, Wash.)
66 – Kyleigh Spearing (Frankfort, Ill.)
76 – Katherine Sheridan (Omaha, Neb.)
Elite Men
The United States came to fight with a stacked team of riders including Swenson, Alexey Vermeulen (Pinckney, Mich.; Jukebox – ENVE), Zach Calton (Salt Lake City), Andy Lydic (Boulder, Colo.; BMC #ItCouldBeMe), Luke Lamperti (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing), Payson McElveen (Durango, Colo.; Allied Cycle Works), David Van Orsdel (Minneapolis), Brennan Wertz (Mill Valley, Calif.; Mosaic Cycles), and Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz, Calif.; Santa Cruz, SRAM, htSQD).
Picture by Thomas Maheux/SWpix.com – 08/10/2023 – Cycling – 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships – Elite Men – Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy – Team USA’s Keegan Swenson chasing back after a crash. Photo courtesy SWPix/USA Cycling.
The team had a strategy in place and they knew they did not have the best starting positions, proving the start loop to be key. Swenson and Lamperti made their presence known early and found themselves in the front of the race after the initial loop around the lake. It would be a wild few hours of racing where the pace never let up.
Swenson said, “I’m really happy with my ride. Apart from a couple of crashes that I had, it went well. I don’t crash often but when I do I lay myself out pretty good. That’s when I lost the first group and it took about 20 minutes to chase back to the second group. I thought we’d make contact with the first group but the guys in our group were hurting and losing motivation to chase. For a while, the gap was sitting at around 20 or 30 seconds but all of a sudden it was one minute, then two, three, and then four. That’s when everyone started racing for the positions that we had.”
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com – 08/10/2023 – Cycling – 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships – Elite Men – Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy – Alejandro Valverde of Spain finishes fourth in the 2023 Men’s Elite UCI Gravel World Championships, just pipping Keegan Swenson of the United States in a two-up sprint. Photo courtesy SWPix/USA Cycling
As Swenson made the turn into finish straight, he was fighting for a fourth-place finish against former Road Race World Champion and Vuelta Champion Alejandro Valverde (ESP). The American powerhouse would ultimately finish fifth on the day completing the World Championships in just over five hours.
Results:
1 – Matej Mohoric (SLO)
2 – Florian Vermeersch (BEL)
3 – Connor Swift (GBR)
5 – Keegan Swenson (Heber City, Utah; Santa Cruz, SRAM, htSQD)
33 – Alexey Vermeulen (Pinckney, Mich.; Jukebox – ENVE)
35 – Zach Calton (Salt Lake City)
37 – Andy Lydic (Boulder, Colo.; BMC #ItCouldBeMe)
75 – Luke Lamperti (Sebastopol, Calif.; Trinity Racing)
76 – Payson McElveen (Durango, Colo.; Allied Cycle Works)
77 – David Van Orsdel (Minneapolis)
99 – Brennan Wertz (Mill Valley, Calif.; Mosaic Cycles)
110 – Tobin Ortenblad (Santa Cruz, Calif.; Santa Cruz, SRAM, htSQD),
134 – Ian Kutzleb (Durango, Colo.)
VIRGIN, Utah (5 October 2023) — Thomas Genon, aka Tommy G, will be making his 10th consecutive appearance at Red Bull Rampage on 13 October. The Belgian rider shows exceptional regularity, with 7 top 10 finishes to his account. A week ahead of the world’s biggest freeride event, he gives his impressions and reveals a few details and a first clip from Utah, by Jules Langeard.
Here you can watch Tommy’s preparations for Red Bull Rampage including the first day of digging in Virgin:
How was your first Red Bull Rampage experience and what did you think after you left the event?
I was completely lost and uninformed about what was going on out there. At the time, there was no one I knew who told me how the event was organized and how to train. It took me a while before I felt like training and coming back stronger!
Tommy, you’ll be taking part in your tenth consecutive Rampage. What are your feelings one week before the event?
Every year I look forward to it more and more. I realize how lucky we are to have an event like this for our sport! I can’t wait to see how I improve.
Thomas Genon. Photo by Jules Langeard, courtesy Red Bull Rampage
You’ve managed 7 top 10 finishes since 2013. With the experience you’ve gained over the years, how have you modified your preparation?
Preparation for Rampage is very specific. My approach to the line I plan to ride changes every year too. This year I spent most of my time on my freeride bike, whereas before I spent more time on my slopestyle bike.
Or modified and adapted your equipment (suspension, wheels…)?
Not really any big changes apart from a single crown fork!
Thomas Genon. Photo by Jules Langeard, courtesy Red Bull Rampage
Which bike will you ride in 2023? What will be your Bike-Setup (suspension setup, single crown or double crown, air shock or coil, tire choice…) for this year?
Single crown this year! Hard-tuned bike (model Canyon Torque al 27.5) with not much suspension rebound. 2.4 tire and with a higher pressure than usually. In short, the bike only works well in Utah.
What makes this contest so difficult and special for you?
I love the fact that we all come from different backgrounds, we all have a different vision of our line and that’s what makes freeriding so interesting. The only common goal is: “go big or go home”.
Thomas Genon. Photo by Jules Langeard, courtesy Red Bull Rampage
Do you have any special habits for Rampage? Do you listen to music? Any lucky charms?
Morning workouts are for warming up and visualizing the run. After that I relax and try to stay calm. Music helps. I will do a Rampage playlist. I don’t watch too many runs before me. It can be stressful to see others as stressed as I am, haha.
Let’s talk about lines and shapers: What have you planned for this year’s Rampage and who have you brought to support you (diggers, filmmaker, photographer, etc)?
I’ve got my housemate Jules Langeard who’ll be there to film, and Louis Reboul and Paul Couderc to help me on the line. We’re all good buddies and we’ll be in good spirits.
In ten consecutive Rampage participations you have seen it all. You’ve seen all the brilliant runs and all the gnarly crashes. Which Rampage run do you consider the most outstanding ever?
For me, a good run on this event is a complete run. That is to say, with complicated sections to go down, tricks on big sets up, style and creativity. There were a lot of good runs, but I’m thinking of Brendan Fairclough (in 2019) and all the Lacondeguy runs.
SACRAMENTO, California (October 5, 2023) — At a time when California communities should be encouraging more biking and walking, several cities in Southern California have responded to more people getting on bikes by imposing fines and restrictions.
Studies show that most people are interested in cycling, but are scared off by the dangers of moving traffic. Separated bike lanes help make cycling feel safe and attractive to more people, including novice riders, women, children, and the elderly. Photo by Paul Krueger. CC BY 2.0 DEED, Attribution 2.0 Generic
“Not only do these regulations conflict with state law,” says CalBike executive director Kendra Ramsey, “but we know they will be enforced disproportionately against people of color. We need fewer punitive regulations, not more.”
Examples of the bicycle restrictions imposed by Southern California cities:
Carlsbad: After a speeding driver ran a stop sign and hit and killed a woman riding an e-bike in 2022, the city imposed restrictions on e-bikes.
Encinitas: After a teenager riding an e-bike was hit and killed by a van driver while “doing everything right” (according to witnesses), the city declared an e-bike emergency.
Manhattan Beach: The city has enacted laws governing bike riding that conflict with state law and carry penalties up to $1000 for violations.
Huntington Beach: The city adopted bike regulations similar to those in Manhattan Beach, empowering police to impound people’s bicycles and fines up to $500.
Bicycle use is regulated at the state level. While local jurisdictions have some leeway to impose local regulations, things such as where bikes can operate on the road and e-bike access to bike paths are dictated by state law.
CalBike calls on these and other cities to stop discriminating against people who ride bikes. The best way to ensure bike safety is to build complete, protected bikeways. We encourage every California community to prioritize the infrastructure to make biking safe.
SACRAMENTO, California (October 3, 2023) – A slate of six critical active transit bills supported by CalBike are now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. Governor Newsom has until October 14 to sign or veto bills. If he takes no action, the bills become law.
“Taken together, these laws will improve biking, walking, and transit. In an era of increasingly extreme climate disruption, our overarching goal must be to help Californians get to where they need go using active transportation,” said Jared Sanchez, policy director, CalBike. “All these measures have the added benefit of reducing auto-related traffic deaths.”
AB 825 Bryan: Safe Passage for Bikes
The Safe Passage for Bikes Bill allows bicycle riding on a sidewalk adjacent to a street that does not include a Class I, Class II, or Class IV bikeway. The bill will take away a justification for traffic stops that may be racially biased and give people on bikes safer places to ride on dangerous streets with no bikeways. In addition, the bill includes provisions to protect pedestrians and give them the right of way on sidewalks. AB 825 is a positive step toward decriminalization and bike rider safety.
AB 413 Lee: Daylighting to Save Lives
Intersections are the most common sites of collisions involving people walking and biking. The daylighting bill prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any unmarked or marked crosswalk. This is a crucial measure that will improve safety by increasing visibility.
The Automated Speed Enforcement Bill establishes an automated speed safety pilot program in six jurisdictions: the cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, and Long Beach, and the City and County of San Francisco. Cities must give 30-day notice before the program starts, and tickets issued for the first 60 days will be warnings only, with no fines.
Automated speed enforcement is a proven deterrent to speeding in other states and is crucial to making California streets safer, since speed is a major factor in collisions involving serious injuries and fatalities.
AB 819 Bryan: Decriminalizing Transit Fare Evasion
This bill decriminalizes fare evasion by removing it as a misdemeanor classification. Offenders can still be fined, but potential penalties would not include jail time. In an ideal world, public transit would be free and frequent, with no need for police to check fares. Unfortunately, too often civic budget priorities won’t fund free public transit, but AB 819 is a step in the right direction.
AB 251 Ward: Deadly Oversized Cars
The Deadly Oversized Cars Bill convenes a task force to study the relationship between vehicle weight and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists, and to study the costs and benefits of imposing a passenger vehicle weight fee. If California adds a weight fee, it could serve as a disincentive for manufacturers to make and consumers to purchase heavier SUVs and trucks.
SB 695 Gonzalez: Caltrans Freeway Data
This data transparency measure will require Caltrans to prepare and make available information and data about activities on the state highway system on a public portal. CalBike believes having more visibility into Caltrans projects is crucial for advocates because it will make it much easier to direct efforts where they will have the most impact.
Passage of these measures will represent a crucial advance in equitable use of California streets and roads, providing increased safety for vulnerable road users and making it easier for Californians to choose low- and no-carbon transportation.
JFK Grant Applications Accepted Starting October 3, 2023
The Just for Kids Foundation (JFK) is excited to announce that their annual fundraiser, the Mountains to the Desert Classic bike ride (M2D), achieved its 20th Anniversary, $200K fundraising goal.
Riders during the 2023 Mountains to the Desert Classic. Photo by Alex Ferrari, courtesy M2D
“Although the goal was a lofty one, I don’t think any of us were surprised that we reached it. As always, all of the riders who were fundraising reached out to their families, friends and the greater Telluride community to tell them what we needed, and they generously delivered.” says Elaine Demas, President of the Just For Kids Foundation Board. At the conclusion of the M2D ride on Saturday, September 23, 2023, M2D had only $5K to go and the goal of $200K was reached on September 30th. Demas adds “On behalf of JFK, and all of the children’s organizations we support, we want to thank the event sponsors, 365+ donors, 130+ riders, 40+ volunteers, JFK/M2D board and committee members, and the countless supporters who helped our fundraising efforts this year.”
Riders during the 2023 Mountains to the Desert Classic. Photo by Alex Ferrari, courtesy M2D
A 501(c)(3) established in 1999 and based in Telluride, Colorado, JFK serves the San Miguel Watershed region and provides essential scholarships, operating grants, program support, capital and start-up funding, and equipment to deserving youth and youth organizations throughout the county. To see JFK’s full list of grant recipients and read more about the history of the organization, visit www.justforkidsfoundation.org.
Riders during the 2023 Mountains to the Desert Classic. Photo by Alex Ferrari, courtesy M2D
JFK’s organization and individual grant application opens this Tuesday, October 3 and closes Saturday, October 21 at 11:59pm MT. For application instructions and information visit: www.justforkidsfoundation.org/grants. The awards ceremony for 2023 JFK Grant recipients will take place the week after Thanksgiving, more details coming soon.
Riders during the 2023 Mountains to the Desert Classic. Photo by Alex Ferrari, courtesy M2D
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (September 21, 2023) — Lime announced today that riders made this summer Lime’s best ever in Salt Lake City, setting ridership records nearly every month and even surpassing comparable months from pre-pandemic years. Salt Lake City riders blazed right through the 2 million rides milestone and are currently at 2.25 million total rides, making up 80% of total rides at points in the summer. Lime attributes this success to the fact that the city is booming and more people are looking for sustainable transportation options and the city being a willing partner, helping Lime adjust its service to meet growing demand.
Lime also noted the investments it made in its local program, most notably its Gen4 e-scooter models which riders embraced immediately. Finally, Lime credited the city itself and the investments it has made in transportation infrastructure like bike lanes and bike parking, which are always the best thing a city can do to encourage residents and visitors to travel on two wheels. Lime was able to become the leader in the city’s micromobility program through its investments in hardware and its focus on local operations, leading to Lime capturing 80% share of total rides. Lime looks forward to continuing to work with the city to build the sustainable transportation future it deserves as well as support local businesses by making it easy, safe, and fun to get around.
Lime scooters are one of the Wasatch Front’s top choices for micromobility. Photo courtesy Lime
“Salt Lake City has experienced some of the highest relative rates of growth in population and economic activity than almost anywhere in the country. More people and more economic activity mean more demand for safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation options, and Lime is proud to be the e-scooter operator of choice for Salt Lake City residents and visitors which we can see in our 80% share of total rides. Ridership is booming because of the partnership we have with the city and the investments we’ve made to encourage people to ride green, which allow us to meet the growing transportation needs of a growing city. We look forward to working with the city to build on this success and keep moving forward as we work to meet the city’s transportation and climate goals,” said Rick Crossley, Operations Manager at Lime.
Since Lime launched in Salt Lake City in July 2018, 570,000 unique riders have taken 2.25 million rides and traveled 2.5 million miles. Lime riders have kept an estimated 525,000 car trips off the road, saving an estimated 248 metric tons of carbon emissions and 28,000 gallons of gas. Lime is proud to report that Salt Lake area residents have also been taking advantage of its Lime Access program, which offers discounts to people who receive government assistance. Over 600 Lime Access riders have taken nearly 10,000 trips, representing an estimated $40,000 in savings for people most in need.
Lime Ridership in Data
Lime riders from May through August in 2023 took 340,000 rides compared to 217,000 during the same months in 2022, an increase of 57%
Lime riders in the first half of 2023 took 273,000 rides compared to 158,000 during the same time period in 2022, an increase of 73%
The largest year over year increase in one month was July 2023 with 116,000 trips compared to 59,000 in July 2022, an increase of 97%
Lime reached 80% of total rides in August 2023
Lime launched its industry leading Gen4 vehicles in March and April, which immediately became the gold standard for riders in the Wasatch Front
Lime is proud of our Equity Deployment on the West Side of town and we are consistently above the program goals set out by SLC.
Lime Access ridership has been increasing consistently to 1,520 rides in August 2023.
Lime has worked with HEAL Utah and set up outreach at events like the Latino Conservation week swap meet the last two years with a booth to sign people up for the program as well as handing out helmets
Record Growth: Lime as the Global Leader in Micromobility
Lime, the world’s largest shared electric vehicle company, today unveiled new financial and ridership figures from the first half of 2023 that demonstrate demand for shared e-bikes and e-scooters continues to grow around the world. In the first half of the year, Lime achieved more than $250 million in gross bookings, a 45% increase over the same period in 2022. Lime also achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA of $27 million during this period, the first time it has reached this milestone in the first half of any year to date, with a margin improvement of 29 percentage points. Lime also achieved positive EBITDA on an unadjusted basis during this period. The H1 results highlight Lime’s continued momentum following a 2022 in which it achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA over the full year.
“Coming off a record year for Lime, we are proud to have achieved an acceleration in our strong performance in 2023” said Wayne Ting, CEO of Lime. “Riders around the world are demonstrating strong demand for low-cost, reliable and emissions-free transportation. We are encouraged that cities also recognize this as they continue to welcome and expand e-bike and e-scooter programs globally. Our year-over-year revenue growth and ability to operate profitably are strong signals for the long-term viability of Lime’s business. This record first half is a strong endorsement of our investments in in-house hardware design, operational excellence and cultivating strong relationships with cities.”
Lime is off to the best start of any year in its history. The company’s growth in 2023 is powered by its highest ever ridership in a single quarter, with more than 40 million trips taken globally in Q2 alone, besting its previous record quarter of Q3 in 2022. This record ridership stems from Lime’s growth within existing markets and into new markets, leading to higher average trips-per-vehicle-per-day and improved supply and reliability for riders. Lime now has the leading e-scooter market share across the United States and Europe.
How did Lime get here?
Lime’s continued success relies upon investments in three core areas over the past several years, leading to widely differentiated outcomes from its competitors:
Celebrate Kuss’ historic Vuelta a España victory at Buckley Park with The Eagle of Durango himself
DURANGO, Colo. (Sept. 29, 2023) — Durango Devo is hosting 2023 Vuelta a España winner, Sepp Kuss, for a homecoming celebration and bike parade. Kuss, a Devo alumn, will join the Durango community on Oct. 19 at Buckley Park for a speech, meet & greet, and more.
All members of the public are invited to attend this special appearance of Kuss, known worldwide as The Eagle of Durango. The event will kick off at 3:30 with speeches from Kuss and special guests and a Q&A with Kuss. At 4:30, there will be a bike parade down Main Avenue and returning to Buckley Park via East 2nd Avenue. The evening will end back at Buckley Park with autograph signings, live music, food, drink, and Sepp Kuss merchandise sales.
A young Sepp Kuss during his years with Durango Devo. Photo by Chad Cheeney, courtesy Durango Devo.
Sepp Kuss Celebration Schedule of Events – Thursday, October 19, 2023
Parking is limited: all attendees are encouraged to ride their bikes to the event
3:30 p.m. – Speeches and Q&A at Buckley
4:30 p.m. – Bike Parade: South on Main Avenue to the train station, left, then left on East 2nd Avenue, and north on East 2nd Avenue back to Buckley Park.
5:15 p.m. – Post Parade Celebration/Autographs/Live Music
7:00 – Buckley Park Closed
“Durango Devo is proud of all our alumni, and we’re certainly proud of Sepp Kuss! He is a great example of what makes Durango Devo and the Durango cycling community special,” says Levi Kurlander, executive director of Durango Devo. “We are honored to host the Vuelta a España champion and Tour de France stage winner and celebrate his achievements in his hometown.”
The Sepp Kuss homecoming celebration takes place during Spoketober, a month of bike-themed events during the entire month of October. Spoketober celebrates the cycling community that produced Kuss, as well as highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of cycling in Durango.
Special thanks for this event is owed to these community partners: Durango Devo staff and sponsors; the City of Durango; Visit Durango and Spoketober; Verde PR; Ska Brewing; the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic; Durango Trails; and Fort Lewis College Cycling.
In case of bad weather, the event will take place at the La Plata Fairground Exhibit Hall, and the parade will take place on the Animas River Trail. Necessary updates on a possible venue change will be made the week of the event and posted to social media.
TRINIDAD, Colorado (September 30, 2023) –The Rad Dirt Fest took place this weekend in Trinidad, Colorado. Going into the third year of the event, the town was buzzing with gravel excitement from pros and amateurs alike, welcoming 1,000 cyclists from 46 states and nine countries.
2023 The Rad Fest. Photo courtesy Life Time
“I am incredibly proud of the third annual The Rad Dirt Fest held in Trinidad, Colorado. This event has been a great collaboration between our team at Life Time and our dedicated community partners in Trinidad. Together, we have both created an exceptional experience and also aided in positioning Trinidad as a promising new destination for outdoor recreation,” says Michelle Duffy Smith, Senior Marketing Director at Life Time.
2023 The Rad Fest. Photo courtesy Life Time
“Participants traveled from near and far to this eclectic community and were rewarded with what is arguably one of the most beautiful courses in the country. The addition of our professional cyclists in the Life Time Grand Prix has further elevated the event’s profile, putting it on the map in a big way. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey of growth and adventure with Trinidad.”
2023 The Rad Fest. Photo courtesy Life Time
Cyclists tackled the 112-mile ‘Stubborn Delores’ featuring more than 10,400 feet of elevation gain, while the 68-mile ‘Anteloop’ and 47-mile ‘Frijole’ course distances offer 6,500- and 4,200-feet of climbing, respectively. All three courses were new for this year’s race and featured a mix of pristine and punchy gravel. As the day went on the wind picked up for riders and made for a challenging end of the race, but riders preserved until the finish.
Alexey Vermeulen wins the 2023 The Rad Fest. Photo courtesy Life Time
The men’s 112-mile race course started with a lap around Trinidad Lake State Park, where the men stayed in a large pack. At mile 46 the group started to break up with Lachlan Morton and Nathan Spratt about 3-minutes ahead of a large chase group that included Alexey Vermeulen, Alex Howes, Peter Stetina, Matt Beers and more. After 55 miles of gradual climbing, the course finally began to descend. At mile 65, Stetina, Vermeulen and Brendan Johnston led the race with Morton, Howes, Spratt and Eric Brunner not far behind. Going into the final sections of the race Stetina, Vermeulen and Johnson were all very close coming back into downtown Trinidad. After a very punchy climb, Vermeulen and Stetina dropped Johnston. In the descent in the last quarter mile, Vermeulen overtook Stetina, for a sprint to the finish to win the men’s race.
Lauren de Crescenzo posts-up as she wins The Rad Fest for the second time in three years. Photo courtesy Life Time
Coming out of the state park in the women’s 112-mile race, the lead group of women included Crystal Anthony, Alexis Skarda, Michaela Thompson, Whitney Allison and Lauren De Crescenzo. A number of chase groups had formed behind. At the halfway point, the lead group was charging up the long climbs, led by De Crescenzo, Paige Onweller, Skarda and Anthony. After the long 20-mile climb section, at mile 64, De Crescenzo was leading with Skarda just 10-seconds back and Onweller, Anthony, Melisa Rollins and Heather Jackson all chasing. Coming off the lake trail, De Crescenzo had thirty seconds over Skarda and ultimately took the win by over two-minutes following the finish circuit through the streets of Trinidad. This is De Crescenzo’s second win at The Rad Dirt Fest after winning the inaugural year in 2021.
Women’s Stubborn Delores (112 miles) Results
Name
City
Age
Time
Lauren De Crescenzo
Denver, Colo.
33
5:52:17
Alexis Skarda
Grand Junction, Colo.
34
5:54:35
Crystal Anthony
Bentonville, Ark.
42
5:57:47
Men’s Stubborn Delores (112 miles) Results
Name
City
Age
Time
Alexey Vermeulen
Pinckney, Mich.
28
5:05:29
Peter Stetina
Santa Rosa, Calif,
36
5:05:31
Brendan Johnston
Coombs, Aus.
25
5:05:36
2023 The Rad Fest. Photo courtesy Life Time
The Rad Dirt Fest was the sixth race in the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix The series will be capped off on Oct. 21 with the Big Sugar Gravel in Bentonville, Arkansas. To view the current standings and learn more about the Life Time Grand Prix, visit www.lifetimegrandprix.com.
By Charles Pekow — Cyclist deaths and injuries increased in 2021 over 2020, according to the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Deaths increased 1.9 percent to 966, while injuries in 2021 totaled 41,615, up from 38,886, says Traffic Safety Facts: 2021 Data: Bicyclists and Other Cyclists (https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813484).
2019 February Ghost bike death on 45th street NYC. Photo by Brecht Bug. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED
Note: The figures refer to “pedalcyclists,” the overwhelming number consists of bicyclists but also includes those riding unicycles, tricycles, etc.
No cyclist was killed in Wyoming in 2021. But the paper doesn’t discuss causes of the increases, such as changes in the amount of cycling. But in 36 percent of the cases, someone involved in the crash had been drinking. And both injury and death rates were much higher for males than females.
Only 15 percent of crashes occurred in rural areas. Only 29 percent occurred at intersections. And 52 percent occurred after dark. Only five percent of fatalities occurred where more than one auto was involved.
The month-long initiative celebrates Durango’s diverse cycling community that goes far beyond the elite athletes the town is known for
DURANGO, Colorado (September 27, 2023) — Visit Durango is bringing back Spoketober for its second consecutive year of celebrating Durango’s tight-knit and passionate cycling community. The month-long calendar of events highlights the dedication and sweat equity its residents have committed to making Durango one of the top cycling destinations in the nation, featuring over 300 miles of singletrack trails and being home to numerous Olympians. The community cycling event will take place throughout Durango and La Plata County, Colo. for the entire month of October 2023.
Image courtesy Spoketober
After a successful inaugural edition in 2022, this year Spoketober aims to solidify its position as an annual cycling event that attracts locals and holds national sway, akin to Crankworx Whistler or the Sea Otter Classic. The initiative bolsters Durango’s cycling legacy and celebrates its diversity beyond the elite athletes the town is known for. Spoketober features a wide variety of inclusive cycling-centric events for all levels and disciplines, organized by local organizations, cycling teams, and retailers.
Cycling the Animas River Trail during fall. Image courtesy Spoketober
Spoketober is designed to be inclusive of all members of the cycling community and will include events such as a community group ride, a bicycle recycle and upcycle event, a costume bike parade with DEVO, a jump clinic and contest, and a chainless race on the BMX track. Additional activities to participate in throughout the month include various concerts, contests, clinics, and cycling celebrations. There will be prize giveaways, free stickers, and free posters at every Spoketober event. Local artist and cycling enthusiast Jon Bailey created the 2023 Spoketober collectible poster.
Group bike ride during Spoketober. Image courtesy Spoketober
“We are amazed and elated by the local support Spoketober received since its launch in 2022,” says Rachel Welsh, PR and Communications Manager for Visit Durango. “This 2nd annual celebration is already proving to be bigger than the last, with many local organizations stepping up with new events and passionate support. Durango is one of the best places to be on a bike and the fall colors just add to the cycling magic.”
Mountain biking on the Rim Trail during fall. Image courtesy Spoketober
Spoketober 2023 Schedule of Events
4 – Anthony D’Amato performs at the Durango Hot Springs
Oct 5 – Bike-In Movie Night featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas outside at the Durango Community Recreation Center
6-7 – iAM Music Festival Block Party
7 – Durango Fire Presents: Street Smarts, an educational event with a focus on being a safe driver, cyclist, and pedestrian
7 – Team Segment 28 and FLC Cycling Present: Durango Fall Blaze
8 – Spoketober Jump Clinic & Contest at Chapman Hill with Influencers Lain Van Ogle and Sean Kingsbury
12 – Segment 28 Zia Social No Drop Group Ride from Zia to the Starwars Trails
13-14 – Share the Love Cycle upcycle and recycle event at Buckley Park
14 – Solar Eclipse Viewing at the Durango Public Library
14 – Bike Prom Group Ride and Party at the Powerhouse Museum
15 – Spoketober Group Ride from FLC to Buckley Park
15 – Cycling Culture Celebration at Buckley Park (after the group ride)
18 – Bicycle Karaoke at 8th Ave Tavern
20 – Durango Slaydies Female Empowerment Group Ride
21 – Chainless Bike Race at the Durango BMX Track at Cundiff Park
23 – Adaptive Sports Association Community Ride
26 – Durango DEVO Halloween Costume Bike Parade & Party at the Powerhouse Museum
26 – Holy Cow Group Ride to Ska Brewing HQ
28 – EsoTerra Cidery Slowest Bike Race & Cycling Celebration
29 – Holy Cow Advanced Group Ride
* There are still several pending events and promotions for Spoketober 2023 to be announced soon.
Image courtesy Spoketober
Participating organizations include Durango Trails, the Adaptive Sports Association, Fort Lewis College Cycling Team, Team Segment 28, Bike Durango, Durango DEVO, Durango Hot Springs, iAM Music Festival, Animas City Theater, City of Durango, Durango Fire Protection District, Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works, Durango Public Library, 8th Ave Tavern, Durango Slaydies, Durango BMX, EsoTerra Cidery, VNTR Birds, and Holy Cow Racing.
Be sure to follow Spoketober @SpoketoberDurango and use the #SpoketoberDurango hashtag to keep up to date with the latest events and giveaways.
To learn more and see the full schedule visit: SpoketoberDurango.com. Spoketober promotions will be listed on the Durango Deals page, and stay tuned to the Sweepstakes page for a chance to win a trip to Durango.
TUCSON, Arizona (September 19, 2023) — The Tucson Bicycle Classic (TBC) proudly announces the dates for its 36th annual stage race in 2024. A premier event in the world of competitive road cycling, TBC continues to attract top talent from across the nation. In celebration of its rich history, the race is set to take place from February 23rd to February 25th, 2024, marking a move from its traditional spot on the calendar in early March to the last weekend in February.
2023 Tucson Bicycle Classic Stage 3. Photo by Nathan and Morleigh Schneeberger/Tucson Bicycle Classic
Event Director Marco Colbert stated: “This event is an iconic early season event which cyclists from around the country look forward to each and every year. We are proud to put on an event that truly shows off Tucson, Oro Valley, and the surrounding areas.”
For nearly four decades, the Tucson Bicycle Classic has stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of competitive road cycling. Sanctioned by USA Cycling, the event showcases the dedication and athleticism of both male and female athletes. TBC is proud to maintain its commitment to gender equality by offering equal cash purses and equal race distances to male and female riders.
2023 Tucson Bicycle Classic Stage 3. Photo by Nathan and Morleigh Schneeberger/Tucson Bicycle Classic
“Equality between the men’s and women’s fields is important to us, as is growing participation within our women’s fields, which is why we have run women’s clinics the past two years and will continue to offer a clinic in 2024.” – Marco Colbert
In 2024, TBC is excited to return to the vibrant Town of Oro Valley on February 25th, where the local community has been a gracious host and partner in supporting the race. Oro Valley’s scenic roads and iconic climbs serve as the perfect backdrop for cyclists, whether they are seasoned professionals or enthusiastic amateurs seeking an ideal winter training destination.
2023 Tucson Bicycle Classic Stage 3. Photo by Nathan and Morleigh Schneeberger/Tucson Bicycle Classic
Tucson, Arizona, is renowned among cyclists as one of the rare destinations where riding is possible nearly every day of the year. The region’s pleasant climate, well-maintained roads, and breathtaking landscapes make it a cycling paradise. TBC is proud to be a part of this vibrant cycling community and looks forward to showcasing Tucson’s unique appeal to riders from near and far.
With the stage set for an exciting 36th edition, the Tucson Bicycle Classic is expected to draw over 600 riders in 2024, including a mix of professional and amateur cyclists. Prominent pro teams like the Project Echelon Racing men’s team and Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24 women’s team have already committed to attend the TBC. This event promises thrilling competition, stunning scenery, and a warm welcome to all participants and spectators alike.
