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On a crisp Friday afternoon in September, 26 members of the Colorowdies Mountain Bike Crew loaded up and left Golden with a singular purpose: to trade our usual shred sessions for some trail stewardship. Destination? Colorado Springs, where we teamed up with the Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association (COSMBA) for a weekend dedicated to giving back to the dirt that fuels their passion.
Our crew pulled into the serene Golden Eagle Campground, the temporary base for the weekend. After a quick setup, we hit the trail, with Rowdy Alumni Alex and Tachee guiding us on a spirited rip along Section 16. If you haven’t put wheels on this section of trail, do it now! This makes for an amazing after-work rip.
Building the Things We Want to Ride
Saturday dawned with the promise of hard work. Fueled by breakfast burritos from Tacos Del Gordo, provided by Train to Ride, the crew got to work. We packed our day packs with hydration mixes, energy chews, and bars from Skratch Labs before caravaning to Blodgett Open Space.
Under the guidance of COSMBA, the Colorowdies traded our bikes for McLeod hoes and shovels. We spent the day building new lines, shaping berms, and building a double roll/drop rock feature. This wasn’t just about giving back; it was about building a better ride for everyone. The work was tough, but the camaraderie and the tangible results kept their spirits high. As the afternoon peaked, so did the weather. A rain and lightning storm shortened the day slightly. However, everyone was stoked on the work that was accomplished for the day.
Fortunately for the crew, SRAM is located in the Springs offered their space for happy hour! Huge thanks to Alex and SRAM for allowing us to use their amazing space and for a tour of the building!
Dig to Ride
Sunday was the payoff. After another round of breakfast burritos (we can’t thank Train to Ride enough), the crew loaded up their bikes and headed to Pikes Peak to ride the Plummet. With shuttle vans provided by SRAM, our crew ripped down 6500 feet of vert on one of the Springs classic rides. Thanks again to Skratch Labs for the hydration and fuel to keep us going!
The Colorowdies left Colorado Springs a little dirtier and more tired, but with a deeper connection to the trails and the community that builds them.
Why We Give Back
The Colorowdies’ Mission trip is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when riders get behind local trail organizations. Groups like COSMBA are the unsung heroes of our sport. They work tirelessly to advocate for our trails, secure funding for new projects, and organize the volunteer efforts that keep our favorite spots running.
Supporting COSMBA isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in the future of mountain biking in the Colorado Springs area. Whether you’re a local who rides these trails every weekend or a visiting shredder who just appreciates good dirt, your support helps ensure that the trails you love today will be around for future generations of riders.
Want to get involved? Check out the Colorado Springs Mountain Bike Association to learn about their mission, upcoming trail projects, and how you can support their work.