The Cycle Effect Creates Brighter Futures For Young Women In Colorado

The Cycle Effect’s mission is to empower young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities. The organization uses mountain biking as a powerful tool to teach young women life skills that will lead them to vibrant futures.

“The Cycle Effect gave me a space to try something new and work really hard on it and enjoy it very much. I also feel it was a great opportunity to be part of a group of powerful girls doing a powerful sport.” - The Cycle Effect athlete

ABOUT The Cycle Effect:

The Cycle Effect (TCE) year-round mountain bike program serves young women ages 10 to 18, in Eagle, Mesa, Routt and Summit counties. The organization aims to serve a majority of athletes who identify as Latinx and/or Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and work to remove financial barriers while supporting social-emotional well-being for all participants. By centering our values of equity, compassion, belonging, thriving, courage and fun, TCE is committed to creating an organization that allows participants the opportunity to create brighter futures and build stronger communities.

“Our goal is to break down barriers to accessing the sport of mountain biking while building resilient young women in our communities,” shares Brett Donelson, TCE founder and CEO. “Embedded into our programming are three key pillars: Physical Wellness, Mentorship & Community Impact, and Building Brighter Futures. With over 80 days of programming offered to each participant, The Cycle Effect provides a healthy and safe outlet to practice resiliency, build confidence, and cultivate a support network with trusted coaches and mentors.” 

As stated by a participant, “The Cycle Effect means the world to me. It makes me feel better about myself both physically and mentally. I find solace and peace in riding, and I know that if I have a problem I can lower my stress and up my happiness by riding, but I can also look to the older girls and coaches for advice. The opportunities this program provides are so helpful and encouraging.”

“At The Cycle Effect, we want young women to participate fully and equally in mountain biking and in our community at large to achieve success,” adds Donelson. “To break-down barriers from joining our program, we provide all equipment necessary at little to no cost, including bikes, safety equipment, proper cycling apparel, nutritional ride food, coaching and race entry fees.”

Participants use determination to get to the top of a hill or a mountain, both on their bike and metaphorically off their bike. TCE athletes learn to build a strong sense of self worth, knowledge and independence as they reach goals they never thought were possible.

A donation to The Cycle Effect helps empower young women in our communities.

For more information on The Cycle Effect, please visit TheCycleEffect.org or call 970-306-7572

HISTORY

In November of 2010, Donelson Coaching set out to create an opportunity for local young women with the idea that committed and driven kids should be able to participate in a sport we are so passionate about, no matter what their background. They rode bikes while building self-esteem, improving their fitness and learning about nutritional opportunities. They received mountain bikes and equipment, were trained by professional coaches, and competed in race events throughout Eagle County. Mountain biking provided the means for these girls to escape the stresses of high-school life and teach lifelong skills.

No member had ever taken part in competitive mountain biking; however, each girl became passionate about this incredible opportunity. Together, they create an amazing team dynamic despite different backgrounds and challenges.  As a group, these girls strive to overcome all obstacles to become great mountain biking teams in Eagle, Mesa, Routt and Summit counties of Colorado.

“Being in The Cycle Effect to me means that I am a part of a community where everyone can go and be ourselves and have fun. I can help push other people and other people can push or guide me to be my best.” - The Cycle Effect athlete

This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.