The Cycle Effect Ignites Purpose In Every Pedal For Colorado Youth
Photo by Jesse Star Productions
Life happens on and off the trail, with lessons learned on every drop and jump. And such as life, the obstacles a mountain biker endures on any given path teach the importance of balance, resilience, health and the thrill of pushing forward, no matter how rough the ride.
The Cycle Effect is grounded in this very notion — empowering young women with mountain biking and mentorship. The non-profit organization began in 2012 in Eagle County. Today, the organization serves girls and women in Eagle, Summit, Routt, Mesa and Garfield counties. The talented and passionate founders, and Vail Valley locals, Tam and Brett Donelson saw a lack of presence for girls, especially Latina and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) riders, in the mountain biking community. So, the couple set out to change that.
“One of our values is equity, and that is at the heart of our world,” The Cycle Effect development director Becca Gould shares. “[That is why] we reduce and eliminate barriers for participation.”
This is only possible with the support of individuals and businesses. That is why this Colorado Gives Day, Dec. 10, 2024, a generous donor is matching every dollar donated through Dec. 31, 2024. Every penny provides safe bikes, helmets, uniforms and transportation for the girls of The Cycle Effect. Donations are also used to provide healthy snacks, a budget for mentors and coaches, fitness equipment and outreach.
COURAGE, CONFIDENCE + COMPANIONSHIP
It is wildly important for each and every athlete to feel a sense of belonging, empowerment and confidence. Gould emphasizes this program purposely begins when the participants are 10 years old — at the starting line of critical and influential middle school years.
“Being a part of this team and community helps offset the challenges they face at school and at home,” Gould says.
The Cycle Effect flourishes off of a “learn, master, share model.” Athletes have the opportunity to participate in a full-circle progression. Once the girls turn 15 or 16, they can choose to follow the steps and interview process to become a junior coach. This role carves a pathway for the eldest girls to become leaders and role models for their younger peers. This is the epitome of The Cycle Effect: an outlet for girls to thrive and progress. Your donations during this time, and always, benefit this positive energetic chain.
“There is a magic of physical activity alongside supportive community,” Gould highlights. “The girls begin to see mountain biking as stress relief. They now have this as an outlet. A tool in their toolkit.”
Mountain biking is a sport that intersects individuality with team mentality. The caring and courageous coaches across Colorado counties lead athletes with an emphasis on individuality. No matter a girl’s background or reality, the coaches push their teams to reach beyond their comfort zones.
“It is inherent to who we are as an organization,” Gould elaborates. “Getting better and going faster is [also] fun. Both on the bike and in life.”
THE TRAIL AS A TEACHER
There are endless life lessons baked into every turn, ascent and descent. Gould highlights an imperative one: “Look forward. Do not look back.” Mountain biking forces the girls to send their energy to the present. This is transformative because “girls grow in confidence. They see ‘wow, I am capable of doing hard things.’”
The engagement, sense of belonging and community happen even when the trails are filled with snow or mud. The Cycle Effect is a year-round program. In non-mountain biking season, the girls and their coaches continue their physical training to work towards their athletic pursuits and volunteer with their local communities. This emphasizes the non-profit’s commitment to team mentality and forging contributing members of society.
“Keeping our connection with our girls even when we cannot get on the trails together is really important,” shares Gould.
The Cycle Effect is committed to evolving not just their guidance, but also their resources for girls across the state. An investment with The Cycle Effect is an investment in adventurous, passionate, determined and kind young girls of today. Your donation goes beyond a bike.
“The bike to these girls is freedom,” Coach Tam says. “It’s power. It’s independence and it’s fun.”
To support The Cycle Effect, and to help empower young women with mountain biking and mentorship, please contribute today through Dec. 31, 2024 to double your donation.
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This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.