About 10 years ago, Donelson Coaching, based in Eagle, Colorado, set out to create an opportunity for young women to participate in the sport of mountain biking, no matter their backgrounds. They rode bikes while building self-esteem, improving their fitness, and learning about nutrition strategies. The kids received mountain bikes and equipment, were trained by professional coaches, and competed in races throughout Eagle County. Mountain biking provided a means for these girls to escape the stresses of high-school life and learn lifelong skills. Out of this grassroots program, The Cycle Effect was born.
Today, The Cycle Effect is a non-profit primarily serving Latina and low-income young women in Eagle, Mesa, and Summit counties in Colorado. The Cycle Effect focuses on three primary goal areas: physical wellness; community impact and mentorship; and building brighter futures. It is an opportunity for participants to engage in a regular, healthy after-school program that helps build their self-esteem and promote overall wellness. The girls are then more likely to be healthier, stay involved in school, and set goals that will support their future. Since 2012, The Cycle Effect has helped more than 750 young women.
In 2021, four girls from the Eagle team challenged their fathers to a mountain bike race. While the girls ride several times a week, their fathers have far less experience on the bike. Like any race, the goal was to see which group would be faster, the fathers or the daughters. But as race day drew near, the girls started to see the race less as a competition and more as a way to use the mountain biking skills they learned from The Cycle Effect to help their fathers successfully get through the ride.
Mountain biking is more than a fun activity. It is a tool to help high schoolers feel strong, bond with others, and find a new community. The Pro’s Closet believes more people should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of riding bikes. We’re thankful for the opportunity to supply mountain bikes for The Cycle Effect and support their mission to empower young women through mountain biking so they may view their bikes as a tool for future success.
Learn more about The Cycle Effect