Upcoming events.
If you are attending any of the training rides you’ll need to fill out the waiver through this link or the QR code.
April Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
The April ride has two distinct adventures: the longer route will do a loop that includes some light single track in Lory and the shorter one covers some flatter bike paths…take note of the bits of single track along the sides and enjoy them if it’s not too muddy or icy! The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am.
Grab our clothing reco’s for late winter/early spring weather (& a discount code!) below. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration & Liquid Shots (use BIKESPORTS for 20% off), Bobo’s (use BIKESPORTS30 for 30% off), Chamois Butt’r, and some rotating surprises through the training series.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
ROUTES:
Longer Option. (You’ll need a State Park Pass, included in your vehicle registration as of 2023, or a $4 bike day pass)
The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
BIG THANKS TO THE FORT FOLLIES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR APRIL RIDE!
The Fort Follies are a group that seeks to empower women* in the Fort Collins area to be active and impactful members of our cycling community through riding, racing, and philanthropy. We strongly believe in a positive, supportive, and inclusive team, suited for women of all abilities and disciplines.
We aim to:
Connect Fort Collins women on bikes through group rides, clinics, events, and races.
Provide skills clinics and mechanical skills clinics to empower women to start racing and riding more.
Be active community members to make women’s voice heard and their participation felt in their cycling community.
Hold a strong presence in the grassroots racing series that takes place in the community
*The Follies are for all women, regardless of the sex they were identified as at birth.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
For rides ~40-55 degrees, layering is still really important, although each layer becomes lighter and ideally storable on your person should you warm up. Below are our recommended layering options as we leave the coldest days of winter behind and head towards spring. Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two:
Note: When you are on single track or narrow trails, the best practice is to look at where you want to go versus where you don’t want to go.
FoCo Fondo Beginner’s Clinic
New for 2024, the FoCo Fondo Beginner’s Clinic! Designed for the gravel curious, this low-stress clinic will cover some gravel basic skills as well as equipment and maintenance basics. Only 30 spots are available. Register now.
May Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
The May Training Ride has two great options. The longer route heads to Red Mountain and Soapstone for about 10 miles of single track. There are some rocky sections but they never seem to last long. Plus you get some pretty dope views along the way. Tubeless pretty much required and wider tires (40+) are going to be better. You could also skip the singletrack and circle back to meet the group at the exit of Red Mountain for a stellar alternate day. We’ll likely stash some water in Buckeye but we do recommend carrying more than you think you need. Longer Route.
The shorter route heads through Lory for some light single track for 32 miles and under 2000 feet of climbing. You’ll need a state park pass (is included with your car registration as of 2023 in Colorado. If you don’t have this, you can pick up a $4 bike day pass online). Shorter Route. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
How to download a route on Strava without Strava Premium.
BIG THANKS TO QUEER+ BIKES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR MAY RIDE!
Queer+ Bikes is a Fort Collins-based, queer-centered group, welcoming queer folks and allies who are committed to upholding safe space.
We welcome all bodies, experiences, and genders on bikes!
We strive to omit barriers to cycling by offering inclusive group rides, workshops, and a free gear closet.
We value creating community just as much as we love riding bikes.
Click on the images below for Pearl iZUMi’s recommendations for summer apparel at three different levels, along with recommendations for sun protection and their gravel shoes. The further down you go, the more loose/recreational the fits go, based on your preference! Don’t forget that the mountains can be quick to change and it’s good practice to still pack some layers in the summer. Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two.
We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration & Liquid Shots (use BIKESPORTS for 20% off), Bobo’s (use BIKESPORTS30 for 30% off), Chamois Butt’r, and some rotating surprises through the training series.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
Note: When you are on single track and there is a short, steep pitch, try putting some significant power down to push over the top. You’ll maintain a higher overall speed and are more likely to clear the pitch.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two.
FoCo Fondo x Fort Follies Women’s Weekend
MORE DETAILS COMING SOON.
2024 Waiver is required to attend.
June 8th: Women’s Gravel Clinic
June 9th: Women’s Ride
June Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
*Note the new start time of 9am as we hit summer. The June training ride has two very adventurous options, centered around Pennock Pass. Both routes are pretty big with the amount of climbing and altitude and are much more fun with friends. You must fill out this waiver to attend. Grab our clothing reco’s from Pearl iZUMi for spring weather (& a discount code!) below.
How to download a route on Strava without Strava Premium.
Longer Route Riders:
9am start but otherwise the usual: New Belgium meet up at 8:30am, snacks from First Endurance and other treats. Longer Route.
Shorter Route Riders:
If you are opting for the shorter ride, be sure to Hitch-a-Ride! We will offer a suggested carpool system closer to this event. Meet at the New Belgium Matrix lot at 7:45am to Hitch-A-Ride or help others do so if you have room, 8:15am departure, 8:45am arrival at the start location and 9am roll. Queer+ Bikes will be the lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok. They will also have First Endurance, JoJe, and extra water in their vehicle to share. And they will also have a card to pay for that first round of Fat Tire from Chamois Butt’r on your return. Shorter Route.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
BIG THANKS TO MELANATED LOVELIES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR JUNE RIDE!
Melanated Lovelies is a Colorado-based cycling collective committed to the development of BIPOC riding and racing. Our vision is to inspire, prepare, and support riders of color as well as the broader cycling community. This is accomplished by:
Sharing our experiences as BIPOC athletes and providing safe space for discourse therein.
Motivating riders of color to participate in events (such as Foco Fondo!) and safely push their limits, if so desired.
Empowering folx in the community to get across the line by serving and helping where needed.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two.
Note: With the amount of climbing, it’s the perfect route to practice pacing up long climbs. It’s easy to go out too hard and you’ll pay for it as the climb keeps going and the air gets thinner. The higher the altitude, the longer it takes to recover from efforts.
July On-Your-Own Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
The July ride is an on-your-own format because it’s FoCo Fondo month! The July training ride has two very adventurous options, centered around the “mountain loop” on the FoCo Fondo 118-mile Quad Dog Dare You Course. If you are opting for the shorter ride, be sure to Hitch-a-Ride! Both routes are pretty big with the amount of climbing and altitude and are much more fun with friends. You must fill out this waiver to attend. Grab our clothing reco’s from Pearl iZUMi for summer weather (& a discount code!) below.
Complete the ride ahead of FoCo Fondo and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
Shorter Route. *If you are carpooling out there to do the shorter loop, please park at the school rather than at lot at The Forks as they get very busy in the summer.
How to download a route on Strava without Strava Premium.
**Note that there is absolutely no water on the loop portion and the climbing will take longer than expected. Plan accordingly with your hydration plan.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two.
Note: Acclimating to altitude and heat are similar in the body. Both also take a good amount of time. Acclimating to the heat will have huge benefits throughout the rest of your gravel season this year!
FoCo Fondo Friday Packet Pick Up
This is the first of two opportunities to pick up your event-day packet, number, any additional merchandise, and, of course, stick around to have a Fat Tire at the brewery. Packet pick up will be located in the West Bar.
FoCo Fondo Saturday Packet Pick Up
For the love of our volunteers and staff, please pick up your packet no later than today, in order to leave space for people who can only make it up for event day. Packet pick up will run from 12-8pm at New Belgium and will be located in the West Bar. You can also purchase additional merchandise and stick around New Belgium for a Fat Tire beer, or even better, a beer tour!
New Belgium is offering two special tours for FoCo Fondo rides this year! Details TBA.
FoCo Fondo 2024
Event day! Head to The Routes for more details and don’t forget to register!
March Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
We’re kicking off our in-person rides with this one- come on out to meet and ride with new people! The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am.
Grab our clothing reco’s for late winter/early spring weather (& a discount code!) below. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration & Liquid Shots (use BIKESPORTS for 20% off), Bobo’s (use BIKESPORTS30 for 30% off), Chamois Butt’r, and some rotating surprises through the training series.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
ROUTES:
The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
BIG THANKS TO FIRST CITY CYCLING TEAM FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR MARCH RIDE!
First City Cycling Team (FCCT) is a diverse group of Northern Colorado cyclists, with a shared passion for racing and supporting the racing community. We are consistently well represented at local and regional road, mountain and cyclocross races. FCCT is commited to developing the culture and community. Our approach is to identify members and sponsors who share our values and goals, and are motivated to work towards them together.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
For rides ~40-55 degrees, layering is still really important, although each layer becomes lighter and ideally storable on your person should you warm up. Below are our recommended layering options as we leave the coldest days of winter behind and head towards spring. Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two:
Note: As we move into in-person rides, it’s a great opportunity to work on pacing. You want to be able to complete the ride without blowing up and having to crawl back in. This often means being able to self-reflect early in the ride on if you are riding at a sustainable rate and being able to dial it back before it’s too late!
February On-Your-Own Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
February marks our last on-your-own ride before we move into group rides next month. Complete the route at any time during the month and share to our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. You must fill out this waiver to participate. Grab our clothing reco’s for cold weather (& a discount code!) below.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
For rides ~30-45 degrees, layering up is key. Below are our recommended layering options for chilly rides. Warm hands and feet are crucial. Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two:
Note: Don’t dress for the high temp of the day or you’ll be cold the whole ride. If you think you’ll need to shed some layers, this is where a handlebar bag can come in handy.
FoCo Fondo x Zwift Winter Training Series p/b Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
presented by Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
January On-Your-Own Training Ride p/b Pearl iZUMi
Happy New Year! This year our free training series kicks off with on-your-own rides for January and February, to accommodate for weather and fitness! Complete the route at any time during the month and share to our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. You must fill out this waiver to participate. Grab our clothing reco’s for cold weather (& a discount code!) below.
Pearl iZUMi is supporting the training ride series in 2024. They offer a huge range of apparel options for every weather possibility we get here in Colorado. To boot, by the end of 2024, 98% of their materials used will be recycled or sustainable. We think that's pretty dang noteworthy.
For rides ~30-45 degrees, layering up is key. Below are our recommended layering options for chilly rides. Warm hands and feet are crucial. Save 20% off the Pearl iZUMi site with code “BIKESPORTS20” and pick up an item or two:
Note: Even though it’s cold, it’s really important to make sure you are eating and drinking enough. If you are struggling to do this, try setting a timer on your phone or bike computer.
FoCo Fondo 2023
Event day! Head to The Routes for more details and don’t forget to register!
FoCo Fondo Saturday Packet Pick Up
For the love of our volunteers and staff, please pick up your packet no later than today, in order to leave space for people who can only make it up for event day. Packet pick up will run from 12-8pm at New Belgium and will be located in the West Bar. You can also purchase additional merchandise and stick around New Belgium for a Fat Tire beer, or even better, a beer tour!
New Belgium is offering two special tours for FoCo Fondo rides this year at 1pm and 3pm. There are 25 person limits and the tour is $10 and includes beer and a special item!
FoCo Fondo Friday Packet Pick Up
This is the first of two opportunities to pick up your event-day packet, number, any additional merchandise, and, of course, stick around to have a Fat Tire at the brewery. Packet pick up will be located in the West Bar.
FoCo Fondo Kick Off Party: An Ascent Studio x Bike Sports Collab
Kick off the weekend with a social gathering at “The Great Outdoors” space at The Lyric Cinema. We’ll have live music featuring Virgil Vigil, Fat Tire specials, food and drink for purchase, and some climbing fun care of Ascent Studio! The Lyric has invited us to stay after for a special outdoor showing of The Mummy at a discounted rate used code “fraserfondo”!
Just ride there! Grab your friends (and a bike lock + lights) and start the party early. Check out these suggested bike routes on Strava:
If you do end up carpooling, you’re encouraged by the venue to find street parking on Hickory Street and not to park at Jax Sporting Goods.
This event is brought to you by Ascent Studio and Bike Sports.
July Training Ride (Virtual)
The July ride has moved to a virtual format because it’s FoCo Fondo month. The July training ride has two very adventurous options, centered around the Pennock Pass. If you are opting for the shorter ride, be sure to Hitch-a-Ride! Both routes are pretty big with the amount of climbing and altitude and are much more fun with friends.
Complete the ride ahead of FoCo Fondo and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: Acclimating to altitude and heat are similar in the body. Both also take a good amount of time. Acclimating to the heat will have huge benefits throughout the rest of your gravel season this year!
June Training Ride
*Note the new start time of 9am as we hit summer. And yes, we do know it’s Father’s Day, but unfortunately it’s the only weekend we are able to host the ride.
The June training ride has two very adventurous options, centered around a Cherokee Park loop that is central to the FoCo Fondo Triple Dog Dare You Route(!!). You must fill out this waiver to attend.
Longer Route Riders:
9am start but otherwise the usual: New Belgium meet up at 8:30am, snacks from First Endurance and JoJe and a post-ride Fat Tire from Chamois Butt’r (just have to find Zack or Whit for this). Longer route.
Shorter Route Riders:
Meet at the New Belgium Matrix lot at 7:45am to Hitch-A-Ride or help others do so if you have room, 8:15am departure, 8:45am arrival at the start location and 9am roll. Queer+ Bikes will be the lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok. They will also have First Endurance, JoJe, and extra water in their vehicle to share. And they will also have a card to pay for that first round of Fat Tire from Chamois Butt’r on your return. Shorter route.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: With the amount of climbing, it’s the perfect route to practice pacing up long climbs. It’s easy to go out too hard and you’ll pay for it as the climb keeps going and the air gets thinner. The higher the altitude, the longer it takes to recover from efforts.
BIG THANKS TO QUEER+ BIKES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR JUNE RIDE!
Queer+ Bikes is a Fort Collins-based, queer-centered group, welcoming queer folks and allies who are committed to upholding safe space.
We welcome all bodies, experiences, and genders on bikes!
We strive to omit barriers to cycling by offering inclusive group rides, workshops, and a free gear closet.
We value creating community just as much as we love riding bikes.
FoCo Fondo x Fort Follies Women’s Gravel Clinic
Join the Fort Follies and FoCo Fondo for a free women’s gravel clinic led by NoCo gravel pros Starla Teddergreen and Hannah Shell with support from Fort Collins’ own Whitney Allison. We’ll cover skills such as bike body separation, cornering, descending, emergency braking and group riding with time to practice in a closed environment before heading out for a short ride. Get ready for a fun morning of skills work and a ride to help you prepare to tackle one of the FoCo Fondo routes on July 23! Beginner to intermediate/advanced women and non-binary cyclists welcome!
Saturday, June 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free, registration required.
For junior registration, please email fortfollies@gmail.com for additional info.
The clinic is limited to the first 50 who register so register ASAP to ensure you get a spot!
Location: New Belgium Brewing - Short Track, Fort Collins, CO
Questions: fortfollies@gmail.com
Registration is first come, first serve, and open here.
New Belgium Tap Talks: Anton Krupicka & Hailey Moore
Join us Thursday, June 8th at New Belgium Brewing for a Tap Talk with ultra-running and riding legends Anton Krupicka and Hailey Moore. Anton is known for winning Leadville 100 run and Colorado North South, among other accolades. Hailey won Ozark Gravel Doom and Colorado North South in 2022, most recently.
Both of these athletes utilize PT supporter Rebound Sports and Physical Therapy to keep their bodies moving despite the extensive time and repetition of ultra endurance sports.
May Training Ride
ROUTE UPDATE: Please note that there is a route update for this ride! With the recent rains, some of the original route is not available. They are great to do on your own at some point though: Original Long/Short.
The new May Training Ride has two great options. The longer route heads to Red Mountain and Soapstone for about 10 miles of single track. There are some rocky sections but they never seem to last long. Plus you get some pretty dope views along the way. Tubeless pretty much required and wider tires (40+) are going to be better. You could also skip the singletrack and circle back to meet the group at the exit of Red Mountain for a stellar alternate day. Longer route.
The shorter route heads to Buckeye and back, on a pretty straightforward (literally) day. It’s 53 miles and pretty fast, flat and draftable. Shorter Route.
For both routes, we’ll be stashing some water in Buckeye but we do recommend carrying more than you think you need, especially long-routers. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration, JoJe Bars, and some rotating surprises through the training series. This month, we also have some special gifts from Pearl iZUMi!! You can also currently save 20% with coupon code “BIKESPORTS” on their site (we love their gravel line).
You must fill out this waiver to attend.
We’ll stick around afterwards for a Fat Tire and food truck lunch.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: When you are on single track and there is a short, steep pitch, try putting some significant power down to push over the top. You’ll maintain a higher overall speed and are more likely to clear the pitch.
BIG THANKS TO OVERLAND MTB ASSOCIATION FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR MAY RIDE!
Overland Mountain Bike Association is a non-profit organization centered in Fort Collins, CO that helps build, maintain, patrol & advocate for singletrack trails and world-class riding experiences throughout the Northern Front Range region of Colorado & Wyoming. Founded in 1995, our dedicated volunteers now give back over 10,000 annual hours of service to our community. Building more trails close to home, building community.
Women’s Ride
Our women’s gravel ride is back! Come on out to meet and ride with new people. All women are welcome, regardless of gender assigned at birth. You must fill out this waiver to attend.
The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration, JoJe Bars, and some rotating surprises through the training series. You must fill out this waiver to attend. There will also be FREE brewery tours at 1pm and 3pm post-ride with none other than badass rider and taproom manager Heidi Engelhardt.
The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
We’ll stick around afterwards for a Fat Tire and food truck lunch.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: Acclimating to altitude and heat are similar in the body. Both also take a good amount of time. Acclimating to the heat will have huge benefits throughout the rest of your gravel season this year!
BIG THANKS TO THE FORT FOLLIES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR WOMEN’S RIDE!
The Fort Follies are a group that seeks to empower women* in the Fort Collins area to be active and impactful members of our cycling community through riding, racing, and philanthropy. We strongly believe in a positive, supportive, and inclusive team, suited for women of all abilities and disciplines.
We aim to:
Connect Fort Collins women on bikes through group rides, clinics, events, and races.
Provide skills clinics and mechanical skills clinics to empower women to start racing and riding more.
Be active community members to make women’s voice heard and their participation felt in their cycling community.
Hold a strong presence in the grassroots racing series that takes place in the community
*The Follies are for all women, regardless of the sex they were identified as at birth.
Gravel Graceland
Lean into the play of bikes. Live like a king or queen and slurp the oysters of the world’s most picturesque riding locations in Northern Colorado. Get sideways into a turn. Break the wheels loose on a gravel descent. We will bring you a fantastic bicycle riding experience via Gravel Graceland.
Join Whit and Zack Allison for a rip-roaring, guided long weekend adventure May 5-7, 2023. This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Learn more.
April Training Ride
April’s ride is all about trails and connectors. The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration, JoJe Bars, and some rotating surprises through the training series. You must fill out this waiver to attend.
The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: When you are on single track or narrow trails, the best practice is to look at where you want to go versus where you don’t want to go.
BIG THANKS TO THE FORT FOLLIES FOR BEING OUR LANTERNE ROUGE FOR OUR APRIL RIDE!
The Fort Follies are a group that seeks to empower women* in the Fort Collins area to be active and impactful members of our cycling community through riding, racing, and philanthropy. We strongly believe in a positive, supportive, and inclusive team, suited for women of all abilities and disciplines.
We aim to:
Connect Fort Collins women on bikes through group rides, clinics, events, and races.
Provide skills clinics and mechanical skills clinics to empower women to start racing and riding more.
Be active community members to make women’s voice heard and their participation felt in their cycling community.
Hold a strong presence in the grassroots racing series that takes place in the community
*The Follies are for all women, regardless of the sex they were identified as at birth.
March Training Ride
We’re kicking off our in-person rides with this one- come on out to meet and ride with new people! The ride departs from New Belgium Brewing at 10am. We’ll be there a little early with some First Endurance hydration, JoJe Bars, and some rotating surprises through the training series. You must fill out this waiver to attend.
The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. There will also be a lanterne rouge on the shorter route to make sure everyone makes it back ok.
We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
Complete the ride and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: As we move into in-person rides, it’s a great opportunity to work on pacing. You want to be able to complete the ride without blowing up and having to crawl back in. This often means being able to self-reflect early in the ride on if you are riding at a sustainable rate and being able to dial it back before it’s too late!
February Virtual Training Ride
February marks our last virtual ride before we move into group rides next month. Complete the route at any time during the month and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. You must fill out this waiver to participate.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: Don’t dress for the high temp of the day or you’ll be cold the whole ride. If you think you’ll need to shed some layers, this is where a handlebar bag can come in handy.
January Virtual Training Ride
Happy New Year! This year our free training series kicks off with virtual rides for January and February, to accommodate for weather and fitness! Complete the route at any time during the month and be sure to tag us on Instagram (@focofondo) and join our Strava Club for a chance to win prizes throughout the year. You must fill out this waiver to participate.
This free training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level!
Note: Even though it’s cold, it’s really important to make sure you are eating and drinking enough. If you are struggling to do this, try setting a timer on your phone or bike computer.
Gravel Graceland (Fall)
Join us for a wicked fun gravel weekend. Professional athletes and FoCo Fondo promoters Whitney and Zack Allison want to show you their favorite go-to routes and hidden gems in Gravel Graceland. The specific goal of this adventure is to be inclusive and an exposure focused-adventure to this region’s mixed terrain riding. Each days route will contain at least 80% dirt to pavement. The routes are challenging, fun, and exploratory, and will range between 39 and 55 miles each day with varying elevation. Optional add-on loops will be available for riders finishing quickly. Learn more.
FoCo Fondo
Event day! Head to The Routes for more details and don’t forget to register!
Warm Up Events
8-9:45am Coffee & Donuts @ FoCo DoCo
10-12pm Pre-Ride from New Belgium Brewing
12-8pm Packet pick-up and in-person registration at New Belgium Brewing
June Training Ride
The fourth and final of our free gravel training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level. Come on out to meet and ride with new people. The ride meets at New Belgium Brewing at 10am. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
Please note that this is also the day of the Fort Collins Juneteenth Celebration, which is why we are still opting for a 10am start, so riders can do both the Juneteenth Ride and the training ride.
Gravel Graceland (Spring)
Join us for a wicked fun gravel weekend. Professional athletes and FoCo Fondo promoters Whitney and Zack Allison want to show you their favorite go-to routes and hidden gems in Gravel Graceland. The specific goal of this adventure is to be inclusive and an exposure focused-adventure to this region’s mixed terrain riding. Each days route will contain at least 80% dirt to pavement. The routes are challenging, fun, and exploratory, and will range between 39 and 55 miles each day with varying elevation. Optional add-on loops will be available for riders finishing quickly. Learn more.
May Training Ride
The third of our free gravel training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level. Come on out to meet and ride with new people. The ride meets at New Belgium Brewing at 10am. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
Women’s Ride
Our women’s gravel ride is back! Come on out to meet and ride with new people. The ride meets at New Belgium Brewing at 10am. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders, plus there will be sweepers…no woman left behind! We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch. Brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level.
All women are welcome, regardless of gender assigned at birth.
April Training Ride
The second of our free gravel training ride series, brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level. Come on out to meet and ride with new people. The ride meets at New Belgium Brewing at 10am. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.
A few things to note:
THE HORSETOOTH HALF MARATHON IS THE SAME DAY and finishes on Linden St at New Belgium- we don’t want to impact their event and want to respect the runners. The routes are already updated on Strava so please redownload if you need to. Let’s roll out from Wolverine Farms (they will still be closed) to stay out of the way. If you are driving to the start of the ride, make it easy on yourself and consider parking on or near College, like Cherry St, literally College, or the Atzlan Community Center. We’ll still plan on finishing and having post-ride hangs at New Belgium. The marathon festivities are supposed to be wrapped up by 2pm.
Consider bringing the route on your bike computer or phone (how to download a Strava route) in case you get disconnected from the group.
The rides are not no-drop. Hauling-ass at the front and party-pace in the back. Everyone gets the perfect ride for them and we can share our stories together after.
This route goes through Lory State Park. You MUST have either a park pass or an Individual Daily Pass ($4). You can buy the Individual Daily Pass here. Make sure you have a screenshot of your pass on your phone since there is spotty service back there. If you can't afford that, there are limited State Park passes available at your local library. Or consider riding over the dams and meeting us where we come out of Lory State Park. Thanks for respecting this!!
Remember on trail systems, cyclists yield to both hikers and horses. Cyclists going downhill yield to cyclists going uphill. Respect and communication is really important so that we can all enjoy these amazing, public resources we have.
There are water and bathrooms on this route at the Timber Trailhead, Arthur's Rock Trailhead, and Soderberg Trailhead.
We will again have some water, JoJe Bars (use "FOCOFONDO" to save 20%), NBS Hydration, giveaways from Shimano, and water bottles for Eliel Factory Team riders at the start.
March Training Ride
The first of our free gravel training ride series brought to you by Source Endurance, best in business for training athletes at any level. Come on out to meet and ride with new people. The ride meets at New Belgium Brewing at 10am. The ride isn’t no drop, rather, riders will be able to ride with similarly paced riders. We’ll stick around afterwards for a beer and food truck lunch.