Can you believe we’re already halfway through the season? Time flies when we’re out on the trails, moving and shaking, soaking up the sunshine (and yes, even the rain), and building community. This season has been packed with so many powerful moments—new friendships, first time riders finding their groove, seasoned adventurers pushing their limits, and plenty of high fives, encouraging cheers and stoke filled evenings along the way.
We’ve loved seeing the mix of familiar faces and new folks, and we’re inspired by the stories you’ve shared; about reconnecting with nature, finding joy in movement, resiliency through overcoming hardships, surprisingly yourself with something new, or simply carving out time to be outside. We wanted to take the time to highlight some of our amazing partners and programs we’ve had this summer here in the Vail Valley.
Ladies Trail Crew
We kicked off the season with a strong crew of eight women for a trail ride in Eagle, covering 8 miles on 2nd Gulch, Mayer Gulch, and Turniphead. It was early in the season, and bike fitness wasn’t necessarily where anyone wanted it to be. However, that didn’t stop this group from showing up authentically, pushing through the nerves, building each other up and enjoying the trails. As one rider, Joce, put it perfectly at the end: “That was hard. And awesome.”
Exploremos
This summer, we were stoked to team up with Exploremos, an incredible organization expanding access to the outdoors for Spanish-speaking community members. Together, we hosted four awesome events—three group rides and one trail work day—with a total of 47 participants joining in the fun. From flowing through single track, riding features in the bike park and giving back through trail stewardship, every event was filled with laughter, connection, and shared purpose. One participant said it best: “The best part about today was the connection to nature, to each other, and the energy we exchanged and shared.”
Gypsum Creek Middle School
We partnered with Gypsum Creek Middle School for two great events: one trail work day and one mountain bike session. We provided 10 students (and one teacher!) with bikes and helmets to borrow for two weeks so they could get outside, ride, and enjoy the trails as part of their “M term”. It was all about giving them the tools and freedom to explore, sweat a little bit, have fun, and build confidence.
Mountain Pride
To kick off Pride Month, we hosted a joyful Mountain Pride Hike that brought together 16 participants for a day of connection, celebration, and trail time. Despite the rain, spirits were high and the beauty of the mountains shone through every step. One participant spoke about how she immediately felt “safe and accepted” upon arrival, a sentiment shared among the group. Another It was a powerful reminder that no matter the weather, community and pride light the way. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate love, identity, and the great outdoors.
Mountain Recreation
Our women’s rides have been on fire this summer! We welcomed 63 riders across three sessions over the course of our beginner series. From the first nervous pedal strokes to building confidence on Haymaker Trail, these ladies have faced fears, pushed themselves, all while making new friendships and connections. After our final session, when asked what her main takeaway was, one participant shared “I am capable, I am strong, I can do hard things. And I need to feather my brakes instead of grabbing them when I panic!”
Spoke & Stoke
Measured in smiles, not miles, our Spoke & Stoke teen rides have been all about connection, confidence, and grounding in gratitude. Over the course of three sessions, 16 teens came together to do a little rake n’ ride at the Eagle Bike Park, a trail ride on Abrams to World’s Greatest, and a dirt jumping day at the Eagle Bike Park. These rides are about more than speed or distance—they’re about showing up, supporting each other, and learning to find joy and gratitude in the ride.
Youth Power 365
This season, we partnered with YouthPower365, a local nonprofit, to bring two unforgettable days of hiking and outdoor education to local youth. With the theme “Movement uplifts our minds, bodies, and souls,” in mind, each hike became more than just a walk in the woods; it was an invitation for campers to check in with their internal weather systems, each other, and nature. We hit the trails with nearly 60 kids, rotating through small groups of 15 kids to ensure a positive experience out on the trails. We enjoyed a sunny hike on the Sundell Trail, a hidden gem in Gypsum, as well as a hike through the Eagle River Preserve in Edwards.
Gore Range Gravity Aliance & Ellen Miller
This season, we partnered with the awesome crew at Gore Range Gravity Alliance for two meaningful events: a hands-on bike maintenance workshop and a wilderness hike led by the legendary Ellen Miller. The workshop was hosted at Kind Bikes and Skis in Edwards, where participants got an in-depth look at bike care essentials. Huge thanks to Chris for breaking things down with such clarity, and to Hailee for leading a super helpful review of trail side repairs. “This workshop was so helpful. I consider myself an experienced rider and still I learned so much about prevention, maintenance and general bike care”. Then we hit the stunning Pitkin Trail in East Vail for a guided wilderness hike with Ellen Miller, whose depth of knowledge, passion for wilderness, and storytelling of far way lands made the experience unforgettable.
Looking forward
We’re excited to continue our Soul Dirt events with inspiring community partners who share our commitment to wellness, outdoor access, and connection.
Whether it’s through mindful movement, time outdoors, or simply creating space to connect with nature and each other, these upcoming events will support wellness, resilience, and a sense of belonging for all.
Be sure to check our upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
