Area biking organizations are coming together April 10 for Bike Stoke Night in Naturita, on Main Street where Paradox Cycle and Flying Bear Pizzeria at Naturita Bicycle Company exist.
Tim Tait, of the West End Trail Alliance (WETA), told the Forum the event lasts from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and includes the bike community, friends from neighboring towns and anyone who’s curious. Tait said some people might ride bikes to the event, but nobody has to own a bike to attend. He wants to break down barriers to being part of the bike community. He wants all to know the biking people are harmless; they just want to celebrate their sport on April 10. The event is family friendly, and youth are welcome.
“It’s intended to celebrate the kick-off of bike season in the West End, and cycling in general,” he said.
Several things will be happening at once. A bike-packing demonstration will take place, showing guests how to ride out onto public lands and camp via bike. The Paradox Trail is celebrating 30 years too, and that will be noted with some Paradox Trail history. WETA will give some bike safety education and hold prize raffles. There’s also a WETA film that will be shown inside Flying Bear. And, Tait has collected many historical photos from Paul Koski and will run a slide show featuring those. There’s also an "ask-a-mechanic" station in the works.
Brock Benson, of Paradox Cycle, is producing a bike rodeo.
“Bike rodeo is a concept Bri Bonacquista and I have been throwing around for a while,” Benson told the Forum. “We've been having a lot of fun developing games and rides for the kids to enjoy in the new Mustang Outdoor Rec Program at the high school. Our kids have a history of riding horses in the Tabaguache Trail Riders gymkhanas, so we thought it might be fun to come up with games that have some crossover appeal for our local residents.”
Benson said it will be like pole bending or barrel racing, something fairly low-impact that would be entertaining to watch.
“We think we've come up with some exercises that will yield a high entertainment factor, while still showing off technical riding skills,” he said. “You really need to see it to wrap your head around it … Paradox Cycle is providing four single-speed clunkers to keep the playing field even, and we have a team of timers, officials and referees that will make sure bike rodeo goes off without a hitch.”
Benson hopes the community will come out and participate.
"There's going to be prizes, music, beers and bikes,” he said.
Virginia Ericson, of Flying Bear, told the Forum that Bike Stoke Nights are commonplace among cycling enthusiasts. She said the purpose is to gather people and rally for the riding season.
“Here we are inviting the whole community to join,” she said. “No experience necessary. The night is not just about bikes; it's also about all things outdoors.”
Ericson said someone will speak to youth about first-aid kits, reading maps and more. She added other experts will share some trail stories, representatives from the local search and rescue effort will speak, and Montrose West Recreation will be on site.
“It’s a great way for every outdoors-loving enthusiast to come see what those spandex-wearing cyclists are doing,” she said.
Ericson said open mic night will still follow after the Bike Stoke Night.
