Brock Benson told the Forum there’s a lot right now to celebrate at Paradox Cycle, one of two bike shops located on Main Street in Naturita — beginning with the fact that September happens to be a great month to ride.
The deck at Paradox Cycle is also coming along nicely, thanks to a community facade grant, made possible by the oversight of the West End Economic Development Corporation and a donation from Tri-State Generation and Transmission.
Benson said Brody Kruckenberg has done a great job welding the new deck, and soon a permanent roof will be installed out front, along with some other detail work at the shop. Additionally, the outdoor recreation program, started last semester, continues. At least three classes at the Nucla School are using donated mountain bikes in the new outdoor rec class and receiving a PE credit.
Now, more bikes are needed for that program, hopefully taking the total from nine bikes up to 12 or 13 this fall. Benson, who helped establish the program with Bri Bonacquista (Bonacquista is still teaching the class, and Benson, though he’s not teaching right now, joins in sometimes), said he’s pleased that local kids are getting on bikes and riding the area’s local trails.
Now, the Young Guns Riding Club is also taking off. A similar program, it’s for middle school students, and it takes place on Fridays. Benson said there’s a need for junior high kids to get out and ride. Those kids don’t have as many school sports commitments as the high school students do. He added the bikes give the kids responsibility and accountability.
So far, the Young Guns have done the Nucla Range Loops, the trails at Camp V and the loop up at the airport. Benson said the group is having fun exploring and ready for more. Anyone junior high kid who wants to participate should register through Montrose West Recreation. There is a fee of $30, but that’s good for six rides. Anyone who wants to donate a bike should contact Benson directly.
Paradox Cycle also has a new apprentice, Zack Carter, who will most likely be working at the local shop for some time. Benson said the young man is doing a great job and through a grant made possible by West End Family Link has a new bike to get out on local trails too.
What’s more is that due to requests, Paradox Cycle is now beginning a monthly maintenance class for those who want to learn to work on their own bikes. Benson said customers keep asking for it, and now that’s starting in September and continues the second Thursday of every month.
He said the maintenance class is a casual one, limited to just a few people, mostly likely three, and participants will get one-on-one time learning the skills they need to remedy their own troubles on the trail. They can practice wrenching skills, work on changing their own tires and fixing flats. Benson will also help people adjust their brakes and take the wheels on and off their bikes.
Cost is $50 per class, but those who come will have two to three hours in the shop. Anyone who signs up should bring their own bike, of course.
“You’ll get your money’s worth in information and experience,” Benson said, “and you can get one-on-one help to figure out how to do these things.”
To register for the Sept. 12 session, or a future session, mountain bikers should call or text 970-275-8310.
