2024 - A Year in Review

January

As we usher in 2024, We Ride 4 is delighted to introduce our latest initiative, "Sharing the Love." Historically, we have focused on supporting one nonprofit beneficiary at a time. However, we are now expanding our scope to include additional nonprofit partners. As part of the "Sharing the Love" campaign, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Front Rangers and Cycling Without Age Littleton.

On January 19th, We Ride 4 demonstrated our commitment to our nonprofit beneficiaries by visiting Pueblo High School in Tucson, another organization we proudly support. Our volunteers dedicated their time and efforts to assist in cleaning and repairing bikes, contributing to the betterment of the community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exceptional volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

January also marked the unveiling of the routes for our annual We Ride 4 club tours, specifically the gravel and road 3-Day Adventures. We are pleased to announce that this year's road adventure will take place in Carbondale, Colorado, from July 19th to the 21st. Additionally, our gravel adventure will journey to Sheridan, Wyoming, from August 2nd through the 4th. These adventures hold a special place in our hearts, and we eagerly anticipate the camaraderie and excitement they bring each year.

As we reflect on January's accomplishments, we are invigorated by the opportunities that lie ahead. We Ride 4 remains steadfast in our commitment to promoting cycling, supporting our community partners, and fostering positive change throughout the year and beyond.

Members of our Tucson chapter tuning up bikes at Pueblo High School.

February

Throughout February. We Ride 4 remained dedicated to our mission of fostering positive change and community engagement through impactful initiatives in both Denver and Tucson.

In collaboration with the Brown Bike Bus program in Denver, we spearheaded a bike collection drive to support their morning ride program. The Brown Bike Bus initiative leads children to school on guided group rides, promoting outdoor youth cycling and advocating for car-free transportation options.

Furthering our commitment to humanitarian efforts, our Tucson chapter organized a meal-packing event for Feed My Starving Children. The meals packed during this event will contribute to feeding starving children worldwide. We extend our sincere appreciation to our Tucson chapter members for their unwavering dedication in making this event a success.

We were delighted to host our Food and Spirits tasting event in partnership with Bear Creek Distillery and sponsors Vibe Concepts, providing a platform for community connection and enjoyment.

February also saw our Executive Director, Sharon Madison, being interviewed by the esteemed team at Bold Journey. Sharon's inspiring journey and unwavering dedication continue to serve as a source of motivation for our organization. In the interview, Sharon shared valuable insights into her personal journey and the discovery of her purpose.

On a noteworthy development, our sponsor David Heller of Iris Realty Group announced the opening of Moonrise Garden Bar and Food Trucks in Wheat Ridge, CO. We eagerly anticipate leading rides from this vibrant gathering place, spearheaded by chief and restaurateur Blaine Baggao. We are proud to have sponsors who actively contribute to creating thriving communities.

As we reflect on the achievements of February, we are grateful for the dedication and commitment of our members in both Denver and Tucson. Their efforts have enabled us to make meaningful impacts and continue to drive positive change in our communities.

Members of our Tucson Chapter unite to pack meals for Feed My Starving Children.

March

In March, members of We Ride 4 joined forces with one of our nonprofit beneficiary partners, Cycling Without Age Littleton, for a memorable fundraiser ride held at CycleBar Southwest Plaza. This collaborative event provided a delightful experience for participants from both Cycling Without Age Littleton and We Ride 4, fostering camaraderie and support within our community.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to all our remarkable members and friends whose enthusiastic participation made this event a resounding success. Their unwavering support and dedication exemplify the spirit of generosity that defines our organization.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of this event was the generosity demonstrated by two of our club members, Roy Bash and Kevin Kelley, who graciously matched the donations received by Cycling Without Age Littleton from We Ride 4. In a beautiful display of reciprocity, Kevin and Roy reciprocated by donating an equal amount back to We Ride 4, symbolizing the essence of shared goodwill and collaboration.

We are immensely grateful to be part of such a compassionate and giving community. We are proud to support an organization like Cycling Without Age Littleton, which facilitates rides for elderly individuals, children, and young adults facing challenges. Together, we embody the spirit of "We Ride 2 Give," actively contributing to the betterment of our community and exemplifying the power of collective action.

Members of We Ride 4 and Cycling Without Age Littleton unite for a fundraiser ride at Cyclebar Southwest Plaza. 

April

As we reflect on the events of the past month, we are delighted to share some exciting highlights from April with you.

We were honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cycling Without Age Littleton, commemorating WR4's donation of a new trishaw for their esteemed organization. This event marked a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to community support and riding to GIVE!

In addition, our Executive Director, Sharon Madison, winner of last year's Remarkable Woman Award, returned this year to KDVR Fox News, where she had the privilege of announcing this year's deserving recipient. Furthermore, she was invited to an interview on Great Day, CO, and engaged in discussions about We Ride 4 with Spencer and Chris.

In a beautiful surprise, We Ride 4 was nominated by Barb Lotze of Cycling Without Age Littleton to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant from The Beanstalk Foundation! We were thrilled to discover this news, and are so grateful to our community of nonprofits that are always giving back and supporting each other!

These opportunities serve as a testament to our organization's dedication to amplifying our mission and the invaluable support of our community. We remain deeply grateful for the ongoing support and encouragement that propels us forward. Thank you for your continued belief in our shared vision.

  

Members of We Ride 4 and Cycling Without Age Littleton pose together on a trishaw at the ribbon cutting ceremony. 

May

As we bid farewell to May, we have plenty of exciting updates and heartwarming stories to share with you. Here's a look back at what we achieved together this month. We are delighted to announce that we donated $1500 to the Front Rangers Cycling Club. This contribution will support a fantastic long weekend of cycling training in Fort Collins and Estes Park. Our ongoing commitment to fostering the cycling community is stronger than ever, and we are proud to support such impactful initiatives.

This month brought great news from the Tucson School District! The Pueblo Road Warriors cycling class and club will be returning to Pueblo High School this fall. With 25 enthusiastic students already enrolled, they will start training for El Tour de Tucson this August. We Ride 4 will ensure that bikes are tuned and funds are available to empower these young cyclists. This achievement is a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved. Thanks to the incredible support from the We Ride 4 community, we are pedaling towards success together. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to assist and bike-pace for the Colfax Marathon. This was our 9th year leading this ride, and your contributions were invaluable. As a token of their appreciation, the Colfax Marathon donated $1000 to We Ride 4 this year! We are immensely grateful for their support and for the opportunity to contribute to our community.

On May 21st, our wonderful sponsor, Andrew Phillips of The Cyclist Lawyer, led an informative Zoom call for our members and the general public. He detailed the nuances of Colorado's bike laws, the importance of bike safety on the road, and the significance of being an insured rider. It was an enjoyable and enlightening session, giving us pivotal information to stay safe while doing what we love most.

Thank you to all who joined us at our Season Kick-Off Party, "Crank It Up," on May 30th at Moonrise Garden Bar and Food Trucks. We had an incredible time filled with food, fun, and laughter. Special thanks to our amazing sponsors and board members who joined us. Congratulations to our raffle winners—we hope you enjoy your prizes! We look forward to hosting more events like this throughout the year and hope to see you at the next one.

We were thrilled to partner with Cycling Without Age Littleton on May 31st. A big thank you to Roy Bash and Prilla O'Connell for making this event possible. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on the faces of the Golden Gate Canyon Apartments residents as they rode on trishaws and felt the wind in their hair. We extend our gratitude to the We Ride 4 members who joined in on the fun and made this day special.We are also thrilled to welcome El Grupo as a new nonprofit beneficiary. Their mission of empowering youth through cycling aligns perfectly with our goals, and we are excited to support them.

With the weather warming up, our weekly club rides are picking up in frequency and attendance! Thank you to everyone who has been joining us, and we encourage those who haven't yet to give our rides a try. They are truly one of the most fulfilling parts of our week. Special thanks to our Podium Sponsors, Trish Miller and David Heller, for leading the Wednesday night road ride up Lookout. A big thanks to our new In-Kind Sponsors, Britt Chester from Send It and Tate Gordon from Quality Life, for bringing mountain biking back to We Ride 4 every Wednesday night! We love having our sponsors lead our club rides and appreciate all our members who help out. Please let us know if you want to lead a ride or have new route suggestions. We value your input and support.

With the month of May coming to a close, we are excited to announce that our Early Bird tickets are now available to purchase during the month of June for The Big Event! Get your tickets now to purchase them for the lowest possible price - early bird tickets are $25 off of all individual and VIP tickets, only for the month of June! Thank you for being a part of We Ride 4. Together, we are making a difference in our community, one ride at a time.

Members of Golden Gate Canyon Apartments sit on trishaws with members of We Ride 4 after our event with Cycling Without Age Littleton.

 

June

June was an exceptionally busy and productive month for We Ride 4, filled with events and milestones that brought our community closer and furthered our mission. On June 4th, Bicycle Colorado held their annual fundraiser, and we were honored to have club member Russ Shaw purchase a table for We Ride 4. This event was a fantastic opportunity to introduce our new sponsors to the cycling community, fostering new friendships and collaborations. On June 8th, fourteen We Ride 4 members embarked on a week-long gravel riding adventure in Bentonville, Arkansas. The trip showcased the stunning landscapes and excellent condition of the gravel roads, providing a memorable experience for all participants.

We are thrilled to welcome Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers as a new We Ride 4 In-Kind Sponsor. They have generously agreed to donate dessert for our coming BIG EVENT, adding a sweet touch to our festivities. During the last weekend of June, the highlight of the month was undoubtedly the Bike MS Colorado event, where we participated with two teams; Primal-Audi Denver-We Ride 4 and Team Linda Lou. Together, these teams raised an impressive $107,000, with our club members contributing nearly $42,000 of that total. It was a heartwarming and fun-filled weekend, uniting the We Ride 4 community in support of a vital cause.

We are proud of our achievements in June and grateful for the unwavering support of our members and sponsors. As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of supporting organizations that provide outdoor and cycling opportunities for children and making a positive impact in our community.

 

 

We Ride 4 members stand together for a photo at Bike MS.

 

July

As we reflect on July, we are excited to share We Ride 4's latest updates and achievements.

We were thrilled to offer a Descending Clinic to our members, led by retired pro racer Erlinda Stafford. Erlinda provided invaluable insights and training to enhance our members' riding skills.

Our sponsor, Quality Life, hosted a Zoom call for our members, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition, strength training, and supplements to optimize performance.

Preparations are in full swing for our biggest fundraising event of the year, THE BIG EVENT! We are excited to welcome Marlin Hawk as our Auctioneer Sponsor, The Cyclist Lawyer as our Bar sponsor, and Freddy's as our dessert sponsor. THis event truly relies on the support of our incredible sponsors, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.

We are pleased to announce Gro Girl Gro from Tucson as our new nonprofit beneficiary. This organization empowers young girls through outdoor activities. This month, we collected socks and art supplies for their programs.

Our three-day road adventure in Carbondale, CO, was a resounding success. Fifty participants enjoyed an incredible ride.

We Ride 4 receive a wonderful write-up from El Tour, which you can read HERE. Sharon Madison also appeared on Pedal Talk with Colorado Avid Cyclist to discuss our organization - visit HERE to listen. We look forward to continuing this journey and achieving even more in the coming months.

Members of Gro girl Gro pose for a photo while riding their bikes into the sunset!

 

August

August was an incredibly active month for the We Ride 4 community, and we couldn't be more proud of the collective efforts that made it so special.

August kicked off with an unforgettable We Ride 4 Gravel Adventure in Sheridan, Wyoming. Seventy-five members joined the journey, riding on faculous roads and taking in breathtaking scenery. From smooth trails to awe-inspiring views, this adventure was one for the books, bringing our community closer and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

We teamed up with our members from Tucson and Denver to support Gro girl Gro, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young girls in Tucson. Thanks to the generosity of our members, we collected art supplies and socks, helping further Gro girl Gro's mission to nurtire young women into confident, strong athletes. It's amazing to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause! 

On August 11th, We Ride 4 joined 4,300 fellow cyclists for the Magnus White Memorial Ride. It was an emotional and reflective day as we came together to celebrate Magnus' life and legacy. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within our cycling family. 

Later in the month, We Ride 4 returned to support our dear friends Bill Plock and Zach Ostrander at Colorado's Ride. Our group had an amazing time enjoying the week-long adventure, filled with beautiful rides and shared memories. We're proud to be a partnering non-profit of this fantastic event. 

We would like to extend a special shout-out to our Tucson sponsor Patti Dobrowolski from Up Your Creative Genius for designing a special jersey that allowed us to give back in a big way. We were able to donate proceeds from these jersey sales to each buyer's nonprofit of choice. Cycling Without Age received $1,600 and Gro girl Gro received $2,000. We are so grateful to our members for making this campaign so impactful! 

We ended August on a high note by partnering with Cycling Without Age Littleton for a heartwarming event. Eight incredible kids spanning the ages of 9 to 19 experiencing Down syndrome, neurological challenges, and autism had the chance to experience the joy of riding in the We Ride 4 trishaw. Feeling the wind in their hair, this experience was pure magic for these kids, and we celebrated afterwards with a fun-filled birthday party! 

 

Children take a ride on the Cycling Without Age Littleton trishaw!

September

September was a month full of charity and growth for the We Ride 4 community, and we are so proud of our club for the steadfast impact we continue to have on our community!

September kicked off with a successful custom jersey campaign designed by our Tucson sponsor, Patti Dobrowolski of Up Your Creative Genius, to raise funds for our nonprofit beneficiaries. We raised an impressive $3,800, with Cycling Without Age Littleton receiving a $1,600 check and Gro girl Gro receiving $2,200 from We Ride 4. We love celebrating both our members and our nonprofit partners!

On September 7th, we partnered with Biked Goods for our We Ride 4 + Biked Goods Copper Mountain Loop Ride Nutrition Support event, helping make outdoor cycling accessible for kids in the mountains. Their dedicated efforts ensured that our riders had the nutrition they needed while also supporting children's cycling programs in the area. 

This month, we had the pleasure of connecting Gro girl Gro with Pueblo High School, facilitating an exciting partnership between Executive Director Jody Bartz of Gro girl Gro and Gage Stewart from Pueblo High School. Thanks to this connection, Gage generously donated five mountain bikes to support Gro girl Gro's program. It's always inspiring to see partnerships come together to directly benefit children in need.

On September 17th, we hosted a Hope Cycle ride and BBQ, where the event was made even more special by the joy of a surprise donation! It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our partnership with Hope Cycle, bringing together our members and their community. We were honored to surprise them with a $1,000 donation to support their incredible work, and the excitement in the air made the day even more memorable. 

We Ride 4 Trishaw was busy all month long with our nonprofit beneficiary, Cycling Without Age Littleton, providing joy-filled rides to children and individuals with limited mobility who needed outdoor adventure. These rides offered fresh air, scenic views, and a sense of connection and community for those who often face isolation. We are proud to see the Trishaw bringing so much joy and look forward to continuing our support for this incredible program. 

John and Sharon traveled to Tucson to personally deliver a $2,200 check to our Tucson nonprofit beneficiary, Gro girl Gro, where they met with Executive Director Jody Bartz and some of her board members. We also shared the exciting news that we will be providing 100 jerseys for her girls, which sparked a lot of enthusiasm in the room. We're equally thrilled to announce a new partnership with Bicycle Ranch Tucson to further grow the Tucson membership and continue supporting Gro girl Gro! Our first ride from the bike shop will be held on October 30th.

It's been a month full of progress and meaningful connections, and we're so grateful for your support, which makes all of this possible.

Executive Director Sharon Madison presenting Hope Cycle with $1,000 check.