The Community Dinner started in 2022, serving the non-binary and gender expansive riders who registered for the FoCo Fondo, in an effort to offer community care to our visiting athletes. For the past two years, we have opened the invite to the community dinner to all FoCo Fondo participants and Queer+ Bikes community members who identify as LGBTQIA+, knowing that finding community at events is almost as important as the event itself. We are excited to once again hold this event in a community member's back yard (location will only be disclosed if you RSVP) with catered food from a local eatery (GF, vegan, DF options will all be available) courtesy of Hot Route Media.

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/uTzEnMw7QckFCuzH6

This will be an alcohol-free event. Bike parking will be available. While the gathering space is relatively accessible (some gravel and flagstone to access the back yard), the bathroom is only accessible via a handful of stairs. Please let us know if you need any accommodation in order to attend.

We will have a donation jar and a Venmo QR code available at the event, if you have the ability to contribute to the event. Suggested donation is $5 per person (but absolutely not required to attend).

Learn more about our non-binary & gender expansive program and scholarships here: https://www.friendsoffocofondo.com/non-binary

Join us for our first Friends of FoCo Fondo Para Athlete Meet-Up at Union Bar & Soda Foundation in Fort Collins on Saturday, 7/19 from 3:30-5pm! Please feel free to join us whether or not you are particpating in FoCo Fondo this year!

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/DTbFpWf2Ss5P2VDh6

We recognize the power of community and the importance of having spaces where we can come together, share our journeys, and empower one another to continue breaking barriers in cycling and sport. Meet fellow para atheletes and community members and enjoy appetizers & drinks on us! We hope to see you there.

See more details about our Para Athlete program here: https://www.friendsoffocofondo.com/para-athletes

A new part of our programming in 2025 includes a series of monthly calls to help you feel prepared going into FoCo Fondo weekend, and bike-season in general. These calls are open to any of our program participants- scholars, clinic riders, or those who purchased the Source Endurance Training Guide.

This month’s call is focused on tech. Since this is a virtual call, there are very obvious limitations, but we aim to have riders walking away with an understanding of the following items.

• What is a race-ready or ride-ready bike. You’ve put effort into your preparation, but it’s essential you also put effort into making sure your bike is ready for your big day. Even if you don’t plan on doing the work yourself to get it race-ready, it’s important to understand what’s going on.

• What you need to carry on event day. All riders are responsible for fixing their on-course mechanicals. Limited support is available at the aid stations. What are the most common mechanicals and how to fix them.

• What to bring if you are traveling-in for event day. If you are driving or flying-in for event day, what you bring with you might vary. Focusing on most-common issues.

• If you aren’t “on the list” for riders attending these talks but would like to be, please reach out to focofondo@gmail.com and we’re happy to let you until the room is full.

Friends of FoCo Fondo is hosting Year 2 of the Beginner’s Clinic, partnered up with Source Endurance! Designed for the gravel curious, this low-stress clinic will cover some gravel basic skills as well as equipment and maintenance basics. Only 35 spots are available.

• Registration opens April 1st here at 7am MT.

• Gravel or MTB recommended. Tubless tires* are also recommended.

• If you need ASL interpreting services or financial aid, please email us ASAP at friendsoffocofondo@gmail.com.

*If you don't want to set up your tires tubeless on your own, it's super quick and relatively inexpensive fee at a bike shop. Make sure to call your shop with plenty of notice!

A new part of our programming in 2025 includes a series of monthly calls to help you feel prepared going into FoCo Fondo weekend, and bike-season in general. These calls are open to any of our program participants- scholars, clinic riders, or those who purchased the Source Endurance Training Guide.

You can self-select which talk you’d like to go to this month, a flip-flop of last month’s call:

• Beginner/Casual Training Talk with Zack Allison. This talk will be more introductory. Zack will run through the basics of training and how it works. He’ll also run through the FoCo Fondo Training Plan. Recommended for riders who “ride more casually” or have not followed a training plan before.

• Advanced Rider Nutrition Talk with Sports RDN Kristen Arnold. This talk will be most appropriate for riders who have ambitious goals on event day and are looking to maximize their fueling for performance-based goals. You should have basic nutrition, fueling, and pacing knowledge.

• If you aren’t “on the list” for riders attending these talks but would like to be, please reach out to focofondo@gmail.com and we’re happy to let you until the room is full.

A new part of our programming in 2025 includes a series of monthly calls to help you feel prepared going into FoCo Fondo weekend, and bike-season in general. These calls are open to any of our program participants- scholars, clinic riders, or those who purchased the Source Endurance Training Guide.

You can self-select which talk you’d like to go to this month:

• Advanced Training Talk with Zack Allison. He will run through the Training Plan and some higher level training education. Recommended for riders looking to take their training more seriously and have an ambitious goal.

• Beginner or Casual Rider Nutrition Talk with Sports RDN Kristen Arnold. This talk will be most appropriate for riders who want to know the basics behind fueling their ride and how to make a plan for themselves.

• Next month with flip-flop topics for Advanced and Casual/Beginner riders!!

• If you aren’t “on the list” for riders attending these talks but would like to be, please reach out to focofondo@gmail.com and we’re happy to let you until the room is full.

The One Speed Open est. 2005 by Rafael Millan-Garcia is one of Fort Collins’ longest running events. We’re bringing it back in 2025 from a couple year hiatus.

March 29th, 2025, from Lee Martinez Park. Start time 9am. Show up at 8:30 to sign waiver and prove reg.

Registration: Suggest minimum $20 donation to EITHER

Friends of FoCo Fondo OR Alianza Norco

Registration is complete with your confirmation of donation. Register whenever you want. Mark category entering, Men, Women, Non-Binary

If you’d like to volunteer, email kristenarnold6@gmail.com

Historical texts:

https://onespeedopen.blogspot.com/

https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2023/07/gravel-history-with-guitar-ted-speed.html

The one and only course for 2025 - 60 miles, 80% unpaved, 2700ft climbing - https://www.strava.com/routes/3324483362638633764 1

aid station on course that riders will hit twice at mile 11.5 and 43.

The Rules:

Your bike must only have one usable gear. See how-to video here

To be scored for prizes, you must follow the course. If you’re just looking to have a fun day out at party pace, register, and do as much of the course you want!

Time Bonuses - Maximum 4 minute time bonuses. Bonuses are only awarded at the aid station. Time bonus for feats of strength will be announced on the start line. Snacks and water will be provided at the aid station.

The roads are open, this is an underground event, use good judgment while riding on open roads, look out for each other. Be mindful of traffic and road crossings.

Don’t be a dick

Neutral Roll out from Lee Martinez park at 9am. Course is neutral until Vine and Timberline stoplight. Course finish line is just before the west gate on Richards Lake B road. Take a selfie picture with the clock at the finish location to prove your finish time.

Prizes for each category fast finishers and best costumes. Engrave winners cup for each category post race at Brave New Wheel.

Bring your own T- Shirt for on-site screen printing - $5

Post race party at Brave New Wheel

All 2025 applicants to our scholarship program will be notified no matter what. Those who are a part of the 2025 program will receive the option to accept the scholarship and onboarding instructions at that time.

If you do not receive a scholarship, would like to attend FoCo Fondo and have financial difficulty, consider the FoCo Fondo Volunteer Program.

Join us for the official Friends of FoCo Fondo kick off party. We’ll share the who, what, & why behind it and preview what will be a stellar 2025 in NoCo. The party kicks off at 5:30pm at New Belgium Brewing’s Community Room (thank you!). Free Fatty T’s and some light snacks provided. There will also be a food truck and, of course, you can order whatever you’d like at the bar.

We’ll also be revealing an initial round of Friends of FoCo Fondo merch for preorder and asking for your support.