Cycling and Colorado are no strangers. It’s a special place for cyclists across all disciplines, and has been home to the USAC since its incorporation in 1995. 

So, when long-time TBD member Richard Scudney moved to Boulder this year, it was no real surprise. Neither was his top 10 finish in the local Gran Fando after 91 miles and 10,860ft of climbing! Erwin Kersten’s recent trips to the Centennial State showed us there are plenty of joys left for us all to discover.

Erwin’s first trip to Colorado was just over a month ago with his girlfriend for an epic RV adventure of the state. Also a keen cyclist, Steph and Erwin rode a few incredible roads in Boulder (Lee Hill), the Rockies (Trail Ridge Rd) and Colorado Springs (Garden of the Gods). Not just the amazing roads, but the friendliness of the people and gorgeous landscapes all exceeded expectations.

When Steph had to return for work a month later, Erwin jumped at the chance to head back for a few more days of mountain madness.

First stop: Fort Collins and the New Belgium Brewery. The trip was in honor of finding resolutions to the challenge of glass recycling in the US. Steph works in Sustainability for HEINEKEN, and is collaborating with the likes of New Belgium and others to tackle the issue. Who knew though there’d be an excuse to discover a whole new cycling story right there?

New Belgium Brewing Company has its origins in 1988 Belgium, when a young homebrewer rode his bike (including fat tires - the name of one its most famous beers) through European villages in order to return to Fort Collins full of ideas and recipes to kick things off.

“When I was asked if I wanted to join and learn a bit more about New Belgium, it was a no brainer” said Erwin, “and that was even before I found out the tour began by bike!” Arguably the best perk for brewery employee (who own 100% of the company!) is receiving one of its famous cruiser bikes to mark their one-year anniversary.

There’s only so long a TBD rider can be on a cruiser before the road bike and mountains start calling again. Back to Boulder meant more grueling climbs, stunning descents and bumping into an RCC Summit ride to top off yet another amazing Colorado trip. ‘Till we meet again.