Your favorite bike shop/deli/tavern enjoys extending the love throughout Fort Collins and beyond … by way of biking trails! Road 34 has been sponsoring two bike races just outside of the Laramie, Wyoming area for the last two seasons. Schuyler, General Manager and Co-Owner, says that he loves to support these events “because more than being a race, they’re community gatherings. It’s an opportunity for younger folks to come out and dip their toes into the idea of bike racing without all of the competitive attitudes and nerves that come with bigger events.”
The Laramie Epic is a one-day event that originated over 20 years ago. Riders have two different race options depending on how much of a challenge they are looking for. The ‘One and Done’ is a 31-mile loop that winds through the Pole Mountain trail system and changes over 4,000 feet in elevation. The Laramie Range Epic is the same course but with a second lap. This year’s Laramie Epic was on July 27. Several of the Road 34 staff participated in this event!
Road 34 also sponsors the Laramie Mountain Bike Race Series. This series happens on several Tuesdays over the course of the summer. Each week, the course changes, meaning riders can experience different lengths and levels of difficulty. Road 34 provided a post-race meal after the final race of the 2019 season which was on July 23.
Not only does Road 34 sponsor these events, but Schuyler and an employee have raced every week of the Laramie Series. He enjoys spending time with those who are new to bike racing. So many of these people have no previous racing experience and are floored by the camaraderie and acceptance of everyone. “By supporting these events, we can help make them sustainable and continue on for years to come,” Schuyler says. “That’s the biggest reason I’ve decided to step up our sponsorship to catering a meal. It’s both a way for us to take a huge burden off of the race organizers and a way to really integrate with the community on an even greater level. Everyone needs a good meal after a ride, and I couldn’t be happier to be the one putting it on a plate for them.”
It’s so important for small, local businesses to become involved in their community and participate in events that they are passionate about. It should come as no surprise that Road 34 and its staff (which began from a crew of bike passionate and beer-drinking go-getters) would love to support these community-oriented bike races. Thank you, Road 34, for showing Fort Collins what it means to truly live and breathe your passion!
