Expanding Trail Access: BOEC Launches New Adaptive Mountain Bike Program
For 50 years, we have operated on the belief that the transformative power of nature belongs to everyone. This summer, we are thrilled to expand access to the outdoors even further than before. Thanks to the hard work of our Wilderness Program team and the immense generosity of our community of supporters BOEC has officially launched a new Adaptive Mountain Bike Program!
What the Adaptive Mountain Bike Program Offers
The launch of this program opens up Summit County’s summer trail networks to individuals who previously have faced barriers to mountain biking. That diversity on the trails starts with the right gear.
We are thrilled to welcome six new adaptive mountain bikes to our fleet, ensuring we can meet a wide array of rider needs. Ranging from beginner to advanced setups, our collection features hand cycles, foot cycles, and full-suspension bikes, all with fully adjustable seating positions and customized fittings. Every bike comes equipped with pedal-assist technology to help riders manage their energy, ride longer, and focus on the joy of the ride.
How to Get Riding
We’ve designed our program progression to help riders build confidence and technical skills first, then move on to riding with the community:
Individual Lessons: We are currently accepting individual lesson bookings. Participants can work one-on-one with a BOEC instructor alongside a dedicated volunteer to get comfortable steering, powering, and maneuvering an adaptive bike over varied terrain. Lessons take place on the Frisco Peninsula, along the French Creek trails, and at the local mountain bike park in Breckenridge.
Group Local Ride Days: Once an individual lesson is complete, you are eligible to join our local ride days. We have three more group local ride days planned for this summer, offering a chance to experience the thrill of mountain biking alongside peers.
Interested in trying adaptive mountain biking?
To learn more or book a lesson, reach out to Wilderness Program Coordinator Caleigh Sewell at [email protected] or 970-453-6422 .
Powered by Generosity: Thank You to Our Supporters
Bringing a complex, technical program like adaptive mountain biking to life requires far more than just enthusiasm. It takes immense dedication from staff and significant financial support from donors who share our mission of expanding access to the outdoors.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Mike and Betsy Billinghust, The D’Augustine Foundation, Stephen Lunney, and the many other supporters who helped fund our fleet of adaptive mountain bikes and power this initiative.
Here is what a few of our longtime supporters had to say about expanding trail access in Summit County:
“With our background in physical, occupational, and speech therapy serving individuals with disabilities and special needs and our passion for the outdoors, the BOEC is a perfect match because we share the same mission.
We specifically chose to support the adaptive mountain bike program because we’re thrilled to help open these beautiful trails to as many people as possible so they can not only enjoy these beautiful forests but also deepen their connection to this great community. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the trails equally and experience the joy and freedom that mountain biking brings.
We’ve seen how the BOEC has done that successfully in so many ways already and are so thankful to be a part of this great endeavor.”
– Mike & Betsy Billinghurst, Volunteers & Donors
“For the past 25 years The D’Augustine Foundation has had the privilege of watching the organization grow thoughtfully, expanding its programs while reamining true to its mission of making Colorado’s incredible outdoors accessible to everyone.
Many people immediately think of Colorado’s winter recreation, but there is something truly special about cruising through fields of wildflowers, taking in breathtaking mountain vistas, and enjoying the freedom that comes from exploring our trails. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience those moments, and we’re honored to help make that possible through the Adaptive Mountain Bike Program.
We also want to recognize Wilderness Program Director, Jaime Overmyer for the tremendous work involved in bringing this program together. Navigating the technical, logistical, and legal aspects of launching an adaptive mountain biking program is no small task.”
– The D’Augustine Foundation, Philanthropic Partner
