The great outdoors, a girl and her bike --- are all things The Cycle Effect, a non-profit based in Eagle, Colorado, aims to put together.
According to Tamara Donelson, co-founder and coach and Brett Donelson, co-founder and CEO, the organization's mission is to "empower young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities on Colorado's Western Slope." Founded in 2013, The Cycle Effect partners with youth organizations and schools to identify girls from under-resourced BIPOC/Latina communities and girls who face behavioral and social challenges.
The organization now has four locations throughout Colorado, all of which help remove barriers to biking, such as the cost of bikes and the proper training to navigate various terrains.
Both avid cyclists, the married co-founders understand that riders start from different places but believe biking's transformational powers of belonging and self-fulfillment can be wonderful for those of varying access points and abilities -- that's why the organization is called The Cycle Effect.
"[We] wanted to make sure everyone had access to the sense of freedom that mountain biking provides," says Tamara Donelson.
Toyota's Everyday Heroes program recognized the Donelsons for creating and growing The Cycle Effect and for "making a difference for women and girls in their local communities through sports." Because of their work, the Donelsons were awarded a $15,000 grant at the 2024 espnW Summit in Ojai, California, on Oct. 29. With their award, they want to provide, "Growth! New counties and hiring more amazing women coaches to coach the girls."
The organizational values of The Cycle Effect are "equity, belonging, compassion, courage, thrive, and fun." By mentoring young riders and their team of coaches and advisors, the organization hopes riders "build confidence, self-esteem and resilience."
"We teach them there are mountains everywhere; no matter what you want to do, you probably must go up a mountain to do it. Mountains are always coming, and learning how to deal with them is really important," adds Brett Donelson.
Now their riders, who may have gotten a few bumps and bruises along the way, brag about their adventures and lessons from their rides.