Pedaling into the future

By DALE STRODE

Sentinel Correspondent

Even though he rides a single-speed mountain bike, Dave Grossman knows when to shift gears.

Grossman, who’s been active in Grand Valley trails and mountain biking for two decades, took the helm of Grand Valley Youth Cycling last year. The new executive director of the junior cycling organization is on a mission to shift the nonprofit into overdrive as it launches its 15th season.

“We’ve primarily been a volunteer-driven organization with volunteer coaches and staff,” Grossman said. “It’s gotten us to an amazing place. We’ve had a huge number of kids come through our program.”

But Grossman and his GVYC colleagues can see even more kids on more bikes on valley trails.

“Just like we develop kids on the bicycle, develop them to be good cyclists, to be good landscape stewards, we (as an organization) need to do some internal development,” he said. “I think the community and the organization have recognized that it’s time.”

He said as a nonprofit, Grand Valley Youth Cycling has received a ton of support from the community.

“We’ve learned that we have to be even better at encouraging that support … cultivating that support,” Grossman said. “As we are growing and evolving, we are looking to recruit more sponsors. We’re working to explore more ways of fundraising.”

For example, he said, the group is bringing back the popular Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops trail system. The mountain bike short track series was popular for years but faded with the pandemic.

“These events are for everyone. It’s open to all ages. We’ll get youngsters all the way up to pros and top collegiate racers,” Grossman said.

Adding to the fun, he said, are the creative costumes and a plethora of prizes.

The Short Track Series will run three consecutive weeks — April 8, 15 and 22.

The timing matches the start of the spring programs for the GVYC middle school and high school cyclists.

The evolution of the junior cycling organization, Grossman said, includes the need for paid coaches — trained and certified coaches.

The executive director position, as a part-time role, has been on the pay scale for the past few years, he said.

“But our insurance costs tripled in one year,” he added, citing a familiar fiscal phenomenon.

SPRING RIDING

Grossman said there are two primary pathways for the GVYC junior cyclists — middle school (and older elementary) ages and high school.

The ride focus, he said, is fun forward.

“It’s less of a competitive approach,” he said “It focuses more on skills, confidence and fun with friends.”

The racing pathway is obvious and geared toward the annual fall cross country race seasons, including the Colorado High School Cycling League.

In the spring, GVYC concentrates on cross

See PEDALING, page 4A ➤

Cyclists ages 10-19 race each other during a Grand Valley Youth Cycling Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops Trail System on Wednesday. Grand Valley Youth Cycling brought back the popular Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops trail system. The mountain bike short track series was popular for years but faded with the pandemic. “These events are for everyone. It’s open to all ages. We’ll get youngsters all the way up to pros and top collegiate racers,” Grand Valley Youth Cycling Executive Director Dave Grossman said.

Photos by LARRY ROBINSON/ The Daily Sentinel

Grand Valley Youth Cycling Executive Director Dave Grossman smiles while talking with other organizers after a GVYC Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops Trail System on Wednesday. Grossman is on a mission to shift the nonprofit into overdrive as it launches its 15th season. “We’ve primarily been a volunteer-driven organization with volunteer coaches and staff,” Grossman said. “It’s gotten us to an amazing place. We’ve had a huge number of kids come through our program.”

Cyclists ages 10-19 take off from the start line during a Grand Valley Youth Cycling Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops Trail System on Wednesday. The Short Track Race Series will continue for the next two Wednesdays — April 15 and April 22.

➤ Continued from page 1A

country training, including nutrition and race prep.

The sessions can help riders prepare for the annual Grand Junction Rides & Vibes or other events like the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde.

Grossman said they are adding enduro racing to the spring program.

“It … is a discipline of timed downhills and untimed climbs. It’s a really fun program with a strong social component,” he said.

“We’re excited to offer the enduro side of things. It’s something that’s relatively new,” he said, adding that it’s surging in popularity.

Information on the Grand Valley Youth Cycling programs and schedules, including info on scholarships, is available on the website grandvalleymtb.com. Registration for most programs is still open. Many programs extend through the summer.

The largest participation in GVYC occurs during the fall sessions, according to Grossman.

THE TRAIL TO GVYC

Grossman, not shy about his outspoken love of mountain biking (and trails), credits fortunate timing with the opportunity to lead GVYC.

“When GVYC was getting started in 2011, I was like yes. How can I help?” Grossman said.

He served as a volunteer, a consultant, a coach, etc.

He’s been a certified mountain biking coach for years.

“Both of my daughters joined the high school teams and raced, so I got to coach and cheer and support them,” he said.

After growing up in Durango, Grossman first moved to Grand Junction in 2004 when his wife was pursuing the residency program in family medicine at then-St. Mary’s Hospital.

“So I went biking on the Lunch Loops,” Grossman said. “I crashed coming down Curt’s Lane and broke a finger.”

But the longtime mountain biker had a unique personal response.

“My reaction was YES. I found a place that challenges me in a new way,” Grossman said. “I was instantly welded to that trail system and this community.”

The weld holds strong years later.

The man also known as “Grand Valley Dave” is still riding Lunch Loops or Water Tank trails, often with groups of young mountain bikers.

“This is my 42nd year riding mountain bikes,” Grossman said.

In those years, Grossman was a key player in bringing the Epic Rides’ Grand Junction Off-Road to the area.

“We launched the Grand Junction Off-Road mountain bike event, which ran here until 2018,” said Grossman, who also was involved in local trails organizations, including the comprehensive Grand Valley Trails Alliance.

The Grand Junction Off-Road was the predecessor to the current Rides & Vibes event, scheduled this year for May 8-9.

“It’s awesome to have this opportunity for an organization (GVYC) that is undergoing transition and growth,” Grossman said.

“It’s all about riding, riding with kids who aren’t on their phones. We want healthy experiences. We’re nurturing a supportive environment that allows our youth to explore challenges,” Grossman said. “And fitness. A bicycle is a great fitness and health tool … something you can do your entire life.”

Personally, Grossman favors family bike time.

“I love riding with my daughters. It’s really cool, especially … after they’ve ridden something better than I did,” he said. “They have become strong, brave, capable women.”

Grossman said getting more girls involved is another priority for Grand Valley Youth Cycling moving ahead.

There are also more coaches to bring on board. And more questions that will need answers.

“Things to set the organization on a footing for the next 15 years,” he said.

In the vernacular of mountain biking, Grossman said his position as executive director “is like a good trail. It’s really fun and really challenging. And sometimes, even quite scary.”

Middle school cyclists race each other during a Grand Valley Youth Cycling Short Track Race Series at the Lunch Loops Trail System on Wednesday. Grand Valley Youth Cycling Executive Director Dave Grossman said there are two primary pathways for the GVYC junior cyclists — middle school (and older elementary) ages and high school. The ride focus, he said, is fun forward.

LARRY ROBINSON/ The Daily Sentinel