A Day with Team Evergreen

by Bill Plock

Why do we belong to teams and clubs? What is important to us in deciding which clubs and teams to join? Lots of thoughts probably bubble to the surface. Maybe it’s like a magic potion in a cauldron of perfection adding just a little of this and some of that.

I had the privilege to be invited to Team Evergreen’s Oktoberfest this past weekend with the promise of a recipe including a road ride, some good food and chance to witness their giving nature. What I discovered is the parts (people) every bit make the sum (Team Evergreen).

Most of us know Team Evergreen from their two signature events; The Triple Bypass and the Bob Cook Memorial Mount Evans Hill Climb. Both events have grown over the years and find themselves on cyclists’ event calendars all over the country. What many don’t probably know is that a significant portion of the proceeds are given back to the community.

In the case of the events, volunteer groups run things like an aid station, or serve food, or help with course management. They are then rewarded with money for their groups. Also, larger, general advocacy groups like Bicycle Colorado and COMBA (Colorado Mountain Bike Assoc) receive financial support as well.

Jennifer Barbour, Executive director of Team Evergreen says, “Our goal is to promote cycling, community, and giving.  We wouldn’t be able to produce this ride without our volunteers.  Riders need groups such as Bicycle Colorado and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association to be a voice for cycling in the state.  We are delighted to give to both in support of their efforts.”

Team Evergreen and it’s 4,495 members awarded $162,000 to a wide variety of organizations on Sunday. With the Tripe Bypass cancelled this past summer because of forest fires, volunteer groups still received money even if they weren’t able to provide the services they had signed up for. Groups range from local churches and Scout troops to local cycling advocates and supporters. Some monies are even given to fund the cash matches for grant applications to build cycling infrastructure that benefits all cyclists.

Team Evergreen is the largest cycling club in Colorado. They offer 88 scheduled rides per year, both mountain and road bike rides. I was impressed by the engagement of board members and the overall camaraderie and make up of “teams” within the team.

Vice President John Sladek, a former professor at the University of Colorado showed off his pumpkin carving skills and donated one of his signature pumpkins. Board member Sue Meinerz had a deck of checks ready to hand to the groups there to celebrate the season. The many personalities and interests and cycling preferences all work well together understanding the common love of simply riding a bike.

Most cycling clubs exist provide a great riding experience and a means to give back. Team Evergreen’s footprint is large and gives them a chance to spread the wealth so to speak, but it felt genuine and small at the same time and focused on helping others achieve their goals as much as their own.

Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about you!