What The Cycle Effect does

The Cycle Effect is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Eagle, CO, that provides mountain biking mentorship, skills coaching, and outdoor programming to girls and women across four counties on the state's Western Slope: Eagle, Mesa, Routt, and Summit. Founded and led by co-founders Tam and Brett Donelson, the organization operates an all-inclusive model in which 100% of participants receive bikes, gear, transportation, coaching, and bilingual programming at no cost. Mesa County programming explicitly serves Latina and BIPOC participants averaging 11 risk factors each, including low-income status. Core programs include regional mountain biking teams, the Girls Mountain Bike Mentorship program, the bilingual Mujeres y Pedales initiative, and the (re)cycle bike donation program that accepts in-kind equipment.

The business model is donation-funded and diversified across five revenue streams: individual donations (one-time, recurring, honor/memory, stock, planned giving), corporate sponsorships from Alpine Bank, Optic Nerve, Primal, SMR, and Spoke+Blossom, event-based fundraising through 15+ partner breweries and restaurants (Trail Life Brewing, Outer Range, Ramblebine, Moe's BBQ, Hot Tomato, The Barley), fee-based paid clinics for adults ($75-$175 per participant), and in-kind equipment donations. The go-to-market motion is community-led: the organization relies on local business partnerships, word-of-mouth through existing participants, and co-marketing via partner venues to acquire both donors and program participants. Distribution is regional and direct, delivered through staff and volunteer coaches across the four-county footprint, supplemented by an email newsletter ('The Dirt') and a brand merchandise shop on skitownallstars.com.

The underlying technology is minimal: a Squarespace-hosted marketing website and a third-party donation platform. There is no proprietary software, no mobile application, no public API, and no disclosed digital product layer. The organization's competitive positioning rests on its deeply embedded community ecosystem, brand credibility demonstrated by the Toyota Everyday Heroes Award (ESPNW Women + Sport Summit, October 2024) and Candid Gold Seal 2025, and its strategic advocacy partnership with SBT GRVL. As a nonprofit, The Cycle Effect does not have traditional ownership, shareholders, or disclosed financials; revenue figures are not publicly available.

Name

The Cycle Effect

Legal name

The Cycle Effect

Website

https://thecycleeffect.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Cycle Effect is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free mountain biking mentorship, equipment, coaching, and bilingual programming to girls and women across four counties on the Western Slope, funded by individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and community partner events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Outdoor Recreation Nonprofits

NAICS

Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Cycling Events (Road Races, Gran Fondos, Sportives) (MPAKAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cycling, Mountain Biking & E-Bike Adventure Tour Operators (THAAADAE), Bike Fit, Performance & Training Retail/Studios (CRAMAHAI)

Keywords

• Youth mountain biking programs
• Girls cycling mentorship
• Nonprofit outdoor recreation
• Women mountain biking
• Community cycling programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Eagle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters, both general and designated (honor/memory gifts). Donors can give monthly through recurring giving programs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship support from businesses including Alpine Bank, Optic Nerve, Primal, SMR, and Spoke+Blossom. Sponsors receive recognition and logo placement.
3. Event Fundraising: Fundraising events hosted by partner businesses (breweries, restaurants) where percentage of sales or ticket proceeds benefit the organization.
4. Event Participation Fees: Fees for paid programming such as women's MTB clinics ($150-$175 per person) and community events.
5. In-Kind Donations: Accepts bikes, gear, and outdoor equipment donations through the (re)cycle program, as well as in-kind support for events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Cycle Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides fully subsidized mountain biking programs, mentorship, coaching, and gear for girls and women across four Colorado counties. 100% of participants receive bikes, equipment, transportation, coaching, and bilingual programming at no cost, with programs organized around regional hubs in Eagle, Mesa, Routt, and Summit counties on the Western Slope.

Product overview

The Cycle Effect is a nonprofit organization offering a unified portfolio of youth development programs centered on mountain biking and mentorship for girls and women. The core offerings include regional mountain biking programs across Eagle County, Mesa County, Routt County, and Summit County, Colorado; the Girls Mountain Bike Mentorship program; the bilingual Mujeres y Pedales program; and the (re)cycle bike donation program. These programs are supported by donation mechanisms, community events, and volunteer opportunities. The organization removes barriers to cycling by providing bikes, gear, transportation, coaching, and bilingual programming to participants at no cost.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mountain Biking Programs Year-round mountain biking programs for girls and women across Colorado's western slope, providing coaching, mentorship, skill development, and trail access through local partnerships.
• Girls Mountain Bike Mentorship Mentorship program connecting young women with experienced coaches and role models to build confidence and leadership skills through cycling.
• Mujeres y Pedales Bilingual programming creating spaces for women and girls to ride and thrive together, serving young women who identify as Latina and/or BIPOC in Mesa County.
• (re)cycle Program Bike match program accepting high-quality bike, gear, and outdoor equipment donations to support athletes and programs.
• Donation Programs Various giving options including monthly recurring donations, one-time gifts, honor/memory gifts, stock gifts, in-kind donations, workplace matching, and planned giving.
• Community Events Fundraising events, community rides, film screenings, partner brewery nights, and social gatherings that support the organization and build community engagement.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities focused on programming assistance and local event support to help build equity on mountain bikes.
• Women's MTB Clinics Paid skills coaching clinics for women 18+ (beginner and intermediate), including expert coaching, trail rides, TCE swag, and drink ticket. Limited to 20 participants per session.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% participant support rate - all riders receive bikes, gear, transportation, coaching, and bilingual programming
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SBT GRVLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Cycle Effect is the official advocacy partner and beneficiary of SBT GRVL, a major gravel cycling event in Routt County. Partnership includes HLL CLMB costume race fundraiser, expo tent presence, volunteer coordination, and rider participation support.
• Trail Life BrewingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrand Junction brewery hosting 'Grain for Good TCE Beneficiary Night' where 20% of beer sales support The Cycle Effect.
• Outer Range Brewing Co.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFrisco brewery co-hosting 'Ride Together: The Cycle Effect Community Bike and Film Fest' with special beer release, community rides, workshops, and film screening to benefit TCE.
• The BarleycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSteamboat Springs bar hosting monthly 'Drink a Beer. Fund a Bike!' events where 20% of bar sales support TCE programs.
• Moe's Original BBQcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEagle restaurant hosting annual 'Moe's Bikes and BBQ' events with portion of food/beverage proceeds benefiting TCE. Venue hosts partner events following women's MTB clinics.
• Ramblebine BrewingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGrand Junction brewery released a special TCE-inspired Mexican Lager with 10% of total sales supporting girls and women on bikes.
• Hot TomatocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFruita pizzeria selected TCE as their 1% Beneficiary for October 2026, with 1% of all proceeds supporting girls and women in Mesa County.
• GOAT TrainingcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEdwards gym hosting 'The GOAT Grind' team bike challenge benefiting TCE, with $10 donation per participant and team competitions.
• Walking Mountains Science CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting sustainable film screenings including 'The Engine Inside' documentary at Riverwalk Theaters in Edwards.
• Summit FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosting the 'Ride Together: The Cycle Effect Community Bike and Film Fest at Outer Range' event in Summit County.
• SCoMBA (Summit County Mountain Bike Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal mountain bike association co-hosting community rides and providing trail access support in Summit County.
• Routt County RiderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal IMBA chapter co-hosting women's bike film nights, kids races, and community events in Routt County.
• The Desert DoseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreated 'Women's Flow & Ride Solstice Fundraiser' event benefiting TCE in Mesa County, combining yoga and mountain biking.
• Pablo's PizzaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrand Junction pizza restaurant selected TCE as nonprofit of the month with round-up donations and 100% matching of online donations.
• Out Here YogaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSteamboat Springs yoga studio hosting monthly donation-based classes benefiting TCE.
• Copper MountainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSki resort participating in Play Forever Thursdays program, offering $99 lift tickets with portion benefiting TCE.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cyclefx
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheCycleEffect
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-cycle-effect

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Cycle Effect