Photo: National Champion Sarah Sturm is one of several Durango-based pro cyclists offering gear at Durango Devo Bike Swap this Saturday. (Credit: Aleks Gajdeczka)
Durango may rank 33rd in population among Colorado cities, but thanks to its vibrant cycling culture, it boasts the second-largest annual bike swap in the state. Durango Devo — the area’s nonprofit youth cycling development program — is hosting its 15th annual Bike Swap this Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 7pm.
Several world-renowned cyclists will be selling their personal bikes and gear at this year’s swap to help raise money for Devo, including Cape Epic champion and Olympian Howard Grotts, World Champion Ned Overend, and 2024 XC World Cup podium finisher Savilia Blunk. Other champions and professional cyclists contributing to the swap include Sarah Sturm, Ainsley Haggart, Ellen Campbell, Cole Paton, Todd Wells, and McKenzie Winebarger.
It’s no coincidence — many of these pros are also Durango Devo alumni. Executive Director Levi Kurlander commented, “From a racing perspective, no other cycling development program compares to Durango Devo. Devo alumni include Olympians, World-Tour pros, Grand Tour champions, Cape Epic champions, World Championship medalists, and so many National Championships that we’ve lost count.”
In addition to equipment from illustrious pros, the Swap will feature hundreds of mountain, road, town, and kids bikes from community members across Southwest Colorado at a wide variety of price points.
“The Devo bike swap isn’t merely an exchange of wheels; it’s a celebration of camaraderie, promoting accessibility, health, and the joy of exploring on a bike,” explained Devo’s Development Director, Amy Haggart, “By swapping bikes, we also champion sustainability through recycling, giving new life to old bikes while making cycling more affordable and inclusive for all.”
Funds raised at the Bike Swap benefit Durango Devo’s scholarship program for programs and equipment, free community events, Bike Rodeos at area schools, and heavily subsidized programming for all aspiring youth cyclists. “Our goal isn’t to create the next Olympian,” said Devo co-founder Sarah Tescher. “We’re trying to turn kids of all ages into lifelong cyclists.”
“The smiles on kids’ and adults’ faces when they walk out with their new ride is priceless,” added Haggart.
The 2024 Bike Swap will be held at Chapman Hill Ice Rink on Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 7pm. Sellers can drop off swap items on Friday 9am to 7pm, and anything not sold must be picked up on Sunday 9am to 1pm. Donations are welcome and will benefit Durango Devo. Admission to the Bike Swap costs $1 on the day of the event.
Durango Devo is a Colorado 501[c][3] non-profit organization dedicated to developing lifelong cyclists, one ride at a time. Devo offers team-based mountain biking instruction for area youth from age three all the way through adulthood.
Learn more, sign up to volunteer, or register gear for sale at https://durangodevo.com/bikeswap/