If you think Routt County Riders (RCR) is just about trails and mountain biking, theres more to the story. What began in 1991 as a grassroots trail-building group has quietly evolved into one of the Yampa Valley’s most impactful nonprofits, dedicated to expanding access, building community, and getting more people on bikes.
We stumbled across the RCR Community Bike Shop by chance, and within minutes, we were moved by the kindness of Matthew and Ty. They matched us with high-quality mountain bikes based on a donation we felt comfortable with, no pressure, no judgment. Before we left, they took the time to walk us through bike safety basics, showed us how to shift gears, and fitted us with brand-new helmets provided through a grant from POC Helmets. We left with more than just bikes, we left with a sense of belonging, gratitude, and pride in this community.
That experience inspired us to dig deeper, and we reached out to RCR’s Executive Director, Laraine Martin, for an interview.
The Heart of the Bike Match Program
Laraine, a passionate mountain biker herself, shared the vision behind the Bike Match program with humility and warmth. Like many great ideas, it started with a question: How do we make biking accessible for everyone in the Yampa Valley—not just those who can afford it?
That question led to a beautifully simple solution: take bikes collecting dust in garages, keep them out of the landfill, and match them with locals who need them most. From kids who’ve outgrown their rides to folks looking for a way to get to work, Bike Match opens doors—literally and figuratively.
The most surprising part? Commuter bikes from the shop are completely free. And if you’re hoping to get into mountain biking, RCR’s team will help you find a quality bike for a fraction of the cost of a new one. It’s access without barriers, and that’s the whole point.
Laraine shared one story that captures exactly why this work matters. A local man, living alone and facing serious health challenges, was struggling to get around without reliable transportation. RCR matched him with a bike, free of charge. “Later he came back,” Laraine told us with tears in her eyes, “and said it has changed his life.” With that one act, he regained a sense of freedom. He could now ride to the store, move his body, and reconnect with the outdoors.
“It feels amazing,” she added. “That is the ultimate payoff, knowing you’re giving someone a way to get around, a way to enjoy recreation, and a sense of freedom.”
Stories like this are a powerful reminder that for many people, a bike can be much more than transportation. It can be a path to freedom and a better quality of life.
Behind the Scenes at Routt County Riders
RCR’s impact is powered by a small but dedicated team: Ty, Matthew, Paul, and Lucy, who keep things running day in and day out. But it’s not just the staff. The organization is supported by a highly involved board of directors made up of riders from all walks—mountain bikers, road cyclists, commuters, and casual cruisers alike. What they all have in common is a deep passion for getting more people on bikes.
Match referrals for the Bike Match program often come from trusted local partners like DHS, Integrated Community, and Partners for Youth. Once donated, bikes are repaired, refitted, and rehomed—often serving as a first ride, a commute solution, or simply a way to get outside. Families can also trade in outgrown bikes, keeping the cycle going in more ways than one.
The Community Bike Shop is at the heart of it all. It’s not just about fixing flats and adjusting gears—it’s about education, empowerment, and safety. Programs like Tech Tuesday maintenance nights, women’s-only clinics, and middle school safety workshops help ensure that riders of all ages and backgrounds feel confident on two wheels.
This work wouldn’t be possible without community support. From bike and helmet donations to financial contributions, local generosity fuels every ride. A special shoutout goes to the Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, whose ongoing support has helped make the Bike Match program what it is today.
At its core, RCR’s mission remains simple and powerful: biking should be for everyone—regardless of income, background, or experience. And thanks to the people behind the scenes, it truly is.
Ways to Get Involved
This community-powered movement depends on… well, community. Here’s how you can help:
- Become a Member: Starting at $39/year, membership supports every RCR program (and includes some sweet swag).
- Donate a Bike or Parts: Got a bike collecting dust? Give it new life.
- Support Financially: Every dollar helps keep wheels rolling.
Read more on Routt County Riders Website to learn more.
Looking Ahead
The demand for bikes in Routt County is growing—and so is the impact. As the program expands, Routt County Riders considers larger spaces and deeper community partnerships. But their guiding principle remains the same: listen to what the community truly needs, and build from there.
Because in the end, it’s about more than bikes. It’s about freedom, connection, and the quiet joy of knowing you helped someone take their next step—on two wheels.
If you want more information about biking around Steamboat, check out our blog on the West Steamboat bike trail expansion.