At Axis Sports Medicine, we’ve always believed in the power of unity, collaboration, and the spirit of community. Our passion extends beyond providing Summit and Eagle County, Colorado the best sports medicine and physical therapy services.
We are deeply committed to nurturing our community members’ overall health, well-being, and empowerment, a mission we achieve by partnering with local businesses and organizations that share our ethos.

One of our most rewarding collaborations has been with The Cycle Effect, an incredible organization working to change lives and shape futures right here in our backyard.
Both our organizations appreciate the relationship between physical activity and the stunning environment we’re fortunate to call home.
Mountain biking, the core activity at The Cycle Effect, promotes physical fitness and resonates deeply with our shared love for the great outdoors and the health benefits of being immersed in nature.
This shared commitment to fostering health, wellness, and empowerment is what has made our decade-long partnership with The Cycle Effect so rewarding. Read on to learn more about this incredible organization – and how Axis is partnering with them to bring awareness and safety to the trails.
The Origin of The Cycle Effect
An extraordinary story began unfolding in November of 2010. Donelson Coaching had a vision for local young women to engage in a sport they loved, regardless of their backgrounds. The sport: mountain biking – an exciting and challenging activity that builds physical stamina and nurtures mental resilience.
Driven by their new purpose, The Cycle Effect was born from a passion for empowering local girls through mountain biking, helping them build self-esteem, improve fitness, and learn about nutritional opportunities.
The participants received mountain bikes and equipment, underwent training by professional coaches, and even competed in race events throughout Eagle, Mesa, Summit and Routt counties. This dynamic program transformed mountain biking into a vehicle for these young women to escape high-school stresses, acquire lifelong skills, and foster a sense of belonging.
Together, they fostered an amazing team dynamic, becoming more than just a group of individual riders. They became a close-knit team, bound by their shared experiences on and off the trails.
Overcoming obstacles with collective grit and determination, these girls grew from novices to premier mountain biking teams. This beautiful evolution cemented The Cycle Effect’s place in our community and in the hearts of its participants.
The Cycle Effect’s Mission
At the heart of this dynamic organization are three core goals: promoting physical wellness, driving community impact and mentorship, and fostering brighter futures.
Through their unique approach, The Cycle Effect trains young women to conquer the rugged mountain trails and arms them with essential life skills, instilling a stronger sense of self, an indomitable spirit, and a drive to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Participation in regular, healthy activities like mountain biking keeps the girls physically fit and contributes significantly to their mental and emotional wellness. Studies show regular physical activity can enhance self-esteem, promote positive body image, and boost academic performance.
The Cycle Effect’s program channels these benefits, helping the girls stay engaged in school, set achievable future goals, and work diligently towards their realization. The ripple effects are felt throughout our community, creating a more engaged, healthy, and resilient future generation.
Now equipped with renewed self-confidence and a robust support network, the girls become ambassadors of change, inspiring their peers and contributing positively to the broader community.
Axis Sports Medicine’s Partnership with The Cycle Effect
Our collaboration with The Cycle Effect stretches back a decade and is rooted in our shared vision of promoting health, wellness, and the personal growth of young women. This partnership takes several tangible forms, each contributing to the safe and holistic development of the athletes.
Long-Term Sponsorship
For the past ten years, Axis Sports Medicine has been a proud sponsor of The Cycle Effect.
Sponsorship isn’t just about providing financial support; it’s about investing in the future of these young women and our community. Our sponsorship underscores our commitment to The Cycle Effect’s mission and provides the necessary resources to continue its transformative work.
Screening and Treatment
Over the years, we’ve screened and trained athletes at The Cycle Effect. Our procedures ensure girls are physically ready for mountain biking while our programs enhance performance, strength, and endurance. We aim to help each athlete work on injury prevention so they can reach their maximum potential.
Concussion Awareness, Baseline Testing, and Education
Like any sport, mountain biking has its share of risks, and concussions are a particular concern. At Axis, we’ve prioritized contributing our expertise in concussion awareness, baseline testing, and education to The Cycle Effect.
We have conducted baseline concussion testing for the athletes and coaches, which is crucial in assessing and managing any potential head injuries in the future.
Our education sessions have equipped the girls and coaches with the knowledge to identify signs of a concussion and the appropriate steps to take in such situations, ensuring they’re safe as they conquer the trails.
Upcoming Partnership Events
This summer, Axis Sports Medicine and The Cycle Effect are thrilled to continue their collaborative efforts with enriching events, deepening the connection between our organizations and enhancing the experience for the participating athletes.
July 12th Practice
We are excited to join The Cycle Effect for a practice session on July 12th. This practice will not be just about increasing trail mileage; it’s an opportunity for the girls to explore their potential, build their confidence, and learn about the importance of physical health.
In this combined ride, Duncan (our resident patient coordinator) will mentor the athletes during their practice – guiding them through tailored stretching and core strengthening exercises. These exercises are designed to enhance flexibility, improve stability, and increase muscle strength – all essential for mountain biking.
August 23rd Educational Talk
Building on the momentum from July’s practice, we are set to join The Cycle Effect again on August 23rd for another combined event. This time, the focus will shift from the physical to the educational.
The Axis Sports Medicine team will deliver an educational talk on sports medicine, safety, and overall wellness. Our goal is to equip the girls with valuable knowledge that will enhance their mountain biking experience and foster their long-term health and well-being.
Join Us On The Journey
At Axis Sports Medicine, we consider our partnership with The Cycle Effect not just a responsibility, but a privilege.
We are proud to collaborate with an organization that shares our passion for health, wellness, and community development. Together, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of mountain biking on these young women’s lives, an experience that continues to inspire us.
From various backgrounds, these girls show us what it means to harness the power of physical activity, resilience, and teamwork to carve a brighter future. We are honored to contribute to their journey and remain committed to providing them with the best possible support and education for their personal and athletic growth.
To learn more about The Cycle Effect and how you can contribute to empowering the next generation of women through mountain biking, visit their website or contact them directly.
As we continue to navigate the trails of western Colorado, we look forward to the evolution of our partnership with The Cycle Effect. Together, we’re shaping a healthier, stronger community – one ride at a time.