You have certainly heard about the good work being done by the local nonprofit DUST2.
But, you may not have heard where its name comes from. The name DUST2 initially came about as the need was identified for a nonprofit that could raise funds for trail-building efforts in the urban area of downtown Pagosa Springs. Hence, DUST, Developing Urban Single Track, was born.
The “2” was added with the bike team’s integration with the original trail development focus. Over time, DUST2 has expanded work out of the urban area and into the rural surrounding forested areas.
A major component of DUST2’s current programming is coaching and developing a growing youth mountain bike team.
A major future goal of DUST2 is to assist in the completion of a safe trail connecting downtown school campuses with the new school campus to be built uptown.
“The Engine Inside” is a documentary film about the transformative power of cycling and is being screened at the Liberty Theatre on April 21 at 6 p.m. as a fundraiser for DUST2. Tickets can be bought online at simpletix.com.
The film highlights how bikes can solve global issues and improve lives, focusing on sustainability, community and the personal benefits of riding.
Pagosa’s first ever critical mass bike ride, sponsored by DUST2, will take place on April 26 starting at 10 a.m. at the domes in Centennial Park.
This family-friendly ride celebrates Earth Day, community, healthy transportation and biking together safely.
Critical mass bike events occur all over the country. Critical mass bike rides are a form of direct action in which people travel as a group on bicycles at a set location and time. The idea is for people to group together to make it safe for each other to ride bicycles through their streets, based on the old adage that there’s safety in numbers. Critical mass events highlight the numbers of people who want to use their bicycle on the streets, but are usually unable to do so without risking their safety.
The DUST2 bicycle teams compete in races around the state. One major point of pride is the number of females actively competing with the team. Nine females raced with the 38-member team in 2025. It has a goal of increasing female participation to 50 percent. A step in this direction is an upcoming clinic called “Girls, Grit and Grime” to be held at Yamaguchi Park on May 8 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. The clinic is free. Sign up at www.dust2pagosa.org/girlsonbikes. If you have questions, call coach Dawn at (909) 855-7140.
>