With the sun shining, the birds singing and the trails drying, we have all of the indicators that Devo season is about to begin. Yet, COVID-19 has changed our world.
This is no April Fools, Devo will not start up next week as originally planned. People all across the globe are called to protect the vulnerable in our communities from COVID-19 by social and physical distancing, and Devo must take this call very seriously.
The start of Devo’s spring programs has been delayed until May 10, though keep in mind that this date will likely change depending on how the pandemic progresses in our community.
Right now, Devo’s website has been updated to reflect our delayed start. All our spring programs have been rescheduled to begin May 11 and carry through the end of June. Accordingly, our summer camp schedules have also been adjusted, with summer camp registration now launching at 7 a.m. May 1. Top Secret training camp has been moved to October, and the bike swap will now be held in August.
Make sure to visit our website, www.durangodevo.com, for more details on our updated schedules. Please know that we are working as hard as we can to make sure we can deliver on the programs you’ve already registered for this spring. Our fingers are crossed we can kick things off with our May 11 start date, though please be prepared for these schedules to change again if the stay-at-home order continues through May.
Even though we won’t be riding with you in April, please remember that WE ARE STILL THERE FOR YOU! Keep a close eye on your emails and social media in the coming weeks. If you’re not already receiving our newsletter updates, make sure to sign up on our website.
Your coaches are working on some awesome and hilarious videos that we’ll share with tips, tricks, advice and pure entertainment. Also, remember Devo co-founder Chad Cheeney is AWESOME on our social media. Discover a new bike trick in your driveway? Take a video and tag us. Get bored and make something crazy for lunch? Tag us. We’ll repost and share your awesome content as much as we can.
Even more importantly, if you’re ever feeling sad, anxious, uncertain or just need someone to talk to, remember your coaches are always there. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your coaches with a call or a text – I promise they’ll be excited to hear from you. If you don’t have direct contact info for your coach, send me a message at the email below and I’ll make sure to point you in the right direction. Remember that even more than a bike team, Devo is a community. You can always lean on your community when you need help.
Devo will have its own challenges to overcome through the next few months, as well. Even during the best of times, Devo’s budget is tight since we always try to keep registration fees as cheap as possible. With registrations for future programs on hold, our fundraisers postponed, and with our amazing sponsors facing financial challenges of their own, Devo is going to need your help to make it through the next few months. If you can, please explore the “Support” tab on our website to learn about the many different ways you can help support Devo and our local sponsors through the difficult months ahead. Every little bit helps.
This old Chinese blessing (and curse!) has been rattling around a lot in my head lately: “May you live in interesting times.” Check! In such “interesting times,” it’s important to find silver linings – more time spent with family, focusing on the small things that actually mean the most. This morning, without the regular school traffic on the street in front of my house, I noticed how much easier it was to hear the birds. I hope you’re finding some small silver linings of your own in these interesting times.
Never Forget the Feeling.
Levi Kurlander is the executive director of the Durango Devo youth cycling program. He can be reached at director@durangodevo.com.
Trail reminders
When visiting area trails and public lands, please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all:
Social distancing: Keep a safe physical distance of at least six feet from people you do not live with.
Go solo or only with people you live with: This isn’t the time to hold even small social gatherings on public lands, as that could increase community spread of the virus. Please save the group runs, rides or hikes for after the stay-at-home order is lifted.
Avoid crowds: Look for nearby nature to enjoy, the closer to home the better.
Share the wealth: Whether it’s sharing trails and yielding to others in order to maintain a safe distance or limiting your time on public lands so that more people can have a safe experience, please keep your larger community in mind.
Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in, as garbage collection is currently very limited.
Use common sense: Stay at home if you or others in your household are feeling sick.
Also, remember that Devo coaches are not allowed to ride in a coaching capacity with athletes. Please do not ask Devo coaches for individual lessons with your kids. By doing so, you are asking them to put themselves and their loved ones at unnecessary risk. As noted above, ride solo or only with the people you live with.
