NoCo Catholic Men's Cycling
Second Saturday Cycling of NoCo Catholic Men
About Us
Holy Spokes is a gathering of Catholic men from Northern Colorado who believe that brotherhood is built in motion. Each month, on the second Saturday morning, we meet at a predetermined location at 7:00 AM, open with prayer, and head out together for a ride averaging around 2 hours through the roads of NoCo.
Beginners are genuinely welcome here — with one expectation: a willingness to learn and grow toward intermediate group riding. This is not a casual spin; the intent is a real workout pursued in good company. We ride with purpose, and we ride together.
Our goal is to move as a single group. Where pace differences require it, riders may organize into smaller groups — but no one rides alone. Every man finishes with the group, and every group finishes the ride.
After every ride, we gather at the tailgate for food and drink. The road is where we work — the tailgate is where we linger and build the bonds of brotherhood.
Our Patroness
The painting enshrined in the Chapel of Magreglio above Lake Como depicts Our Lady with the infant Jesus and was discovered, according to local tradition, in a nearby forest. That shrine became a chapel, and the chapel became one of the most beloved sanctuaries in the world of cycling.
The legend reaches further back: a medieval count named Ghisallo, fleeing bandits along the mountain road, found refuge before this image of Our Lady and was saved. From that day the pass bore her name, and she was venerated as protectress of all who traveled these hills.
When the Giro d'Italia and Giro di Lombardia began routing their great races over the Ghisallo climb, cyclists the world over found in her a natural patron. A local priest, Father Ermelindo Vigano — with the support of champions Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi — brought a petition to Rome. In 1949, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Madonna del Ghisallo Patroness of Cyclists. A bronze torch, blessed by the Pope, has burned before her image ever since.
The chapel walls are hung with the jerseys of champions, bicycles from legendary races, and simple offerings from ordinary riders who climbed to give thanks.
Madonna del Ghisallo, prega per noi.
Our Lady of Ghisallo, pray for us.
What to Expect
We begin together in prayer before every ride — commending ourselves to Jesus through His Mother, Our Lady of Ghisallo, before the first pedal stroke.
An approximately 2-hour road ride through NoCo, announced in advance. The goal is a genuine workout ridden together — pacing groups may form, but every rider finishes with others.
Each month we ride a new route in Northern Colorado (in and around Fort Collins and Loveland). Meet-up location and route shared with registered riders ahead of the ride.
Every ride ends at the tailgate — food, drink, and fellowship. Members take turns contributing. No one rides home hungry.
Ride Well, Ride Safe
Northern Colorado offers exceptional road cycling. Riding well means riding safely, respectfully, and prepared. Every member of Holy Spokes is expected to know and follow these standards.
Northern Colorado has a robust cycling community and excellent infrastructure — the Poudre Canyon corridor, Rist Canyon, US 287, and routes through the Loveland and Berthoud areas offer some of the finest road riding in the region. We are guests of the roads we ride.
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."Proverbs 27:17
Join the Ride