Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaC-MAN)! Have you ever been to the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort just a hop, skip, and a jump east of Manitou Springs? Perhaps you’ve attended one of their many events, glamped overnight, or joined in for one of their many outdoor activities? Chances are the event was organized by Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort General Manager Sara Branham. Sara is an avid active transportation user and recently shared how e-bikes have become her family’s primary mode of transportation! With a contagious smile and a friendly hello, Sara is one of those people who always leaves a positive impression on all who walk through the Lodge’s door. Stop by to say hello, stay a while, or join in for one of the many no-drop group bicycle rides that the Buffalo Lodge Bike Tribe offers. You won’t be disappointed!
How long have you been using active transportation and how did it all start for you?
I work at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort so bicycles are very much a part of my life. Torie Giffin, owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, took me on my first e-bike ride in Aug 2023. I was scared to go, but after just a few hours on the e-bike, I didn’t want to stop! That ride completely changed how I viewed cycling.
I’ve ridden bicycles my whole life but having children had taken a lot of the joy out of cycling for me. When my kids were younger, we had one in a seat on the front of my bicycle and another on a tag-a-long on the back, which made even short rides a lot of hard work. In November 2023, we purchased our first e-bike with the help of a Colorado State e-bike voucher and since then my e-bike has become my primary mode of transportation. I use it to take my kids to and from school, haul books to the library, and carry cases of eggs and soda for the Lodge. Working at a place so connected to cycling, I love pulling up in the morning to see both traditional bikes and e-bikes parked in front, many of which are used by staff to commute.
Did you purchase your e-bike using a Colorado State e-bike voucher or another incentive program?
Our family qualified for two Colorado State Cargo e-Bike Vouchers. Since we still have young kids at home, we bought bikes with seats for the kids on the back and a basket on the front for errands.
What are the pros/cons of cycling to get around Manitou Springs?
I love riding my e-bike in Manitou Springs. Parking is much easier, and I’m always in a better mood when I arrive at my destination. Getting a little exercise and avoiding most of the traffic is a real mood booster. The only downside is the occasional challenge of finding appropriate bike parking – many bike racks don’t accommodate my e-bike’s wider tires, so I often have to lock it to the side or behind a rack, or even to a bench if no racks are available.
What infrastructure or aesthetic improvements would enhance your active transportation experience in Manitou Springs?
I prefer riding on quieter roads, like El Paso or Pikes Peak Avenue, over busier ones like Manitou or Colorado Avenues. Even though the main roads have bike lanes on them, I feel more comfortable with cars going at a slower speed around me. I’ve also really appreciated the bike valets provided during large events in Manitou – these make it so much easier to park securely.
What advice would you give to someone interested in trying active transportation in Manitou Springs but short on time?
Give e-bikes a try – they truly revolutionized cycling for me. You can cover more distance in less time and with much less effort, making it a practical and enjoyable option for busy schedules.
What do you think would encourage more active transportation use in and around Manitou Springs?
Improved bike parking and expanded quiet road routes. I also think more people need to understand how easy it is to get around on an e-bike so community classes (or come visit us at the Lodge) also inspire more people to make the switch.
What other forms of transportation do you use, and what has that experience been like?
We also have an SUV, which is great for long road trips. However, I do not enjoy driving it around the Westside and avoid driving it whenever possible. I’ve also taught my kids to use public transportation, including our city buses and metros/subways in larger cities. Since getting e-bikes, they’ve become our main family transportation method, and we love it.
Is there anything else we should know about your active transportation experience to inspire others?
I don’t consider myself a traditional cyclist. You’ll often see me riding in a dress and stompy boots, with wool ear warmers and a scarf wrapped around my neck. If you’re hitting the trails or zooming around on a road bike, I totally get the need for spandex, but I prefer to wear my everyday clothes and ride everywhere, and I have so much fun!
