While visiting Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, it isn’t unusual to find both the owner’s mother and grown daughter, together, happily roaming property grounds in Colorado Springs just off El Paso Boulevard.
The four-acre property, bordering the National Natural Landmark Garden of the Gods, is rooted in local history. Nostalgic postcards from the resort date back to 1936 when, marketing director Shelby Clarke shares, “The Buffalo Lodge was advertised as a most modern cottage city.” She laughs, holding up a vintage postcard of the familiar pink stucco buildings that currently surround us. Since owner Torie Giffin purchased the resort, things have changed a lot – and a little.
“Torie basically had a dream,” shares property manager Sara Branham. “She knew she was meant to own a bicycle resort, and she has spent the past nine years renovating it. There is not an inch she hasn’t had to give some love to.”
Inside the main lodge – a cozy combination of dining hall, guest registration and gift shop – one mighty fireplace is the cornerstone, framed by cozy chairs. A bright and deep buffalo mural hangs above gray stones and a rustic mantle. One gains a sense of timelessness inside the space. Branham notes, “We are continually trying to honor the history of the property while breathing life into it.”
Life among both visitors and employees of the bicycle lodge is in motion. Branham arrives at work in casual clothes atop her own cherry red bicycle, and an entire bicycle fleet lines the entry to the main lodge. A wide paved driveway serves as a passageway between two main rows of motel-style guest rooms. Clarke calls this passageway “The Boulevard,” sharing that visiting kids can test bicycles from the lodge fleet by pedaling up and down The Boulevard as much as they like. While the lodge fleet consists of analogue bikes, a second local business, Incline Bikes, is on property from May through October offering e-bikes and fat tire bikes for rent. With a quick pedal northward, just up Columbia Road, cyclists glide straight into Garden of the Gods.
We are continually trying to honor the history of the property while breathing life into it. – Sara Branham
Local bike enthusiast Paul Baird, 66, is geared up and ready to ride just outside the main lodge. Today he’s riding alone, but sometimes, Baird shares, he rides with a local group called Manitou Spokes. Throughout daylight savings time (roughly March through the end of October) the club goes on group rides on Tuesdays at 5 p.m., usually starting at The Lodge – though on first Tuesdays they start at an alternate location (those interested may email organizer Del Hokanson at PeteAndDel@gmail.com).
On the Spokes’ fledgling Facebook page, I read they are “a drinking group with a cycling problem.” Clarke also indicates there are easy, mid-level and hard group rides offered.
While the property boasts 47 modernized guest rooms, and four safari-style tents that only open in the heart of summer, it also fosters a sense of community outreach. On a generous patio leading away from the main entrance, live music becomes the focus for guests and locals alike. Sunday afternoons are devoted to Bluegrass, while Wednesday night musical performances are curated by The Black Rose Acoustic Society. A bar opens directly off the patio, adjacent to theater-style seating, offering locally crafted beer, wine and spirits. From showcasing local musicians and brewers, to offering bikes from Incline Bike Shop, uplifting the Colorado Springs and Manitou communities is a big part of The Lodge’s mission.
“I’m really excited that we’re going to begin partnering with local non-profits,” Branham says. “Non-profit representatives can set-up a table on the patio Friday and Saturday nights from June through August. It will be a way for people to get the word out about work they’re doing for the community.”
Branham also wants to spread the word regarding The Buffalo Bicycle Lodge’s heated pool. Each season, The Lodge offers 40 pool memberships to folks who reside in the neighborhood. “If people are interested in pool memberships, they should call us,” Branham advises. “The pool is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning Memorial weekend. It is really nice and private.”
Touring the pool area, as the sun beams down over a brilliant blue sky, offering me a spectacular view of Pikes Peak. There is so much to see, every direction I glance. It does feel historic, just as it feels fresh.
Whether visitor or local, if you like cycling, music, a good drink and community, check out The Buffalo Bicycle Lodge.
