It all started with potholes in Crested Butte. Back in the mid-1970s, streets were rocky and rough. Kay Peterson Cook remembers those days. “Driving through town was a challenge,” she said. Cars struggled to navigate the pothole-filled roads. But bikes? They offered freedom.
Kay’s boyfriend, Don Cook, and his buddies took old paperboy bikes from Denver. They stripped them down and made them unique with ape hanger handlebars. This way, they could swerve around potholes easily. Soon, they were riding up to Paradise Divide, gliding down the mountain back into town.
The mountain biking scene took off in 1976 when some adventurous guys from Aspen arrived on motorcycles. They stirred up some trouble at the Grubstake Bar, sparking a friendly rivalry. “They thought they could take our women,” Kay chuckled. “So, we decided to bike to Aspen and show them.”
The ride across Pearl Pass was wild. They packed supplies, including a keg and bottles of Schnapps. The trip was filled with mishaps — broken bikes and flat tires — but they made it to the Hotel Jerome after two days. This journey marked the birth of a thrilling sport.
Mountain biking has grown into a massive industry, now worth $12.7 billion. It all began with a group of friends and their love for adventure. Experts in the cycling community often highlight how significant this origin story is. According to a recent survey by the Outdoor Industry Association, around 40% of outdoor enthusiasts say mountain biking is their favorite activity.
Crested Butte soon turned into a mountain biking hotspot. Pioneers like Gary Fisher and Joe Breeze heard about the Pearl Pass ride and wanted in on the action. By 1978, innovation flourished as they brought new bike technology to the area. Fisher and Breeze would later create the first commercial mountain bike brands, forever changing the sport.
By the summer of 1980, Don Cook was busy building mountain bikes and singletrack trails. Over time, Gunnison County developed over 800 miles of trails. Each season, more riders joined in, building a passionate community around a simple love for biking.
The inaugural Fat Tire Bike Week and many other events followed, cementing Crested Butte as the “Woodstock of mountain biking.” In recent years, social media has spotlighted these celebrations. You’ll often see hashtags like #CrestedButteBikeFest trending during the festivities, showcasing the joy and spirit of the biking culture.
In 2021, the Pearl Pass race celebrated its 48th anniversary, continuing to honor the town’s rich history. This year’s event will carry a bittersweet tone as it remembers Don Cook, who passed away recently while riding one of his favorite trails. He wasn’t just a biking pioneer; he was beloved in his community. Many remember him as the guy who always wore a smile and embraced life fully.
Kay reflects on their journey fondly. “We were part of something special—a small idea that grew into something magnificent.” As a documentary narrator put it, “We were just a bunch of outlaws with too much time and open country.”
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mountain biking, bicycles, mountain bike, don cook, kay peterson-cook, grubstake bar, joe breeze, gunnison county, marin county, gary fisher,
