gatherings

'24 Yeti Gathering
Salida, CO

One of Yeti Cycle’s integral ethos is cemented in honoring it’s proverbial ‘Roots’ - the collective spirit driven by the individuals who represent the heart and soul of Yeti Cycles; and while Yeti’s ‘Roots’ are steeped in tradition, they also embody the ability, willingness, and desire to evolve. Things change, and it’s imperative to acknowledge and lean into these new ways. It’s what’s kept Yeti at the forefront for 40 years now, after all.

So while Gathering has (and always will be) deeply rooted in tradition, 2024 was the year to shake things up a bit - widen the scope, broaden the horizons and empower more Yeti Freaks to partake in the event that embodies everything ‘Yeti’. To do so, we hopped back ‘on the grid’ and convened in one of the state’s mountain bike meccas - Salida, Colorado. With a variety of riding terrain, approachable camping, flushable toilets and hot showers (erring on ‘glamping’ now, dare we say?), and ample vacation rentals just a stone’s throw away from the venue, this year’s Gathering location opened up attendance possibilities like never before.

Nestled in the foothills of the bucolic Collegiate Mountain Range, Salida boasts dozens upon dozens of miles of picturesque, flowy, and immaculately maintained trails, all stewarded by the talented dirt sculptors at Salida Mountain Trails. From bermy and tabletop-laden downhills to chunky, drifty, loose descents, Salida’s network has something for everyone.

Attendees rolled in to the Chaffee County Fairgrounds throughout the day Friday, quickly set up camp, and congregated around the main dining hall, sharing high fives, warm embraces, and words of excitement in anticipation for the weekend to come.

Those chomping at the bit to swing a leg over their trusty steeds and sample some of Salida’s finest embarked on a 22-mile round-trip jaunt up and around Methodist Mountain, just a short cruise away from the venue down the nearby bike path. Fast-rolling, cruisy ascents allowed for conversational climbs and riders to reconnect since Mancos the year prior. Once pointed downhill, those conversations turned into hoots and hollers, accompanied by the frequent “oohs” and “aahs” as riders feasted their eyes on the staggering vistas sprinkled throughout the ride. As riders trickled back into the Fairgrounds, they were greeted with delicious dinner by McDevitt Taco Supply, and sudsy hop water courtesy of neighboring brewery Elevation Beer Company. Festivities carried on, but ultimately the night was tame, as folks retired early in preparation for the big day of riding ahead.

In an effort to offer up a Gathering experience better suited to a plethora of riding abilities, the Saturday ride on Salida’s infamous Arkansas Hills was offered in two iterations - an ‘Intermediate’ 28mi. route, and a 33mi. ‘Advanced’ route. Sharing many of the same trails, riders of both groups got ample time to share laughs on the ascent, snacks at the summit’s aid station, and high fives and photo-ops along the descent down Cottonwood trail. Darting up ravines, down riverbeds, and through meadows, riders got their fill of flowy berms, switchback skids, tabletop jumps, and ledge drops along the +10mi. descent. At the bottom, riders had an opportunity to beat the heat by jumping in the Arkansas River, followed by some much needed refueling at Absolute Bikes, and watching the local surfers smack the lip and get pitted (like, so pitted) on the Scout River Surf Wave.

Refreshed by the chilly river dunk and buzzing from two days of epic riding, attendees mounted their bikes once again to make their way back to the Fairgrounds in preparation for the evening’s festivities. Gathering’s age-old antics of mini-bike racing, bike toss, foot-down, bike limbo, and Hoogaritas kicked off the Saturday night shenanigans. While the weekend full of majestic rides, raucous revelry, and infectious camaraderie seemed like the celebratory zenith, the real party was just getting started.