Your Group Ride

The City of Fort Collins is moving forward with a $1.8 million intersection project at Timberline Road and Lincoln Avenue that will significantly change how people biking and walking move through the area. Cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists will no longer be able to cross Timberline or make left turns at Lincoln.
The project comes just weeks after a crash at the intersection involving a driver and an e-bike rider. Twenty three year old Hezekiah Maes was seriously injured in the May 22nd crash and died from his injuries on May 25th. Link in comments.

I’m sad to report that Grandma Nancy passed away over the weekend. 92 year old Nancy Bailey had been a fixture at the Tuesday night races and a steadfast supporter of CYF/ SendTown Bike Club for over 16 years. During those years, she baked countless pans of brownies for the Dirt Pile races, right up until last Tuesday and dozens of loaves of banana bread for the High School League races.

Her presence at Tuesday night registration will be greatly missed.

You can read about her connection to the Fort Collins cycling community on YGR. Link in comments.

A 23-year-old Fort Collins man, Hezekiah Maes, has died following a crash involving an e-bike (e-bicycle, not e-moto) and an SUV at the intersection of South Timberline Road and East Lincoln Avenue, according to the Colorado State Patrol and his family.

The crash occurred at approximately 4:51 p.m. on May 22nd.

According to CSP, Maes was riding an e-bike eastbound on Lincoln Avenue and approaching the intersection with Timberline Road. A red Lincoln SUV, being driven by a 69-year-old female, was traveling northbound on Timberline Road through the intersection. The intersection is controlled by stop signs on Lincoln Avenue, but not on Timberline Road.

Investigators say Maes entered the intersection and was struck on the right side by the SUV. The impact ejected him from the e-bike.

Maes was transported to the Medical Center of the Rockies with life-threatening injuries. His family said he suffered severe brain injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead on May 25th.

No charges have been filed.

The tragedy came during an already difficult time for the Maes family. According to family members, the crash occurred one day before the funeral of Hezekiah's father. The funeral was postponed in hopes that Hezekiah would recover. Following his death, the family has been awaiting the completion of necessary paperwork in order to plan services honoring both father and son.

YGR extends its condolences to Hezekiah's family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

Photo provided by the Maes family.

Ian Dickinson Case Update:
Information provided by Jennifer Hopkins Brooks

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Wilson Arikita, who is accused of striking and killing cyclist Ian Dickinson, appeared before District Court Judge Juan Villasenor for what was expected to be a deposition hearing on a charge of vehicular homicide, a Class 4 felony.

The hearing had originally been scheduled for Monday, May 15th, but it was canceled the previous Friday without explanation. At the May 28th hearing, Judge Villasenor said the cancellation was due to his attendance at his stepdaughter’s graduation.

Ian Dickinson was killed on April 27, 2025.

The Colorado State Patrol took nine months to publicly identify Arikita and file the charge in connection with the incident.

Arikita appeared at the May 28, 2026, hearing with his attorney.

About 12 to 14 people, including friends, family members, and cycling advocates, were seated on the prosecution side of the courtroom to observe the hearing.

Arikita’s attorney told the judge that the defense was still unprepared and requested another 30-day extension. It was the second delay request in the case. The previous extension was granted on March 24th, at which time it was noted that Arikita had already had nearly a year to prepare.

The judge said he was obligated to grant the extension because denying it could allow Arikita to appeal any conviction on the grounds that he had not been given enough time to prepare for trial.

The judge also questioned the prosecutor about the absence of a plea offer and said he was surprised none had been made. The prosecutor said the state would not offer Arikita a plea deal. Judge Villasenor then asked when that decision had been made. The prosecution said it had not reached that decision before the previous hearing, which is why the judge had not been notified. The reason for the Judge's surprise is unclear.
The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, June 29th, at 11:30 a.m. The judge said Arikita will be expected to enter a plea at that time so the case can move forward.

*****
At the June 29 arraignment, Wilson Arikita will likely be asked to formally enter a plea to the vehicular homicide charge. In most felony cases, defendants plead not guilty at this stage, allowing the case to move forward through the court process. If that occurs, the judge will likely set future deadlines and hearings, including potential pretrial conferences and a trial date. The arraignment is generally a procedural hearing, so it is unlikely to involve witness testimony, presentation of evidence, or arguments about guilt or innocence.

The arrangement hearing is open to the public.

More information can be found on YGR.

Zack and Whit are in Emporia for Unbound Gravel, so it feels like the perfect time to drop their 2026 Bike Sports Team preview. They’re rolling a lighter race calendar this season and bringing along an impressive sponsor roster. Head over to YGR to see the press release, sponsors and see their 2026 kit art.

I look forward to making this post every year. PSD fifth grade teacher, cyclist, and photographer Tom Sweeney has wrapped up his 14th year of riding to school every single day. Since January 18, 2012, he hasn’t missed a bike commute to school, documenting life around Fort Collins through photos taken along the way. Head over to YGR to check out his amazing photos of the last nine months.
Link in the comments.

Today’s content is brought to you by Incycle Northern Colorado, proud supporters of YGR, SendTown Bike Club, CSU Cycling, and the Fort Follies.
Incycle Bicycles, a premier Specialized retailer, came to Fort Collins in June 2023 and now operates out of all three former Lee’s Cyclery locations in Fort Collins and Loveland. In addition to selling top-quality bikes, Incycle services all brands and actively invests in the local cycling community through sponsorships, free clinics, group rides, and other events. Be sure to check out the Incycle Grand Prix group ride. Info on YGR.