Glenwood Springs Dirt Demons Build Mountain Bike Roster for State Push

Glenwood Springs —On the Suti Ranch Trail in Carbondale, the gravel crunches under tires as riders navigate tight switchbacks. It’s a place where the air is thin and the climbs are steep, a fitting backdrop for a team that treats every ride as a test of endurance. For the Glenwood Springs Dirt Demons, this landscape isn’t just scenery; it’s their classroom.

The team, based out of Glenwood High School, is preparing to roll into a new season with the Colorado High School Mountain Bike League. While they compete in cross-country formats ranging from 12 to 18 miles, the philosophy driving the program is surprisingly simple. Coach Kevin Jacobi, who leads the squad, insists that the hierarchy of priorities is clear. “The rules, number one and number two, are to have fun,” Jacobi said.

That emphasis on enjoyment doesn’t mean the Demons are slow, though. To hear them tell it, the team is building momentum quickly. Dru Loeffler, a senior who has been with the program since eighth grade, has developed into the fastest rider on the roster. Jacobi sees potential for Loeffler to podium at every regional race this year, with a realistic shot at performing well at the state level.

The talent pipeline is deep. Ella Savago, who routinely finished on the podium in the freshman girls division last year, has spent the offseason racing in the Aspen Cycling Club series. She is competing as an A-racer, the highest level of competition, which positions her to build significantly on her previous results this fall.

Success for the Demons hinges on mastering the technical aspects of the course, particularly the descents. “A lot of these kids have no fear at this age, so it’s a great time to get them to learn how to descend properly, so they can go faster,” Jacobi explained. This focus on skill development is visible in the progress of riders like Evan Barger. A freshman last season, Barger initially struggled to finish a race without getting off his bike and walking. By the end of the year, he completed a full 12-mile race without stopping once. “He went from literally getting off his bike maybe every 100 feet to completing a full 12-mile race,” Jacobi recalled.

The culture within the team extends beyond individual speed. During races, the pit area — where gear and water are stored — is often empty. That’s because the coaches, parents, and riders are out on the course, cheering each other on. This camaraderie is central to the team’s identity. As the season progresses through four regional races featuring themes like superheroes and rodeo, the Dirt Demons aim to balance individual growth with collective victory.

For now, the focus is on the road ahead. Jacobi is confident in the team’s trajectory. “I think there might be a chance that he can do really well at states,” he said of Loeffler, reflecting the broader optimism surrounding the squad. The bikes are ready, the trails are mapped, and the season is about to begin.