Home - Steve Tilford Foundation

The Steve Tilford Foundation was created to honor the life and legacy of cyclist Steve Tilford.

We exist to pay Steve’s passion for cycling forward.

"I just like riding my bike. I like riding it with friends, meeting other riders, or just alone, checking out the surroundings. There is no better speed to absorb your surroundings than on a bicycle."

-Steve Tilford

Steve was a pioneer in American cycling.

He was a member of the early wave of American cyclists to race internationally in Europe and South America and was the first U.S. national mountain biking champion in 1983. He was four times U.S. national cyclocross champ, represented the U.S. three times at the UCI World Road Championships, and was a seven-time UCI Masters World Champion: five times in MTB and twice in cyclocross. Steve was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000.

Steve was a brilliant bike racer.

He was a great representative of his teams and his nation, a fierce defender of clean racing, and a sterling ambassador to the world beyond cycling. He spread his love of the sport far and wide, with emphasis on helping young cyclists improve as racers and teammates. He gave freely of his time at speaking engagements with youth groups, at skills camps with junior cycling teams, and at helmet giveaways and safety fairs for young riders in Kansas.

Steve was a gifted storyteller.

He could unfold and retell the crucial moments of long-ago races as if he’d just crossed the finish line, and his detailed accounts revealed the depth of his racing skill and knowledge, his appreciation of cycling history, and his respect for his competition and for the sport. The outspoken stream of consciousness which flowed from the blog he maintained for 10 years gives further insight into racing and beyond, from frank discussions of doping in professional cycling to casual roadside musings to his abiding love of pie.

Our Mission

is to help young people of all backgrounds find and chase their passion through the sport of cycling by promoting education, mentorship, and access to quality cycling opportunities.

Our Vision

is to grow the sport of cycling to improve people’s lives and nurture healthy communities.

Freedom & Independence

Cycling is a ticket to freedom and a way to explore the world.

Knowledge & Work Ethic

Hard work and increased knowledge elevates every level of cyclist.

Whole Person

Cycling builds not only bodies but also hearts and minds.

Integrity

Fair competition can only be achieved through clean competition.

Diversity & Inclusion

Equity and inclusion for all — our differences make us stronger.

Health & The Environment

Cycling improves human health and helps to sustain the environment in which we live.

Community

Cyclists ride individually but thrive collectively.

Character

Competition builds character—and the opportunity for a whole lot of fun.

Interested in learning more or helping us advance our mission?

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