Nic Ponsor knows the importance of stamina – but also of good training. An Iron Man competitor who won the 2021 Iceland Extreme Triathlon, Ponsor began working at Criterium Bikes in 2004 after moving from San Diego. He eventually bought the business in 2013 with the intention of continuing its community focus and helping forward the bike riding experience in the Springs.

Anyone who has lived in the Springs for a decent length of time has probably been to an event at the historic Colorado Springs City Auditorium. From high school graduations to roller derby bouts, Snoop Dogg concerts to cat shows, the venue has offered something for everyone since it was built 100 years ago.

291 Distillery Founder Michael Myers has lived many lives; first as a professional fashion photographer earlier in life in New York City before becoming a whiskey maker after moving to Colorado post-9/11. But the lessons learned in both point to a specific goal: to tell personal and textured stories.

The Maverick Observer emailed Mayoral Survey questions to all the candidates vying for the mayor position in Colorado Springs. Now that we are in a runoff, we have highlighted the two individuals hoping to become our next mayor - Wayne Williams and Yemi Mobolade We asked the questions in hopes of informing and educating our community.

During the 2023 Colorado legislative session, many bills have been introduced to apply more gun control measures within the state. Many of the bills seek to limit who can purchase and possess firearms in an effort to curb gun violence.

Allen Beauchamp has always been drawn toward hills, mountains and trails. Even growing up in Oxnard, California with the Pacific Ocean at his feet, he would often ride his bike into the backcountry discovering new trails and hidden spots. Now settled in Colorado Springs after both his military career and Intel Corporation brought him to the area, he enjoys shepherding and protecting the urban corridor trails and lobbying for better possibilities.

Grant Dewey, Executive Director of the Western Museum of Mining & Industry, understands the history and application of mining in the Colorado region from the inside out. Before moving to El Paso County, he earned a degree in mining engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. He was also a production manager for American Strategic Metals before completing a stint in Europe where he spearheaded their carbide recycling operations.

The owners/operators of The Burrowing Owl – Cody Silo & Tyler Schneikel – wanted to take the best of hangout bars that they loved, integrating the vegan lifestyle while offering great food and cocktails (and hopefully converting some of their patrons in the process). “My husband Tyler and I really love dive bars,” explains Silo. “So that's kind of what we were trying for when we built The Burrowing Owl.” She says it was just supposed to be a little tiny dive bar that served good, cheap drinks. “And then, we just sneak in some vegan food in there.”

Stephen Boonzaaijer (pronounced bone-zi-er) of Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery in Colorado Springs has family baking history that goes back five generations, but it his lineage in culinary arts is about taking that knowledge while balancing the wants of his customers whether it be through artisan breads, cakes, tortes or cream pies.

Bringing joy in the form of cookies is important to Kristy and Pat Rigdon. After spending time in high- stress jobs, they wanted to open a business that would both be pleasing to them while uplifting the community.