Meet Sarah Stubbe | Founder, The GO Initiative, GOgirl Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Stubbe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I launched the program, there was a clear community need for a female-specific mountain biking initiative in the Crested Butte area. Although the Gunnison Valley offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, many of the programs at the time were male-oriented. There was a huge opportunity to create a space where girls could safely, confidently, and joyfully engage in mountain biking with the support of like-minded girls, some coaching and oversight. We utilized professional mountain bikers in the valley who donated their time to ride with them.

What began as a free after-school program in the fall quickly gained traction and grew organically. Now in its 10th year, the program has evolved and shifted its focus to Gunnison, offering a summer-long experience for girls ages 7 to 14. Our curriculum emphasizes leadership, environmental stewardship, and fun—both on and off the trails.

By empowering girls through sport and nature, we are building not just strong riders, but confident, compassionate community members.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since 2010, I’ve had the opportunity to manage both private and hospital-based orthopedic groups, working alongside a wide array of incredibly talented physicians, staff, and leaders. In 2021, my role expanded significantly to include oversight of several other specialties—general surgery, women’s health, dermatology, urology, ophthalmology, and ENT. This professional evolution has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, marked by continuous learning and the privilege of collaborating with exceptional clinical and administrative teams.

The scope of this work hasn’t come without its demands. Managing such a diverse portfolio requires resilience, persistence, and adaptability, all of which I’ve had to develop and refine over time. While my weekdays are fully immersed in healthcare leadership, the GO Initiative continues to serve as a meaningful and essential part of my life.

Though it may not contribute to my bank account, the GOgirls fill my soul. The program gives me purpose outside of the professional sphere—a reminder of why I care so deeply about mentorship, movement, mental health and community. Whether it’s riding my bike before or after work, or watching young girls grow stronger and more confident on the trails, this initiative keeps me grounded. It fuels my energy, balances my life, and drives my commitment to the next generation of empowered young women.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I couldn’t imagine not taking my best friend on my favorite trails in the Gunnison Valley. Each year, a few of my closest mountain biking girlfriends and I take on our own version of a multi-day backcountry biking and camping adventure, right here in our own backyard. What started as a playful nod to the legendary CB Classic 100-mile race has grown into one of my most cherished annual traditions.

Our version is a bit different: we break up the miles with a campout, fire, and long, laughter-filled evenings under the stars. We’ve explored different variations over the years, but every trip has been rooted within Gunnison County and each one somehow manages to top the last. The endless miles of singletrack, the shared strength and stories, and the simplicity of disconnecting from the day-to-day—it all adds up to something that’s nearly impossible to beat. And thanks to the sheer variety of trails and landscapes in this valley, we never have to repeat a route. There’s always something new to discover.

If another best friend were to visit, this is the weekend I’d want to share. It’s not always just about the ride but more a celebration among girlfriends in the mountains that mean so much to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The GOgirl program was born from a unique intersection of professional innovation and personal passion. At the time, I was managing GO Orthopedics, a practice I was deeply involved with for over a decade. As our team expanded its vision beyond clinical care, we developed a performance division focused on mountain sports—hosting skimo and mountain biking camps, professional coaching, races, and community events.

In 2017, that sector became the GO Initiative, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Colorado, and it was during this transition that the GOgirl program truly began to take shape. The early support and infrastructure provided by the orthopedic practice were instrumental in cultivating what would become a long-standing, empowering program for girls in our region.

Since moving to Colorado in 1999, mountain biking has become an essential part of my life, more than just a sport. It’s been a grounding force and a source of joy, clarity, and resilience. It’s the thing I turn to when life feels overwhelming, my daily reset, and a reliable source of connection with myself and adventure. In many ways, the trails of Crested Butte have mentored me as much as any person has. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention my son, Henry and my partner in life, Gavin. They both inspire me, keep me grounded and support me in many ways beyond the bike.

Creating the GOgirl program is my way of giving back to the sport and the place that has given me so much. I want young girls to have the same access to confidence-building experiences on the trail that I’ve had—to find not only strength in their bodies, but clarity in their minds, and connection in their community.

Instagram: @smstubbe

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stubbe-2b820494/