Torie Giffin, Owner, Operator of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Torie Giffin, the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort’s visionary and intrepid leader, has always led with her heart and passion for others. Hospitality is at her core. So, when she decided to create a resort for cyclists there was no question she was going to make it great.
The vision started in 2015. There have been hundreds of conversations with friends and community and cycling advocates over more than a few cups of coffee and Colorado’s famous brews. There are some wonderful hotels in Colorado Springs but none that caters specifically to the outdoor adventurer and especially the bicyclist. Our dreams, paired with Colorado Springs’ efforts to become one of the top bicycle-friendly destination cities in the U.S. and Colorado’s growing ranking as a top 10 state for cycling seemed the perfect storm and an inspiration to be a part of the transformation.
After scouring many inviting locales, developed or not, Torie learned the historic Buffalo Lodge was for sale and it seemed to perfectly fit her vision because of location, price, history and so much more. It was love at first sight. Although there were quite a few issues to secure the property and a few setbacks, Torie and her family (mother Nancy, daughter Delanie, and sons Levi and Daniel) bought it on June 17, 2016 with the plans for refreshing and transforming the Buffalo Lodge into a haven for cyclists and adventurers, and got straight to work!
The renovations of the 100 year old property have been extensive with 75% of the rooms remodeled. There is much work still to be done, but the concept worked. As we celebrate 5 years in business, the Lodge is now the go to place for cyclists visiting, riding and racing in the Springs and hosts and sponsors numerous rides and races throughout the year.
The Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort has been awarded Bronze 3 years in a row for Best Hotel in the Springs by the Colorado Springs Independent. Torie was selected as a 2019 Woman of Influence in Colorado Springs. She is host and creator of the Pedal the Springs Podcast (local banter about all things biking in the Springs). She leads the weekly bike rides from the Lodge year-round and can often be counted on to give visiting cyclists a personal tour of the best local bike routes.
Buffalo Lodge owner, Torie and her mom, Nancy