Who we are

Joy On The Journey Colorado Inc is a nonprofit corporation and holds 501(c)3 status from the IRS. Our mission is to provide trishaw rides to the elderly and those with mobility challenges who are unable to experience the beautiful Colorado outdoors and trails. Our guiding principles are generosity, kindness, and connection.

We currently operate at Seven Lakes Memory Care in Loveland and have selected Hillcrest Retirement Community in Loveland as the home for our recently acquired second trishaw. We choose facilities based on three necessary criteria: safe and accessible storage of the trishaw, safe routes and trails surrounding the care center, and enthusiasm of the care center staff and activity directors.

The Trishaw Experience

The shared experience of the trishaw rides is purposefully unhurried (about 5-6 mph), allowing conversation, storytelling, and stops to enjoy nature. Our current routes take us along a lake and through neighborhoods where we commonly visit with people—and their dogs!—we meet along the way. Our “pilot“ cyclists are trained to prioritize kindness, slowness, relationship building, and safety. The trishaws are battery powered and we require thorough training of all volunteer pilots.

Our History

Our inspiration comes from the international group Cycling Without Age (CWA) started in Denmark in 2012 and Ed Wittman, founder of Miles of Smiles Colorado Inc. Cycling Without Age was created by Ole Kassow who recognized and acted on his compassionate desire to decrease isolation in residents of nursing and care facilities, wanting to give the elderly the opportunity of “wind in their hair.“ The unique trishaws are built in Denmark by Copenhagen Cycles. We are affiliated with CWA which now has over 3500 chapters internationally.

Why we do this

Sally Knauer is the founder of Joy on the Journey Colorado Inc., a non-profit born from her deep love of cycling, her passion for community, and her unwavering belief that every person, regardless of age or ability, deserves to experience joy. A longtime resident of Colorado, Sally’s journey into the world of trishaw rides began close to home, caring for her own many patients, and blossomed into a mission that now touches the lives of countless individuals across Northern Colorado. With a background that has always centered around serving others, Sally brought her professional skills, her love of the outdoors, and her heart for the elderly together to create something truly special. What started as one trishaw and a dream has grown into a thriving community of dedicated volunteer pilots, all sharing Sally’s vision of kindness, connection, and the simple gift of fresh Colorado air. Sally doesn’t just lead this organization, she pedals it forward, one joyful ride at a time.

Testimonials

Joy on the Journey has been an extraordinary initiative that has brought so much genuine happiness and light into our community. The volunteers show up with such kindness, compassion, and sincerity, creating moments that truly matter for our residents. Their warmth and presence are felt in every interaction, and it’s clear that they give not just their time, but their hearts as well. I am deeply grateful to Sally and the entire team for their unwavering dedication and care. What they do goes far beyond a simple Trishaw ride—it creates connection, dignity, and joy in ways that are truly meaningful. Through these Trishaw rides, our residents are able to reconnect with nature, engage with the world around them, and feel a sense of belonging within the neighborhood. Seeing their smiles, their excitement, and their renewed sense of connection is incredibly moving. Most importantly, these experiences remind them that they are seen, valued, and cherished—and that is something truly priceless.

Kaylan Levine — Director of Wellness Programming