Dave Hagan knew my name.
It might seem like a relatively low bar, but it is a deceptively challenging to clear. When I first got into cycling about a decade ago, Dave was one of the few folks on the scene who could tell me apart from my twin brother without hesitation. At the time, he was working at Brick Wheels. Dave was the perpetually smiling mechanic who was never in a hurry. He’d take the time to chat, almost making a point of talking about things beyond bikes, life, work, and what I was doing that afternoon.
Dave eventually became part owner of Einstein Cycles, bringing his relatability and enthusiasm to his shop, which immediately absorbed his vibe and personality. Dave almost single-handedly kept BMX going in northern Michigan while fostering an inclusive community for mountain bikers and families, too.
Our community lost Dave in 2023, but he’s been in our thoughts every second since. When Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association and Traverse Area Recreational Trails looked to expand the Vasa Bike Park, they quickly spotted a way to honor his memory for future generations. Once completed, Hagan’s Hangout will boast a much-needed pump track at the Bartlett Trailhead, the starting point of countless family rides and solo adventures. It’s also where so many younger riders learn new skills and build the confidence to ride further and go bigger, making the added features a neat way to bring more young people into the sport.
The Phase Two expansion will also add jump lines, update the existing cross-country skills loop, and support ongoing maintenance. The Vasa Bike Park has grown from a napkin sketch to one of the region’s unsung gems. Families use it nearly constantly, and it serves as a tailor-made training ground for groups like Norte Youth Cycling.
The campaign to finish Hagan’s Hangout is building, and NMMBA hopes to finalize funding before August, the one-year anniversary of Dave’s passing. We’re close, but we’ll need your help to make it the last mile.
Learn more about the project at nmmba.net and consider donating — let’s remember Dave’s name, too.