You're invited to spend your Labor Day weekend Colorado style by accompanying us for a gorgeous ride around the Cherry Creek Reservoir and join us afterward for a biker barbecue at the store.
All riders will head out together this Saturday. The Intermediate Group will make two laps around the Reservoir for an estimated 25 miles at a pace of 15-17 mph. The Recreational Group will take one lap around the reservoir, approximately 15 miles round trip at a pace of 12-13 mph. If you haven't ridden around the Reservoir then you should definitely show up Saturday morning. If you are a seasoned Saturday rider, then come along and ride with your friends and meet new ones. Both rides include the usual hills to ascend our way up past the dam, other than that the ride is fairly moderate.
The BIKER BARBECUE menu includes beef sliders, hot dogs, chips and soda. Please feel free to bring your favorite side dish to share. If you are going to bring a side dish, please send us an email or post on the blog so we can make sure we have the right utensils. Side dishes are not required to attend, simply bring a dish if you feel the urge. We can't wait to spend a festive weekend riding bikes with you and filling up on burgers and hot dogs afterward.
RIDE RECAP: Inspiration Point & Highline/Spillway Aug. 29
Eighteen ambitious riders accompanied Bicycle Village Aurora today under clear skies to finish out the month of August.
The Recreational Group ride was a clan of 6 who ventured out for a steady cruise, continuously linking trails along our newest recreational route. We traveled the Highline Canal Trail, connecting with the Tolgate Trail, finishing the last leg of the ride via the Cherry Creek Spillway. The ride was scenic and not too busy with other users.
Keith and Tim spinning along the Spillway
Recreational Stats:
Ride time: 1.75 hours
Total miles: 21
Average speed: 12 mph
We were excited to ride with familiar faces, including Derek who rejoined our Group festivities for the first time since last year. Tom has been joining the group rides, training to participate in his first triathlon, so exciting! Way to go Tom, we wish you all the best with your upcoming race.
Keith looking back. Heidi, Tom and Tim riding up the hill from the dam
The group huddles for a quick pic before pedaling back the shop
The Intermediate Group consisted of 12 riders, most were regulars with some new faces sprinkled in the mix making for a well rounded group. We traveled east riding through the Cherry Creek Reservoir towards Broncos Parkway. We made our way up some nice climbs to Inspiration Road and were rewarded with some fun descents. We refueled at a gas station on the corner of Parker and Cottonwood. We continued our ride along C-470 up past the Centennial Airport and linked back through the Reservoir. It was a fantastic day with a perfect temperature, just enough sun and a great group of cyclists!
Intermediate Stats:
Ride time: 2.5 hours
Total miles: 41
Average speed: 16
Intermediate group enjoying each others company
Bike line up
The Recreational Group ride was a clan of 6 who ventured out for a steady cruise, continuously linking trails along our newest recreational route. We traveled the Highline Canal Trail, connecting with the Tolgate Trail, finishing the last leg of the ride via the Cherry Creek Spillway. The ride was scenic and not too busy with other users.
Keith and Tim spinning along the SpillwayRide time: 1.75 hours
Total miles: 21
Average speed: 12 mph
We were excited to ride with familiar faces, including Derek who rejoined our Group festivities for the first time since last year. Tom has been joining the group rides, training to participate in his first triathlon, so exciting! Way to go Tom, we wish you all the best with your upcoming race.
Keith looking back. Heidi, Tom and Tim riding up the hill from the dam
The Intermediate Group consisted of 12 riders, most were regulars with some new faces sprinkled in the mix making for a well rounded group. We traveled east riding through the Cherry Creek Reservoir towards Broncos Parkway. We made our way up some nice climbs to Inspiration Road and were rewarded with some fun descents. We refueled at a gas station on the corner of Parker and Cottonwood. We continued our ride along C-470 up past the Centennial Airport and linked back through the Reservoir. It was a fantastic day with a perfect temperature, just enough sun and a great group of cyclists!
Intermediate Stats:
Ride time: 2.5 hours
Total miles: 41
Average speed: 16
Intermediate group enjoying each others company
Bike line up
"Green" Refueling (filling our cycling tanks....)
"I just can't seem to drop this guy."
We look forward to seeing you all again next week for our next cycling adventure in the Greater Denver Area.
Inspiration Point or Highline/CC Spillway - Aug. 29 - INTERMEDIATE or RECREATIONAL
If you are looking to be inspired, plan on joining the Bicycle Village crew this Saturday for the 42-mile INTERMEDIATE ride to Inspiration Point via Long Road and back towards Centennial from the C-470 Trail. This is one of those rides that reminds the cycling community why we are so lucky to live here. Great views and challenging hills in abundance. There is a lot of on-street riding, so we will definitely have to be alert and practice excellent riding etiquette. We will be taking a true pit-stop at a gas station around 25 miles into the ride. Kyle and Chris will be leading this group, so you can count on riding hard at an average pace of 16 mph and having a great time while you build those sexy road legs.
This week for our RECREATIONAl ride, we are excited to introduce another new route that travels along the Highline Canal, Tollgate Trail and the Cherry Creek Spillway. This route is a very flat 20 miles, that travels along smooth trails with steady street crossings. Even tough the route is flat, you will be challenged to continuously pedal to keep your momentum and a steady pace of approximately 12 mph. The trails crosses creeks, meanders through and around some great parks. Discover trails you most likely haven't riden that aren't too busy with other recreational users, are in excellent condition (nice and smooth) and away from busy streets.
This week for our RECREATIONAl ride, we are excited to introduce another new route that travels along the Highline Canal, Tollgate Trail and the Cherry Creek Spillway. This route is a very flat 20 miles, that travels along smooth trails with steady street crossings. Even tough the route is flat, you will be challenged to continuously pedal to keep your momentum and a steady pace of approximately 12 mph. The trails crosses creeks, meanders through and around some great parks. Discover trails you most likely haven't riden that aren't too busy with other recreational users, are in excellent condition (nice and smooth) and away from busy streets.
RIDE RECAP: Aurora Res/Centenial Airport - Aug 22
Yet another perfect bluebird day for us and two adventerous rides with much success! We had another outstanding turnout with 27 riders - and so many new faces. Sixteen cyclists joined Bicycle Village leaders Andrea, Chris, and Lani for a whopping 50 mile advanced ride to the Aurora Res. This group was rockin' - finishing with an avg pace of 17mph. The recreation ride headed out to Centennial. Everyone raved about the route and were excited to learn new areas to ride. Heidi and Kyle took this group 24 miles with an avg pace of 12 mph.
(Pre-ride annoucement in front of the store)
(Craig, Ruan, and Tom listening in...)
(Recreational ride re-grouping and catching their breath)Steve found us on our facebook page - as we are constantly updating our rides, events, promotions, and staff portfolios there. Become a fan and let us know via wall posts when you're riding on your own or your opinion on what going on in the cycling world.
(Steves gives our group ride a full thumbs up)Kyle - cycling stunt master - has the ability to ride no handed...with $$ camera in hand...aimed approriately to take a wicked shot of myself pedaling with Steve throughly impress at his rear.
(Focus....focus....)
(These guys look GOOD ! )
This is BIG MONSTER - David - who joined us for the advanced ride on a single-speed, fixed geared, no brake, steal frame beauty of a bike. That's one way to get a workout with a "slower" group. Nice work.
Thank you, ANDREA!!! For leading this weeks advance ride and showing us a fabulous route to the Aurora Reservoir. We had a blast with you and thouroughly appreciate you taking us out.
(Andrea out front leading the charge)Beautiful lap around the reservoir - and amazingly no one was out there. We had the trail practically to ourselves.
We took a much needed pitstop and fill the bottles. I was completely out...it was heating up fast as the afternoon approached us.
We had a ton of testosterone to work out on the way back to the shop. We had several break aways that made the main group put down the hammer. I spent a lot of the time drafting to keep my breath with these guys - what a trip!
After the long and speedy ride, we were starving. Thank goodness Bicycle Village had a free snack table for us. Much needed - fruit & veggies & drink re-fills. We are having such a great time with everyone that has made it out. Thanks to all for a great morning.
We took a much needed pitstop and fill the bottles. I was completely out...it was heating up fast as the afternoon approached us.
We had a ton of testosterone to work out on the way back to the shop. We had several break aways that made the main group put down the hammer. I spent a lot of the time drafting to keep my breath with these guys - what a trip! 
After the long and speedy ride, we were starving. Thank goodness Bicycle Village had a free snack table for us. Much needed - fruit & veggies & drink re-fills. We are having such a great time with everyone that has made it out. Thanks to all for a great morning. We have a TON of pictures for both rides. Feel free to browse the picasa web album from the link:
AURORA RES or CENTENNIAL - Aug 22nd - ADVANCED or RECREATIONAL
We hope you are gearing up to ride with the Bicycle Village crew! We will have TWO distinct RIDES leaving the store this Saturday. ADVANCED ride will be lead by Andrea, Chris, and Lani on a 50-mile route to the Aurora Reservoir. RECREATIONAL ride will be led by Kyle & Heidi on a 23-mile skirt through Cherry Creek State Park and onto Centennial. A drink station will be set up at the store beforehand where you can test out a few energy products. Samples of bars & blocks will be available to taste. We can't wait to gear up with all of you this Saturday!
ADVANCED riders this is a Saturday you do not want to miss! This is an opportunity for experienced riders to join Bicycle Village on a more challenging route that includes hills and serious time in the saddle. This is definitely a ride that will require a strong fitness level and for those who can keep up to pace. (we encourge "in-betweeners" to opt for the rec ride this weekend.) In order to complete the ride in a reasonable time frame, this group will take minimal stops along the route. We will head through the park, take Orchard, and make our way to Arapahoe. Once at the Resevoir, we'll do a lap around and take a pit stop before heading back to the store via the same route. Be aware this is a route with constant rollers. Our pitstop at the Aurora Resevoir has a concessions stand where we can refuel with water and Gatorade (energy food is not available - so please stock up for the ride). Let's keep the pace around 14/16 mph.
RECREATIONAL ride into Centennial can expect smooth trails, limited traffic, and a pleasant 23-miles round trip. For our regular riders, you can count on the usual hills climbing up to the dam (tough but totally feasible) and then the route takes on an enjoyable, fairly flat cruise out towards the Centennial Airport. The route will take us to the dam via the Cherry Creek Trail, ride through the park, and eventually take South Potomac to Broncos Parkway. Once we snake back to the park we will return to the store via the same route. This is certainly a ride that will challenge our Recreational Riders slightly more than last weekend that took them to REI and back. All around, it's a fantastic route for both Intermediate and Recreational riders looking to explore new trails, spin the legs, and boost our heart rates. Riders in this group can expect to travel at an average pace of 11-13 mph. This is a scenic ride that is sure to be fun and rewarding. Heidi and Kyle look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and new riders to the group. All Bicycle Village rides are "no drop" and we encourage all levels. Please refer to our "rider level" key posted on our right-hand column.
Please join us after the ride for a re-fill on drinks and fruits/veggies to snack on. It will be a good time visit with eachother and get to know one another a bit better!
ADVANCED riders this is a Saturday you do not want to miss! This is an opportunity for experienced riders to join Bicycle Village on a more challenging route that includes hills and serious time in the saddle. This is definitely a ride that will require a strong fitness level and for those who can keep up to pace. (we encourge "in-betweeners" to opt for the rec ride this weekend.) In order to complete the ride in a reasonable time frame, this group will take minimal stops along the route. We will head through the park, take Orchard, and make our way to Arapahoe. Once at the Resevoir, we'll do a lap around and take a pit stop before heading back to the store via the same route. Be aware this is a route with constant rollers. Our pitstop at the Aurora Resevoir has a concessions stand where we can refuel with water and Gatorade (energy food is not available - so please stock up for the ride). Let's keep the pace around 14/16 mph.
RECREATIONAL ride into Centennial can expect smooth trails, limited traffic, and a pleasant 23-miles round trip. For our regular riders, you can count on the usual hills climbing up to the dam (tough but totally feasible) and then the route takes on an enjoyable, fairly flat cruise out towards the Centennial Airport. The route will take us to the dam via the Cherry Creek Trail, ride through the park, and eventually take South Potomac to Broncos Parkway. Once we snake back to the park we will return to the store via the same route. This is certainly a ride that will challenge our Recreational Riders slightly more than last weekend that took them to REI and back. All around, it's a fantastic route for both Intermediate and Recreational riders looking to explore new trails, spin the legs, and boost our heart rates. Riders in this group can expect to travel at an average pace of 11-13 mph. This is a scenic ride that is sure to be fun and rewarding. Heidi and Kyle look forward to seeing all the familiar faces and new riders to the group. All Bicycle Village rides are "no drop" and we encourage all levels. Please refer to our "rider level" key posted on our right-hand column.
Please join us after the ride for a re-fill on drinks and fruits/veggies to snack on. It will be a good time visit with eachother and get to know one another a bit better!
RECAP - BV Group Ride - Aug. 15th
This morning we started out at the store with 27 riders. The weather was cool and calm as we headed out on the Cherry Creek Trail. With such a great turnout we divided into an intermediate and recreational group. The intermediate riders road out to the dam and through the DTC and on to REI and Cherry Creek before heading back to the store. The intermediate group had an average pace of 17 mph, a little faster than usual, they must have been feeling strong today with the moderate weather. The ride was a total of 32 miles. This group was really moving today and riders in the group were raving about it at the end.
The recreational group traveled 22 miles round trip on the Cherry Creek Trail all the way out to REI where we took a quick rest stop. Overall our average pace was 12 mph. This group was smaller than the intermediate which gave everyone a great opportunity to get to know one another.
Thanks to all the new riders who joined us today. We had two great rides and we're already looking forward to riding again next weekend. We hope to see all of you next Saturday. Invite your friends to join us as well.
The recreational group traveled 22 miles round trip on the Cherry Creek Trail all the way out to REI where we took a quick rest stop. Overall our average pace was 12 mph. This group was smaller than the intermediate which gave everyone a great opportunity to get to know one another.
Thanks to all the new riders who joined us today. We had two great rides and we're already looking forward to riding again next weekend. We hope to see all of you next Saturday. Invite your friends to join us as well.
Tech Center/South Platte/Cherry Creek - Intermediate - Aug. 15th
Are you ready to ride this Saturday? The weather forecast is looking fabulous for riding so don't miss this classic 32-mile ride. We begin the ride at the store, head up to the reservoir hitting a couple of hills along the route (good warm up hills), then through the DTC to Happy Canyon and on to Dartmouth. From Dartmouth we head out to the South Platte to REI for a latte and a quick social. Once refueled we head through Cherry Creek back to the store. We anticipate a pace of 14-16 mph for the intermediate group. This ride is fairly flat with the exception of the typical hills heading up to the resevoir. We can't wait to see all the familiar faces and new faces, so invite your friends and neighbors; spread the word that we now offer two rides, an intermediate and recreational ride.
Recreational riders are encouraged to join us for a scenic and enjoyable 22 mile cruise. The recreational group will do an out and back to REI down the Cherry Creek trail with an average pace of 10 - 12 mph. Don't worry if you have no idea what your pace is, after this ride you will have an idea. Our philosophy is no rider left behind.
Recreational riders are encouraged to join us for a scenic and enjoyable 22 mile cruise. The recreational group will do an out and back to REI down the Cherry Creek trail with an average pace of 10 - 12 mph. Don't worry if you have no idea what your pace is, after this ride you will have an idea. Our philosophy is no rider left behind.
RECAP - BV Saturday Group Ride - August 8th
So if you missed today's Bicycle Village Group Ride . . . Big Mistake !! We had 29 riders today and it was a glorious Colorado morning . . . cool temps at the start, low humidity and we pegged the funometer along the way ! We planned for two rides today . . . a casual ride at about 12/13 mph and a bit longer ride (42 miles!) which probably ran at about 16/17 mph. Lani Pentico led us all out from the Aurora BV Store and we headed for Dartmouth heading west . . . then on to the Bear Creek Trail, thru Bear Creek Park and on to the Conoco / Circle T at 470 for a rest stop, water stop and a visit to the Porta Cans so thoughtfully provided by Conoco !
I mentioned two rides departing from BV, the recreational group ran the same course and averaged 11 mph and road for a total of 30 miles. It was great to have returning riders Tom and Robin along with new comer Richard. Tom, hopefully you and your wife will be back next week. Robin, great effort again and hopefully your new water bottles will help. :) Great job Richard conquering that last climb, glad you hung in there! Getting some slicks will really help you out a lot. We turned around at about 15 miles out the Bear Creek Trail, refueled at the Conoco and we all came back together at the Aurora BV Store at about the same time. Today was just the best !! Big fun / great group of riders / thanks to all who came out to ride with us this morning. Hope to see you all back on Saturday, August 15. Cheers / Pat Mayben
I mentioned two rides departing from BV, the recreational group ran the same course and averaged 11 mph and road for a total of 30 miles. It was great to have returning riders Tom and Robin along with new comer Richard. Tom, hopefully you and your wife will be back next week. Robin, great effort again and hopefully your new water bottles will help. :) Great job Richard conquering that last climb, glad you hung in there! Getting some slicks will really help you out a lot. We turned around at about 15 miles out the Bear Creek Trail, refueled at the Conoco and we all came back together at the Aurora BV Store at about the same time. Today was just the best !! Big fun / great group of riders / thanks to all who came out to ride with us this morning. Hope to see you all back on Saturday, August 15. Cheers / Pat Mayben
Bear Creek Lake ride RECAP
Here are a few shots from the recreational group after the split.
( Richard battling the last climb... almost home!)
(Robin coming back on Cherry Creek path.)
(Tom and I "Chris Brown" bringing up the rear.)
The intermediate group added some miles by looping Bear Lake Creek Park. We made a stop at the Conoco Station right outside Morrison to re-fuel and grap an energy bar. The view were absolutely gorgeous around the park and near the golf courses. We did have a few mechanicals throughout the ride - but Pat got them fixed up in a jiffy and on our way. Thanks, guy!!
(The crew enjoying one of the downhills through the park.)The toughest hill climb was in the park heading up to the dam. Everyone made - I don't think I saw anyone's lungs in the dirt.
(There's Ritz again - more big smiles on the climbs. She's a monster!)We had better luck this week with stop-light-karma. Dartmouth was good to us.
Sounds like the route was new to many of the riders. Hope it is one you can put in your list for your own private rides. We will be doing it again, most likely, in September if anyone needs a refresher. Thank you to everyone that came out this week. It is great to see our same friends come back each week - but the new faces are such a pleasure. We welcome feedback & comments on our rides - please post! BEAR CREEK LAKE PARK - Aug 8th - Intermediate
Since we took the group out towards Centennial Airport last week, we are gunna head West this week. I have yet to go on a major route finding expedition from the store to become THEE expert with Aurora road riding. However, I do commute in from the West and the route is extrememly enjoyable - and the park has some excellent views. Pedaling will start out Yale Ave to connect with a short stint on the Highline Canal path to get us under I-25. Once we hit Colorado Blvd, we'll take Dartmouth west and head south on the S.Platte bikeway for the Bear Creak bikeway. We'll wrap the park and head back the way we came. Let's incorporate at least one stop on the way to re-fuel and fill bottles. Route will be close to 40 miles. We will be riding at a moderate pace averaging 14/16 mph. I'm excited to see all of you from last week! We had such a great group - and hope even more to see some new faces! No drop rides - we're looking to make some friends. ;-)
CC RES & INSPIRATION PT - August 1st Ride RECAP
We had a GREAT turnout for the Saturday Morning Group Ride at BV Aurora today! This morning twenty riders showed up . . . amidst all the hoopla & excitement of 3,000 women who came to the store to pick up their race packets for the Tri for the Cure Denver Triathlon. We split the Group into two rides - - one for a 13 / 14 mph pace around the Cherry Creek Reservoir - - and a bit larger group who voted for a 42 miles of hills!
(Chris and Tom supporting the founation - did you guys plan this?)
We made a stop 3 miles into the ride with the entire group. Then we let everyone pick which ride they thought suited them best.
Mike & Pat led the Reservoir group. Weather was stunning / hope everyone had a great morning / come back to BV and let's do another Group Ride on Saturday the 8th! Cheers ! / Pat Mayben
(Chris and Tom supporting the founation - did you guys plan this?)We made a stop 3 miles into the ride with the entire group. Then we let everyone pick which ride they thought suited them best.Mike & Pat led the Reservoir group. Weather was stunning / hope everyone had a great morning / come back to BV and let's do another Group Ride on Saturday the 8th! Cheers ! / Pat MaybenSo much FUN! We had a terrific ride this week. Not a cloud in the sky with perfect temps - feeling a slight cool breeze to keep us comfortable. The group had a blast with no major hang ups. Our intermediate group finished the ride with 42 miles and an average pace of 13.5 mph. Pretty darn good with all those hills we attacked.
(Karen lookin' hot in her Pearl Izumi LTD shorts.)We rode up towards the Cherry Creek Dam via the path. We had yet another amazing teenager able to hold his own on our intermediate ride. Believe it or not: his name is Tristen - but different than our Tristen from the July 25th ride!
(Tristen keepin pace with the pak)
(Janis lovin' it - she must like the pain of climbing hills)The route took us out Long Rd to Inspiration point and back toward Centennial Aiport from the C470 trail. We re-grouped a few times at the top of some of those hills. Gave us a chance to enjoy the view - West - and get to know eachother a bit better.
(It was such a treat to have Andrea - big smiles in the pic - with us this week. She leads our women's only rides Sundays and Wednesdays.)We took a pit stop at mile 25 to re-fuel and grab more water.
(Nancy and Tom grinding up the hills with a wonderful view.)
Us, barreling down the hill from Inspiration Point - our reward for all the hard work we did. John made sure we knew we could hit 40 mph on this hill - yikes! Nancy, Andrea, and I chose the less death-defying speed.
Thanks to everyone that made it out with us. Hope to see you next week! We would love to hear your feedback - give us a comment!
a full album of pics from this ride can be found at the following web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5365149512020209409&authkey=Gv1sRgCIvO8qqivffG1AE&feat=email
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