SATURDAY MAY 1ST: ADVANCED - Lookout Mtn Summit RECREATIONAL - Sloan's Lake

Who's feeling LUCKY!  We are!  I've spent all week debating whether we should postpone the long training ride and after looking at weather.com today, hour-by-hour, we are ready to take our chances.  Rain is schedule to hold off until Saturday evening.  With that said - BRING PROPER CYCLING ATTIRE.  This should include:  arm/leg warmers or tights and long-sleeve jersey, windproof gloves, toe covers, head warmer, and a wind/water shell that can tuck inside your jersey pocket.  Make sure you are in layers because the advance ride has a long climb 1/2 way through the ride to the top of Lookout Mtn in Golden.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Advanced Ride:  We are sponsoring a training ride for Ride the Rockies participants.  Any rider is welcome to join, but we chose a route that is rather difficult to help them prepare for their week long bike tour.  Should be ~60 miles with a lot of climbing.  We have 2-3 scheduled pit stops:  in Golden at gas station, at the summit of Lookout Mtn at gift shop, and if needed again at REI on our way back.  Avg cruising speeds will be 16-20 mph with climbing speeds at 6-12 mph.  This ride is not for the faint-hearted, but is no-drop and designed to assist riders that pedal longer distances a guided long route.  We will have sag vehicle with drinks, energy food.  Lookout Mtn Hill Climb Race has the front side of Lookout occupied, so we will be climbing the backside via Hwy 40.  Depending on group interest, we may descend the front as the race will be over at noon.

 FREE samples of energy drinks before & during the ride will be provided by Hammer nutrition.  Our sag vehicle will follow us with replenishment fluids and will join us at our pit stops.  Recover drink mixture will be provided post ride at the store.


Recreational Ride: 
We do have a SECOND ride leaving the store this week!  The group will be heading the same direction out the Cherry Creek path with Sloan's Lake being our destination and turning point.  This ride is for ALL LEVELS OF FITNESS - no drop.  Route will be 30 miles with average pace of 12-15 mph.  Expect a relatively flat ride with no big hills to tackle.  We will stop at REI for a pit stop close to the 1/2 way point where bathrooms and Starbucks are accessible.

Quick Peek:  Saturday May 8th (Bicycle Village's Annual Bike Expo) we will be hosting a no-drop ride with TOM DANIELSON - currently a Garmin-Transition Pro Rider.  Check out his bio:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Danielson .   Ride start time is at 11AM.  Route to be posted next week.  

Feel free to spread the word to anyone you think may be interested.  See you in the AM.  ~ Lani

 

Sunday 25th Advanced Ride.

Hello every one... I hope you had a nice week and have been enjoying your weekend thus far. Tomorrows Sunday Advanced ride will be good training for all of you participating in the Ride the Rockies ride or if your just looking to put in some long miles. This will be our longest ride we have done and most difficult to date.  Our route tomorrow will be to ride to the S. Platte via Dartmouth, then head down to Chatfield, up along C-470 and then we will climb Inspiration and come back through the Cherry Creek Res. I am not sure of the mileage but I am guessing it will be around 70-80 miles with A LOT of climbing. Bring water, food and an extra tube and inflation device. I hope to see some of you tomorrow, it should be a pretty nice day and a great ride!  Be at the shop at 10 and we will leave at 10:30.

EDIT: We changed the route the day of the ride due to the threat of rain.  Here are the ride stats...





Regards,
Chris

SATURDAY APRIL 24TH: RIDE CANCELLED

Although Colorado weather is very unpredictable, the forecast looks grim for tonight and early Saturday morning. 70% of precipitation and temps in the 40s isn't exactly a joy ride. Boooo! The ride leaders have decided to cancel the group ride for April 24th.  BUT...that's okay cuz you need to save your legs for NEXT SATURDAYs rides.

Quick peek at next week:

MAY 1ST: RECREATIONAL ROUTE: SLOANS LAKE via Cherry Creek Bikeway (no-drop ride). Relatively flat route, 85% time spent on bike path, trip distance 30 miles, avg pace 14 mph. All fitness levels welcome.

MAY 1ST: ADVANCE/INTERMEDIATE ROUTE: LOOKOUT MTN SUMMIT via CC bikeway, 23rd Ave, 32nd. Steady climb to Golden, steep, long climb up Lookout Mtn, straight long decent down Hwy 40. 35% bike path, 55% residential roads with shoulders, 10% busy streets. Trip distance ~60 miles. 2-3 re-fuel stops. Avg pace 14-16 mph. We recommend you are in good physical condition and are very comfortable on your road bike to participate on this ride.

PLEASE RSVP -- no obligation, free -- so we can be prepared.

** This route will double as a Ride The Rockies Training Ride ** to help prepare participants for their week long bike tour. 

** Hammer Nutrition will be sponsoring this

ride with energy drinks before and during the ride,

energy gels to take on route, and protein shakes for after the ride. **

RECAP: Sunday 18th Advanced Group Ride Aurora Res.

Sunday was our second Advanced ride we've had now and what another great ride.  What a fantastic day we had, sunny skies and temps in the mid 60's.  We had a pretty small group it was only Brian, Kurt and myself for this ride.  Although it was just the 3 amigos we still had a great ride. 

This is a really great ride which we haven't done that often but it I think we will start using on a regular basis now. 

Here is a little eye candy from our ride.

Kurt during our break, just before getting a flat.

Brian having a little bit to eat.

Brian and I hanging out.

Brian and Kurt just before the final climb.

Here are the ride stats from my Garmin 500...

Sunday 18th Advanced Ride

Hello every one, I hope you had a nice ride on Saturday if you did the ride. Tomorrow (Sunday 18th) I will be having an advanced ride if you care to join me. We will head out to the Aurora Res. which is a really nice ride. There are some rolling climbs with some fast flats. The ride will be around 50 miles and the weather looks like it should be a little better than today... Hope to some of you tomorrow!

Info...

- Arrive at the shop at 10 - you get to sleep in a little longer :)
- Leave at 10:30
- If it is raining we won't ride.
- I hope to average 16-19 mph
- Minimal stops.
- Bring water, food and extra tube/inflation device.

Chris

RECP: DTC/REI/CC

We snuk in a great ride today - with NO rain!  We all had bets on when we would get caught in it, but I'm glad we were all wrong.  Just a few slight sprinkles as we started, heading up the Cherry Creek dam.  It was definately a day to be movin'.  Soon as we stopped the body temps would drop.  Maybe that is why we were cookin' on the paths today.  It's been a while since I've been able to join the group, and these guys wanted to move!  The first group was averaging a 23 mph pace up S.Platte.  We all re-grouped at REI without any snags.  Thanks to all the had the guts to come out in such questionable weather.  FUN ride.

This is one of our new ride leaders - Trevor Greene.  He swept for us today -- but watch out, I hear he is wicked fast.

Mostly regulars that came out today --8 + two leaders.  It was nice to see Colin and Jimmy.

Don't you think it's time for a new pair of short?  Must be a favorite -- and can't just let go...

I have a few more pics in the picsa web albulm.  Eric has a good shot in here.  Click the link to get to it.  Thanks again for coming out!  Lani

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5461185515688583713&authkey=Gv1sRgCIDR6OfIt-nccw&feat=email

April 17th: INTERMEDIATE RIDE - DTC/S.PLATTE/REI

Who's tough?  Who looks at the glass as 1/2 full?  Weather forecast for tomorrow has a 40% chance of rain and temps in the high 40s in the AM.  But I think it's going to be like today - mild and no moisture.  So, make sure to stuff a jacket in the back of your long-sleeve jersey pocket and a pair of long-fingered gloves.  I'm probably gunna wear some knickers to keep my knees warm.

We have a few new ride leaders on board for the upcoming season!  It's getting to be that time of year where we are riding EVERY weekend with two groups to accomodate our range of skills and fitness level.  Trevor will be joining us this weekend as we do our DenverTech Center / S.Platte Bikeway / REI / Cherry Creek Bikeway route.  Look for our "no-drop" Saturday ride schedule to be posted on the right-side column of the blog in the next week or two for May's routes and destinations.  Our favorite - Chris Brown - will be shifting to Sunday Speedster Rides.  Sunday Speedsters are for advanced riders only and will be announce periodically as a special event: all to be communicated via our blog. 

DTC/S. PLATTE/REI/CC ROUTE:  This will be a ride that all levels of rider can enjoy, we are looking at a ride time around 2.5 hrs. and about 35 miles based off of past rides on this same route. It is mostly flat with a few rollers on Dartmouth.  Count on a nice and relaxing ride and we will be stopping at REI for a bathroom/food/coffee break.

**Weather Alert**  please double check the blog tomorrow after 7am if weather looks horrible.  We will be cancelling if it is pouring.

RECAP: Sunday Secret Ride Golden/Look Out Mtn.

Hello fellow BV riders, Sunday's Secret ride was a pretty good success I feel.  We had 4 brave riders ready to tackle Look Out Mtn. for the first time.  The day could not be any better.  Partly sunny skies to start off  with and then the further west we went the better the weather got.  By the time we got to Look Out it was sunny and in the 70's and no wind.  Perfect climbing/cycling weather, there were a ton of people out which is always great. 

The four brave people to join me were Dan, Jeff, Donna and Kurt.  Dan was a real trooper because he did the Saturday Ride and then came out for this grueling ride, which is why Dan was "Rider of the Month."  We had a nice leisurely ride out to Golden where we made a quick stop at a gas station to refuel and take a bathroom break.  From then on, it was up, up and away!  We started up Look Out each ride at our own pace.  Look Out is a really nice climb with variations in grade and littered with switch backs and some straights.  Every one pushed through their pain and we all made it to the top.  We took a few pics and then it was time for the speedy descent.  We saw some deer (that we had to avoid on the descent) and there were quite a few paragliders out enjoying the updrafts from the mtn.  After a quick and fun descent we stopped once more at the gas station to refuel and one last bathroom break before we headed back to the shop. 

Every one was a little wiped out after the ride and we took it easy once we got back on the the Cherry Creek trail.  I feel it was a great ride, every one road really well and we will have to sprinkle this ride in our regime more often.

I'd like to thank the four of you for accompanying me so I wouldn't have to ride alone, and I hope more of you make it out next time we do this ride. 

Now for some eye candy and ride stats...

First stop before heading up...

The view from the top!

Every one at the top, happy and sore!

Sky full of paragliders.

You can check out the rest of the pics on Picasa here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5459305819246369697&authkey=Gv1sRgCP6NprW5pKSBrQE&feat=email

Here is a link from my Garmin 200 with ride stats.  Check them out, pretty cool!

Secret BV Ride Sunday 11th

Hello every one, I've had a lot of requests to climb Look Out Mtn. and tomorrow will be your chance.  Since I missed you guys today, I wanted to make it up to you so we will be having a Secret ride tomorrow.  This will be the hardest ride we have done from the shop! It will be an ADVANCED ride only!!!  Arrive at the shop at 10, and we will leave at 10:30.  Should be an awesome day with sunny skies and a high in the low 70's.  Bring your "A" game!!!

- Arrive at shop at 10
- Leave at 10:30
- Bring the usual goodies... food, water, extra tube/inflation device.

I hope to see some of you tomorrow!

Regards,
Chris

SATURDAY APRIL 10TH: CHERRY CREEK RESERVOIR

Hi Everyone!! 

This weekend looks to be absolutely beautiful.  High 60s and sunny.  Chris is busy this weekend working some other job - so we are doing a route that is fairly well known for our substitute leaders.  Riding out to the Cherry Creek res is always a great workout with the climb to the top of the dam.  We'll do a couple laps to add on some mileage and enjoy the view of water and the mountains in the background.  All levels are welcome and the rides are "no drop". 

We will be starting up our summer ride schedule in the next week or two.  Starting May - we support two rides each Saturday for the varying skills levels.  Routes and dates are posted for the month on the right column of the blog for you to reference.  Check out our "What type of rider are you?" to help determine which type of rides you'd enjoy most.  It's gunna be a fabulous spring.  Dust off those cobwebs, pump up those tires, and we will see you this weekend! 

RECAP: Saturday Group Ride March 3rd Chatfield/REI

Well I think one word might sum up the day... WINDY!!! Wow, that was pretty crazy. 
We started out with a good group of 16 riders which I was happy to see and a little surprised at.  I didn't think that many people would show up for such a hard ride this time of year.  The sun was shining and the ski was clear.  It was a beautiful day other than the hurricane force wind we experienced. 

Our journey started out by going through the reservoir to Jordan and then up past Broncos parkway.  We climbed the little hill by the Aurora soccer fields where we had a nice little tail wind along Chambers before we got to C 470.  Once we were on C 470 it was a whole other story.  I don't think I have ever experienced that brutal of a head wind before.  It was so strong I just had to laugh at how fierce it was.  We finally arrived at the gas station which was our first refueling stop.  After refueling and a little time to chat we hopped back on the bikes and had a short trip into Chatfield and then started heading north on the S. Platte trail.  What a relief that was... tailwind for most of the way to REI.  We sustained a really nice high pace on the S. Platte which is a lot of fun.  Nothing like cruising along in a pace line doing 25mph!  Once we arrived at REI for our second refueling we ran into a few other BV riders who were there also.  We took a few pics and shared some more stories and then it was back on the bikes back to the shop via the Cherry Creek trail.  I was relieved that we had a tailwind most of the way back also.  My legs felt like noodles on that last leg. 

Overall it was a really great ride, every one seemed to be in good spirits and had a lot of fun.  Some tired bodies when we arrived back at the shop but that's what its all about... getting better every time your on the bike.  I'd like to congratulate Chris who just bought a new bike a week ago and came on our ride for the first time.  You did awesome for only having your bike for a week! You should feel proud.  Ester you did a really nice ride too and hung in there the whole way.  It was probably a little easier after you did your wheel swap with Joe.  :)  Ruan it was great to have you back too after not seeing you for a few months. 

Thanks every one for coming out, I had a blast and I hope you did too.  See you next week.

Regards,
Chris

Now for a little eye candy...

Every one chatting it up.

The "new guy" Chris in white, nice job man!

Ruan setting the pace with Dan and Jovi following.

"No Joe, that's two times I've beaten you now!"

.

Some tired bodies.

You can check out the rest of the pics here at the Picasa link...http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5456442845963131825&authkey=Gv1sRgCI7ZsueL8p-RyAE&feat=email

Here are the stats from my Garmin 500 from our ride.  Just click and get more details...

MapMyRide.com | View Chatfield/REI in Chatfield, Colorado

MapMyRide.com | View Chatfield/REI in Chatfield, Colorado

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Saturday Group Ride March 3rd

Hello every one, Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great week and are looking forward to riding outside tomorrow for a change. We are looking at a high of 59 and windy conditions as of right now, but that may change a bit from now until then. Tomorrow will be a real test of your fitness to this point, we are going to ride to Chatfield via C 470 and then instead of coming back on Dartmouth we will continue up the S. Platte trail to REI and then take the Cherry Creek trail home. This will be an intermediate/advanced ride with an average speed of 15-17mph and mileage in the 50-60 mile range.


We will make two stops to refuel and bathroom breaks, one at a gas station on C 470 and then REI also. Bring the usual goodies, water, food, and spare tube and some sort of inflation device. You may want to put some sun screen on also... I don't think it will be super intense but it will be a long ride so you may want to protect your skin. It should be a pretty fun ride and a good test of your current fitness level. Get plenty of sleep and eat a hardy breakfast. See you tomorrow morning!

Regards,
Chris