RECAP: August 28th: Chatfield / Aurora Soccer Complex

Many thanks to all 38 riders that showed up to make our day on Saturday.  Despite the heat and some headwind everyone kept in good spirits, groups stayed tight and everyone seemed pleased with their rides.

Here's a highlight of the day's rides...hope you can join us next week as we celebrate YOU with an after ride BBQ.  See below for more details.

Intermediate:

Chris and Justin had a strong turnout of 20 riders despite many area races happening that weekend, especially the Deer Creek Challenge slated for Sunday.  Chris lead out an intermediate/advanced group of riders who planned on doing 60 miles at 18 mph avg and Justin swept the group.  It was warm as the day began at 9:30, and it continued to heat up throughout the 3.5 hour ride time and breaks.  The group headed south through Cherry Creek State Park and then stayed on Jordan as a change of pace to access the E-470 trail.  Heading west on 470 toward Chatfield, a rider with tubular tires flatted out and was forced to call in a rescue pickup!  Quote "that's what I get for training on tubulars."  July rider of the month, Sean, maintained his distinction by assisting with that and another flat on the day.  After a key gas station stop at Santa Fe and 470, the group headed to climb up the Chatfield Res, and once again Chris remained victorious on the summit.  A nice run downhill on the Platte Trail to Confluence Park made for some quick paceline runs.  The group re-charged and tackled the slight incline and wind on the run in back to BV.  A metric century (62.5 miles) and great times were accomplished!

Check out the ride stats here:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48154997

Check pics from the ride here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5514600054660677185&authkey=Gv1sRgCMz8psuB7_WwaQ&feat=email

Recreational:

We had a great ride, rolling just over 30 miles through the Cherry Creek Reservoir, out past the Aurora soccer fields and down to the E470 bike trail.  From there we jogged east to Jordon road and made a speedy return.  Back in the Reservoir we road east to the dam turnaround before climbing out the of the park and heading home to the shop. 

18 people rolled out, including several first timers, to make the trek with ride leaders Jeffrey and Tom.  It was warm but we created our own breeze and had a great time.  We were especially pleased to have Special Olympian Jeff return for his second ride with the group.

Tom and at least one other rider used this as a warm up for Sunday's Deer Creek Challenge.

"Gear-Head News"

 

 Save the Date...Saturday September 4th
12:00-3:00

(all) Riders APPRECIATION LUNCH!!

Please check your "spam" for this evite or email
us with an RSVP:

bicyclevillageaurora@gmail.com

Ride Leader Jacquette and friend at Venus de Miles Start Line

Third annual event, organized by women...for women!

2,000 women registered for the event

67 miles of rolling terrain with a short 5-miler

up the beautiful Jamestown Canyon.

Ever had potato chips at a rest stop?!

After ride cocktail: Mojito or Cosmopolitan...yay!

Volunteers keep the ride fun

CONGRATULATIONS

...to Ride Leader Tom Call on completing the Deer Creek Challenge!!!   7:36 hours with an average of 14.1 mph, for 106 miles, 12, 700+ elevation gain.  (Hurts me just to say that!)

He has crossed one off the bucket list and says it may just stay off :)

 Are you a Coupon Fan...?

Click below to sign up for our Preferred Customer Program and start saving...
http://echo3.bluehornet.com/phase2/survey1/survey.htm?cid=avgrmi 

GROUP RIDE Saturday August 28th: Chatfield & Confluence Park / Aurora Soccer Complex

 Word is some of you may be taking it easy this Saturday as you prepare for  Sunday's "Toughest Century in the Nation"...the Deer Creek Challenge.  If so, we'll miss you but be sure and get some good stretching in, spin the legs lightly, hydrate and good luck.  The rest of you have no excuse but to join us as we offer you either a favorite strong Intermediate ride out to Chatfield and back or a Recreational pace around the Aurora Soccer Complex.  Just another great opportunity to get outdoors and ride with friends.

Intermediate:

Chris and Justin will lead you out through Cherry Creek Park towards C-470 bike path with a nice long stretch to Chatfield.  (This group is known for pace lines and drafting wherever possible.)  Save a bit of gas as bonus points are earned for climbing to the top of the reservoir!  A steady ride will then take you north along the South Platte towards REI/Confluence Park for a little fill -up then it's back to the store on good 'ole Cherry Creek Path. 

Garmin link From May 22nd: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/35646112

Recreational:

Tom and Jeffrey team up also heading southeast through Cherry Creek Park but split from the Intermediate group at C-470, circling east to catch the CC Trail into the reservoir, but this time exiting on the northeast side after looping the "tower".  The only noticeable hill is the climb to the dam frontage road (probably old hat by now) then it's a gentle rise out to the turn-around point, and enjoy the easy riding back to BV for a total of 31 miles.  Go easy on Tom gang...he's tearing up Deer Creek on Sunday! ;)

...ouch!!

Good luck and SAFE riding to all you

"Deer Creek Challengers"...

RECAP: Saturday August 21st Golden Route / Sloan's Lake and back

Another fantastic riding day in Colorado as well as another excellent turnout of 56 riders!!! We love seeing all your familiar faces and so appreciate the new friends that join in each week.  Thanks to all for spreading the word about our group rides.  It'll be interesting to see how many of you hang with us when the weather starts to turn...remember we offer those great indoor cycling classes during the week to help maintain your training throughout the winter. We'll post more on that as time gets closer.  For now, a look back at today's rides...

A double take to be certain this wasn't a misprint!

INTERMEDIATE:

Another sunny summer Saturday brought out a solid group of 23 cyclists for the Intermediate/Advanced ride to Golden and back. The crew was lead by pro ride leader Chris, and chased by novice Justin. On the typical descent down the hill on Yale shortly after leaving the shop, regular Donna unavoidably clipped the rear wheel of another rider and was sent skidding on her bottom. But Donna is an all-star and she dusted herself off and continued on the ride, out-pacing many of the men in the group. However, this mishap brought the Rec group and Intermediate group together on the Cherry Creek Trail, creating a massive pack on the already-congested pathway. Shortly thereafter, a rec rider got a rear tire flat and rock star regular Sean stopped to help repair it after having just been crowned July Rider of the Month! He has certainly earned the title. After escaping the busy Cherry Creek route and leaving REI, the group tackled the rolling hills heading west along 32nd Ave into Golden. A refuel at the gas station across from Coors Brewery refreshed the group for the trek back. Chris paced a solid peleton of riders back, while Justin rolled with a group of 4 that had dropped off the back and were cruising home. In the end, the group got 50 miles in and enjoyed every one of them!

Here are the ride stats from the Intermediate ride...
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45848820

RECREATIONAL:

It's difficult to say just exactly how many riders we had for this route; as Jeffrey and I (Jacquette), took the group out towards the Cherry Creek bike path we had a head count of 33, a few spilled over from the intermediate group at Confluence, and we lost one rider there when we took off for Sloan's Lake with a count of 35 riders.  Rider Brad did an excellent job telling me that his "buddy" was still back at REI, but after doubling back Mary Ellen was not to be found.  I called the shop to see if she had called and of course just after I hung up she called in...go figure.  Unfortunately I didn't get the voice mail from the shop in time to find her.  After reaching her a bit later she assured me all was fine, she was enjoying the rest of her day and not to worry.  Lesson learned...everyone riding with us should have the shop's number in their cell phone for situations just like this: ( 303-750-1064)

What a busy day the pathway was: cyclists, dog walkers, tykes on bikes, AND a road race for Make-A-Wish foundation was headquarted outside the Aquarium which made for careful attention to those riding skills!  As many discovered today, Sloan's Lake is a little hidden gem, surrounded by architecturally designed homes with eye-catching gardens/landscapes and majestic views of the mountains.

A Boy Scout Troop taking a break near the Four Mile House  turned out to be a very energetic cheering section for all passing by.  Is there a "Cheerleader Badge"...?

Rec ride stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45902423

Here are some pics from the ride...
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5508680548790842065&authkey=Gv1sRgCOf-9_Dqkp-S5AE&feat=email

Have a super week and thanks again for the great company!

"GEAR-HEAD NEWS"

Labor Day weekend is in two weeks - we hope you are able to hang around with us after the ride as we provide you with some drink and food and great company.  More details will follow.

BICYCLE VILLAGE - Aurora

FREE bike maintenance classes every Monday at 6pm

Do you know a presta from a schrader valve stem?

A rear derailler?  A cog set? Come find out...and much more!
All necessary tools and materials provided

Saturday Group Ride Aug. 21st Goldend / Sloan's Lake

Hello BV riders!  This weekend we have 2 great rides heading out west for a change.  The weather looks like it will be stellar with sunny skies and a high of 94!  Not too shabby for the middle of August.  The Intermediate group will be heading out to Golden which is a group favorite, but we are going to mix it up a bit by taking a different route out there for a change.  The Rec. group will be on our heels heading out behind us but turning around at Sloan's Lake. 

Intermediate:

We will start our journey by taking the Cherry Creek Trail towards REI, but instead of going down 26th we will take 32nd all the way out to Golden.  This route will have a few more rollers than 26th so get ready for a little more climbing this time.  I hope to average 16-18mph and we are looking at a ride time of 2.5-3 hrs.  We are looking at putting in around 45-48 miles.

Recreational:

The Rec. group will be following close behind the Intermediate group on the Cherry Creek Trail but once we arrive at REI we will be taking 26th out the rest of the way.  Once we reach our destination of Sloan's Lake we may make one lap around the lake depending on how the group feels.  We are looking to average 13-15mph and are shooting for a ride time of around 2.5 hrs.  Our mileage will be on our upper end of 30 miles. 

As always I recommend every one bring food, water, and an extra tube and some sort of inflation device.  It is near the end of the season and some peoples tires may be a little worn and more pron to flats.  Both groups will be stopping to refuel and hydrate along the route.  Enjoy your Friday and we (the ride leaders) look forward to another huge turnout like last weekend.

Chris :)

RECAP: Aug 14th: Inspiration Rd / Broncos Pkwy / Confluence Park

What an incredible day Saturday turned out to be.  Not only did Colorado shine some superb riding weather upon us, but BV - Aurora reached an all time rider attendance of 65!  Our previous record was 56 strong on July 17th and remember...we can't do any of this without YOU, so "Thank You!"

INTERMEDIATE:

What a phenomenal turnout...28 riders joined the Intermediate group to once again chew up the E-470 bike path on our way to crushing residential roads (Cottonwood Drive, Inspiration, and East Long) as we once again proved that 2000' elevation gain in 40 miles is just a "warm-up" for us!  Unfortunately speed, tight turns and gravel proved to be a bad mix for one rider, and while going down is never fun we are happy to report she continued riding unscathed.

Here is the link for the Intermediate stats:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45848829

RECREATIONAL:

32 riders turned out for this new route as lead Jacquette, and sweep Justin (J&J) played leap frog with the group making certain everyone was accounted for and any problems quickly remedied.  The group took off with a few newcomers including triathlete Carrie, who despite some minor knee issues, made it through with a smile and was happy to get back to the shop where a "fit" proved her cleats and saddle needed some positioning.

(We met up with the Intermediate group after skirting through
Cherry Creek Res and couldn't resist this photo opp:)

I need a wide angle lens to get everyone in...!

Talk about "power in numbers"...when the rec group gathered again outside CC park, our energy was so strong it brought some neighbors out to their front lawns to check us all out!  We just may be seeing some new faces on our next ride. 

Once the two groups separated it was quickly discovered that one of the rec riders had gotten mixed in with the intermediate group but he was quickly pulled back to safety with the help of sweepers Tom and Justin.  Even though this 35 miler involved some good climbing, everyone kept great spirits and commented how much they enjoyed the route.  J&J are going to try and improve it to be a more seamless ride.  All in all a great ride but not without some minor issues...one rider had a flat and another experienced an extreme chain jam, but J&J where there to assist.

A bit of operator error as Jacquette didn't completely turn "off" the Garmin

after the ride, but you can see the 35 mile route in better detail here:

 http://connect.garmin.com/activity/44698670

More smiling faces of the day can be seen here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/SaturdayGroupRideAugust14th

SOCIAL:

Traveling at a very comfortable pace, Heidi led this group of five down the Cherry Creek Path to the Confluence Park area where they had a short break before heading back to the store.  The pathway proved to be extra busy on this beautiful day but everyone kept safely in-line and she's happy to say there were no bike problems to report.  Everyone was thrilled to be outdoors and was very respectful and patient as Heidi kept the group together. 

RECAP Sunday, August 15th: Advanced Ride / Golden Gate Canyon

What a beautiful Sunday morning for a ride. We met in the parking lot of BV - Littleton for a bagel breakfast and free samples of GU products including their new endurance product Roctane.  Once our carbs kicked in, the gang of 12 led by our fearless leaders, John and Anaka, all departed for Golden Gate Canyon.  Sunny skies, a slight breeze and beautiful scenery escorted our entire ride.  A quick pit stop was made in Golden to refuel and replenish our water supplies for the climb up the canyon.  Light chatter between riders could be heard despite the long climb to the top.  Once at the top, everyone was more than ready for the 14% downgrade back down the canyon.  Some rolling hills were all that was left between us and home.  All riders made it back to the store just in time for lunch.

Notes worth mentioning:

**Bicycle Village - Aurora would love to share their knowledge of proper bike maintenance with you...for FREE!  Basic class on Mondays at 6 pm and Advanced class this Wednesday the 18th also at 6 pm.  All necessary tools and materials provided.**

Who doesn't love a great coupon!

Click below to sign up for our Preferred Customer Program and see the savings...

http://echo3.bluehornet.com/phase2/survey1/survey.htm?cid=avgrmi

Have time to support a great cause without riding?
Several Marshals are needed to monitor the safety of the riders.

Please contact Judi Hubersberger ASAP to get onboard:


Email: jhubersberger@diabetes.org
Phone:  720-855-1102 ext. 7033
Cell: 719-250-7763
Fax: 720-855-1302

CONGRATULATIONS!

...to ride leader Malia in winning her age group and
hitting her PB on Saturday's Rattlesnake triathlon!
"yay...round of applause"

"It's not how many hours you put in...It's what you PUT IN to the hours" 

GROUP RIDE Saturday August 14: Inspiration Road / Broncos Pkwy / Confluence Park

Greetings~  Hope you're having a good week and are psyched to get on those wheels this Saturday.  So far the word is our weather is "supposed" to cool down to a high of 78...course we all know how that can change.  We're hoping to see everyone this weekend (and then some) as we bring you THREE diverse rides to choose from.  Many of you have been scrambling with the business of "back to school", how about you give yourself a break...let's pump it, fill it, grab it and make it happen.

INTERMEDIATE:

Join in on a favorite as Chris and Tom push a 15-18 mph pace heading up and out Cherry Creek Park, as you wind your way heading SE towards Inspiration Road.  Total ride is 43 miles with opportunities to practice pace-lines as well as some great climbing through residential sections on the east side of E-470.  Then you're rewarded with that great downhill flying so hang in there!  Like I said...it's a favorite. :) 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/42053154

RECREATIONAL:

Jacquette and Justin will also utilize the Cherry Creek Park and exist out to Jordan, only they'll stay heading South as they connect to Broncos Parkway.  A nice loop will find us on Orchard as we wind out way back to the store for a total of 25 miles.  You're sure to love these wide roads and light traffic and a pace of 10-15 mph.  Be sure and bring lots of liquids as convenience stores aren't so convenient in this business park.

SOCIAL:

Taking a relaxing pace you'll head down the Cherry Creek bike path towards REI.  The group will gather around Confluence Park where a views of kayaking and water cooling are typically seen.  Maybe even grab an iced latte at Starbuck's?  (Don't forget the $$.) After the break the CC pathway climbs ever so slightly as you head back to Bicycle Village.   A nice ride, a short break and great company.... "aaaahhhhh..." now aren't you glad you came along?

SUNDAY August 15 Advanced Group Ride #3:

Want to push yourself a little extra?  Then join John and Anaka on this 65 miler from our Littleton store out and up Golden Gate Canyon and back on SUNDAY.  Did I mention "up"?  They're hoping to conquer it in 5-51/2 hours with an avg of 12mpg (that's cause the "up").  We'll carbo load you with bagels and get you fueled for the "up" with goodies from GU Energy rep Del Lee.  So start hydrating now and give those legs a good stretch to conquer 5600' elevation gain!  (Told you it was up)  Looks like cooler weather and a chance of a storm...let's hope that's late in the day, although it never hurts to be prepared.  This will be one for the books!

Meeting Place

BV in Littleton
8100 West Crestline
Littleton, CO 80123

6:30 am - depart 7:00 am

Please Register (so we know bagel count)

www.ezregister.com/events/1703

View Route

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/co/denver/894128145160643924

RECAP: SUNDAY, August 8th / Lookout Mtn SATURDAY, Aug 7th - Pinery Pkwy / Meridian Loop

RECAP SUNDAY, August 8th

ADVANCED Group Ride - from BV in Littleton

Despite a slight last minute change in our route plans, we had a great ride leaving the BV Littleton store this morning.  The second of three advanced training rides (for any upcoming century that riders may choose) took us up and over a variety of challenging climbs.  The nine in our group were a strong bunch which kept Dave, Jacquette and myself spinning our wheels and up out of our saddles to keep up and take our turns in the lead.  Fueled with great Hammer nutrition products and bagels, we set out on Belleview.  We were convinced to add a little extra elevation gain to our route by going up through the Willow Springs neighborhood.  Exerting a little extra juice to make it up the steep climb, rider Damien actually broke a spoke which "handy wrench" Dave was able to remove, loosen up the opposite spokes, and  keep the wheel true so Damien could complete the entire ride safely and without any other issues.  Avid hill climber (I'd say hill specialist) Ray pushed the pace for the group down through Morrison and up West Colfax past Red Rocks and Matthew Winters Park.  Good thing we had Michelle up from CO Springs to give Ray a run for his money up the Frontage Road on the backside of Lookout Mtn.  The group made great time and celebrated with refreshing drinks at the top of Lookout.

 I know it's hard to tell, but we really are smiling after conquering the back of Lookout :)

The quick descent down the front-side switchbacks dropped us down into Golden.  Taking Jackson Road out again to West Colfax, half of the group really felt like they hadn't had enough pain for one day and added a few "stoplight" sprints to keep everyone on their toes.  Catching some speed back past the beauty of Red Rocks, took us back through Willow Springs, with one final climb back onto Belleview and finished with some pace-lining to take us back to the shop.

Total ride time was a little over three hours for 43 miles covering over 3200' in elevation!!  You can check out our route here: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/co/-littleton/467128130289616996

Thanks for the great ride and I hope everyone used some of the Hammer Recoverite to speed their recovery and we look forward to everyone joining us again next week.
-Malia, Jacquette and Dave 

RECAP SATURDAY, August 7th

RECREATIONAL:

The summer yielded another warm and sunny Saturday morning to set the stage for another great group ride out of Bicycle Village Aurora! Riders gathered at the front entrance to the store and were greeted by newer ride leaders Anaka and Justin. The group has been steadily growing each week and was up to 25 strong as Anaka lead the field out to the Cherry Creek path. After the usual run along the reservoir and the re-grouping at the stoplight, the peleton rolled down Dayton heading south towards I-25 and E-470. A 7/11 pit stop was welcomed by the group after starting to tackle the rolling hills on the route. A stronger pack stayed up front on the climbs with Anaka as Justin paced the rest of the determined riders. Regular Dwayne was fighting through knee pain and although advised to rest, he just couldn't miss out on his Sat ride with friends.

"Smiling" Dwayne...what knee pain????

The whole pack regrouped at beautiful Meridian Park just south of E-470 and the quicker riders enjoyed 2 nice loops around the park. After fixing a flat tire and popping a chain back on, all were ready to re-trace the up-and-down route back to the shop. Justin flew back with the hot shots while Anaka rolled home with the cruisers. Total distance was 27 miles in 2 and a half hours, and another successful ride is in the books!

View more snapshots of the day here: http://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/SaturdayGroupRideAugust7th#

~Justin/Anaka

INTERMEDIATE:

Say "Yay!" to yet another great group ride out to the Pinery and back with 17 strong!  Unfortunately the weather did get a bit warmer than originally anticipated but the group stayed tight and worked off each others energy, keeping a 15-17 mpg pace. All was well on the way out and most of the return, until Steve's front tire blew out.  Thankfully his quick reaction saved him from a crash.  An attempt to change the tube only led to another flat when inflated...too bad no one knew the trick of placing a folded dollar bill or empty gel packet between the tube and (small) hole in the tire.  Instead assistant store manger Brett, was called in for a rescue.  It's impressive to see how so many of you have advanced your riding skills and grown stronger over this season, we are honored to share in this journey with you and look forward to many more great rides together before the weather forces us indoors.

Click on the link to view Intermediate stats.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/43973589

~Jacquette

Know how to change a flat?..How to repair a drivetrain?...Come learn the essential skills every rider should posses...Mondays, 6pm @ the Aurora store.

Advanced maintance classes are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month, also at 6pm.  We provide the necessary tools and bikes for both classes...no rsvp is needed.

**Be sure to comment on your favorite (or most challenging) part of a ride, or brag about your achievement(s) this year!   We are in your corner whether you're new to the sport or a long time "gear head".**

AUGUST 5TH: Pinery Parkway / Meridian Loop

Happy Friday "blogger-bikers"!  Looks like the weather this weekend weather will be 90-95 and hopefully some of that great cloud cover will stick around.  Two great "favs" are offered this Saturday so check the tire pressure, grab some energy food and fill those water botlles.

RECREATIONAL:

This group will be taking a more leisure ride out to Meridian Park. This ride is designed for the novice cyclist or someone who knows very little about the sport, but wants to gain fitness and strength through riding. The route will be a fairly flat ride other after the climb to the dam of CC Res and a steady rise out to Meridian where you can enjoy one or more casual loops around the business park. The one stop out and back will be at Dayton and Peakview, just before Arapahoe Road. Here's the link from July's ride.
Bicycle Village: MeridianPark Route - Garmin Stats
 
ADVANCED:

Designed for individuals who ride their bikes every day, participate in century rides, bike tours, or even race throughout the summer, Chris and Tom will take you straight south towards the town of Parker.  Prepare yourself for some steady, challenging climbs as you wind through the neighborhoods.  Total distance will be 55+ miles with a pit stops at E470 & Jordan Rd gas station on our way out and the return home.  Some of you may recall doing this ride on July 17th in record heat of 105...should be much more enjoyable this round!  And if they try to maintian their time of 3 1/2 hours you better be prepared to "crank" it...


**BICYCLE VILLAGE CHALLENGE RIDE #2 -- ADVANCE RIDERS ONLY**
Sunday, August 8th
Meet at 7:00 am (bagels and water provided)

Bicycle Village - Littleton
8100 W Crestline Ave, Unit B-1
Littleton, CO 80123
303-978-9699

Don't miss out on a chance to join in for the second (of three) advanced rides...last week was awesome!...plus Hammer Nutrition will be out to supply us with FREE energy drinks and food to keep us fueled for the HUGE amount of steep climbing we plan on doing.  Starting at BV in Litleton we will head onto the C-470 pathway towards Morrison, up the backside of Lookout Mtn. then down into Golden and back to the shop.

Ride Length: 40 miles / 2500' elevation gain
Route for Garmin download: http://www.mapmyride.com.rideunited-states/co/-littleton-/382128112220743147
Please Register: http://www.ezregister.com/events/1693

Ride Leaders: Jacquette / Malia
Sponsor: Hammer Energy - Brent Winebarger

Jacquette Tara
Bicycle Village - Aurora

RECAP: July 31st Cherry Creek Res and Aurora Res Rides

A bustling morning with a full parking lot of Tri for the Cure registration and Cervelo Demo Day tents set the tone for a high-energy ride! Thanks to everyone who fought the crowds to join us on our two fun rides for the day.

RECREATIONAL:

Justin and Tom lead a robust group of 21 cyclists including the usual suspects such as crazy Tom and joker Dwayne and newcomer Julie who had just moved from Arizona 5 days earlier. We departed in 80 degree sunny and slightly humid (by Denver standards) weather. The peleton connected onto the Cherry Creek Trail and did the usual trek up the dam to the stoplight at Arapahoe to make our first stop and regroup. As we took refuge in the shade, many remarked that the day was warmer and more humid than expected. However, the group was strong and resilient and charged on into the day! We made a nice pass through the Cherry Creek State Park and down Gun Club Rd to the south entrance, and then re-traced our tracks back to the main park road. All gladly hung out in the shade again as the group gathered for a nice rest break at the reservoir tower. Just being so close to a body of water on a day so warm was refreshing! We decided to divide the group for the journey back, and Tom lead home a pack of cruisers while Justin chased a group of speed demons. A gentleman got a flat tire on the run into the finish, and Tom and Dwayne showed their teamwork support by assisting in the repair, while Justin supervised. All finished up with 26 total miles at a 13.5 mph average pace and another great ride in the books!

INTERMEDIATE:

Chris and I took a group of 23 strong riders out starting on the same path as the Rec ride.  After making our way through Cherry Creek, we headed out towards Aurora Res utilizing a nice mix of bike paths and roads.  With some speedy cyclists in the pack, our group split into two but made a few stops to regroup at a few of the major intersections and after some of the longer gradual climbs that were a fun part of our ride.  The group zoomed around Aurora Res and like the rec group, boy did that water look inviting!  By-passing our usual stop at the beach stop within the Res, we pushed on to the local Walgreen's.  Lucky for us (and for the store too) Gatorade was on sale!  I think we probably made them restock once we left.  There were some great pacelines and good communication throughout the group.  Not sure who was named the sprints' winner of the day, but I'm sure if you asked Chris, Kurt or anyone else gunning it in the front, you'd get a few different responses and opinions :)  While Chris has our exact stats on his Garmin, we finished our ride with a total of 46miles and an average speed of over 18mph- impressive with some of those longer climbs!  I'd especially like to thank and congratulate Mike for moving up from the Rec ride to join us- he pushed through each climb with a great attitude and ended the day with a smile- well done Mike!  I'd also like to congratulate Dan for successfully avoiding any flats and to end his streak of getting a flat tire when I'm a part of the ride :)
Click on link to view Intermediate stats.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/43973599

Now for a visual recap of the ride...

This week in the parking lot, cars were replaced with Tri for the Cure vendors

Getting ready for the ride ahead

Cruising through Cherry Creek

So that's how Dwayne has such big muscles...

For all of the pictures from both rides, follow this link: http://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/SaturdayGroupRideJuly31#

Good luck to everyone doing the Copper Triangle race next week!
Thanks again and keep those wheels spinning,
-Malia, Justin and the rest of the BV Ride Leader Crew