Recap: Dec. 18th REI ride

With really cool temps this morning we took a poll and decided to scrap the Meridian ride and just headed down to REI for a quick ride and coffee break at Starbucks.  The ride down to REI was pretty mellow till a few of us started to form a nice pace line and then things picked up quickly after that.  Even in really cool temps it is hard to let those competitive feelings rest.  After some coffee and good conversation and a chance to warm up inside we hoped back on our saddles and headed back to the shop.  The ride back was at a much more casual pace.  Thanks to every one who came out with us and all of us at the shop wish every one a Happy Holiday!  I hope you enjoy at least one week off from the rides, stay tuned if we will have a New Year's Day ride...

Ride stats here...

Ride photos here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5555187590742336977&authkey=Gv1sRgCJO-64-LmY22BQ&feat=email

Group Ride December 18: Meridian Parkway

Hopefully high's of 45 will remain in our forecast which means it could be a much warmer start than last Saturday!  Chris and Malia are going to take you to revisit Meridian Park.  As you may recall, a few weeks back this was not a good memory for Tom Call as he took a bad spill on the bikepath.  Tom is recovering well, he stopped in on Tuesday's indoor cycling class to say "hi" to missed friends and knows he will be riding again soon.

This is a great route offering some varying terrain as you ride south to Meridian and enjoy some criterium laps around the park.  If Kurt shows up you can bet there will be some head to head racing against Chris!

***Next week's a "bi" due to the holiday so let's get out now!***

Stats from Nov: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/58012338

RECAP December 11th: Bear Creek Lake

Eight determined riders joined up with Chris and Gene today to battle the cold and wind conditions.  Plenty of smart layering and wind stop materials made the starting temps of 28(!)"tolerable", although not the most desirable.  The return trip from Bear Creek proved even windier but the hill work aided in keeping the body temps warm.  No doubt some warm soups/chili and hot drinks were on the agenda shortly after completing the 45 miler.  No mishaps or flats, so all in all a pretty good ride.

Kudos to those who toughed it out today!!

"Gear-Head" News

Join us every Monday:

FREE Bicycle Basic Maintenance Class

6:00pm

No tools or equipment needed...just show up!

Less than two weeks to the big holiday...

A time of thankfulness and blessings.

Remember those less fortunate by contributing to our

Bikes for Tykes program:

BV will match 50% of each donation up to $100

Saturday Group Ride December 11th: Bear Creek Lake

Looks like another rather chilly morning but we'll warm up the blood flow as Chris and Gene head us out west to Bear Creek Lake.  The full route pulls in around 55 miles, so based on participation and conditions it that mileage may get cut a bit.  In either case we're sure to have a great time together!

details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48877916

Reminder:  We'd still looove and appreciate any and all donations to our Bikes for Tykes program.  These funds help purchase parts needed to refurbish/rebuild used bikes to give to inner city children.  For so many this is their only means of transportation.  Stop by our store now and help put a smile on someone's face!  Thank you!

RECAP December 4th: Sloan's Lake

It was the "usual suspects" once again as we layered on our windstopper wear and defied the biting air and headed out to Sloan's Lake.  Chris had the bulk of the 12 riders while Jacquette "swept" in the remaining few.  Roughly around 37 miles broken up with some toasty holiday lattes and hot chocolate at Starbies in REI.  Weather was definitely warm enough for plenty of geese to be out and about as we dogged around them in our laps of the park!

Aside from lighter traffic on the pathways, part of the enjoyment in riding this time of year is less pressure on one's self.  Temps are colder so distances are generally shorter and we pace hard enough to keep the body warm but not to the extent that summer riding warrants.  It's like having a free pass to just simply enjoy!

Happy to report...NO flats!...although we did have one rider who was having some knee issues on new cleats/shoes...hope she was able to get that adjusted and can join us again.

Photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/SaturdayGroupRideDecember4th#

Ride stats here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59174043

Thanks to those who generously donated ($115!) to our Bikes for Tykes program...here's more on that:

GEAR-HEAD NEWS

This time of year all Bicycle Village stores are in full swing collecting and matching donations for the Bikes for Tykes program.  (In 2006 Bicycle Village stores collectively raised and matched donations equaling $10,500!).

It is through this program that used bicycles are restored, refurbished and redistributed to inner city shelters, housing projects and schools.  For many of these children it is their only means of transportation, be it work, school, etc.  It's a tiny miracle in their life.  Ask Mr. Bruce Lien why he is so committed to this project and he'll reply..."Every Bike Is a Love Affair"...

Think about the love affair you have with your bike, and help us provide the same opportunity to another, simply drop into any BV store and place a donation with cash or card.  A tax deductible ID can also be provided.

more info on the project: http://bicyclevillage.com/articles/bikes-for-tykes-program-pg389.htm

Saturday Group Ride December 4th: Sloan's Lake

Join Chris and Jacquette for a less challenging ride then normal as we head out west to Sloan's Lake and back with a break at Confluence Park on the way out.  Total trip around 35 miles but more mileage can be added with additional loops around the lake.  This is a great destination with wonderful views of the mountains lined with skillfully architected homes.  Bring some cash-ola for the break stop.

Route details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45902423

Indoor Cycling


6:00 pm

$6/class or $30/6 classes

Tuesday / Wednesday Co-ed

Wednesday All Women

Keep up the training and acknowledge your hard earned riding this summer.

ALL levels welcomed!!!

RECAP November 26th: Pinery Parkway

A bit on the chilly side and slightly windy, but all in all Saturday's ride was a good one; with 12 riders including Chris and Gene and only one flat tire!  A vote was taken and we opted not to ride all the way to the Pinery (except Tom) so but we still got in around 40ish miles...pretty darn good for the end of November.  Special attention was taken as we came upon the entrance poles.

More photos...http://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/SaturdayGroupRideNov26th#

Ride stats here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/59174046