RECAP: June 25 - Aurora Res (Intermediate) / Orchard Loop (Rec.)

We had a stellar day for our two rides this past weekend as we were graced with sunny skies and temps in the 80's.  Every one was itching to hit the roads so we could enjoy the great weather, catch up with friends and challenge ourselves.

INTERMEDIATE:

The Intermediate ride had a total of 23 riders for what turned out to be a really quick trip out to the Aurora Res. and back with Chris and Gene.  We started our ride by riding through the CC Res. and then hopped on Orchard which lead us to Genoa where we had a quick regrouping.  From there we made a left on to Liverpool and a quick left on to Arapahoe.  That lead us to Newcastle which we then got on the Aurora Res. bike path.  Our ride around the res. we very pleasant as there was very little wind this time compared to other trips we've made around the res.  We had a very nice break at the beach where every one refueled on fluids, food and made a bathroom break.  Once again back on our bikes we gradually got up to speed again by taking a little different loop than we usually do as we passed Arapahoe and made our turn on Gartrell and then rejoined Arapahoe.  From there we basically back tracked our ride out other than going on the east side of the park instead of the west side.  All in all it was an uneventful trip other than Tom and Eric getting flats.  Every one road really strong as we had an average speed of 19 mph which is faster than some of our Advanced rides.  Thanks every one for a great ride, I hope you had fun and were challenged a little more than usual.  I look forward to seeing you all again next Saturday.

Rolling out from our rest stop.

Check out ride stats here:
Intermediate Group Ride June 25th by edge705cb at Garmin Connect - Details

Check out ride pics. here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5623066450041529537&authkey=Gv1sRgCLaE6MrlttahiwE&feat=email

RECREATIONAL:

15 riders headed out with Heidi and Trish towards the Cherry Creek Res.  Heading through the Res, some group members were unaware of the shooting range and got taken by surprise with the frequent gunshots so close to us.  Luckily, we all made it through!  On the other side of the Res Amy flatted and we discovered a nice little piece of shrapnel in her tire.  The teamwork of Heidi and Trish's earring got the shrapnel removed and Amy was good to go.  Much thanks to Danette for the wipes - we got finish our ride grease free!  The group took off down Jordan Road and Amy was still adjusting so there was a bit of separation - we regrouped thanks to a shortcut from Trish.  At Parker, we realized we lost a rider so Trish headed back to search for Mary Ellen. Sadly, Mary Ellen wasn't anywhere to be found (she did make it back safe, though!) so Trish caught the group and we enjoyed a nice roll back in to the Res.  12-year-old Trevor rocked it with the adults and was trying so hard that he jammed up his chain going uphill!  David, Bill, Mark and Trish got him rolling again and thankfully everyone made it back to the store, safe and sound!

Group ride June 25th: Intermediate- Aurora Res./ Rec- Orchard Loop

I trust every one is ready for the weekend, I know I am. Looks like we should have pretty awesome weather for the rides on Saturday. Partly sunny skies and a high of 87!
Due to Jacquette's unfortunate bad luck Chris will be filling in as a Intermediate ride leader until she gets back on her feet.
The Rec. Group will be heading to do the Orchard Loop. I do not know this particular route unfortunetly so I'm sorry I can't give you guys many details.
There is a slight change in plans, the Intermediate group is going to head out to the Aurora Res. instead of Invesco field hill repeats. This ride will be a little longer than normal as we will add on a few more miles to push the group a little bit. It will probably be closer to 50 miles instead of the usual 40-45 miles.
We look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow morning for two awesome rides. Don't forget food, h2o, extra tube and some sort of inflation device and definitely sunscreen.

Please keep Jacquette in your thoughts and we all wish her a speedy recovery!

Recap: June 18

Twenty-six people joined Gene and Jeffrey for Saturday’s “rec ride.”  The riders ranged from long-time regulars, through several folks making their second or third ride with us, to a couple from Colorado Springs who drove up early to get a ride in with us before a Saturday afternoon commitment.  The Dam Road was closed to car traffic for another event so we began out ride by crossing the dam where we could look down on the Cherry Creek Reservoir and ahead toward the beautiful front range.  The group bombed down through Cherry Hills Village and across to Dartmouth where we dropped down to the Platte River Trail.  By then we were fairly spread out and we made our way at various comfortable paces to REI where we regrouped before heading up the Cherry Creek Trail to the shop. “fourtiyish miles” on a lovely day.

Saturday Group Ride June 18th: REC-Denver Traingle / INT-Chatfield

Greetings~  Hope the week has gone well for you.  Looks as if Saturday is going to bring us slightly cooler weather (I'm not complaining!).  Should be perfect for riding so long as the showers hold off till late in the day.

Don't let the cloud cover fool you...ALWAYS apply sunscreen!!

If you're not riding the Boulder Sunrise Century (like Heidi and Jacquette) OR on Ride the Rockies, OR getting ready for Bicycle Tour of Colorado...then what's your excuse not to be at BV at 9am?

Recreational:

Last week you dialed in some great pedal techniques, practiced hill work and honed in on your shifting - now's the day to test out those skills and give Gene and Jeffrey a run for their money on this 28 mile a mini-tour of Denver.   http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39597574

Intermediate:

We haven't been on the C-470 pathway much this year so we're going to give-it-go today.  Due to the distance to the reservoir (guessing 40 miles), chances are you'll just get to Chatfield and then have to turn around...unless the pack (and Tom and Justin) is feeling strong and wants to take on a bit more.

Which ever ride you choose make sure you check your bike over (see below), pack some fuel, start hydrating the day before and get some good rest the night before.  Enjoy! 

* air-up the tires and check for thorns or deep cuts

* squeeze the spokes, checking for looseness

* is computer working properly?

* grab the sunscreen, cash and ID

* time to re-lube the chain?

* wipe the grim off the bike (you know it's been awhile)

* check brakes - aligned, not dragging 

* make sure your skewers on front and rear wheels are secured down

BV Women's Group Rides:

Can't ride on Saturdays?  Join us Wednesday evening or the LAST Sunday of the month... http://www.meetup.com/BVWomenCyclists/

Recap June 11th: REC-CC Hill Work / INT-Bear Creek

Another fabulous day of riding:

RECREATIONAL: Cherry Creek Hill Work

Patrice and Tom led a group of 19 people for a circuit of CC Reservoir and a set of three intervals on the hill where the Winnebago's park visiting the park.  We had some new faces intermixed with the regulars and did a nice ride of approximately 25 miles. The weather held off until a couple of hours after we were finished and the temperatures were pleasant and the wind was mostly mild.

Groups worked on gear shifting on the hill repeats and a tight spin all along the ride. Some riders wanted to "blast" the hill instead of focusing on technique so regular rider Tony led them out and up, but ended up in shock as Patrice and her group held their steady pace, caught up and passed the group!  Goes to show you we just may know what we're doing...  Some folks held Patrice captive in the parking lot (after the ride) w/ lots of questions and an overall buzz about the ride.   With the positive feedback from this workout-ride we'll be sure to add more skill building throughout the season.  (yea!)

Lisa was a new rider and she came out to get experience with a group and enjoyed the training which will help her with her first sprint triathlon in I believe August.  Chad is a Vietnam Veteran who was also a first time rider and he is a trooper.  He found the pace a little quick but was always ready to continue after every regrouping and he worked the hills with Patrice pushing him to do his best.  You can see a picture of the two of them attached to this blog.  Travis is riding his first road bike and he is doing cycling along with some habit changes to better himself and is quite a ways along his path.  He rode Erock last weekend and did the 100 kilometer course (62 miles) and is looking do possibly do a century at Good Sam Bike Jam in Lafayette later this summer.

INTERMEDIATE: Bear Creek

Another great ride out to Bear Lake Park and into Morrison for the BV books.  We had a combo of Intermediate and Advanced riders which created a strong group of 25 riders lead by Chris, Gene and Malia.  Wires got crossed as the group went over the bridge to the Cherry Creek trail, one went east to the light at Havana and the other headed west, but Gene turned his group around and everyone caught up.  The west route tends to have more traffic on it once you hit Yale, but aside from that it was a terrific ride with little wind and slightly overcast the entire ride which is perfect.  Only one mishap one gal I didn't get her name fell while on the bike path going through the park near Colorado Blvd., she landed on the grass so the only thing that happened was she elevated her hear rate.  Chris and his group joined us as he only had three riders.  On the way back we went through the Res. and over Dinosaur ridge which is always a nice change up.  We then returned the other way taking Happy canyon and through the Tech Center.

Mixed in with the "regulars" were three other female riders to keep Malia and Donna company.  We also had a couple of international riders join the group today.  Martin has only been in Denver for 6 weeks from Australia and had heard good things about the group and wanted to learn new routes.  Another gentleman is visiting Denver on business from Calgary and read about BV online.  He rented a bike and got fit just before we headed out at 9:30am.  He said this was the first time that he had rented a bike while traveling and noted how much he enjoyed it and felt like the ride was a great way to meet "locals" and see the city from a different perspective.

Happy to report that we had zero, that's "no flats", today which made for good time and we were able to push the pace.  The group opted for a few added hills as we stayed out of Bear Lake headed west and went up and over Morrison Road dropping into the gas station for our rest and refuel stop.  On the way back, a few of the riders who road the Elephant Rock Century ride last Sunday noted that their legs were still recovering from the effort, but none the less, pushed ahead and finished the ride with total mileage of just under 47miles.  A great effort and ride by all!

"GEAR-HEAD" News

You might recall reading our blurb on BV being one of the major sponsors for the 2011 "Healing Wheels" ride http://healingwheelstour.com/theride.htm.  This ride supports the non-profit Inner City Health Center (ICHC), which is a full range health care facility committed to improving the health of low-income and medically uninsured families.  Having reviewed the route and cause, ride leader Jacquette decided to take on the 62 mile challenge.  And challenge it was!  It was basically 25 miles of "UP" before a short downhill and then climb again, and again.  Some of the inclines were 17% grade...I only registered "3"mph on my odometer, but kept telling myself "3 is better than 0".

An incredibly scenic and challenging tour through and around Front Range landmarks and mountain towns including Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks Park, Bear Creek Canyon, Idledale, Kittredge, Kerr Gulch, Squaw Pass Road (100 miler), Evergreen Lake, Brook Forest Inn and Evergreen.  Mark your calendars for next year - this one's a beaut!

Here's the link with a great elevation reveal: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/91698331

Don't forget to pack your bags for the 2011 Bike-to-Work Day...

commit here: http://www3.drcog.org/biketowork

Get to know your bike better...

Our Advanced Bicycle Maintenance class is held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month at 6 p.m. This class builds on the knowledge you learn in Basic, and goes more in-depth into minor component adjustments and trouble shooting tactics.

 

Our Bicycle Maintenance Classes are beneficial for road, multi-sport, and mountain bike riders, and includes hands-on instruction on topics generated by the class. We provide all the necessary tools and bikes, so there is no need to bring your own.

Please contact our Service Department at (303) 750-1064 for more information about our Bicycle Maintenance Classes.

Saturday Group Ride June 4th: REC-CC Res Hill Work / INT-Bear Creek

Happy Friday Riders:

We hope you've had a good week and are ready to take in some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.  Weather is looking on the warm side so don't forget the sunscreen and extra tubes...plenty of thorns still out there!

BV's doors will open at 9am, plenty of time to load up on your favorite energy food and liquids for a 9:30 am departure. 

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)

A change to the usual Rec ride as we focus less on distance and destination and more on hill climbs and short sprints.  Tom and Patrice will share awesome cycling advice and coaching as they incorporate a great ride in the Cherry Creek Reservoir with special drills.  Can you say "...and again...!!!"

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)

Malia and Gene will direct you out to Bear Creek (a favorite of many) for an approximate total ride of 40 miles http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39597595

In fairness to the groups please make certain you are comfortable

maintaining the average speeds suggested...Thank you

Recap June 4th: SOCIAL-CC Mrkt / REC-Meridian / INT-*Golden

What a grrrreat day for riding!  45 riders, many in anticipation of ERock this Sunday took to the roads just to keep those legs fresh.  Weather was in our favor - a comfortable temp and light breezes and surprisingly the CC pathway was less populated than anticipated.

Although we had multiple rides with 5 ride leaders scheduled today, only 4 leaders rode.  Trying not to hold the group up much longer, Jeffrey was hurriedly changing his 2 flats from his ride over when he pinched one and had to change it again (bummer).  Then, while quickly trying to leave the store he tripped over a floor pump, skidded on his cleat/heel, landed hard and gashed his elbow open...requiring 7 stitches!  Hope you are feeling better Jeffrey - that series of events was definitely telling you to "stay-off-the-bike" today!

Here are your photos and recaps: https://picasaweb.google.com/bicyclevillageaurora/Jun42011?authkey=Gv1sRgCJi6_ruDpYGT7QE

SOCIAL:

Josh, Rosemary, Jacquette and her dad Al, took an easy ride to the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market.  As you can see from the photos - it was all about dogs and food today. Still early in the season, there were only a couple of produce tents open, but still plenty of baked goodies, empanadas, roasted chilies and samples to choose from.  A new found favorite of many is the Waffle Cakes: my selection was the Bacon Turtle (caramel, chocolate, pecans, bacon and whipped cream)...wow!  Now that's what I call a "Happy Meal".  This young fellow scooped up his favorite...

Happy to say no issues were had along this 15 miler, although Jacquette did notice a flat while unloading her bike.  We hope to offer a SOCIAL ride one a month through the summer - look forward to seeing you then.

RECREATIONAL:

With Jeffrey out getting stitches, Trish instantly became the single leader of 29 (!) riders heading for Meridian Park.  Fortunately many knew the route, looked out for each other and together they made it back to the shop with no problems!  Welcome to Harrison and a few other new group members, hope you can join us again.  The group took off towards Meridian Park and enjoyed the nice weather & rolling hills.  Once at Meridian several groups had fun racing the two mile loop.  After a short break, we headed back, but a few group members wanted a little more mileage so they took a lap (or two) around the Cherry Creek Res.  Huge thanks to Dave Thompson for his coaching, Eric & John (?) and all the other fill-in ride leaders/sweepers for helping out!

 INTERMEDIATE:

Ride leaders Gene and Justin ordered up perfect weather for the intermediate ride out to Golden this weekend!  Legendary BV captain Chris and regular Tom were along for the ride just to loosen up the legs in preparation for the Elephant Rock century the following day!  Justin led the pack off from the shop and right away a fast lead group broke away and weaved through the busy Cherry Creek Trail traffic.  The pack re-grouped at REI before hitting some climbing through the Highlands on 32nd Ave. Newcomer Bala, here from India for Ride the Rockies, acclimated to flat, sea level solo riding, and new to clipping in. really enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and hung in there well on the mile-high ride.  All together 48 miles with a nice rest break across from the Coors Brewery and a great time had by all!  Link: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90994492

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable ride on ERock Sunday!

Best to those heading out next week for Ride the Rockies

and happy tail winds to those on Healing Wheels and The Denver Century ride as well.

See you next week.

Saturday Group Ride June 4th: Social-Farmer's Mkt / REC-Meridian Park / INT-Golden

Looks as if we have finally gotten the warm weather wished for, instead of jackets we will be donning sun screen this weekend!  See you at 9am at the Aurora store with extra tube, water, fuel, cash and ID.

No excuse not to ride this Saturday -

 BV is offering four (4) levels of riding enjoyment!

SOCIAL: (9+ mph average)

Dust off those mountain bikes, hybrids and cruisers...grab a small backpack and some cash as we are heading to the Cherry Creek Farmer's Market!  Can't you just smell the fresh baked goods?  Join us for a leisure stroll along the CC bike path to shop, relax and sight-see before heading back to the store, a total round trip of 18+/- miles.

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)

A favorite ride out and back to Meridian Park with one to three loops around...did someone say "race you!"?  Total mileage around 26-30, if everyone is feeling strong the ride leaders may add a loop in the CC Res before returning to the store. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39932602

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)

A healthy jaunt out to Golden and back as you take the CC bike path to connect to neighborhood side streets and roll along 32nd before coming around the backside of the brewery and stopping on the edge of town...around 48 miles. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45848820

In fairness to the group please make certain you are comfortable

maintaining the average speeds suggested.  Thank you