Recap August 27th: Orchard Loop / Golden / Top Fund Raiser Ride

RECREATIONAL:

Comments via ride Leader: Justin

With Chris Carmichael stealing some of our usual suspects on the top fundraisers Tour de Cure ride Sat, we still had a good group of 14 riding with the Rec Ride. Justin led the pack down Yale and over to the Cherry Creek trail on the beautiful, not too warm morning. Regular rider Travis volunteered to sweep the group because of a shortage of ride leaders, and he did an excellent job. He has been riding consistently this summer, knows the routes well and is a great communicator in group rides. The pack tackled the standard Orchard loop and hit "the hill" in Chenengo just as it was heating up. Riders Damon, Eric, and Chris dominated the incline and were among the first to the top. As the group meandered through the neighborhoods towards Orchard for the home stretch, they were more than ready to hit the gas station at Parker to cool down and refuel before heading home. 32 miles and a solid 15 mph average made for another great day.

INTERMEDIATE:

Comments via ride Leader(s):Heidi and Tom

The intermediate group headed out with 16 riders bound for Golden.  I find this ride to be one of the most direct and straight forward routes in Denver.  Yet ride leader Heidi, still managed to lose the group in Golden, not knowing that they regroup and take a quick break at the Sinclair gas station.  Thank goodness Tom answered his phone.  The pace of the Golden group was an even 17.0 MPH and this included a congested bike path due to the urban scavenger hunt/race being held downtown the same day.

From Golden, nine riders joined Heidi for some additional miles and added the trek up Lookout Mountain and the others returned back to the store with Ride Leader Tom.  The weather was on the excessive side of the heat index making for a rough climb and slog back to the store but overall, what a great 62 mile tour across Denver.  Only 1 flat tire and a fairly quick change kept the group moving.  Thanks for a great ride everyone.

Pics @: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/webUpload?uname=bicyclevillageaurora
John is the gentleman sitting on the bike with his picture taken in front of the store and also a profile of him riding along the park out by Sheridan. That gentleman can sure throw that bike around at a very fast pace.

I hope everyone got to see at least one leg of the inaugural bike race, it was great to have it in Colorado and hope it becomes a yearly event on the tour.

TOP FUND RAISER RIDE:

Comments via ride Leader: Chris 

Mr. Chris Carmichael from Carmichael's Training System was in the shop on Saturday to do a loop or two around Cherry Creek reservoir with the Top fund raisers from Tour de Cure, a ride to benefit diabetes and sponsored in part by our own Bicycle Village. A sincere thanks to all that participated in the ride and for all donations collected to help fund this research.

Saturday Group Ride Aug 27th: REC-Orchard Loop / INT-Golden

Greetings~
Looks like another beautiful day in Colorado is planned; hope you are able to join us this Saturday.  Ride safely...

Thank you in advance for checking your
tire pressure, spokes, pedal tightness and computers BEFORE our 9:30 am departure.

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)
Hook up with Heidi today as she challenges you on a ride due west to the outskirts of Golden and back.  Eat a hearty breakfast as this 47 miler will burn some calories ;)
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90994492

**Due to a shortage of leaders, Tom will join the group most in need**
 

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)
Justin "newly married" Murphy, will be commandeering the Recreational group out east for the 31 mile: "Orchard Loop".  This late in the season you should be able to tackle "the hill" with little to no effort!!!  Come on...give it a go! http://connect.garmin.com/activity/101756625

Recap Aug 20th: REC-Denver Traingle / INT-Auror Res

A tad lighter group today - 30 riders and surprisingly a majority opted for the Intermediate group over the Recreational...a testament to their improved skills and strengths due do their dedication of the sport!  Way to go gang!!!

RECREATIONAL:

Comments via ride Leader(s): Patrice

Our Rec ride on Saturday was delightful and pleasant! I had 6 riders join me (Kitty, Carol, Rick, Trevor, Chris, Marty) as I scared most of them away and sent  them w/ Jeff and Trish on the intermediate ride . They had a gaggle on the that ride!
I want to "Thank" this group for being real team players and waiting for the whole group to reconvene at various spots along the way. No one was impatient with the various speeds we had. There was some construction we had to negotiate on the Platte. The group did a lot of mingling with each other along the ride which crossed off the miles quickly!

 *Chris and I found the home in Cherry Hills Village that we would like to commandeer.
 *Kitty is ready to upgrade and try clipless pedals!! Yahoooo!
 *Marty offered to buy me a scone at the CC Farmers Market, but I behaved for a change! TY Marty!
 *Trevor herded us so we would not get lost! Thx Trev!
 *Rick appeared out of nowhere at Cherry Creek Res and caused havoc in the front!
 *Carol humored us "FrontRangers" as she was lucky enough to ride in the mts earlier that week!

We had some good discussion about gear shifting, pulling with your hamstrings and riding w/ a quiet upper body!  It was a GREAT ride! Thank you all for your company!

INTERMEDIATE:

Comments via ride Leader(s): Trish and Jeffrey

The intermediate group consisted of 24 very strong riders (thanks for pushing 'em our way Patrice!).  We even picked up a newbie who was in town from Utah.  We came out the south east corner of Cherry Creek State Park at a fast pace, then even the small hills got our hearts pumping as we climbed up over the ridge and down to  Aurora Reservoir.  We had a bit of a surprise when we hit the res; the Rattlesnake triathlon was taking place and the path was clogged with runners. 

We had a lively conversation about possible alternative routes but thankfully some race coordinators gave us the go ahead and we enjoyed the cruise around the water.  The group stopped for some snacks and water at the reservoir concession stand in the midst of the post-tri festivities and then it was back on the road.  As with most group rides, the pack started to dwindle as people took their own routes home and separated from the group.  However, the 45 mile ride was completed in about 4 hours and without incident!  It was a lot of fun and, although I didn't get her name, the only other female in the group (besides me) showed that women can ride too!

Saturday Group Ride Aug 20th: REC-Denver Traingle / INT-Auror Res

Temp forecast is mid-high 80's with a chance of rain...probably in late afternoon, but a heads up anyway.

Thank you in advance for checking your
tire pressure, spokes, pedal tightness and computers BEFORE our 9:30 am departure.

Our thoughts on a quick recovery to ride Leader Gene who recently had surgery to reconnect a separated quad (ouch!)  He'll be out for awhile.

 

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)

Patrice will be corralling the recreational group on this 28 miler - Denver Triangle route - which will bear down Dartmouth to the Platte and return via Cherry Creek pathway.  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39597574

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)

Join Jeffrey today as he leads you on a 46 mile route out east to Aurora Reservoir and back.  Pathway around should be lined with morning fisherman and hopefully you will have cooler temps off the water.  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39597564

Recap August 13th: Meridian Loop / Twin Sisters

 

Hi folks, here's some good news and not so...

After 7+ weeks on crutches Jacquette has been given the "all clear" from doctor to stretch, workout and yes...ride a bike.  Although not quite ready for a moving bike she is back teaching indoor cycling and feeling great about it!  Hopefully it won't be long before she'll join you on a ride ;)

Now the not so great news...ride leader Gene, took a spill off his mountain bike Sunday and may have to have some work done to his ACL (knee), still waiting on doctor's report.  Surgery aside he won't be pedaling for sometime :(

Sorry this happened to you Gene!  Our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

What is up with the bike accidents this year?!?!  Definitely some are very difficult to avoid, but others just take an added sense of safety and precaution.

PLEEEEEASE be extra careful out there.

RECREATIONAL:

The rec group headed out with 20+ riders.  There were a handful of new riders joining us today, including Scott who just moved up from the Springs, Ken and Lyndsey and we made sure they all got in a great ride.  Scott is just getting back on his bike but was a racer at one point and held category four and five licenses.  He has a 120lb dog (that's a lot of dog!) but forgot the breed. Chiropractor Sherri, was back for her 8th ride this season after missing a few weeks off due to other commitments...if you are in need of an adjustment...

Trish led the group out to Meridian Park and once there riders had fun doing laps around the rolling loop.  One lap around the course gave a total distance of 23.91 miles and add another 2.19 miles if you did additional laps.  After a little break, everyone saddled up to get back to the store.  2 of our crew stayed back to change not 1, but 2 flats.  We all stopped at the 7-11 to refill and regroup when another rider had a flat!  Tom stayed with her and Trish took the crew back to the store.  The weather was great, in the mid to upper 80's and the wind was mild to non existent and the company was even better!  

Ride stats: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106651102
Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5641153442824604849&authkey=Gv1sRgCIy-oYfwkbixaQ&feat=email

INTERMEDIATE: 

18 people joined Chris and Jeffrey to ride a hilly route suggested by Jeff Anderson.  The group included at least one first time group rider, Logan, who hung in for a challenging 57 miles.  Varied abilities and a fairly fast pace spread the bunch out as we hammered south, then crossed Parker and looped  north east  through the steep roads of the Pinery, then back across Parker winding through more hilly country before rejoining Jordan road at is southern end.  A rest and refueling stop at one of the usual sites on Parker allowed most of the group to reconnect before we headed back to Bicycle Village.

Ride Stats:Intermediate Ride: Crow's Foot/New loop by edge705cb at Garmin Connect - Details

SaturdayAugust 13th: REC-Meridian Loop / INT-*New Route off Crowfoot*

Hi there~

Looks like more warm temps for Saturday's ride.  Start hydrating NOW and help stave off leg cramps and stomach knots due to dehydration!

Thank you in advance for checking your
tire pressure, spokes, pedal tightness and computers BEFORE our 9:30 am departure.

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)

The Meridian "favorite" is back...join TOM & TRISH and the Recreational riders as they spin past Cherry Creek Res and  Centennial out to Meridian Business Park and sprint a lap or two around!  Truly a favorite of many and a great opportunity to enjoy the freedom from weekday traffic!  Check out the route here: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/39932602

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)

Jeffrey and Chris along with regular Intermediate rider Jeff, will take you out towards Crowfoot Valley...BUT...Jeff is going to add a bit of a twist to the route and I have a feeling it will involve more climbing!  Stretch those legs and hydrate up...there is no shade along this route, and has been know to get a bit "breezy".  Here is the Crowfoot route just to give you a general sense: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87456955

ADVANCED: NO RIDE THIS SATURDAY as Chris is helping with Intermediate.

In fairness to the group please make certain you are comfortable

maintaining the average speeds suggested...Thank you

Remember spare tubes, plenty of fluids and sunscreen!!

**Rules of cycling parallel those of driving**
Practice Proper Road Etiquette:

Call-out when passing on LEFT
NEVER...NEVER...NEVER Pass on the Right

RECAP: August 6th Sloan's Lake/Titan Rd.

RECREATIONAL:

Saturdays ride went well, one of the regular rec riders helped out and lead the front for those who just can't ride at 15 MPH.  So I led the rest averaging about 17 MPH which was reasonable on the way out with Steve bringing up the rear.  We had clear sky's and no wind to deal with.  We did our usual stop at REI both going and returning as on the return trip we were begining to heat up so I suggested a water stop on the way back.

The lake was beautiful as usual and we did our normal lap around before heading back.  We had a good ride with no mishaps.

INTERMEDIATE:

Our Intermediate rider turn out was a little lower today than normal due to a lot of people participating in the Copper Triangle, I hope every one who rode had a good day.  Things were a little chaotic this past Saturday as there were quite a few women there picking up their race packets for Tri for the Cure.  We had a total of 14 riders ready to take on the heat and the roads of Chatfield/Titan road.  Our journey started by riding through CC Res park and then to Potomac for a little photo op and on to Chambers.  We had a short break as we regrouped on 470 where Michelle said that she wasn't feeling well and that she was going to cut her ride short.  Brian and one other rider accompanied her back to the shop.

Eric and Mike cruisin' down Potomac.

It was then a stop and go ride down 470 till we made our first stop at a gas station on Santa Fe.  Mike then decided he had to turn around due to plans that he had at 2.  After we refueled and had a bite to eat we were back on the trails to Chatfield and Titan road.  We had a great pace going riding through Chatfield as there is new pavement on most of the road that takes you around the Chatfield Res., it is like riding on glass.  Adam ended up pulling off and taking a break as he was a little tired having put 30 miles in riding to the shop this morning.  We had one quick regrouping as we turned on Titan road and then it was on to our second stop of the day.  With the heat we were going through water bottles very quickly and welcomed the few minutes in the shade that the gas station offered.  

After one last quick fill up we were back on our way to the shop headed down Wadsworth.  Following a quick trip down Wadsworth we turned back into the park and back tracked some of our route out.  We then jumped on the S. Platte trail where Ken set a great pace for us all the way back to Dartmouth which gave me a little break from setting the pace.  We ended up losing one rider who missed the turn on Dartmouth but found his way back to the shop on his own.  Having 60+ miles in our legs we had a casual pace down Dartmouth and then on to Yale which lead us back to the Cherry Creek trail and finally the shop.  We were all pretty hot, sweaty and tired by the time we got back to the shop.  It seemed our Intermediate ride ended up turning more in to an advanced ride with an average speed of 18.3.  I hope every one had a great ride and I look forward to seeing you all again next Saturday!

Check out ride pics here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=bicyclevillageaurora&target=ALBUM&id=5638157301460599889&authkey=Gv1sRgCImXvePK5Maw5QE&feat=email
Check out ride stats here:
Inter Ride: Chatfield/Titan Rd. by edge705cb at Garmin Connect - Details

Saturday August 6th: REC-Sloan's Lake / INT-Chatfield & Titan Road

Looks like the temps might be warming up a bit more for Saturday's ride.  Start hydrating NOW and help stave off leg cramps and stomach knots due to dehydration!

Also, thank you in advance for checking your
tire pressure, spokes, pedal tightness and computers BEFORE our 9:30 am departure. 

 

RECREATIONAL: (13-15 mph average)
 

Gene will be your solo leader/sweep today as you head out to Sloan's Lake and back via Cherry Creek bike path.   Perhaps some of you were there last weekend enjoying the Dragon showboat races.  This is a gentle downhill to Confluence Park with a gradual <2 miles uphill to Sloan's then a nice easy spin or two around the lake and you are headed back for around 30 miles.  Bring some cash along with that ID for a break at REI/Starbuck's.  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/45902423

INTERMEDIATE: (16-18 mph average)

Due to several other commitments and the Copper Triangle this weekend, we are massively short ride leaders.  Chris Brown has graciously offered to forgo his ADVANCED rides (sorry gang) in order to lead the Intermediate group out to Chatfield utilizing Titan road and looping back, all via C-470.  Group may encounter construction at Waterton Canyon but hopefully it will be passable.  Entire route should give you around 60 miles which, with the heat and very little shade, may seem more like 80! ;)  Hydration is your friend!  I will warn you...Chris is a rocket so expect the pace to be at the "high" end of the range.  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/54370298

Recap July 30th: Farmer's Mkt / Bear Creek / Bronco Loop / Mt Evans

A very nice gathering of over 40 riders on this rather warmish day...sure hope we see some cooling down soon.  Guess we just need to keep reminding ourselves..."it's a DRY heat!"

Rest stops were in high demand as everyone attempted to stave off cramping and dehydration...

SOCIAL:

Trish headed out on the Cherry Creek trail with Joe, Carol, Robin and young Brice.  The group had a nice, leisurely ride down to the Cherry Creek Mall where we got to spend some time browsing the booths and tasting the samples.  The temps were climbing so the crew headed back after a short while.  This time, though, future ride leader Brice took the helm.  He learned to signal properly, announce his group to riders we passed and he had his first training for his future job of leading group rides.  Carol and Joe wanted a little more mileage so they headed further on the trail - hope it went well!

RECREATIONAL:

16 riders turned out to do a modified Bronco’s Loop ride with Malia and Jeffrey on a hot Saturday.  The bunch included four newcomers, who were a great fit and rode well with the group.   Our first complications was that Cherry Creek Res was busy with a big Triathlon event.   We avoided most of it by entering the park on the east side.   We did have  a short section where we had to ride out into the traffic lane because the bike lane was full of running tri-athletes.  Jeffrey commented that he didn’t understand why anyone would run if they had a perfectly good bicycle, (luckily Malia was at the other end of the group and couldn’t respond).  We maintained a strong pace out of the park and up to Bronco’s Parkway.   There we again modified the route, this time because hundreds of people were out to watch the Bronco’s summer workout.   We took a break at the soccer fields, then rode south to I-470, took the bike path across to Jordon, and then back through the park – now largely empty of tri-athletes  - and back to the shop.  Just over 30 miles with an average speed of 15.2.

INTERMEDIATE:

The biggest turnout of the year happened last Sat for the Int group with 27 riders led by Justin and Patrice! It was already about 80 degrees and climbing when they rolled out towards Yale to head west to Dartmouth and the Bear Creek Trail. An early flat gave the opportunity for Patrice to help out and the group to stop and socialize before proceeding to Morrison. Right before the climb up the Bear Lake Res, one rider was experiencing fatigue and dizziness due to the hot sun and pace, and Patrice gladly stayed with her to rest and then rode slowly back with her. Great sweep! Rider Eric stopped for support as well. He had ridden a lot this past winter but became busy with work this summer, so he was glad to be out riding with us again and was very helpful with the struggling rider. Gene was along for the ride in his BV jersey and assumed the sweep role for the pack after refueling in Morrison. The group got in 42 miles and another stellar ride!