A huge thanks to all for joining us once again for a beautiful fall day of riding. Let's hope we have any more glorious days like this before "some of us" hang up our bikes till the spring.
RECREATIONAL:
Comments via ride Leader(s):Jeffrey & Malia
The clouds cleared from our gray and wet week to provide perfect riding conditions for Saturday's Rec ride. Jeffrey and Malia lead a group of 14 riders on the reverse route of the "Denver Triangle". Making a tour of the bike paths connecting the metro area, the group started from the shop and headed out on the Cherry Creek path to REI. Heading back towards the shop on the South Platte the group had to take it slow through the path along Sports Authority Field as the crowds were gathering for the annual CU vs. CSU game. While some riders wanted to stop and stock up on stadium food, we pushed onward and regrouped at the bridge before heading up Dartmouth. With a variety of riders in the group and a fair amount of uphill to tackle before making it back to the shop, Jeffrey and Malia split the group into two levels. Malia took the more advanced riders at a brisk pace through Happy Canyon where they ended up at the shop completing just under 32 miles in two hours. Jeffrey continued to push his group and they followed the same route and finished not far behind the first group.
Even as we move into the fall we are attracting new riders. Mohamed was here for the first time, had a good ride and promises to be back. Theresa, newly arrived from LA, was adjusting to the altitude and arrived without water – but other riders kept her hydrated and encouraged. Relative new comer Brenda was back and made a solid ride on a hybrid bike that is a bit short for her. She is going to be faster when we get her on a road bike that fits!
Malia would like to give a special shout out to David for joining us today- after an initial missed break from a fall he took during an earlier group ride in the summer, David was out sporting his stylish pink cast. David was dying to get back out on his bike, even if it meant riding the shorter route than the intermediate ride he typically joins. Thanks so much for getting back in the saddle with us David! Great job to everyone who joined the Rec ride this week and hope to see everyone out next Saturday!
INTERMEDIATE:
Comments via ride Leader(s): Justin & Heidi
A pack of 20 intermediates traveled across the metro area on Saturday from Aurora to Golden with ride leaders Justin and Heidi. The weather was superb with blue skies and cool but comfortable temps. The front runner usual suspects such as Jeff, Solomon, and Chris pushed the pace down the Cherry Creek path showing good late-season form. Interestingly enough we ran into a d-tour at REI in Downtown due to a running race taking place, took an alternative route across I-25 and ran into the running race yet again and had to maneuver through the line of runners. We made through and continued on to Golden via 32nd.
A couple from New Jersey joined us who had never ridden more than 35 miles back home. Congrats to Robin, a breast cancer survivor, as she and her husband successfully completed the 47 miles (at altitude!) in preparation for a 50-mile fundraiser back home on the East Coast in the next week to celebrate their wedding anniversary of 19 years. A couple ladies from the Women's Group Ride joined us as well.
After a brief regroup at REI the pack pushed through the highlands and before long were at the gas station on Ford to refuel. A flat and different paces split the group in half on the trip home, but all finished well and had a great ride! We averaged 16-19 mph as the group was somewhat divided, Justin and the regulars lead a very strong pace at the front of the pack. Great ride everyone.
