Recap April 28th: DBC / Golden

What a gorgeous day to end April with!  Over 30 enthusiastic riders joined in the morning's ride:

RECREATIONAL: Gene and Jacquette - DBC

Among 18 riders we had a mix of both regulars and newbies as we set out on "Gene's new adventure".  As all new routes go, we had some discombobulation, a group split at a light or two and separate routes, but in the end we all made our way to Denver Bicycle Cafe (17th & Lafayette) for a nice break on the patio with coffee, snacks and rumor has it...even a beer was enjoyed....?!?!?!

Photos https://picasaweb.google.com/home include:

* Jacquette and Tony...riding buddies on their first "re-joined" ride since her accident and bronchial infection.  Always great to see you Tony, we'll miss you next week - enjoy the Jazz Festival!

* Paul sporting (and loving) his new Bianchi Impulso.  Paul and wife typically tandem together and while she continues healing from recent surgery (we wish her well), Paul is maintaining his riding legs.

* Team Marcie and Eric are training for an upcoming ride in Wyoming - best to them!

* The Glenn's (John, Karen & Tyler) and Jeff and ? sorry forgot her name, pose together with a common bond of all training for Ride the Rockies!  We missed Alex and Randy on today's ride as there too are doing RtR.

* A happy, sunning, snake was interrupted along the CC bike path and sneaks to safety

* Security surrounding the "We Are Women" rally as they march the streets of downtown

* Denver Capitol dome undergoing restoration efforts

Our apologies to Maureen, as she got separated from the tail end of the group and got turned around  ended up backtracking the route in the wrong direction until a nice motorist offered her a ride back to BV.  Jacquette helped her understand where mistake was made and am certain she'll soon be saving someone else from the same error in the near future. ;)

As always - thank you to each of you for coming out and riding with us.  We sincerely appreciate your energy and passion and look forward to a fabulous season together.  Don't forget to tell your friends to come along.  Simply add request to: BicycleVillageAurora@gmail.com

We believe in "braggin rights"...

Please post any photos and highlights pertaining to your own

cycling adventure(s) to the link above.

Who knows, you just may be the inspiration someone else needs.

INTERMEDIATE: Jeffrey - Golden

14 people gathered on this brisk but beautiful morning for the intermediate ride.  Dress ranged from shorts and short sleeves to tights and jacket, with lots of arm warmers in evidence. We rolled quickly down the bike path to  REI, and from there headed out through the neighborhoods to Golden.  We went without a sweeper and the group was a bit spread out, but people did a good job of looking after each other.  It was a fun ride, fast at places and sometimes slowed by the wind, but after 48 miles everyone was back safe at Bicycle Village with no mishaps or issues.

ADVANCED: Justin - Time trials

Sadly there weren't any hard-core riders up for time trial laps around Meridian today.  Justin and Jason, both excellent riders and practicing racers are teaming up to focus on elevating your riding skills and performance from Intermediate to Advanced.  They will hone in on pacing skills, breakaways, hill challenges, sprints and much more.  Don't miss the next opportunity to learn how to improve your ride...for FREE...from the experts!!!

Recap April 21st,

Recreational: Tom - Bronco Parkway

The recreational group had 16 riders today enjoying the warm sunny weather and medium winds.  Tom led them on a varying route past Broncos Parkway to the Meridian Loop.  We took a water and restroom break at the Loaf ‘n Jug on Jordan Road just south of the E470 Bike Trail. A jaunt down Jordan Road took us back into the park and eventually found all back at the shop.  We had one flat heading out to Cherry Creek High School but the flat was repaired and the three riders caught the group before the first regrouping. 
Travis and John joined us for a ride this weekend also. A contingent of ladies, including Winnie and Maureen O'Hare, joined us from  their athletic club.
Father and son team Randy and Alex came along for the 34 mile day and you can see them pictured together along with a solo of Alex.. They will also be sporting matching Livestrong Helmets on the next ride they purchased on Saturday at BV (per Jacquette's encouragement). 

Save your HEAD!!!

Styrofoam in helmets deteriorate from the INSIDE out...

(you can't see the damage)

Replace it every 5 years!

 
Be sure to ask Alex about his new bike computer he bought with his own money,  (and his new Scott) he is very proud of it. He is the official provider of the group mileage! 

Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/108139379442886587200/April212012

Intermediate/Advanced: Gene - Crowfoot Valley

Saturday's ride took a group of 22 out southeast to Crowe Foot Valley with a rest at the fire station before heading back.  As usual, on our return trip we were bucking a head wind.  What wonderful weather we're having for this time of year, I hope it holds but May is just around the corner and the rainy season is likely to show up sooner or later.  No mechanical issues and only one flat tire.  See you next week.

Recap April 14th: Sloan's Lake / Aurora Res / CC Res

Knowing the weather was about to turn, near 25+ riders layered up and snuck in the chance to ride today.  Ssssmarrrrtt!!

Jacquette was still battling her bronchial, cough thing-y and is trying to get well for future rides (and her new job).

RECREATIONAL: Patrice (Confluence Park)

Patrice had a great time taking the group out to Sloan's Lake....some for the first time!  Like Randy, fellow indoor cycling instructor form CAC Monaco, who rode his bike to BV, hung in for two laps around the lake and peeled off the CC path early tired, but still getting in 40 miles!  If you've never been on this route, do make a point of it next time we venture that way...it's fabulous!

Rumor is Patrice took photos but that's still debatable...

INTERMEDIATE: Gene and Tom (Aurora Res)

Gene's "trusty ride"

We had a good ride yesterday, sixteen participants started out from BV to Aurora Res.   The temperature was sunny and a cool 51 to start and while it did warm up the clouds moved in so most everyone wore their initial clothing all day to ward off the chill.  Pretty uneventful ride aside from two flats one of which was on my bike on the return trip.
We stopped for a break at the pavilion at Aurora Res. and we could see the thunder heads rolling in from the west so we high tailed it back to BV in short order.  The ride was 43-44 miles on most of the computers and was done with shorter and fewer stops which most people seem to prefer.   photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/108139379442886587200/April142012

Rob joined us for his second ride this year and he is a strong rider. He will come sneaking by you on the up hills if you are not paying attention.  As is typical on this particular ride we had one flat due to a goat's head and Gene picked up a second one on the way back to the shop.   Regulars Jeff and Donna were along, having recovered from some health issues over the winter, we are expecting strong performances all season from you two.
We had a strong turn out from the ladies today and there was one cardio monster who has qualified for the Boston Marathon (her name eludes me). She had a great qualifying time of 3:30 and we hope she has a great run this year.
The ladies also were extremely strong on the up hills today and it may be because they tend to spin more than grind at harder gears.  Or it is most likely because they are the stronger sex, TIC.

ADVANCED: Jason (CC Res)

A few riders decided to check out what new leader, Jason, had up his sleeve.  In the end, only one rider, Tom, was able to commit to the laps in CC Res.  Together they enjoyed a nice, comfortable start to splitting away from the Intermediate group. 

Jason and the rest of us are certain more of you are going to jump to the ADVANCED side and get some momentum going soon...next time don't be so shy! http://www.strava.com/runs/bv-adv-spin-6724336?ref=1MT1yaWRlX3NoYXJlOzI9ZW1haWw7ND0xMjgzNTE%253D

RECAP Sat April 7th

RECREATIONAL: (MERIDIAN) Jeffrey

A dozen riders showed up for the Saturday Recreational Ride.  We sent a bronchial sounding Jacquette home and set off with Jeffrey for Meridian.  It was a gorgeous day and a great group, some making their first group ride of the season. We were of mixed abilities but rode together with good spirits stopping from time to time to regroup.  At the Meridian Circle we all rode at least one circuit and some did two, then back to the shop for a ride of 31 to 33 miles.  We were especially proud of Special Olympian Tyler, who made his first group ride of the season.  Ty worked hard and improved on the climbs throughout the ride.

INTERMEDIATE: (BEAR CREEK) Trish and Gene:

The advanced/intermediate group of nearly 20 riders set out for Bear Creek despite the chilly temps.  Thankfully the sun was bright and the wind was calm so the cold was tolerable.  The group was full of strong riders and after a final regrouping at Bear Creek Park, we made it to our midway point at the Conoco in Morrison.  Gene brought up the rear while Trish attempted to reign in the speedsters up front.  The group enjoyed the break while sitting in the sun and then Honorary Leaders Adam and Solomon made an executive decision to try a different route home.  This route led us up a challenging little hill and had us dodging golf balls and golf carts.  However, we all survived and continued our trek back to the store.  Unfortunately, stop lights created some considerable divisions in the group and some riders had to find their own way back.  Eventually, everyone was safe and sound (although hungry!) back at the store.  The day was long but no significant problems!

RECAP Sat March 31st Orchard Loop / Golden

RECREATIONAL: Orchard Loop - Jacquette

A hearty handful of 13 riders joined Jacquette to head out on a south, east, north, west journey on the Orchard Loop.  Riders included Mia, Marci, Danette, Gail, Jeff, Randy, Alex (on his new bike), Wayne, Paul, and a few other important riders, yet names escape me now.

Aside from one slow tire pressure leak, all was good.  The route includes a journey up Longs Ave also know as "Long's hill"...and many of us (ouch) could feel it, being the first big incline of the season but all fared well and were happy to reach the top.

Gail felt some neck strain and tightness towards the end of ride and back at the shop Jason switched out her stem for a more angled one the difference was appreciated immediately.  With this relief I'm certain Gail will be committing to longer rides.

Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/108139379442886587200/March312012

INTERMEDIATE: Golden - Heidi and Jeffrey

Saturday we traversed the city with a solid group of 19 riders.  Jeffrey graciously stepped up as a sweeper and the group hung together strong to Sloan's Lake and then spread out as we neared Golden.  The weather was too good to be true for March.  Rob joined us for the first time.  Rob is a seasoned rider have ridden for many years and the warmth of the day was nothing for him having moved here two years ago from Vegas and southern Utah prior to that.  All in all, we rode 48 miles in lots of sunshine and great company.  A terrific last ride for ride leader Heidi.  Heidi will be racing (if you can call it that) in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in May if anyone else is going to be there, say hi to Heidi if you happen to see her.