Group rides for this weekend - Saturday AND Sunday

Yes, you read that correctly, we'll have group rides both Saturday and Sunday!

Saturday we'll have a recreational ride and an advanced ride. The recreational riders will head Bear Creek to the Platte and down into Chatfield. After climbing the dam, we'll head back the same way, and make a pit stop at Hudson Gardens.

The advanced riders are really kicking it up a notch this week. If you've been riding all summer and getting those centuries and what not in, this is the ride for you! Justin will be taking the group out to Echo Lake via Squaw Pass. The route is Belleview to 470 to Bear Creek Rd/Evergreen Pkwy to Squaw Pass road up to Echo and back. It should be around 80 to 85 miles.

The weather is looking excellent, a fabulous fall day to ride!

Now, SUNDAY. We've partnered with Tony's Market for social/beginner rides on Sundays. These rides will leave from the Tony's location at 7421 W. Bowles, Littleton - this is on Bowles east of Wadsworth next to the Bed, Bath and Beyond. Break out those cruisers and mountain bikes, and bring the kids down for this family/social ride. Rides will be about 10-15 miles, 10 mph pace. Afterwards, fill your bellies with some of Tony's delicious food at a discount for us group riders. They will also have coffee and water at the beginning of the ride.

Here is a map for Tony's on Sunday:

View Larger Map

ALL rides meet at 9am and roll out promptly at 9:30am - Saturday or Sunday, the times are the same.

Come on down and join us for either day or BOTH :) Who knows how much longer we'll be riding, but this fall weather is perfect, so let's take advantage of it while we can.

See you all this weekend!

Last ride of 2010!

What a great ride we had Saturday. It seems we've learned how many layers of what clothing works for each of us! While it was a little chilly starting out, once we were moving we were fine. And it was a gorgeous day!


the view from Chatfield

This Saturday the 18th will be our last ride of 2010 (the shop is closed the 25th and the 1st for the holidays). It's only Monday, but the weather report is looking good. I have something special planned for you all, and hope to see your smiling faces! It would be great to have as many of you there as possible - all of you summer riders who've been busy with the holidays, this is the day to come back (hint, hint: Mary, Guy, Mike, Lynn, Dave, Matt, Jill, Dori, Frank, Ryan and others!) The ride will be short and easy, so this will be perfect for those of you new to group rides who want to see what it's all about and meet the veteran riders - Renay and Debbie, just for you!!

If you plan on coming this Saturday, please comment in this post or send me an email at bicyclevillagesw@gmail.com so I know how many people and what kind of bikes to expect for route creation. Even if it snows, we're still going to meet and have a good time, so take a break from all the holiday buzz and come on down!

And a big THANKS to all of you who come out on Saturdays. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and riding with you, and even better to see how you've improved this year (and helped me to improve). I truly appreciate each and every one of you and wish you all a happy holiday season and a wonderful 2011 - keep riding, and see you on Saturdays!!!

Winter Rides!!!

I can't believe it's December and we're still riding! (hope I didn't just jinx us for Saturday!). We've been very fortunate that while it's been cold, the roads are clear and we're still able to get out there. It makes me happy that you all are bundling up and coming out every week - with the limited daylight during the work week, the only time most of us ride is on the weekends, and it's great to have your company. I'm pleasantly surprised with the turnout of those new to group rides! We certainly enjoy having you and hope the weather doesn't deter you from coming back.

These winter rides are very enjoyable and relaxing - it's just about getting outside and enjoying the weather and people. As we get deeper into winter, we'll probably slow it down to more of a social ride pace, break out the mountain bikes and just cruise. We can also throw in some "training" rides or intervals once a month or so by heading out to Chatfield to do some hill repeats and the like. I'm open to ideas and want to hear what YOU want to do! Please leave a comment or email me with your thoughts and ideas.

Every time I check the weather it seems to change - right now it says rain/snow on Friday, and 10% chance of rain Saturday with highs in the low 40s. We'll play it by ear, and ride if we're able. If the weather plays out like it currently says, I'm thinking we'll be able to ride, though we might need knobby tires. Check the blog/Facebook on Friday for any updates.

Through winter, if the roads are clear we'll take road bikes; if there's a chance of snow or ice on the ground but it's rideable, we'll do a slower paced "coffee" ride with knobby tired bikes. If you're ever in doubt, click on the "View my complete profile" button under ABOUT ME to send an email to bicyclevillagesw@gmail.com

Thanks again to all of you who have been braving the cold and coming out. It's been a great 2010 riding season, and you all made it that way!
Click here for pictures from this year's rides.

November is here!

And the weather is looking GREAT! I had to go check my calendar to make sure it really was November - weather reports are predicting temps in the 70s for Saturday. Perfect riding weather if you ask me!

Since we are moving into winter and the morning temps are a bit chilly, we'll be starting rides at 10:30am. Arrive at the shop around 10-10:15 to check in, check your tire pressure, fill up your water bottles and get any necessary items like an extra tube or a energy snack.

This week, we'll try a new ride taking the 470 trail east of the South Platte, up Colorado to Big Dry Creek Trail back to the Platte and around. It's about 31 miles of "rolling" terrain. Nothing too big and scary. We can stop at Peet's Coffee at SouthGlenn to refuel.

Below is the route map - hope to see you all there!

This Saturday's Group Ride - August 28th

This week's group ride will be a nice loop around the area. We'll leave the shop at 9:30am, and head through "the hole in the fence" to the Bear Creek Trail, go east to the Mary Carter Greenway/South Platte Trail, south to the 470 trail, and follow that around and up to Belleview. This ride is just shy of 29 miles. Check out the route and elevation profile below.

This ride is classified as "recreational" in nature which means:
* A great workout if you want to push yourself a little bit
* You try to ride once or twice a week
* Just getting back into the sport after sometime off
* Your commute to work is too short...you want more!
* Feel the distance/speed of the Int. group is too much
Avg MPH: 10-15mph
Avg Distance: 25-35 miles
Suggested Bike: Beginner Road, Hybrid

Saturday is looking to be another warm day with temps pushing 90. Make sure you hydrate in the morning on the way to the ride, and bring lots to drink with you. We'll stop to refill on the ride if we need to. Cycling is a lot more enjoyable if you're comfortable and safe - please alert one of the group ride leaders if we're going too fast for you, you need a little break, or you start to feel overheated. We've all been there before!!! Nothing ruins your love of the sport like a bad ride, so talk to us, and let us know what we can do to make it fun for you :)
See you all Saturday!