The end of 2010

Group ride photos







Great ride today! It was beautiful, no breeze, lots of sun, and awesome company. I'm glad you all came out to ride; it was good to see those of you who've been busy lately. I hope you all had a good time, and make good use of your "raffle" items. I've been reading that nutrition guide, and there's some good info so check it out.
We at Bicycle Village wish you all a happy holiday season and hope to see you in 2011!!



Group rides resume on Saturday, January 8th. Be safe and see you all then.
Jenn

Tomorrow's ride

Well, the weather is looking promising - I think the roads/trails will be dry for us to ride. Bring whatever bike you want :) We'll play it by ear depending on who shows up on what bikes. We're just out to have fun and see each other one last time before the end of the year. We'll have a raffle for some great stuff, so don't miss out! See you all tomorrow morning; we roll out at 10:30am and it's supposed to be chilly, so bundle up.

NOTE: Don't forget, the shop is closed for the holidays on the 25th and the 1st - group rides will resume on Saturday the 8th.

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.

Holidays!

The holiday season is officially upon us! Looking through the window it's almost hard to believe - bright blue skies, the lack of snow. Then I open the door, and the subfreezing temps remind me it's nearly December!

Fortunately, we can dress for warmth! So far, the weather is looking promising for Saturday. The forecast says 51 degrees, and what better way to work of this evening's meal and avoid the shoppers than going for a brisk, winter bike ride? Bundle up in layers, and be ready to go at 10:30am from the shop. I'm thinking we'll do the counter-clockwise loop out Belleview and down 470 trail through Chatfield, back up the South Platte to Bear Creek and around. Right around 30 miles.

Hope to see you on Saturday! And have a great holiday.

SNOW-vember!!

It had to come eventually! So glad we took advantage of the great weather we had last Saturday. It was truly a picture perfect day.



Outside of a couple of flats, and my cleat trouble (leading to a very entertaining dismount at the shop!) it was a good ride.



Weather reports keep changing for this Saturday. If we are able to ride, we'll head out to REI. Clear or not, it's supposed to be chilly, and what better place to warm up than at Starbucks! Be sure to dress in warm layers, and check back here and/or our Facebook Page to see whether or not the ride has been cancelled. The plan is to update both by 8:30am on Saturdays IF WE CANCEL. If it's really ugly out, we'll update Friday evening.

Just a couple of tips for cool weather riding:

Dress in layers - you'll warm up as you ride, so wear something that's easy to take off and store while on the trail. Leg/arm warmers are great, as they come in many different levels of "warm", and they are easy to remove, store, or adjust on the ride.

Wear breathable, moisture wicking materials. Merino Wool is especially good in the cold as it moves the perspiration off of you before it turns to sweat. This helps maintain your body temperature, and keeps you dry - we've all experienced that clammy feeling you get when you work out in the cold; you start to warm up, sweat, and then your shirt sticks to your back and suddenly you're shivering. The proper clothing can help with this (and it doesn't have to be "cycling specific" - regular, cold weather base layers are just fine; just make sure they're long enough to cover your back while you ride).

Don't forget your head, ears and neck. Wear a lightweight beanie under your helmet (they make thin ones just for cycling), grab your ear-cover-headband-thing, and make sure your jersey or baselayer comes up high enough on your neck to keep you comfortable.

Gloves - our hands are right out there in front taking a lot of COLD wind on them, and those summer, mesh gloves aren't going to cut it. Make sure you have gloves that keep you warm enough to be responsive. We've all experienced hands so cold that you can't even move your fingers, you don't even know if you actually shifted, and they hurt when you try to force them to do something like squeeze your brakes. Keep them warm!!

When it comes to the legs, make sure whatever you wear isn't going to get caught in your chain - long socks help a lot, and compression socks will help keep the blood moving; really cold and I'm wearing tights; you may even wish to try embrocation (WARNING - do not do this for the first time at a ride!!! Also, do it after you put your shorts on).

Lastly, just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean you won't dehydrate. Bring your fluids just like you would any other time of year, and remind yourself to drink it even if you don't feel thirsty.

Personally, I love those crisp, winter rides. You often have the trail all to yourself cutting a new path in the snow!! Then you happen upon the guy walking his dog who looks at you like you're crazy....

Until then, enjoy some more pictures from last Saturday's ride. Hope to see you all this weekend!

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!