General Cycling Discussion - Denver and cycling?

Hi,

I am going to Denver soon for a week-end. I choose to go there a little by accident since I had to use a free ticket voucher and could not leave for too long so it needed to be somewhat close to NM where I live.

Anyway, I am wondering whether or not to bring a bike with me. I am going Fri, Sat, Sunday. I hear there are no public transport on the we and the thing is that I would rather not rent a car (the only way to do it would be to rent from the airport and, being a brand new driver with a hole of 6 hours experience that include no highway, I am not looking forward going from the airport to town - within the city I'd be ok I think but I doubt I could return a car on a Sunday unless I rent it at the airport). So I am considering packing one of my bike with me.

Any advice? How to pack? Are bike practical in Denver? Is it very cold now?

I am going to Denver soon for a week-end. I choose to go there a little by accident since I had to use a free ticket voucher and could not leave for too long so it needed to be somewhat close to NM where I live.

Anyway, I am wondering whether or not to bring a bike with me. I am going Fri, Sat, Sunday. I hear there are no public transport on the we

I am not sure what you mean by the "we"???



and the thing is that I would rather not rent a car (the only way to do it would be to rent from the airport and, being a brand new driver with a hole of 6 hours experience that include no highway, I am not looking forward going from the airport to town - within the city I'd be ok I think but I doubt I could return a car on a Sunday unless I rent it at the airport). So I am considering packing one of my bike with me.

Denver is a great biking town, but the weather and riding varies considerably from day to day, as does the weather in most of NM. How about renting a bike when you get here - if the weather is good and all of that.

The airport is WAY out of town (40 miles or more) and, while ther is a recently newly dedicated bike lane, it is quite a ride and would be a real killer in a snowstorm. ALL of the Denver RTD buses have racks in the front for two bikes. I am pretty (but not absolutely) sure that this is true for the airport RTD buses also.

I thik it would be a terrible chore to pack your bike for air transport and all of the problems involved with that. Especially when you don't have a clue whether or not the very changeable weather will even let you ride.

If you do decide to ride your bike in Denver, I will be pleased to advise you of some great local bike trails around here. Where are you staying? Temperatures right now are in the mid 40's during the day and 20's at night or thereabouts.


Any advice? How to pack? Are bike practical in Denver? Is it very cold now?

if you can package you bike good enough so it doesn't get damaged on the way there, why not, i mean crap i took my bike to hawiwi or how ever you spell it and sat and rode slow on it when my family walked

i think walking is the worst thing ever so i ride my bike where ever i go

and i disagree with cars even though i will be driving one sooner or later....

jay

Originally posted by DnvrFox


I am not sure what you mean by the "we"???

[...]


I thik it would be a terrible chore to pack your bike for air [...]transport and all of the problems involved with that. If you do decide to ride your bike in Denver, I will be pleased to advise you of some great local bike trails around here. Where are you staying


Hi Thanks for the advice.

We was for "week-end". Renting a bike sounds good but since I am arriving on a Friday and leaving on a Sunday afternoon I am concerned the shop might be closed on Sunday which would make the task of giving the bike back difficult.

I wasn't actually planning to cycle from the airport but to take a shuttle bus with my bike package. I'd rather rent one (esp. irrespective of the hassle, the only bike I could carry is one I would hate to see something happening to) though but I don't know if it is realistic if shops are closed on Sunday. Perhaps I could rent a bike for Friday Sat and have a day around on foot :( or taxi :( Sunday.



I am staying 4590 Quebec Street, which is not too far from downtown I think.

Sure let me know about the trails.

>>I wasn't actually planning to cycle from the airport but to take a shuttle bus with my bike package. I'd rather rent one (esp. irrespective of the hassle, the only bike I could carry is one I would hate to see something happening to) though but I don't know if it is realistic if shops are closed on Sunday. Perhaps I could rent a bike for Friday Sat and have a day around on foot or taxi Sunday. <<

There are many bike shops in the Denver area that are open on Sundays. Problem is, nothing very close to where you are staying!!

I might suggest the Englewood Bicycle Company (303 781 1162, 3546 S. Logan). Great local bike shop, knowledgeable people, AND it is just about 2 blocks from the Platte River Trail from which you have virtual unlimited riding choices - you can go 150 miles or more on great trails, both downtown, if you like, or more remotely to Chatfiled State Park or Bear Creek Park or Cherry Creek State Park. Great riding for all, and EBS should be able to give you directions, and all without riding on any kind of street.

You should be able to get to EBC easily from your hotel on Quebec. Just catch a shuttle (there is a major bus depot close by) into downtown, then catch a bus south on Broadway. Logan Street is about 5 blocks west of Broadway at and the cross street is Old Hampden.

Give EBC a call and see if they can fix you up. If the weather is decent at all, you should have great riding.

DnvrFox,

My parents live in Estes Park, just NE of Denver.

The air is so fresh! (I would love to ride a bike out there, only I bet the climbs are tougher and the distances longer than it was by car! ;) )

Awesome countryside. I would go for living out there, one day.