Mountain - Plains - Anyone else get a Glorious ride in Denver Metro Area Today?

Even a basic new chain made the pedaling some much better...
Some or much? ;)

Always enjoy the third-person editorial, good stuff. And congrats on rollin' again.

I forget, are you joining us all in Santa Fe?

Lordopie and I are riding today. YIPPIE, actually we are going to ride everyday this week, need to get ready for the Sante Fe Century. The sun is shining ALL IS WELL!!!
Good to see that sun again, eh? With all the 300+ days of sunshine us Colorado residents enjoy, it's amazing how quickly a bit of cloud and rain gets us down!

I'm hoping to get out again this afternoon, too. :D

Some or much? ;)

Always enjoy the third-person editorial, good stuff. And congrats on rollin' again.

I forget, are you joining us all in Santa Fe?


I wasn't aware of Santa Fe, but if I was, I still probably cannot join you. I am building a house east of Fort Collins and so money and vacation time at work are going into that currently. Let me get into being a lean, mean, biking machine and finally invest in, or build, a roadie sos I can keep up with all of you smog-sucking Denver riders. :D (Although I think when I was growing up in Denver, the smog kept my alergies in check ;) )

And by the way, Lordie, the pedaling is MUCH better and MUCH quieter. :D

Upcoming Rides:

Tomorrow (5/4/05): Trails south or east of Cherry Creek Reservoir... TT in the park.

Saturday and Sunday: not sure yet, depending upon weather. Looking to do 70-80 miles on the better day, about half that on the other day.

Did 26 glorious miles today, 11 of those with the wife. Great day for riding.

Did 26 glorious miles today, 11 of those with the wife. Great day for riding.
Nice... have been thinking all day about how nice the riding conditions must be, and how badly it sucks being at work... you're living my dream, man!

Still nice now... I think I'll head home, change the oil in the car (since I've been putting that off for a week or two!) and go for a ride. :D

I got 25 mi in today in Bear Creek park. Up and over Mt. Carbon 3 times. It was a beautiful day, with very little wind!

Kathi

It's sunny (partially) at last! But very windy. The dog and I did a few miles.

I think I'll head home, change the oil in the car...
we need to talk about your priorities.
.

I got 25 mi in today in Bear Creek park. Up and over Mt. Carbon 3 times. It was a beautiful day, with very little wind!

Kathi
Awesome! Snowy and I did 27 miles @ 16.8mph. I mention this cuz most of our rides are ~15mph. She's faster than me, so I'm normally struggling to keep up. We got home and neither of us was the least bit tired. Then it dawned on me... so little wind :D
.

It's sunny (partially) at last! But very windy. The dog and I did a few miles.
Did you get that dog-walking-attachment-thingy for your bike? If so, how's that working out?

YIPPIE DO DA!!! Oh, oh, sorry for my singing there, I'm just so happy about riding. It was a great ride, I could have done another 30 miles or so. I feel great!!!! THANKS LO!!!

YIPPIE DO DA!!! Oh, oh, sorry for my singing there, I'm just so happy about riding. It was a great ride, I could have done another 30 miles or so. I feel great!!!! THANKS LO!!!

Sounds like you are getting ready for the century, keep it up, it's going to be fun! Besides, it sounds like LO needs a pace setter. :D

PLANNING for Trail Ridge Road... last year, the traffic was heavy, but not horrible. Even had one roadie from TX lean out the car window and give me a candy bar :)

But I'd so love to do it with no traffic.


VISITOR CENTERS

Alpine
Open
Starting May 27, open daily (weather permitting) 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
I'm guessing the road is open based on the visitor center. And I'm guessing they don't bother sweeping off the snow if they're not going to open the VC.

When do you think they'll sweep the roads? I assume they need it. I assume the traffic on Memorial weekend would be one of the worst days of the year. Is that correct? Any weekend day you could suggest? I'd like to take a day off work, but that's questionable.

PLANNING for Trail Ridge Road... last year, the traffic was heavy, but not horrible. Even had one roadie from TX lean out the car window and give me a candy bar :)

But I'd so love to do it with no traffic.


I'm guessing the road is open based on the visitor center. And I'm guessing they don't bother sweeping off the snow if they're not going to open the VC.

When do you think they'll sweep the roads? I assume they need it. I assume the traffic on Memorial weekend would be one of the worst days of the year. Is that correct? Any weekend day you could suggest? I'd like to take a day off work, but that's questionable.

It is a big deal when TR opens - it will be on the news, etc. Traditionally Memorial Day, but so much snow hard to know this year. They generally have drifts up to 20 feet in depth in certain places.

Here is a picture in 1998 of the pass in late June during Ride the Rockies

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/rrtrlrdg.jpg

Cool DF! Are you taking that photo or in it? Any suggestion on when there's the least amount of traffic to ride?

IN SEARCH OF... do any of y'all know a good wheel (re-)builder in town? It may not require rebuilding, but my rear does need some serious work and I'd love to have it done in time to test ride it once or twice before the century.

Cool DF! Are you taking that photo or in it? Any suggestion on when there's the least amount of traffic to ride?

IN SEARCH OF... do any of y'all know a good wheel (re-)builder in town? It may not require rebuilding, but my rear does need some serious work and I'd love to have it done in time to test ride it once or twice before the century.

A proctologist perhaps?

No, I took the photo.

It is a narrow road, the only one around. Perhaps about midnight?

Also, once open, it will likely close again with subsequent snowfalls. A recent Ride the Rockies could not make it over the pass due to road closure in late June. They bussed everyone to Garnby!

we need to talk about your priorities.

My wife and I already had one of those discussions... :D







I lost :(

Did you get that dog-walking-attachment-thingy for your bike? If so, how's that working out?


Yes I did. We've had a few ups and downs, but overall it's going well. I have set him up with a sled dog harness (for comfort and hopes for skijoring this winter) and he enjoys the experience. (At first he wasn't sure.) We are working on increasing his miles and his understanding of the voice commands: gee, haw, whoa!) We had a couple crashes but I think we've figured out the best practices.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/rrtrlrdg.jpg


I can't see this image.

Cool DF! Are you taking that photo or in it? Any suggestion on when there's the least amount of traffic to ride?

IN SEARCH OF... do any of y'all know a good wheel (re-)builder in town? It may not require rebuilding, but my rear does need some serious work and I'd love to have it done in time to test ride it once or twice before the century.
I'd love to ride trail ridge road some time this year. I've been told before to wait until late July at least as the traffic can be quieter and the temperatures a bit better - not sure how valid that is.

re: wheel (re)builder. I had a wheel on my Cross-Check rebuilt by the guys at Adventure Cycle (on Parker at Quincy). I dropped it in around 4pm, and they called me at 7pm to say it was ready. I've ridden it a few times since with a full pannier load and it seems to be holding up well. All the spokes appear to be evenly tensioned etc etc.

Only other place I've had experience with was at Bicycle Village at Aurora... those guys were crap, took forever, and didn't seem to care much since it wasn't an uber-wheel.

I can't see this image.
I can... you might be blocked from aol... this any better?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/ozstubacca/Cycling/rrtrlrdg.jpg

Yes, it is, thanks! Nice snow ledge.

Green Mtn Sports did Dales wheel after his crash. They turned it around in 24hrs. He took in late in the day and it was ready the next day. The front wheel was in really bad shape (he caught it in the cassette of the guy he ran into).

I was having a problem with the rear hub on my new AC wheels. The guy who worked on it took the time to call AC and find out what to do. It turns out the spring in the hub had broken. They told him how to fix it, resulting in a $15.00 repair as opposed to a new hub $90.00. I'm impressed that he called AC, I'm not sure everyone would have done that.

They're a small shop near Bear Creek Park. They even fitted my ski boots for me even though they don't sell ski equipment any more.

Kathi

Trail Ridge would be great fun - count me in for the ride when it happens! :D

I got a quick 20-miler in today on the Highline Canal from Lee Gulch to Chatfield State Park. I thought the Canal trail continued into the park - guess not. I did take some single-track into the park, though. Unfortunately it ended after about a mile due to a large, deep creek running over the path (the 1st picture below).

I snapped a few pictures of today's ride using my phone - not the best quality but it gives you an idea of how beautiful my morning was!

http://www.users.qwest.net/~mountainmediapro/Images/Ride%20Pics/387272449_330_1.jpg http://www.users.qwest.net/~mountainmediapro/Images/Ride%20Pics/387276033_330_1.jpg

I'd love to ride trail ridge road some time this year. I've been told before to wait until late July at least as the traffic can be quieter and the temperatures a bit better - not sure how valid that is.

I've been up Trail Ridge a couple of times this year up to Many Parks Curve, where the road is closed. The temperature hasn't been bad when I went up in March and April. The hazard is the sand on the road, especially at turns and sharp curves. If you need light traffic, there isn't any better time to ride than in the Spring. The photo below is me at Hidden Valley on March 4.

Bicyclists are permitted to go beyond the barricades; I plan on going up before Memorial Day when the Park Service is still plowing the road and take some photos.



http://www.masoner.net/photos/bike/20050304TrailRidge1.jpg

Hey Rich, do you know when they will have it plowed to the top?

Hey Rich, do you know when they will have it plowed to the top?

A couple of weeks ago a ranger told me Trail Ridge will be open Memorial Day weekend. With all the moisture we've been getting it should be interesting. I'd like to watch them dig out the Alpine Visitor Center. Here's a photo from a drought year! (http://www.nps.gov/romo/images/planning/YIR2003/snowplow_lg.jpg)


RFM

A couple of weeks ago a ranger told me Trail Ridge will be open Memorial Day weekend. With all the moisture we've been getting it should be interesting. I'd like to watch them dig out the Alpine Visitor Center. Here's a photo from a drought year! (http://www.nps.gov/romo/images/planning/YIR2003/snowplow_lg.jpg)


RFM
that photo is soooo awesome!

Correct me if I'm wrong... in order to get the equipment up to the VC, they need to have the road clear, right? The whole process could take more than a week? That might mean the road is clear, but not open yet for several days before opening?

I'd rather bundle up from cold than deal with the traffic, tho we all may have to take up a ride up in August.

I got a quick 20-miler in today on the Highline Canal from Lee Gulch to Chatfield State Park. I thought the Canal trail continued into the park - guess not. I did take some single-track into the park, though. Unfortunately it ended after about a mile due to a large, deep creek running over the path (the 1st picture below).



The Canal does go through the park. You have to detour around Santa Fe and the Canal, then it continues right through the park.

There is a HC guide available at local book stores.

And, those are AMAZING pics for a phone!

Pretty soon we will have cameras on which you can talk.

...in order to get the equipment up to the VC, they need to have the road clear, right?

I'm on the phone with somebody at RMNP right now. He says they've already plowed up to the Alpine Visitor's Center from the west and the east and have equipment up there. There are significant drifts across the road still and large sections of thick ice on the road. If you're coming from Grand Lake, the road is open to Milner Pass. It's still closed at Many Parks coming from Estes Park.

He doesn't know when the visitor center will be dug out but anticipated that it wouldn't be right up until Memorial Day. I think I'll take a day off the last week of May and see how high I can ride. :) Perhaps Tuesday would work out well. If somebody wants to join me contact me privately. My email address is richard AT masoner DOT net.

The question now is: Do I take my mountain bike with studded tires or use the road bike? The thought of climbing to beyond 11,000 feet on my MTB makes me swoon. I wish I had a CX bike so I could mount studded tires on that.

Does this sound crazy or what?

RFM

sounds crazy? Are you crazy? Of course not!

I'd certainly think studded tires. Can you mount 'em on your roadie? How about a custom set of 'studded' on a roadie... get some cheap 28s, with, say, 32 short screws, 16 on each side about 30-45° with a slime liner or something.

Did 27 miles - Carson Nature Center to Fox Hollow Golf Course and return. Only crossed one street.

Here are some pics of Bear Creek, Fox Hollow Golf Course area and me - yes I have put on just a few pounds!

I was "cruisin" at 19-21 mph on PRT - really felt proud, until the return trip when I got the headwind! :eek:

With my heart at 70%, I feel glad to get anywhere! :D

And, the Lemond IS faster than the Leeds, and much faster than the Hardrock.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/bearcreek.jpg

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/foxhollow.jpg

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/denverbc.jpg

That is a 1999 "Ride the Rockies" jersey.

Did 27 miles - Carson Nature Center to Fox Hollow Golf Course and return. Only crossed one street.

Here are some pics of Bear Creek, Fox Hollow Golf Course area and me - yes I have put on just a few pounds!

I was "cruisin" at 19-21 mph on PRT - really felt proud, until the return trip when I got the headwind! :eek:

With my heart at 70%, I feel glad to get anywhere! :D

And, the Lemond IS faster than the Leeds, and much faster than the Hardrock.

Way to go, Denver! You're an absolute inspiration, mate :D

Great ride yesterday Stubacca, you pushed Lordopie and I. Looking forward to the ride on Saturday. FYI, to anyone interesed there is a group of us doing at least 75 miles on Saturday, anyone who is interested is more then welcome to meet up with us. Just PM Lordopie and he give you the details.

Snowy.

Did 27 miles - Carson Nature Center to Fox Hollow Golf Course and return. Only crossed one street.

Here are some pics of Bear Creek, Fox Hollow Golf Course area and me - yes I have put on just a few pounds!

I was "cruisin" at 19-21 mph on PRT - really felt proud, until the return trip when I got the headwind! :eek:

With my heart at 70%, I feel glad to get anywhere! :D

And, the Lemond IS faster than the Leeds, and much faster than the Hardrock.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/denverbc.jpg

That is a 1999 "Ride the Rockies" jersey.

And what are the shorts, DF? They look *far* *too* *tight* to be anything other than BIKE SHORTS!

And what are the shorts, DF? They look *far* *too* *tight* to be anything other than BIKE SHORTS!

WRONG - Feather Face!

They are BIBS!

And, I have always worn bike shorts/bibs. I have 6 pair. Why did you think otherwise?

Great ride yesterday Stubacca, you pushed Lordopie and I. Looking forward to the ride on Saturday. FYI, to anyone interesed there is a group of us doing at least 75 miles on Saturday, anyone who is interested is more then welcome to meet up with us. Just PM Lordopie and he give you the details.

Snowy.
Good fun riding with you guys.

Looking forward to Saturday. My trip to Florida for the next two weeks has just been confirmed - client finally got the contracts signed - so my tentative plans to make it down for Santa Fe are gone again... ah well. Buena Vista is looking good, though. :D

'sup Denver buddies.
Got in a little ride yesterday myself.
28 miles from downtown to Golden and back.
Nice to get back on the bike.
This is my first stop by the Denver thread. I'll try to stay up on this.

Welcome Uphill Battle, this board is pretty active with the Denver people, just chime in if you ever want ride with others.

Thanks, Snowy.
I'm headed out for a quick one this evening. Just a little tempo ride. I think I'll head toward Golden again. I like the slight uphill.
This Saturday has to be a long one for me. I'm thinking about the bike trail to Chatfield, up High Grade and then back. Nice endurance miles with a good climb. Hopefully it will get me ready for Santa Fe.

Thanks, Snowy.
I'm headed out for a quick one this evening. Just a little tempo ride. I think I'll head toward Golden again. I like the slight uphill.
This Saturday has to be a long one for me. I'm thinking about the bike trail to Chatfield, up High Grade and then back. Nice endurance miles with a good climb. Hopefully it will get me ready for Santa Fe.
We're riding Saturday if you want to join us... Cherry Creek reservoir to Golden, over Lookout Mt, to Morrison and back for ~75miles.

Are you joining the group for dinner in SF? DnvrFox is organizing that :)

Thanks for the invite.

I'm not in charge of the group in Santa Fe, so I can't commit. But I appreciate the invitation.

I will have done the ride out to Lookout twice this week (from downtown) so I'll probably head south. But, again, thanks.

A quick question though. Coming off the top of Lookout how do you get to Morrison? I usually take 40 down to Heritage Sq, and then back into Golden. (assuming I don't get trapped in that Jefferson County/Water Park area that doesn't have an outlet.)

It's nice to chat with people who know the same routes. I've bookmarked the thread.

Led another senior ride today. Small group due to rescheduling from Monday (snow) to Thursday (70's and sunny). Lunch at the Deli at Piney Creek (Orchard and Parker). Great Sandwiches. Two road bikes (the men), two hybrids (the ladies). Had a great time.

Ages - 65, 67, 67, 67

HTTP://MEMBERS.AOL.COM/DNVRFOX/XYZBIKERIDE552005.jpg

Looks great Dnvrfox. Took a day off yesterday for rest and feel great today. I think its wonderful that you are doing these club rides. Your Awesome. Have a great weekend.

Looks great Dnvrfox. Took a day off yesterday for rest and feel great today. I think its wonderful that you are doing these club rides. Your Awesome. Have a great weekend.
Had a day off yesterday too. I spent the evening looking for my tools and eventually installing a compact crank on my roadie.

Riding this arvo after work, I hope, likely from my place to Meridian then out to a friend's house in Parker. Hopefully this wind dies down a bit... hills may be my friend (at least that's what I keep telling myself), but the wind is just a pain in the arse!

Oh yea, Stubacca, I'll take a hill over the wind anyday.

Bad day for me too yesterday. After work, I went into our conference room to change into cycling clothes only to find that I had brought my wife's Pearl Izumi's.

Yeah I can fake it in my work socks, I'd ride in my button down shirt. But my wife's shorts...that just won't work.

So I went home and played with the kids.

Yeah I can fake it in my work socks, I'd ride in my button down shirt. But my wife's shorts...that just won't work.

Were you wearing jockeys?

Anyway, your kids need to see you every now and then!

Thats great Uphill battle!!! Too funny.

Ha Ha, I bet Ms. U Battle appreciated your decision as well! Hope the rotten weather lets up soon!! ( i.e. wind, snow, cold etc.)

Ha Ha, I bet Ms. U Battle appreciated your decision as well! Hope the rotten weather lets up soon!! ( i.e. wind, snow, cold etc.)

So do I. I have my semiannual ride on the Picketwire on Saturday the 14th and I don't want to contend with rain. The river is probably going to be kind of hard to cross anyway.