Good Life Cyclist

Denver's Urban Bike Trails

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:15:46 -0700

Denver has an amazing bike / multi-use trail system.

I have explored some, but definitely not all of Denver’s 650 or so miles of urban bike trails. I am amazed at how well the greater Denver bike trail systems are maintained throughout the year. My commute to work is on a series of 4 trails. The Lee Gulch trail can get washed out during periods of heavy rain.

I have seen large sections get washed away and within 4-5 days the trail is re-built better than before. Yes the Denver area is definitely a bike-lovers paradise; it seems to always be rated in someone's top ten list of most bike friendly cities.

The loop I put together ended up being about 74 miles.

(read the whole story)

I Won!

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 09:41:46 -0600

I must be livin’ the Good Life.

The Cyclelicious website was having a contest to see if you could spot a cyclist on the new street view option within Google Maps.

Check it out.

I often ride and see riders on Morrison Rd between the town of Morrison and Kipling Street in Lakewood. I had a feeling, if I was going to find a cyclist, this would be a quick easy place to look. Plus, I know a thing or two about this area - it’s in my backyard playground.

Irony

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:57:20 -0600

I’m currently in Los Angeles shooting commercials for some new High Definition TV channels. Ironically we are shooting fire and pyrotechnics inside a studio while outside the entire area is on fire.

The news is reporting that people should not be exercising outdoors.

Riding your bike today in L.A. would be equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes - not good.

CrispAds Blog Ads

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:19:34 -0600

My Backyard Playground GDR Training Loop

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:20:01 -0600

While thousands of sleep deprived cyclists were doing the 24 hours of Moab this past weekend, I was doing the 4.2 hours of MBYP.

You are probably asking yourself, "I've never heard of the MBYP?" The MBYP just happens to stand for My Backyard Playground. Let me show you a picture from 2447 feet above my house looking west.

This, is My Backyard Playground: Bear Creek Lake Park to the left, Morrison tucked up against the foothills, Mt Falcon Park top left, Red Rocks Park top middle (yes that Red Rocks, the famous outdoor amphitheater), Dinosaur Ridge and Green Mountain on the right.

(read the whole story)

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Cycling Review

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:37:54 -0600

I've been using the etrex vista hcx to record my cycling adventures for about four months now.

This is my first experience using a GPS unit for cycling. I did a bit of research by asking other cyclists what they were using and also spent quite a bit of time on Garmin’s website.

After much deliberation, I narrowed my search down to the Garmin eTrex Vista HCx for my cycling adventures..

My first impression of the Vista HCx when I pulled it out of the box was, wow, its about the size of a thick bulky cel phone.

My second impression once I put the batteries in and started pushing buttons was, oh boy, this is going to take some time to learn and get comfortable with. It was definitely a bit intimidating. (read the whole story)

Great Divide Route Colorado: Frisco to Hartsel

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:31:01 -0600

Those things that hurt, instruct. -Benjamin Franklin

“Hartsel?” You may be asking yourself. “I thought you were going to Salida?” Well that was the original plan. I actually met up with my old nemesis... read on.

My family and I stayed in Frisco Colorado, 5 miles up the road from Silverthorne. The plan was they would hang out in Frisco and Breckenridge for most of the day, and then pick me up in Salida about the time it would be getting dark. It was all perfectly planned.

I started out in the dark, it was incredibly calm, tranquil and cool; about 40 degrees.

I was wearing: winter gloves, bib knickers with tights over them, jersey, arm warmers, wind jacket, skull cap and toe covers on my shoes.

I was ready for the forecasted day; mostly cloudy, 40's in the a.m. and warming to low 60's in the afternoon.

As I started to climb above Breckenridge an amazing rainbow appeared out of nowhere. WOW, this is a great sign. I was smiling to myself thinking - It is going to be a GOOD RIDE; I must be livin' the GOOD LIFE!

(read the whole story)

Silverthorne to Salida

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 21:42:47 -0600

I will be riding another section of the Great Divide Route this Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing the incredible fall colors exploding on Boreas Pass above Breckenridge. I will post a report and pictures next week.

Aahhh Fall…

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:21:25 -0600

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are starting to turn from green to golden honey and as the sun starts to hang out more in the southern hemisphere it makes for some chilly mornings.

It has been in the mid 40’s when I take off on my commute around 6:45 am. I have been forced to bring out the layers: arm warmers, knee warmers and a thin skull cap to keep my ears nice and toasty.

When the sun peeks up over the eastern horizon 20 - 30 minutes later and starts warming things up I start peeling off the layers as needed.

Pretty soon I’ll need to start attaching the lights and making my way home in the dark. Luckily my commute route is 90% on trail systems keeping me safely away from people in their CO2 emitting hunks of glass and metal.

Also, as the sun makes its way further south it is causing some major glare in the mornings.

I would rather be on a bike trail then on C470 with thousands of cars slowly moving forward, their drivers squinting in the bright light hoping to not rear end the car in front.

I like this time of year. It never gets too hot and you can stay comfy with a few light layers of polyester and spandex. The thing I’ve noticed living in Colorado is this time of mild seasonal change does not last for long. Pretty soon mother nature will flip a switch and all the leaves will drop instantly, the morning temps will be in the 30’s and snow flurries will seem to erupt out of nowhere.

And that’s OK because that’s life in the Rocky Mountains.

I would have it no other way.

I could not imagine living in a region without seasonal change. I can't stand humidity or being in a place so flat its impossible to get a sense of direction. Living in Denver, if you want to know where west is, just look towards the foothills and the Rocky Mountains beyond. It's like having a built in compass.

The mountains are my church, they are grounding.

I'm on my way to Phoenix now to produce a new round of television commercials for Vongo.com

It's going to be 97 degrees and it's going to be flat. It will be good to get home.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:49:04 -0600

Your Dream Job Awaits:

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:38:34 -0600

Wanted: Someone to lead a fun group of cyclists cross country.

Benefits: Lots of clean fresh air, great exercise while getting paid and eat what you want without getting fat. A sizable bonus will be paid at the end of the trip if none of your participants get lost or die.

I just took the tour guide leadership course offered by Adventure Cycling which is based in my home state - Montana. World headquarters, as the instructors referred to it, is in Missoula.

I was not too familiar with Adventure Cycling before this experience except that they have put together the longest off road route in the world, The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route - the object of my obsession. In addition to creating cycling routes and maps, they do event, supported and unsupported tours. They also advocate a positive cycling environment in local communities and beyond.

The mission of Adventure Cycling Association is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. We help cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery.

Why did I take the leadership course?

I don't have an immediate desire to quit my job and be a bike tour guide, although that’s what a few of the Adventure Cycling leaders did many years ago. I have, however, thought about one day jumping into the freelance world within my industry of film and television production and integrating more cycling into my life, like being a bike tour guide.

One of the four courses offered this year was in my home town of Denver, so it was also convenient. I was also very curious about learning some tips and tricks with the multi-day touring thing since I have committed to doing the Great Divide Race next year.

We met at Cherry Creek Reservoir, which I have never been to in my 9 years living in the Denver area.

View Larger Map

You would have no idea you were right in the city once you are inside this large state park.

The training was interesting. Most of it centered on the idea that, as a leader, you encounter many things: group dynamics and dealing with expedition behavior, bad weather, inexperienced riders, and the fact that no matter how much you plan something is going to go wrong.

We did a lot of role play to get a feel for dealing with group dynamics and playing out unexpected scenarios you might run into. It also was an eye opener to see if you naturally have the leadership qualities which fit this type of work. We were educated to the Adventure Cycling “way” of doing tours, which is a more laid-back, hands-off approach. I thought it was interesting to hear that if tour participants learn the hard way, it will lead to personal growth and make one heck of a story to tell once they are back from the trip. This is not to say the tour guide will put participants in harms way, it means the tour guides are not there to hold your hand every step of the way.

Going through this course also gave me an idea for a new reality show – if you are an investor and want to talk, give me a call. I promise it will be interesting and help you get one step closer to living the good life.

var AdBrite_Title_Color = '0000FF'; var AdBrite_Text_Color = '000000'; var AdBrite_Background_Color = 'FFFFFF'; var AdBrite_Border_Color = 'FFFFFF';

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:06:15 -0600

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:54:33 -0600

Leadership Training Course

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:17:57 -0600

This weekend I'm taking the bicycle tour leadership training coarse offered by Adventure Cycling. This is the same organization that created the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the LONGEST OFF-PAVEMENT BIKE ROUTE IN THE WORLD - the adventure I've been obsessing over for a few years now.

We will be camping out at a Denver recreation area learning about how to lead self-contained bicycle tours. I'm not sure what to expect but I'm looking forward to meeting some fun like-minded cyclists.

From the course description:

Adventure Cycling has been fulfilling its mission by sharing the thrill and adventure of bicycle travel with cyclists for three decades. Our Leadership Training Courses take this wealth of experience and wrap it up into a three-day package of knowledge and know-how, laced with a heavy dose of fun and camaraderie.

I will post a follow up after this weekend.

My Bicycle Commute:

Sun, 09 Sep 2007 23:06:14 -0600

With my busy schedule, my commute is the main way I am able to get in my training hours. I get about 3 hours of training time round trip - 23.5 miles each way. I've been able to average about 2 days a week.

I'm lucky enough to live within a mile of a great trail system. Denver has one of the best in the country. Denver constantly ranks in the top 10 best bike friendly cities in the US.

My route:

Once out of my neighborhood I take the Bear Creek Trail to the Platte River Trail then get on a gravel short-cut called Lee Gulch Trail, this drops me onto the C-470 Trail, which takes me within a half mile of work. I love this route, it's safe from motorists, well maintained and not crowded.

(read the whole story)

The Good Life

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 22:01:41 -0600

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:30:33 -0600

Epic Ride: The Monarch Crest Trail.

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:24:21 -0600

I was invited to tag along with a coworker and a few of his friends on a trip to Salida, CO for some camping and to knock out the Monarch Crest Trail.

Two of us were coming from Denver and 3 others were coming up from Durango.

Here is the crew:

L to R: Anthony, Lora, Jeff, Casper, Me.

Anthony and I followed Jeff's directions to a nice little spot by the Arkansas River he had picked out earlier that day. It was about 9:00 pm. We pulled up to a hot fire and cold beer. (read the whole story)

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 21:40:17 -0600

Ergon Performance Grips

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 19:56:22 -0600

I found the greatest mountain bike grips in the world...

The Ergon GR2 grips:

I started to hear people talk about these new ergonomic grips a few months ago.

I was interested in them because my right hand gradually starts going numb on my mountain bike 15-20 minutes into a ride and gets continually worse until the numbness takes over and it becomes a dull throb. However, I do not have the same issue on the road bike – go figure.

Before I took my trip to Montana I put a pair of the GR2’s on my Niner Air 9. Installation was easy and took about 15 minutes. There is a shaped metal washer that fits between the bar end and the grip that takes some attention to line up right and get seated in position. (read the whole story)

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route: Helena to Butte

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 13:37:19 -0600

I'm originally from Montana and have relatives scattered throughout the state. My grandma turned 90 this summer so we planned a birthday party / family reunion in Simms Montana - try to find it on a map, I dare you.

My wife's cousin was getting married the following weekend in Chico Hot Springs (also in Montana). So we scheduled a nice 9 day vacation up north (I now live in Denver, CO).

Since I didn't have another family obligation until Friday evening, I had a couple of days to ride a portion of the Great Divide Route or so I thought....

It turns out that one of the many fires in Montana (38 million dollars has been spent fighting fires there this summer) was very near part of the trail I was going to start at in Ovando, Montana. Air quality was poor to say the least so I ended up trimming down my original plan to a one day ride from Helena to Butte.

I had my wife drop me off in Helena and I rode the section into Butte.. (read the whole story)

Welcome to the Good Life Cyclist

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:12:33 -0600

I've been saying I'm going to start a web site where I can share my enthusiasm for getting back on a bike 3 years ago.

As a wee lad I had a BMX bike. I raced it, attempted to do impressive tricks with it and used it to explore every nook and cranny in my home town. In 1987 I bought my first mountain bike - a Specialized Rockhopper comp.

In 1998 I upgraded to a full suspension GT LTS 2000 DS.

A few years later I got married, entered corporate america and had kids - end of bike riding.

Fast forward to 2004.

I discovered a bike path which connected most of my commute. Hey, I could ride my bike to work - 24 miles each way ...I think I could do that.

One morning I dusted off the only bike I had, the big heavy full suspension GT.

Goal: Bike to downtown Denver, have lunch at Wahoos Fish Taco and bike home again - about 32 miles round trip.

I made it downtown fine, lunch was great, then I started the ride home. This hurt. I had to stop and lie down on the side of the trail about 10 times.

This bike sucks - sure I blamed it on the bike. (I still have it. It's for sale. Let me know. It doesn't suck.)

I told my wife I needed a new bike (little did I know how many more times I would think and say that phrase). I never owned a road bike before so I found a cyclo-cross bike. A road bike with knobbie tires - cool.

This was the moment.

The moment when I would start spending massive amounts of time and money on my newfound life with bicycles - my good life.

Good Life Cyclist

Denver's Urban Bike Trails

I Won!

Irony

CrispAds Blog Ads

My Backyard Playground GDR Training Loop

Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS Cycling Review

Great Divide Route Colorado: Frisco to Hartsel

Silverthorne to Salida

Aahhh Fall…

Your Dream Job Awaits:

var AdBrite_Title_Color = '0000FF'; var AdBrite_Text_Color = '000000'; var AdBrite_Background_Color = 'FFFFFF'; var AdBrite_Border_Color = 'FFFFFF';

Leadership Training Course

My Bicycle Commute:

The Good Life

Epic Ride: The Monarch Crest Trail.

&nbsp;

Ergon Performance Grips

Great Divide Mountain Bike Route: Helena to Butte

Welcome to the Good Life Cyclist