Biking and Baking

Whew!

2011-11-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Gabe's Pies did a fantastic Thanksgiving run this year. Just over 70 pies have been baked, boxed and delivered. We're pooped! Hope everyone enjoys the goodness tomorrow. As for us, it will be a very quiet turkey day at home on the couch. Yes, we will be having pie.

Now this is Biking and Baking

2011-11-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

We know you've been dreaming of eating some Gabe's Pie while getting your bike tuned up, we know it!
Now you can. Starting Tuesday the Denver Bicycle Cafe will open for business serving coffee, beer and GABE'S PIE!

Back Home

2011-11-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

My uncle, my mother's only brother, died last week after a lengthy illness which wrecked havoc with his body. It was a gift. He was a very healthy and physically fit man who, even in his 70's was a a force to reckon with in 3-on-3 basketball. He lived a good life and we should all be as lucky.

We went back home, well my mother's home for the funeral. We visited the family farm which held so many incredible memories for me as a child. Like the time my cousins (all older than me and all boys) took me on a snipe hunt to the north 40 (literally). I was probably four or five, lost in the sky-high corn and at least smart enough to know that I shouldn't wander lest I risk getting more lost, so I just sat down and cried. My uncle came through the corn like some kind of jesus to save my little lost soul - complete with the late afternoon sun blazing behind him creating a holy aura. He said, "What are you doing out here all by yourself Suzie Q?" as he lifted me up on his shoulders to take me back to civilization. I told him the whole story and as I recall I got homemade ice cream after dinner that night but the boys certainly did not.

My brother and I remembered fishing with my grandmother at one of the many ponds. The day when I caught blue gill after blue gill and the boys caught nothing was one of my favorites. The day when grandma, always in her overalls, caught a big old snapping turtle and made a special show of pissing him off for our entertainment was one of his favorites. I was always in awe of my grandma's skills with a knife when chickens were involved. My uncle and the rest of the men would lot slaughter cattle and hogs which was also a special treat to watch, especially because we knew the yumminess which would come later. The best part of these days was the huge family gathering at the end of the day. BBQ chicken with all the cousins out under the trees.

We went to the country church, built by my great-great grandfather and cared for by generations of my family until they could care for it no more. My grandparents and my parents were married there and countless babies baptized.

We buried my uncle in the small country cemetary where generations of my family are buried. It sits on top of a hill and looks over miles and miles of rolling Missouri hills, rich with row crop and livestock. I visited with cousins and second cousins and counsins of cousins learning about how they survived, or not, the Missouri River floods of this past summer. One cousin lost his hardware store and decided to retire. Another was able to save their house but since their business is raising and moving houses, they are all too close to many who couldn't save their homes, despite trying. I visited another cousins "new" home, built in 1861, complete with hidden levers which were intended as tools to call the maid. Evidently the maid never comes these days.

We spent some time on the near-by wildlife refuge where we saw thousands of migrating pelicans and several areas of pure stillness and peace.

Overall it was a good trip, quick with way too much driving, but very, very fulfilling.

Did We Miss It?

2011-10-26T17:15:00.000-06:00

I'd been waiting for the leaves on my commute to be just perfect for a fall colors post and then.....six inches of snow. So here's an obligatory fall color commute post (from last year.)

Red Jeans

2011-10-17T18:10:00.000-06:00

Highs and Lows

2011-10-15T08:33:00.000-06:00

Friday morning I slept in a bit in anticipation of a 10am meeting with my mentor. Why go into the office only to leave an hour later, I thought. It was a good thought. Our session started with her saying to me, "You look exhausted and emotional." Gee, is it that obvious? At least I was having a good hair day. We ended up having a very invigorating session and I headed out recharged and ready to finish a very tough week at work.....only to find my bike had a flat tire. Sigh.

The Baker came to pick me up, since my bag was interestingly missing any tools (!?!?) and dropped me at the office. I had a productive day which simply felt good.

At the end of the day I opted to walk to my kids' school to meet up with the fam. It was a beautiful fall afternoon walk. We stopped at a new sushi place for dinner then home to chill in the back yard with a bottle of red.

Hiking This Summer

2011-09-20T22:04:00.001-06:00

We've done a fair amount of hiking this past summer and have several more to do before the snow hits and we switch over to snowshoes.

Classic Colorado summer views.

Big rocks upon mountain tops!

Stunning views!

The aspen are starting to turn. Fall must be coming.

Dear Maude! Get off that cliff children! Are you trying to give us heart attacks?!

Many smiles!

One More from Viva Streets

2011-09-12T19:52:00.002-06:00

2011 Tour de Fat - Denver

2011-09-11T12:02:00.000-06:00

Random sillybike madness.

B1 providing some chill air for a couple of silly hipsters.

Captain Obviouso, MB and Princess Bikesalot

THIS is living.....

2011-09-03T17:26:00.000-06:00

US Pro Cycling Challenge in Denver

2011-08-28T18:03:00.002-06:00

We arrived early to watch the US Pro Cycling Challenge sixth and final stage in Denver this morning. We found a wonderful shady spot right on a turn at the top of a hill near the finish. The riders did six, five mile laps once they reached central Denver so we got several opportunities to cheer them on. It was amazing to be so close that you could feel them go by!

The calm of the finish line before the racers arrived downtown.

Here they come!

The lead rider as they moved through downtown Denver past the capital ready for the first loop.

The first peleton.

BMC Racing Team, including Cadel Evans, support car.

You could feel the wind coming off the peleton as they flew by.

The parade of support speeding along behind the racers.

B1 caught a water bottle tossed by a Team Garmin Cervelo racer as he flew by. Major luck!

Final lap....

Waiting for the winners at the podium.

Thousands of fans catching the victory laps.

The beautiful Colorado State Capital post race!

Can't Comment

2011-08-16T13:12:00.000-06:00

Literally, I can't comment and I'm not finding a solution on blogger's help pages. If anyone has experienced the vortex of blogger comment blacklisting, please let me know.
Not only can I not comment on other's blogs but I can't respond to comments on my own!

Viva Streets, Denver's First Cyclovia was an Amazing Success!

2011-08-14T16:16:00.000-06:00

Seeing Oneida Park so alive was a great feeling! This little neighborhood shopping center is experiencing a slow but steady revival. The energy of the day signaled more good things to come I'm sure!

We were fortunate to have Denver's first Cyclovia right in our own neighborhood (although I would have headed cross town to get in on the action.) I had high expectations for this event and all were surpassed! A constant stream of people from 10am to 2pm. I think if it would have run longer, the crowds would have kept coming!

The Bike Depot hosted an on-going bike rodeo for kids and adults alike. Much fun was had!

The scene was much like this for the full two miles from Colorado Blvd to Syracuse. Bikes, pedestrians, roller skaters and bladers, skate boarders and more!

Bamboo wrapped ride!

Watch out, she's gaining on you!

Denver Water keeping folks hydrated.

HUGE thanks to DPD for monitoring the action and running the lights!

The ever-popular Park Hill hangout, Turtle Park.

23rd & Dexter fun!

Spinelli's Market (where the Baker sells his pies) and the Cherry Tomato were popular stopping points.

How slow can you ride a B-cycle?

Don't have a bike? Don't worry! Mobile BCycle Station

I Strongly Recommend the Building of a Backyard Stage

2011-07-31T10:32:00.001-06:00

People will come. Some will play music, some will listen and sing along, some will dance and all will have a glorious time!

Lighting test the night before Oneidapalooza 2011

The Too Late Bluegrass Band

Evergreen Hum

Dancing!

A Stick Ponies Reunion with The Baker on rhythm guitar

Friends Jamming

The Holmes Twins do Cake (with a little lyrical help from the interwebz)

And when the stage isn't being used as a stage, it will be our outdoor dining room ---- after a little exterior decorating, including the contruction of a unique and artful permanent cover complete with drapey shit, and some landscaping madness.

Hmm, Mountain Biking

2011-07-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

Even though I've lived in Colorado for almost 20 years I've never been mountain biking. It's simply never appealed to me. But I think that might be changing. My 10 year old went on a mountain biking trip for his best friends birthday party yesterday. It was the first time for all the boys and evidently much fun was had. They even rode the black diamond paths and made it without too many wipe outs.

So I have a feeling this might be a thing. Here comes another bike!

Viva Streets - Denver's First Cyclovia! August 14

2011-07-27T11:59:00.000-06:00

Viva Streets is a one-day celebration that’s made possible when a major Denver street is returned to the people. On August 14, LiveWell Colorado and BikeDenver will transform 23rd Avenue between City Park and Stapleton into a car-free parkway for all Denverites to enjoy. The streets will be closed to cars and will come alive with walkers, bikers, runners, strollers, hoola-hoopers, dancers, paraders, musicians, healthy food purveyors and anyone wanting to play in the streets for the day. It’s a tribute to the power of our city’s streets--to get people moving, to bring neighbors together, and to strengthen Colorado’s healthy, active culture.

There will be lots of fun, healthy activities along the route, see below:

Dexter St.: Yoga, Zumba, B-Cycles, Facepainter, Restrooms
Hudson St.: Denver Water station, Garden Demos, Restrooms
Kearney St: Parade 10am, Kids Bike Rodeo, Weigh & Win, Classic Bike Display, Restrooms, Volunteer HQ
Onieda St: Nuggest Fun Zone, LiveWell Get Movin’ Mobile, Cooking Demos, Facepainter, Jump rope Demos, Restrooms
Fred Thomas Park: Health screenings, cooking and exercise demos, FBI interactive truck
Along the route: Food trucks, bike mechanics, helpful volunteers

What is a “Ciclovia”?
This type of event is traditionally called a “ciclovia,” a Spanish term meaning “bike parkway,” but which has been adopted recently by cities across the world to describe one-day street closure events to foster physical activity and civic pride. Portland, San Francisco, Madison, New York, Los Angeles and others all hold several ciclovias each summer, attracting upwards of 25,000 people to each event. The original ciclovia was conceived in Bogata in the 1980’s as a response to traffic congestion‚ Bogota still holds a 70-mile route ciclovia each Sunday.

How I spent my summer vacation.

2011-07-09T19:03:00.000-06:00

The only thing, I mean the ONLY thing I dislike about Colorado is the lack of proper lakes. So we took leave to the Midwest for some good old small town July 4th'in at a proper lake.

I spent many long hours doing this....

And eating these.....

And walking here...

And biking to here....

And around here...

And let's not forget here...

Paid homage to my daddy....

And woke each morning to this....

The Best Part of Bike to Work Day

2011-06-22T19:48:00.000-06:00

Park Hill BTWD Station

DINNER! G's all-day smoked ribs with his super secret rub, my amazingly awesome and remarkable potato salad over greens from the garden and a gin and tonic.

Perfection.

In Praise of the Sunroof

2011-06-21T20:25:00.000-06:00

We had to buy a new car last week. As much as I despised the minivan, I was sincerely hoping we could get three to five more years out of it. But alas, the transmission was on its last leg, a common issue for minivans once they get on in years, and I refused to put another dime into it since the value was near to nothing and fading fast. So, off we went to buy a new Honda CR-V, the car I was originally shopping for when we got the minivan.

Practically every one we found and liked had a sunroof and I was adamant that I wanted no part of any sunroof, a completely unnecessary luxury. However, after a few weeks of car shopping (I hate car shopping!) I relented and got the sunroof.

I had to drive to work twice this week and I'll be gawd derned if opening that sunroof after a long day in the depths of museumland didn't give me a second wind just as strong as hopping on my bike does!

I may never drive a car withOUT a sunroof again.

We'll call it a metric century, m'kay.

2011-06-12T16:27:00.000-06:00

5am

Rest Stop #2 and a few of the Depot crew.

And, my finish.

I think I could have done the full 100 had my knee not started acting up. I felt like I had plenty of energy to make it, but the hills were killing my legs. It was actually not the usual knee issue, instead something that has plagued me only occassionally on the outside of the right knee. A sharp pain with motion which eventually radiates down my leg and into my ankle. The one other time it's happened, on the Elephant Rock metric century a couple of years ago, I adjusted my cleat and all was well. But this time, no adjustments helped. I believe it was the all the climbing that did it.

I'm happy with 71 miles though, considering the lack of training I've done.

One More Week

2011-06-04T07:59:00.000-06:00

I've got one more week to get ready for my first century of 2011.....and I am not even close.

The Little Things

2011-05-23T11:10:00.000-06:00

Today!

2011-05-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey Denverites, If you happen to be near the Flagship REI store between 10 and 2pm today, look for the Bike Depot booth, strategically located between the main entrance and that spot where you have to walk to get from the bike path to Starbucks. Yep, we're crafty that way.

The Bike Depot is the place in Denver to do it yourself! Take a class, donate an old bike or parts, bring your bike in during Fix-Your-Bike hours and have full access to a real live bike shop to make your own repairs and improvements. Been wanting to build up your dream bike? The Depot is the place! Used parts galore and access to every hot new line of goods you can imagine!

Best part of it all, your contribution to the Depot (bikes, money, membership, volunteer time, spirit) all goes to support access to bikes, bike education and healthy living alternatives for those less fortunate. The Depot distributes hundreds of bikes each year, with education on how to maintain the bike and ride safely, to people of all ages who otherwise wouldn't have access to a bike.

The Bike Depot
2825 Fairfax
Denver
303-393-1963

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In other news, the Swoopy Mixte is on the Mixte Gallery today! Go check it out....

Getting Closer

2011-05-15T18:42:00.000-06:00

I've made a few decisions on what is to become of Irene Fenderbottom, the ridiculously comfortable mixte. Since the Swoopy One is going to live with my mother and enjoy hours of riding with her and because Mrs. Gale went to a new home, Irene's getting a make over.

Here are the plans, thus far, and subject to change....hourly.

1. I'm building new wheels - 650b's. Her original 27" steel wheels are as true as they can get and they don't stop in the rain worth a darn. I've done all the measuring and testing and even put The Swoopy One's 650b's on her for a spin. It's going to work wonderfully. I already have a pair of VO fluted fenders which will work with the 650b wheels.

2. She's getting a two-speed kickback hub. I really like the look of her as a single speed but would love a little versatility. With Sturmey Archer's new S2C, released last year and getting some fun praise, I figured, what the heck! I can keep the nice clean look of a single speed with just a touch of versatility.

3. She's getting a powder coat. I know some purists would look at her and wonder how dare I, her paint looks great. Well, I 'm simply not a fan of her in white. The only reason I held on to Mrs. Gale so long even though she wasn't comfortable for me was because I loved her looks. The only reason I don't ride Irene very often is because of her looks. Vain? Sure.

This leaves two undecided issues, the color and to coaster brake or not to coaster brake. I'm going to borrow a bike with a coaster brake this week so I can get a feel for riding one again. I mean, it's been 35 years....maybe more!

On color, I'm seriously considering recreating the highly metallic silverish blue of Mrs. Gale fame. Either than or a deep dark navy blue. I'll likely decide while at the powder coater.

I'll likely order the wheel makin's this week, once I decide on a hub. And since it supposed to be pretty rainy a couple of days later in the week I'll drive to work one day and take some time over the lunch hour to take the frame in.

All that said, I'm open to other suggestions. Bring them on!

2011-05-14T20:50:00.000-06:00

These...

Are now on this...

Of course its been raining much of the day so I only got to swing around the block a couple of times to test her out but I could tell immediately that she's going to ride much better. It's amazing what a worn out drive train will do to performance.

This Ain't Your Mama's School Fundraiser

2011-05-07T22:40:00.000-06:00

The last two weekends have been spent at my kids' schools major fundraisers. Thankfully, our schools are awesome and there aren't any carnivals or silent auctions. We prefer live music.

Kids kickin' it to one of the many bands at Tellerpalooza, hosted by the Mercury Cafe. This year's line up included Monroe Monroe, Judge Roughneck, The Heyday, Petals of Spain and Earmark Saints

And today was Stedman Elementary's Bones and Tones, hosted by Quixote's True Blue. The Baker did BBQ for the masses and we were treated to the musical stylings of Evergreen Hum, The Jazz Lady, The Two Late Bluegrass Band, Roots Rock and Cellar Door

Thanks to all who played, danced, drank, ate and had fun!

Sping is Springing

2011-05-01T09:44:00.000-06:00

I should be pushing it up Left Hand Canyon with my Bike Depot century teammates this morning but instead I'm sitting here with B2 watching old episodes of Pink Panther and gazing out the window at the tulips.

I'm still having some knee issues from my last hill climb. I know mountain riding isn't my thing and each time I try it, that fact is confirmed.

I'll stick to the flatter rides, like this simple jaunt up the Platte Trail a few weeks ago.

Mrs. Irene Fenderbottom's gettin' a make-over!

2011-04-24T13:14:00.000-06:00

I've been craving a new mixte. Not just new to me, which is the case with most of my bikes, but something with new technology and looks. With the departure of Mrs. Gale I've decided to completely revamp Irene. Her frame is in excellent shape and is exceptionally comfortable for me. She's going to be reborn as a three-speed with new wheels, drivetrain, saddle, etc. and more than likely a new color.

I don't even know where to begin with the project so suggestions are welcomed, especially for the wheels since that's where it's really all going to begin. She has 27" wheels so I'm not even sure what all my options are? My goal is for a quick, comfortable around town bike.

Viv's gettin' a new drivetrain!

2011-04-22T20:52:00.000-06:00

20 Miles up Hill with Headwinds

2011-04-17T18:47:00.001-06:00

Of course that also meant 20 miles down hill with tailwinds! The ride today took me from my house to the Auraria train station where I met up with the group and we hopped the train to the Mineral station in Littleton to meet others. From there we biked west on Mineral Ave to the C470 trail (pretty much one long hill), through Bear Creek Park and Morrison and finally climbing into Red Rocks. We rested and ate snacks at the amphitheater then headed back down, winds at our backs.

Bye, bye Mrs. Gale

2011-04-15T16:47:00.000-06:00

She went off to her very happy new owner this week. Ride long and well!

What's the Baker been doing?

2011-03-29T18:10:00.000-06:00

The Baker's little Thanksgiving pie experiment has grown into a real live sustainable business! Denverites can get Gabe's Pies by the slice at Geeze Louise coffee shop, Perk Hill coffee shop, Eis Gelato shop and get whole pies at Spinelli's Market.

Visit Gabe's Pies website above and like him on facebook - Gabe's Pies!

A Sure Sign of Spring on the Front Range

2011-03-18T10:06:00.000-06:00

Not the crocus, the snow! One of the things I love most about living in Colorado on the Front Range is the spring snow. Yesterday I was biking in short sleeves and no coat and this morning woke to a lovely blanket of the white stuff. It will be gone by noon, if it's not already.

Mrs. Gale is For Sale

2011-03-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

As much as it pains me to say it, I'm selling Mrs. Gale. She's such a beautiful bike, building her was such a fun experience and I love her to pieces; and because of this love I want her ridden and not hanging in the garage waiting for her all too infrequent days in the sun.

Here are the details:
Gorgeous early 80's mixte made by Nishiki and recently converted to a single speed. All dressed up with new components! She has a new sprung Brooks saddle, newsingle speed wheels (with flip-flop hub), new chain, new pedals, new coordinating cork grips and a new Wald basket which has been customized with coordinating wood slats.

In all reality, since completing her she's been only been ridden about 20 times. The garage is packed so full of bikes, she's not going to work for my mother to ride and I just can't stand her to sit. I'm asking $285 - firm - which is less than I put into her.

I will seriously consider a trade for a newer model, very-low step through, geared bike. Something along the lines of an Electra Townie, Raleigh Circa or other newer model low step through. Grandma needs a bike and Mrs. Gale's step through height is a bit too high.

Get on your bikes and RIDE!

2011-02-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Today was the first Bike Depot group training ride in preparation for June's Denver Century. We did a fairly quick 30-ish mile loop from the Depot to REI, west to Kipling then back again. For me it was a perfect first ride after a few months of nothing more than my daily commute. The lowrider had a flat and I was running late, big surprise, so Vivian got to make the trek. She preformed admirably!

It's Alive!

2011-02-21T12:24:00.002-07:00

I might come out of hibernation...might. It's been an extremely busy winter filled with long hours at work and non-work time being filled with lots of cooking, wine, and cuddling with the kids. And yes, biking. Aside from several days of far too much ice on the streets, I'm continuing my daily commutes.

B1 turned 10...10!! How the heck did that happen? His afterschool time is busily spent in juggling class, Destination Imagination, building sets for his elementary schools production of King Lear and getting tutored in math. Unfortunately, he got my badmath gene.

B2 turned six and is a prolific writer of simple fiction. That girl writes non. stop. She and I are currently collaborating on a real live childrens book. Just have to get the story finalized and ready for submission. We'll see. It's fun if nothing else. I'd love some pointers from anyone who's been successful getting a kids book published.

For motivation to be better about my non-commmute riding I registered for a the Denver Century in June. I'll be leading the portion of my team dedicated to completing 100 miles minus Lookout Mountain. I have done Lookout Mountain a few times. I know I can get up the hill. Coming down petrifies me.....serious, asthma attack inducing anxiety. Why ruin a perfectly lovely day with a great big mountain only 25 miles into the ride, I say.

Gabe's Pies has grown from a one-off holiday venture to a growing, sustainable business with small net profits, just enough to make it worth his while. He now has three regular weekly customers (a neighborhood market and two coffee shops) and an occassional as needed customer (a catering business.)

Vivian is going to get a full overhaul of her drivetrain soon. I'll likely go with new everything, just because. I'm also getting ready to purge the garage of a few bikes including Mrs. Gale (on Craiglist now) and Irene Fenderbottom (going up soon.)

Mike Wolfe on his Obsession with Bikes

2010-12-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

The American Picker Dream, Part I: Mike Wolfe On His Love Affair With Vintage Bikes

By Ben Marks

As co-host of History Channel’s “American Pickers” and the operator of Antique Archaeology, Mike Wolfe is known to millions of TV viewers as the guy who digs crazy treasures out of barns, sheds, and basements. But he’s always been a vintage bicycle guy at heart—that’s what got him started ‘picking’ at age six. In this first of several interviews, we spoke with Mike about his bike racing days, his current collection of bicycles, and that fateful day in the ’70s when he got hooked by a bunch of banana-seats.

I was walking to school one day and saw all these bikes in the garbage. I was just amazed because I didn’t have one and I found it incredible that anyone was throwing them out. So I gathered up as many as I could and put them all in our garage. They were mostly banana-seat bikes from the ’60s, maybe one was a Schwinn. There was a girl’s balloon-tire bike, too. That was the first bike I learned to ride because there was no bar in the middle—I was little, so I would ride it almost right above the cranks.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-american-picker-dream-part-i-mike-wolfe-on-his-love-affair-with-vintage-bikes/

Where'd she go?

2010-12-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Fall is the busiest time of my work year, as I've mentioned, and I'd not posted much this fall because of the limits in my time. Once things started to lighten up I somehow landed with a pinched nerve in my shoulder a few weeks ago. Who knows how? Probably lifted my coffee cup wrong or something. Anyway, it gets quite aggravated by long periods at the computer and riding my bike. Since I'd rather ride my bike every day rather than write about riding my bike, I've opted to only be at the computer for work and not at all other times.

So, aside from work and messing up my shoulder, I've not been up to much of anything...except putting the Christmas lights on my bike. I realize that this post is completely worthless without pictures so I'll take some just as soon as possible. This is my third year with the lights and I absolutely LOVE the reactions I get. People roll down their windows at stop lights/signs to comment and wish me Merry Christmas. I get lots of thumbs up and nearly every single person I encounter smiles big and wide.

Until this shoulder thing heals I'll still be pretty much absent. Here's wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!!

First Snowy Commute of the Season

2010-11-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

This was a week ago but like so much these days, I'm behind. Had three days of training downtown so I had a little extra commute. It was fantastic! As is often the case in Denver, the snow covered the ground but by the time I'd left the house at 8am, the streets were only wet. By the time I got half way downtown, the streets had dried. There were a few patches of black ice but they were easy to spot.

Gabe's Pies!

2010-11-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Evidently word has spread of the superb eatability of The Baker's pies because one of the coolest neighborhood markets in Denver has asked him to provide all their pies for this holiday season. He's super excited, as are the dozens of customers who've gotten samples so far (many of whom, we're told, have declared it the best pie they've ever tasted!)

Orders can be place ahead of time at Spinelli's Market in Park Hill, Denver. Or I suppose you can stop by next week and take your chances.

The Answer to the Halloween Costume Mystery

2010-11-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Fall Keeps Hanging On

2010-11-06T19:44:00.000-06:00

These pics were from a beautiful fall morning last week. Light rain, mid-50's, perfect fall chill in the air. It was wonderful! Later that day heavy winds moved in and most of the leaves from these trees were blown far and wide, but we still have loads of trees turning.

Heading off to work...

The long stretch to the office. It was alike a tunnel of fire for several days.

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We had a great Halloween with a fantastic party, thrown with friends. Everyone had a fantastic time - young and old alike!

I won the Most Obscure Costume award. Any guesses who I'm dressed as?

It's Finally Fall!

2010-10-24T20:42:00.000-06:00

I had two goals for Sunday - a bike ride and thrifting. So, in order to be as efficient as possible, I rode my bike to the thrift store. I'd been wanting to check out a particular ARC which has been getting raves and it's about 15 miles, one way. Perfect! The trees are finally starting to turn here in Denver and the entire route was through gorgeous, tree-lined streets.

City Park trees are lagging behind a bit. Hopefully in a couple more days it will be "on fire".

Wash Park West

I saw several B-cycles.

Leaving Wash Park

Denver Country Club neighborhood.

Outside my office.

Outside the Museum.

Lovely carpet!

Whew! Long day!

2010-10-23T17:46:00.001-06:00

Just got home from a great day of talking up the Bike Depot, browsing bike stuff and buying a few things at VeloSwap. It's one of those events where you really need to go with a purpose because there's just so much stuff. Browsing can be mind-numbing. I only walked through twice (takes a good hour to get all the way around) and was talking up the Depot and handing out donation cards so I didn't shop much, but that was fine. I simply didn't have my $h17 together to do anything serious. I spent the rest of the day selling Depot loot and gathering interest in our programs and services.

A few random pics....

Bike Depot Board Members and Volunteers talking up the merchandise.

The crowds!!

A stunning Rene Herse and a Boulder Bicycle.

Those Denver Cruisers, along with the folks at Kickstand magazine, know how to chill with style.

Arts n' Crafts...heh.

This guy is always present. He sells sales samples of Merril and Chaco shoes for ridiculously cheap prices - $15 - $25. If you're lucky enough to wear one of the limited sizes he has, you can score!

There's lots I didn't capture - The super high end mountain bikes were everywhere, as were road bikes, time trial bikes, cyclocross and on and on. VeloSwap is a great place to get a slammin' deal on any ride - be it 50 years old or one year old. Not to mention parts. Parts, parts and more parts.

Another successful year and once I get my voice back and my feet stop throbbing I'll be ready for next year.

Tomorrow's the Day - VeloSwap!

2010-10-22T09:18:00.000-06:00

Come on out to the National Western Complex (aka Stock Show Building) and get your bike on. If you've never been, it's a bike lovers dreamland. The largest bike swap meet in the country! Regardless of what kind of rider you are, you will find literally everything you could possibly imagine and often times, you can bargain your way to the perfect price. Bike Denver will be providing valet bike parking and I'm told shuttles will run around the vehicle parking areas to help you tote your loot.

If you're biking to the event, check out the recommended directions on the VeloSwap site. If you've ever biked to the Stock Show, Denver Colosseum or Forney Museum you know it can be a bit tedious but definitely do-able.

Make sure you take some time to check out the various cycling non-profits booths: The Bike Depot, Derailleur Collective, Recycle Bikes, Bike Denver, Cycle Colorado, Denver Cruisers and more!

$8 at the door

$6 in advance at REI, Performance Bike or on-line

2010 Schedule of Events
Event hours 9am – 4pm, Saturday October 23, 2010
8am Bike Denver’s Outdoor Bicycle Check Opens
9am VeloSwap Opens
All Day Drop your ticket stub for the raffle at the Kickstand booth #35
10am Boulder Center for Sports Medicine Computrainer competition #116
10:30am-4:30pm Subaru Free Shuttles back to your car with all your new stuff
11am Boulder Center for Sports Medicine Computrainer competition #116
11:30am Yellow Design Stunt Team Performance
noon Boulder Center for Sports Medicine Computrainer competition #116
1:00pm Yellow Design Stunt Team Performance
1:00pm Boulder Center for Sports Medicine Computrainer competition #116
2:00pm Boulder Center for Sports Medicine Computrainer competition #116
2:30pm Yellow Design Stunt Team Performance
4pm Doors Close

A Few of my Favorite Things

2010-10-16T18:06:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago we were winding up the auction which effectively got rid of all remnants of my childhood that we'd not packed up and moved to Colorado with my mother's things. I did happen on a few very special gems on this final trip though. Nothing of any monetary value but heavy on memories.

The Coleslaw Bowl

My grandmother always served slaw in this bowl, as did my mother.

Great Grandmother's mixing bowls. I don't have any memory of these being used but my mother does. We found them buried deep in the back of a storage closet in the utility room. I'm sure they are leaching lead all over that salad but they're so beautiful!

A set of Pyrex mixing bowls which were a wedding present to my parents in 1961. They've never been used and in fact, they were still in the box they came in with the gift ribbon still attached!

I'm a little embarrassed with this lamp. I bought it at my mother's sale. heh. A neighbor put some things of her mother's in the sale and this amazing 1930's lamp of her grandparent's was among the loot. I couldn't resist and for $10, why not! It's colored glass with a piece of copper trim around the bottom and bakelite plug and bulb housing. It looks perfect in my living room!

Sunday's Orange Ride

2010-10-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

You don't have to be a Broncos fan or even a football fan to appreciate this great event in Denver on Sunday! Kudos to the Broncos and three cheers for Bike Denver and the Denver Cruisers!)

**********************************************

(From http://www.bikedenver.org/news/orangeride/)

The first ever ORANGE RIDE will be on October 17, 2010 for Broncos Orange Sunday versus the New York Jets at 2:05 p.m. Denver celebrities will lead bicycle rides departing at 11 a.m. from four different locations throughout the City and converge at Invesco Field’s Broncos Barn, located outside the south side of the stadium. Please read the ORANGE RIDE poster for departure locations and times.

The Promotion and YOUR benefits: Orange Ride participants will gain free admission to the Broncos Barn ($8 value), where there will be food, drink, giveaways, and a chance to win Broncos prizes, including tickets to that day’s game. Plus, you’ll be able to kick back and watch the game (and earlier games) on their massive screen. Beers ($2 and Tacos $2) until Noon. Then the price goes up to $3, still a bargain! The event is designed to encourage fans and the bicycling community to ride their bikes to Invesco Field and enjoy a free pre-game celebration and another great experience at Invesco.

BikeDenver will operate the bike parking corrral next to the Broncos Barn. The bike corral will provide an enclosed area right by the stadium to park your bike. Please bring your bike lock! We’re looking for 60 volunteers to help out in three shifts of 20 (10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm). No experience necessary. Volunteers get a free beverage at the Broncos Barn, a Denver Broncos t-shirt, and the opportunity to participate in one of the largest single-day bike parking corral events in Denver!

Guided bicycle rides to the event will be organized and led by the Denver Cruisers. Bicyclists who participate in these rides are encouraged to wear orange for the day and will be given Orange Sunday Game Day towels.

Most of the ORANGE RIDE locations are close to B-cycle stations. People who want to join the ride are encouraged to B-cycle for the event. Denver B-cycle will waive all usage fees for B-cycle users who ride the ORANGE RIDE.

Broncos and Sustainability : ORANGE RIDE is another example of the Denver Broncos leadership in promoting sustainable practices at Invesco Field. The team has one of the more forward-thinking recycling and energy-saving programs of any team in the National Football League.

For more details about Orange Ride or Orange Sunday, visit ‘http://www.denverbroncos.com/fans/orange-ride.html’

**********************************

In other news....I'm exhausted, thus my lack of posting. Between the finale of my mother's big move and being in the midst of my annual "busy time." I'm barely keeping my head above water. But I am biking a lot and spending a good deal of very quality time cuddling with my kids. It keeps me sane and centered. That and wine. Wine really helps too.

Reflections on Bike Commuting from a Five Year Old

2010-10-07T09:32:00.000-06:00

On our ride to school today B2 shared some deep thoughts on bike commuting and the general nature of bikes:

"When you ride your bike instead of driving, it's like giving the earth a massage. It really makes it happy."

"When you skid to a stop it's like a bike fart."

Finally!

2010-09-29T10:03:00.001-06:00

I'm ashamed that I've not put many miles on this past year. Last summer I started out strong with good training, a metric century, several 75 mile rides and an intended full century, which was thwarted by too much beer and sushi mid-way through the ride. Priorities.

This summer has been a season of nothing. I've done a few quick 25 mile loops but nothing more and I've felt guilty about it all summer long. What happened to me taking off work for the sole purpose of doing a good strong, long ride? What happened to getting up early on a weekend day and taking off for a few hours of mom time? I have the support of my boss (who, by the way, just qualified for her second go in the World Championships of X-Terra Tri's next year in China. Go Chief!) And I have the support of my family....but I've been nothing but lazy.

On Sunday I finally got off my butt and did 40 miles. It was nice and I felt good enough when I returned to do a few hours of gardening. Of course I was exhausted after that, but it was Sunday night and all I needed to do was hang low. It was good to know I had the energy to go and could have gone longer. I'll do a bump to 60 in a couple of weeks after I return from yet another trip to the heartland this week. And then keep bumping up. Maybe look to do a Thanksgiving Century with my brother? We could take off early in the morning, leaving my mother and the Baker to cook, and return to a traditional turkey day spread after a long day of biking. Hmmmm.....

Anyway, here are a couple of shots from my little ride.

Ran into an unpaved detour along the Cherry Creek Trail. Most of it was fine but there was a treacherous little spot winding up a tiny bank where the ground was beyond loose. I had to walk although many were riding it just fine.

After circling Cherry Creek Res, about 25 miles into my ride, I stopped at a shady little spot for a snack.

It was pretty peaceful, save the dozens of bikes whizzing by. Several others took my lead and stopped as well in this spot, which is pretty common. It's shady, quiet and has an acceptable view.

Don't You Hate it When

2010-09-28T12:01:00.001-06:00

You arrive at the office and find that someone has stolen your parking spot.

Just another day at the office......

Is that you Joan?

2010-09-27T08:15:00.001-06:00

Straight from my mother's cedar chest where it had been sitting in moth balls since the late 50's.

A gorgeous, very soft wool, made in Italy.

Super fine strips of leather accent the neck and two front pockets.

A brooch from Grandma's jewelry box.

Ta Da!

Nom!

2010-09-25T20:15:00.000-06:00

It began with some newly dug fingerling potatoes from our garden, asparagus and a couple of rockin' steaks.

Then there was some of this....

And then there was this. Nom!

It's Raining....Does that Mean Fall is Finally Here?

2010-09-23T16:38:00.000-06:00

I had a meeting at Invesco Field yesterday and I knew it was likely to be raining in the afternoon but generally in Denver that means a quick storm that blows in fast and blows out fast. The meeting was on the west side of the stadium complex and I could see the grey skies start to dump soon after I arrived. Several hours later when I left, it was still raining, albeit lightly. I always keep a couple of plastic bags in Vivian's bike bag in case of rain since she's equipped with Wald folding baskets. I'd also brought along my rain slicker.
It was a nice, wet ride home. I enjoyed it because light rain for extended periods is so rare here.

Something that I took note of the whole way back was that folks in Denver rarely dress for the rain. Lot of bikers, runners and folks just generally walking around but only a few wearing rain gear. You just don't need it because the rains come and go fast and you dry off so quickly in the desert climate. Love this place!

Derby!

2010-09-21T20:52:00.000-06:00

Crash 'em up, baby!

B2 and her friend were totally enthralled.

As it should be.

Mrs. Gale at the Mixte Gallery

2010-09-19T14:39:00.001-06:00

Read her story here - The Mixte Gallery

Dear Fall,

2010-09-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy to see you but why do you keep leaving? This whole deal with greeting us in the morning and leaving by mid-afternoon is just plain silly.

Morroccan Meatballs

2010-09-14T06:30:00.001-06:00

Letsee, we have lots of tomatoes, onions, garlic and parsley in the garden. Whatever shall we do with them? Why Moroccan meatballs of course. This is one of my favorite tagines and its best when made with lots of fresh tomato so I generally only make it when our vines are full. Generally made with ground lamb or beef, I had already thawed some ground turkey so despite the fact that I couldn't get the meatballs quite as small as I'd like, it worked out well.

I start by making the meatballs. I finely chop a small sweet onion, add in a heaping hand full of Italian parsley (chopped) and a healthy dose of good paprika and cumin. I tend to take it easy on the cumin in the meat as I find it can be a little overpowering if you aren't careful. I focus the cumin flavor in the sauce where I can more easily gauge the flavor as it cooks. Once these are well blended (adding in bread crumbs only if necessary to soak up some moisture), form into small balls and brown in a good amount of olive oil. Ideally these should be one nice bite or two small bite meatballs.

Once the meatballs are browned set them aside and prepare the sauce. Saute finely chopped onion and garlic in the oil from the meatballs. Add in 4-6 roughly chopped skinned and seeded tomatoes, a large hand full of chopped flat leaf parsley and add in good paprika, cumin, salt and pepper to taste.

Once you have a thin sauce consistency, add in the meatballs cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Taste regularly to check flavors and because it's good.

More garden goodness on the side - tomato, cucumber and red onion in a sweet vinaigrette.

Serve with a good crusty bread, you'll need the crust to hold up as a utensil. The baker baked baguettes while the sauce was simmering.

B1's Moroccan influence must have rubbed off well on B2. She eats like a pro!

It must be that time....

2010-09-11T18:29:00.000-06:00

Tour de Fat!

Me and Matt kickin' it right!

Some of my Museum peeps stopping by the Depot booth.

Bamboo, titanium and fun!

Who is the boss anyway?

Mad Cow!

My two worlds collide as one of my Depot colleagues helps out one of my Museum colleagues with a flat repair.

Labor Day Delights

2010-09-06T15:30:00.000-06:00

I headed out this morning to my favorite thrift store for their annual Labor Day 50% off sale. As did about 7,376 other people. It was like a Toys-R-Us on Christmas Eve - absolute madness!

I did OK, although not has good as I could have if I'd stuck around longer. I judge my thrifting success by the average price per item. Today that figure was $1.71. That truly is success! Everything is in the wash now and there's nothing super original and demanding a photo so I'll just list what I got:

-cute little picture frame (this was a stupid purchase since I just brought home several frames from the big purge of my mom's house.)
-Knee-length seersucker skirt
-Summery denim skirt
-Channely-shaped bright royal blue sweater jacket
-Boring cargo shorts for the Baker
-Burnt orange 3/4 sleeve cotton sweater
-Black belt
And I'm totally blanking on the last two items. The haul was practical and nice but completely underwhelming in the grand scheme of thrifts.

Before any thrift I require myself to purge....and purge I did! I got rid of a full garbage bag of clothes and handbags from my closet and a half bag of shoes. I also purged linens, just because. I'm not sure why I have (had) so many sets of sheets! On the up-side I found a quilt made by my great-great grandmother and one made by my great grandmother that I'd forgotten I had. I come from a long line of quiltin' ladies so we have many, many heirlooms spread around the family. My mother keeps the best of the best and I get the rest. These have been well loved and unfortunately, I don't get them out too often as they don't have much left to give. Those old fabrics just loose their stuff over time. My mother can go through most every quilt we have and tell us where certain patches came from, typically from grandmothers' dresses and aprons. I also found an afghan that my kindergarten teacher made for me for my college graduation! It's in my school colors.

Dresden Plate, hand quilted

Nine Patch, tied.

Two other quilts went into a bag for repairs. One is a patchwork my grandmother made for me, which needs a new backing. It's just tied so it will be easy to fix. Another is one my mother made for my high school graduation that got ripped a few years ago. This one is machine quilted so will be a little more challenging but nothing like having to repair one of the hand quilted pieces! I'll work on these on some snowy day this winter. I used to quilt a lot but haven't for years. The last quilt I started was when I was pregnant with B1. I topped it but never finished it and ultimately ended up giving the top to a friend who I knew would finish it. Don't know if she ever did.

Remember those gloves?

2010-09-05T08:45:00.000-06:00

My hands are going to be stylin'!

Italian leather from my mother's late 1950's European extravaganza!

Did I mention the patterns?

2010-09-03T21:46:00.000-06:00

We have several of the items made from these patterns however, only a few fit my 2010 figure. Women in the 50's were expected to have freakishly small waists evidently! My mother and I have decided to alter some of these and remake some of her favorites - for me! I'm so lucky to have an early '50's trained home economics teacher for a mother. The woman has some mad sewing skills, only partially handed down to me. I found several things I made in my youth and I was a much better seamstress as a tween than I am now. I'm looking forward to brushing up!

This is one of my favorites! My mother made the far left version in a similar blue as her wedding going away suit. I then wore it for my first wedding in 1988. I weighed around 110 then and had to loose weight to fit into it, but it was totally worth it! We have the suit and stored with the wedding gown. There's a hat as well and I'm hoping its in one of the many hat boxes. We did those a couple of months ago and I can't recall if we found it or not.

We have this in a dark grey wool. The sleeves are 3/4 and it's the no-collar version. Unfortunately, it has some pretty serious moth damage. I think it might work for a great Joan costume for Halloween though!

A favorite!

We have this one in a fun fall print that I'll pair with a little black cardigan.

I'm pretty sure I'm far too short to pull off one of these but oh, what fun they are!

Small Town Bliss

2010-09-02T16:54:00.000-06:00

806 West Street in Bedford, Iowa is for sale. You can see several new photos of the property at the 806 West Street site. Check it out contact us if you or anyone you know is interested in a showing. Wmailto:WestSt806@yahoo.com.

Bike Share Conspiracy - The T-shirt

2010-09-01T17:25:00.000-06:00

Boulder's own Alchemist Threadworks has created a t-shirt "celebrating" the revelation that was brought to Colorado by Dan Maes (candidate for Governor - Maude help us!)

Bike Share is the gateway to sinister world domination!

http://alchemistthreadworks.com/#/?p=866

Did you know...

2010-08-31T23:02:00.000-06:00

...that 12 place settings of china packed for a cross country move fills approximately four large-ish produce boxes per set. My mother has five sets of family dishes, 12 settings per set. Oh and have I mentioned the collection of antique glassware?

A Few Random Thoughts

2010-08-30T16:56:00.001-06:00

1. Collecting antique glass is an evil, evil hobby.

2. Black wiggle dresses from the 50's that fit me are beautiful things.

3. Soft orange gloves from the 50's look amazing with black wiggle dresses. As do black, turquoise, yellow, pink and cream Italian leather gloves.

4. Newspaper ink makes my hands itch.

5. Blue silk suits from 1957 are divine!

6. Plaid cotton suits from 1956 are amazing!

Groovin' to a Cover Band Covering Kid Rock, Covering Lynyrd Skynyrd and Drinkin' Ice Cold Bud

2010-08-29T09:26:00.001-06:00

Yes, I'm back in the Heartland. Could you guess from the post title?

The family farm - a picture of a picture. This is where my mother grew up and where I spent a good deal of my youth running, jumping and instigating all sorts of shenanigans. I've not been to the farm for well over a year and we sold it earlier this year. On Tuesday we plan to go for a little walk down memory lane. The older parts of the farm (not pictured) are still in the family.

It's moving week and there is so much to do before the movers arrive. It's going to be exceptionally busy and emotionally draining. First, I'm going to get a good run in this morning (as soon as my coffee is gone) then it will be packing city! I'm recovering from the street dance last night. Nothing like groovin' on small town brick streets to a cover band and drinking Budweiser.

****************

And....visit my new blog, 806 West Street.

You'll get all the info you need about buying this magnificent home in a charming small town in Iowa. Ever dreamed of getting away from it all and living the good life? Here's your chance!

Another Scrumptious Find!

2010-08-28T12:48:00.001-06:00

Throughout the purging and sorting of my childhood home, we've been on the lookout for a box of my mother's gloves from the 50's and 60's. She had loaned them to the high school for a play several years ago and decided that she'd never gotten them back since they were no where to be found.

Well, yesterday she found them! I can't begin to express how excited I am! I have a very, very small collection of gloves which I adore but this will top it all off. I remember playing dress up with them as a child. They were always kept in a box from an old clothing store in St. Joe, Mo and each pair was wrapped in tissue to keep them clean. I'd carefully unwrap them, slide them on my tiny hands and be completely enamoured at the sight and feel of them, even though they were far too big.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to be just as enamoured as an adult each time I slide them on....which will be frequently!

I'm back in Iowa for the move. It's going to be a very long, stressful and very emotional week.

2010-08-27T12:43:00.001-06:00

Too many bikes and not enough racks at my son's school this morning. This photo shows only one rack (the one we're at) with a manageable number of bikes. There are three others where bikes are literally piled and an additional bunch of bikes locked to each other and leaning against a wall. Pretty easy solution though, more racks.

This is a bold contrast to my daughter's school where there are two very long racks which could hold a total of about 30 to 40 bikes (positioned just right) and there are generally only two to four bikes.

There are several issues with her school: many of the kids bus in, many of the kids have to cross a busy street with a short light (which parents report makes them uncomfortable for biking,) many of the kids don't have bikes. The Baker is working from the parent angle with the school. I'm working from an advocacy angle from my board work with The Bike Depot. Even though we are probably only going to be at that school for one year (then she'll return to my son's school), I hope we can help spark some change.

In which B1 rides, refuels and climbs.

2010-08-24T08:44:00.002-06:00

B1 and I decided to take a little ride this morning. It was just going to be a quick ride along the Sand Creek trail, hitting the Platte trail, stopping at REI then taking the Cherry Creek trail a ways until we decided to hop off and head home. Six hours later we got home. It was a good day.

August on the Front Range - hot and dry.

Plenty of shady spots though.

There's something a little creepy about riding this trail through the refinery. We love it.

Unfortunately there wasn't a trail on our pass through today. We like to hang under this bridge while the loaded coal trains rattle and shake just a few feet overhead. Kinda gets the adrenaline rushing.

Mr. Cool

A bridge to nowhere.

Ahhh, Confluence Park. The meeting point for the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Great tubing and wading...if you trust the water.

No pictures without first talking to my agent!

Showing off mad skills on the REI climbing wall.

Making plans for back country camping.

Over to Salvegetti for some new hot yellow bar tape and browsing.

Elitch's and Mile-Hi Stadium in the background.

Bridge bike path.

Prettiest darn construction fence I've ever seen! About 50 yards of fence decorated with crocheted flowers!

I was too busy dipping french fries in my chocolate milk shake to get a better shot of these two Penny Farthings.

LEGOs!!

The rest of the ride home (only four miles) was a bit slow. My little Mister was tuckered out. It was only 20 total miles but with all the hot, hot sun and frequent stops for fun distractions, his energy got zapped.

A Day of Bike Stuff and Bake Stuff

2010-08-21T18:28:00.000-06:00

While I was working on a major bike project...

The Baker was, well, baking!

My project turned out like this.

And his project turned out like this!

Homemade wheat bread and turkey with cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden. YUM!

Vivian, Vivian, Vivian

2010-08-20T09:26:00.002-06:00

I'm having issues with Vivian, my main commuter, a '92 Bridgestone XO-2. It has bar end shifters and despite two years of nearly daily riding, I have yet to get used to them. I bump them, hit them, knock them around and I generally just can't stand them. The X0-2 originally came with thumb shifters and I'm not at all interested in those. I have the original mustache bars on the bike which I like OK, but I wouldn't shed a tear to switch to drops or something else.

The fact of the matter with this is bike is that I shift it about one time every six months, literally. Well, I take that back. I'm not counting the 5,387 times a week I knock the shifters around. I *intentionally* shift about once every six months. My commute is very flat and aside from occasional meetings downtown, which is also a pretty flat ride, that's all the territory this bike sees.

I'm thinking of maybe stem shifters. Seems like they are inexpensive, easy to install and would work with my current bars or most any other. I'd change out the stem if I go this way, something I've been planning to do for awhile anyway. The stem that's on her isn't exactly a looker.

Anyone have any thoughts or advice?

Galette? You bet!

2010-08-19T08:22:00.001-06:00

The baker is the obsessive type and his obsessions typically take hold in trying to perfect a dish. This week it's been the beautiful galette. Third one in as many days and I'm not over them yet. He puts only the tiniest bit of sugar in with the fruit - in this case peaches, mangos and blue berries. The lack of super sweetness makes them pretty irresistible for me since I don't have a huge sweet tooth but I can't let a good pastry crust go uneaten.

Comfort Food, Baby!

2010-08-17T06:54:00.004-06:00

There's this dish we make around here which goes by many names. It's typically a little different each time we make it, which isn't too often because it's ridiculously rich and fattening.

It all started when I lived with D about 13 years ago. We were perfect roommates! We liked the same foods (and lots of them!) We worked together, liked the same TV shows, held a similar sleeping schedule, enjoyed working out, and most importantly, we were both neat freaks. Best roommate I ever had.

She taught me how to make enchiladas. Over time we began mixing them up a bit. Chicken, no chicken, red chili, green chili, veggies, no veggies, more veggies, and more veggies and more veggies. It morphed into something of a southwest lasagna. Whatever it was then and whatever it is now, it's ridiculously good.

First we cook up a pot of green chili. We buy bushels of fire roasted green Hatch chilis each summer. Portion them into quart bags, freeze and we have sublime fire for a full year. The chilis are transformed into hot nirvana stew. Next, while the chili expands it's flavors, we saute veggies. Lots of veggies! Sometimes we cook the chicken in the chili.

We layer everything between flour or fresh corn tortillas. Tortilla - beans (on his side) - veggie mixture - chicken, chili, cheese.

We load the top up with lots of cheese and a little touch of the last of the chili and then, we bake.

And when it's done baking it looks like this.

And then when you put it on your plate to eat, it looks like this.

The Pannier Gods Looked Down Upon Me and said

2010-08-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

"Ye shall have the well used army surplus pannier of your dreams."

And it was so.....for $2 plus tax.

The light!

A little dirty but I simply couldn't wait to get it on. It's in the washer now.

It's not actually hooked on yet. I have an Axiom pannier hook kit I might use or I'll try and utilize some hardware already on the bag if I can find some hooks that will work with them. I also need to attach some sort of carry strap. I have a brown strap off another old canvas bag that I might get attached. I'll need to either take it to a cobbler or find a friend with a super heavy duty sewing machine.

Thanks Ray Linkart (the faded name written inside) for abandoning this bag, thus allowing it to end up in a misc. bin at the Army Surplus off Pecos and the Boulder Turnpike. I'm grateful.

Other Stuff We've Been Up To the Summer

2010-08-14T09:42:00.001-06:00

Pearl St. Mall in Boulder

Lakeside!!

Lakeside is our favorite local amusement park. It's old and kind of junky while at the same time beautifully retro. The rides have that edgy this-thing-is-going-to-fall-apart-at-any-time kind of feel to them, which I personally think only adds to the Park's charm.

Much, much more after the jump -->

Film on the Rocks!

If you've never been to a show at Red Rocks - Go! It's hand's down, one of the best venues in the country, if not the world. Film on the Rocks is a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy it with the family. You get a concert, comedian and movie all for $10! We saw "Across the Universe" on this night. The concert was a Denver "supergroup" consisting of performers from several locally popular bands covering Beatles tunes. The kids spent hours running the steps and exploring the rocks.

What's in that bottle Isaac? Forty-something delinquent!

Mr. Cool

My favorite Red Rocks shows are the Blues Traveler 4th of July shows. You can see every fireworks display in the city, including one on the other side of the ridge to the east of the stage which creates a shower of sparkles over the stage during the show.

Almost Done!

2010-08-13T09:59:00.000-06:00

The Swoopy One - I'm beginning to think this might be the bike's name. It's what I just keep using and none of the "people" names are sticking. Heck, my son was nameless for a week while I tossed names around. Anyway, The Swoopy One got its new light yesterday. It looks perfect and works like a charm!

Sorry for the crowded and cluttered repair bench in the photo.

We couldn't wait!

Now for a bag(s). My Favorite Thrift Store (that's a secret code) is having a 50% off sale for VIP members this weekend. I'm feeling good about this.

The Swoopy One Needs a Bag

2010-08-11T10:38:00.001-06:00

I need to get a pannier for the Swoopy One (ya, it's still nameless.) I'm thinking about something like the Minnehaha Canvas Utility Pannier. Simplicity being the key and I can get by with only one bag. My preference would be to come across the perfect bag to convert into a pannier, but we'll see. That will involve some thrifting. Twist.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Lookin' Odd but Feelin' Good

2010-08-10T10:08:00.004-06:00

I've really been struggling with Mrs. Gale. She's an absolutely beautiful bike but she's simply not that comfortable. I've ridden her on short rides under five miles and longer rides around 25 miles and it's all the same, just awkward. So last night I decided to do something that I knew would look odd but that might make her more comfy. I flipped her north road style bars, a set-up I love on Irene (another older mixte.)
After a minor seat adjustment, the seas parted, the fog lifted and the ride was like a dream! She simply wasn't mean to be an upright bike I guess.

Perhaps I'll add a rack and move the basket to the back? We'll see. While this look is odd I kind of like it....definitely unique! I'm still contemplating those fenders.

Out on a test ride to pick up a few essentials - beer, hard cider and, umm, eggs.

Garden Goodness

2010-08-09T09:25:00.001-06:00

Some leftover Moroccan chicken + odds and ends from the garden = YUM!

Garden bounty! Sweet orange pepper, red onion, zucchini and chard.

All chopped up with some garlic, olive oil and leftover chicken.

Cucumber and sweet vidalia onion waiting for a classic dressing of sweetened cider vinegar.

Tossed with leftover basmati into a flavorful "fried rice"

Tan Adorable Chiquitita!

2010-08-08T09:25:00.000-06:00

Welcome the newest member of our bike family!

A gorgeous bright blue Miyata Sport Junior!

How could I resist?

A little size reference.

A little more reference, he's 51" tall.

When he saw it he jumped off his (way super cool, all chrome BMX that I picked up for $10 at a thrift store) and ran for it yelling, "It's a mixte! YES!"

Later on I told him that some people think mixtes are for girls and he cut me off saying, "What they just don't get is that most mixtes are vintage and vintage bikes are way better."

Heh.

It's in great shape and really just needs a little cleaning and some bright yellow handlebar tape. I'm really not sure who's more excited, me or him?

Nice Rack

2010-08-06T21:43:00.000-06:00

A couple folks emailed asking for a better look at the Swoopy Mixte's rack. Here you go! It's lovely, isn't it!

Another Update on the Swoopy One

2010-08-06T12:14:00.000-06:00

We're slowly getting this gal all fixed up. I got a beautiful rack from one of the great C&V members on Bike Forums and a light is in transit.

She's been completely disassembled, cleaned and put back together by my wonderful husband, The Baker.

These are NOT the panniers I want to use with this bike but they're what I have for now. I'm on the lookout for something *perfect*. I'll know it when I see it.

Kidical Mass Denver

2010-08-05T16:53:00.000-06:00

Details coming soon......

Ohhhhh, that's what he meant!

2010-08-04T17:58:00.001-06:00

I can't resist. I'm stuck at work due to some torrential rain and thought I'd follow up on the story from earlier today about one of our Colorado gubernatorial candidates. Thankfully, his campaign spokesperson has provided some clarity on what candidate Dan Maes really meant when he criticized Denver's bike share program at a campaign rally recently.

Nate Strauch told The Associated Press that Maes was trying to say that the biking initiative is a "gateway program" being pushed by ECLEI on cities that eventually lead to extreme measures, such as the promotion of abortions and population control.
Maes said he thought promoting more bicycling was pretty harmless at first, but he realized later "that’s exactly the attitude they want you to have."

"It’s all part of this population control mentality that we as humans are the disease," Strauch said, adding: "He never said that biking is inherently wrong."

That's right! THEY've got us riiiiiight where THEY want us.

Off to laugh myself silly.

Biking is a Plot to Undermine the Constitution!

2010-08-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

I'm not riding with Lance this morning because work calls but it's probably a good thing I'm here, otherwise how would I warn the biking blogesphere that biking rather than driving is an evil plot to undermine the Constitution!

http://www.denverpost.com/election2010/ci_15673894

Bike agenda spins cities toward U.N. control, Maes warns

By Christopher N. Osher

The Denver Post

Dan Maes said Denver's B-Cycle bike-sharing program was promoted by a group that puts the environment above citizen rights. B-Cycle places a network of about 400 red bikes for rent at stations around Denver.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes is warning voters that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's policies, particularly his efforts to boost bike riding, are "converting Denver into a United Nations community."

"This is all very well-disguised, but it will be exposed," Maes told about 50 supporters who showed up at a campaign rally last week in Centennial.

Maes said in a later interview that he once thought the mayor's efforts to promote cycling and other environmental initiatives were harmless and well-meaning. Now he realizes "that's exactly the attitude they want you to have."

"This is bigger than it looks like on the surface, and it could threaten our personal freedoms," Maes said.

He added: "These aren't just warm, fuzzy ideas from the mayor. These are very specific strategies that are dictated to us by this United Nations program that mayors have signed on to."

Maes said in a later interview that he was referring to Denver's membership in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an international association that promotes sustainable development and has attracted the membership of more than 1,200 communities, 600 of which are in the United States.

Denver became a member of the group in 1992, more than a decade before Hickenlooper became mayor. Eric Brown, the mayor's spokesman, said the city's contact with ICLEI "is limited."

George Merritt, a spokesman for the Hickenlooper gubernatorial campaign, said the group's goal is "to bring cities from all over the world together to share best practices and help create the kinds of communities people want to live and do business in. John Hickenlooper believes collaboration leads to smart decisions."

Hickenlooper has often touted bicycling as an environmentally friendly and healthy way for people to commute to work and has said he hopes more people will do so.

Last week, Hickenlooper upset some auto dealers on the eve of a fundraiser when he lauded the city's B-Cycle bike- sharing program at an event and asked: "How do we wean ourselves off automobiles?"

Maes, at the rally July 26, took aim at Denver's bike-sharing program, which he said was promoted by a group that puts the environment above citizens' rights.

The B-Cycle program places a network of about 400 red bikes for rent at stations around the city. It is funded by private donors and grants.

Maes said ICLEI is affiliated with the United Nations and is "signing up mayors across the country, and these mayors are signing on to this U.N. agreement to have their cities abide by this dream philosophy."

The program includes encouraging employers to install showers so more people will ride bikes to work and also creating parking spaces for fuel-efficient vehicles, he said.

Polls show that Maes, a Tea Party favorite, has pulled ahead of former Congressman Scott McInnis, the early frontrunner in the Aug. 10 primary for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Maes acknowledged that some might find his theories "kooky," but he said there are valid reasons to be worried.
"At first, I thought, 'Gosh, public transportation, what's wrong with that, and what's wrong with people parking their cars and riding their bikes? And what's wrong with incentives for green cars?' But if you do your homework and research, you realize ICLEI is part of a greater strategy to rein in American cities under a United Nations treaty," Maes said.

He said he's worried for Denver because "Mayor Hickenlooper is one of the greatest fans of this program."
"Some would argue this document that mayors have signed is contradictory to our own Constitution," Maes said. ~*~

Huh.

Where'd They Go?

2010-08-02T17:11:00.000-06:00

After being completely knocked on my a** by some crazy virus this weekend, coupled with having family in town and the pending arrival of some silly auditors into my work life next week, I may have to observe a bit of a posting holiday. Not by choice necessarily... and I'll do my best to post at least a photo or two, but I'm feeling very, very behind so don't give up on me. I'll be back!

The sun setting over the mountains while I slave away at the office (unable to see the sun because my office is deep within the confines of this very large building.)

8/1 Lovely Sunday Ride - Postponed

2010-07-31T11:54:00.000-06:00

I'm going to put off tomorrow's ride. I've been down with a nasty bug and thought I was getting better when I woke up this morning. I'm not.

New date TBD.

Another Person's Treasure

2010-07-31T09:30:00.001-06:00

On my way out of the office earlier this week I stopped to chat with a coworker. He lives between my house and the office and walks to work so I often pass him, ringing my bell to greet him. He commented on the fact that I'm on a different bike darned near every day which of course, started a conversation about bikes in general. Having been born and raised in the Netherlands and having read the recent big-paper press on bikes lately, he asked if I had a dutch city bike in my collection. I told him no but raved about the new French mixte. He then proceeded to launch into a very funny rant of sorts about those "damn old heavy dutch things" he was forced to ride growing up. "I wouldn't be caught dead on one of those things today." I laughed and laughed. It made me think of the time when I probably wouldn't have been caught dead on bikes of my childhood.

Yipee, Skippee, Swoopee Mixtee

2010-07-28T08:41:00.001-06:00

I'm on a bike!

The new tires and grips came today so I was finally able to ride my new swoopy mixte. After a few rounds of routine adjustments (seat, handlebars, etc.) I fell madly and deeply in love.

The tires are Panaracer Col de la Vie and I really like them. I was considering an all cream tire but since I decided to replace the white grips (which were in bad shape) and white cables all with black, I wanted a tire with black. They are very similar to the tires that came on the bike.

The back generator light works like a dream. We have a replacement front light on the way and someone locally has a rack which he thinks will be perfect. I think I'll also give her a shiny new chain.

Now, a name.....

Basic Bike Mechanics Class ~ Denver

2010-07-27T21:22:00.000-06:00

Hurry, sign up now! We have room for one more in our Mechanics Class. $150 for 5 Thursday night classes, 7-9pm. Starting this Thursday and going through August. Call 303-393-1963 to sign up or for more information.

View from the Flower Garden

2010-07-27T13:00:00.000-06:00

My summer flowers are in full bloom!

A Red Tailed Bumble Bee on a cone flower.

Cleome aka "Bicycle Flowers"

Seeds given to us from a host's neighbor while on a bike tour.

Shasta Daisies

More happy bees!

California Poppies

Agapanthus

Columbine

Yellow Coneflower

Ice Cream

2010-07-26T18:32:00.000-06:00

We're very fortunate to have not one, but two ice cream shops within a few blocks from our house. Our favorite is a coffee shop that sells locally made Liks Ice Cream. Late evening family bike rides to get ice cream are absolutely one of my favorite things to do in the summer!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa

2010-07-25T10:04:00.000-06:00

Today is the start of RAGBRAI XXXVIII and I so wish I was there. As I've written before, this tour was a huge part of my biking life in my 20's. I did my first one in 13 years a couple of years ago as a celebration of getting back on my bike after inadvertently hanging up my wheels for a few years. I simply could not make the logistics work this time around though. Maybe next year!

In celebration, I dug out some old RAGBRAI photo albums and picked out a few photos from various rides. These are all from the late 80's and early 90's, when I was young, carefree and could party and ride all week long.

My first RAGBARI. I did it on a Specialized Rockhopper! Oh how times have changed!

If you build it, they will come. I convinced my downstairs neighbor and good friend to come along that year. She had no idea what she'd gotten herself into....and loved it.

Is that Shoeless Joe?

After a couple years on that Rockhopper I found a used Bridgestone road bike.

It totally changed riding for me! It was a fantastic bike and unfortunately, I sold it years later not knowing what I had. My brother still rides the old Trek he's on in this photo.

I wore that silly white bandana every year! Oi!

One year I did the ride on my own and hooked up these guys from Minnesota early in the week. We rode together off and on throughout the week. One of the things I love about the ride is meeting folks and teaming up, be it for a few hours or a few days.

The end of the road....for a year, anyway.

Where the Hipsters (and their bikes) Hang

2010-07-24T10:27:00.000-06:00

I don't get out late too much. Well, I suppose I could but I don't. I have an old friend in from NYC in town and she requested a night out on the town. We decided a drag show was in order. The show touted to be the "best" wasn't on last night so we hit the only other show we could find. It was...... Perhaps it got better as the night rolled on but we didn't stick around to see. We were starving and food definitely took precedence!

We hit it for some Thai food on South Broadway. The annual Underground Music Showcase was in full swing and the streets were alive with hipsters and other music lovers. Evidently I know a lot of hipsters and other music lovers because I ran into several friends. We nommed on some great food, walked with the crowds, weaved in and out stacks of bikes parked everywhere and listened to some really great music.

I think the Baker and I may need to find a sitter for the evening to see my gal Suzanne's band, The Legendary River Drifters. When I saw her last night, she reminded me of their show tonight. She *always* reminds me of her shows and I never manage to make it, mostly just because I'm old and boring.

The Finale

2010-07-23T11:00:00.001-06:00

The finale of the baking extravaganza this week! We tossed out the coconut milk poached fish which was on the menu and feasted on bread, cheese and wine for dinner.

A challah fresh from the dome. Behind are a couple of sourdough baguettes and an olive loaf.

Stinky cheese and fruit!

A German Tilsiter, Drunken Goat Cheese and English Wensleydale with cranberries.

Vino!

Perfection

Bliss

(tilsiter and dark chocolate)

This is What Success Looks Like

2010-07-22T13:50:00.000-06:00

I serve on the board of a small non-profit, The Bike Depot, whose mission is to support health and active living by increasing access to bicycles, promoting safe, bike-friendly environments and advocating for policies that promote bicycle access and use. While most of the work I do for the Depot is behind the scenes organizational development and administrative ops type stuff, I generally swing by the shop two or three days a week to see what's going on and check in with the staff management team.

Whether the scene is Fix Yer Bike, when anyone can come in and have access to the shop to learn how to fix their own bike with our highly skilled mechanic volunteers....Or a program night when Earn-a-Bike participants are learning basic maintenance skills in preparation for taking home a bike....Or volunteers prepping bikes for program distribution or sale...Or a group taking a class on anything from patching a tire to performing detailed and complex repairs....Or our certified mechanics doing commercial service....Or a meeting where our staff and board are creating connections to the community to deliver on our mission, the energy is amazing!

The Depot's programs are supported by community grants and donations and income from retail sales and commercial service. We carry a nice line-up of both new and used bikes and accessories. If we don't have it in stock, we can get it.

We always need donations of bikes and bike parts! We re-use, re-purpose and recycle!

Here are a few pics from last night's Fix Yer Bike:

Baking Frenzy!

2010-07-21T13:49:00.001-06:00

The Baker and his back yard brick oven are in high production mode today! This is round one. Wonder if we're having bread for dinner?

I think I'll stop at the cheese shop on the way home!

ETA - stage two!

Latch-hookin' for the Lawd!

2010-07-21T08:40:00.004-06:00

Now I'm not exactly the religious type but Holli's latch-hook Jesus, which is currently adorning the wall of the Big Hair Monster (my most bestest hair cuttin' shop), is most certainly a religious experience. I mean she stayed home several Friday nights to latch and hook this baby together!

Update on The Swoopy One

2010-07-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

After much research and some great help from the folks in the C&V forum over at Bike Forums, I do believe the swoopy mixte is a 1974 PL 45. The Baker has been busy polishing things up while we wait for the tires to get here.

Life Lessons

2010-07-19T12:57:00.000-06:00

B2 learned an important life lesson yesterday.

Pretty toes = Happy girl!