First Snowy Commute of the Season

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!

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

Fall Keeps Hanging On

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!

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!

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!

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