Whether it be wine, liquor, beer, pre-mixed margaritas, or guaro from Colombia – Argonaut’s has it. This is definitely a place I should have mentioned earlier in the blog’s life as when you move somewhere, you haven’t a clue where to get booze at a decent price. Again, this place has everything, the staff is super helpful, and the prices are totally right on. Check ‘em out by clicking on the picture, or visiting the corner of Washington and Colfax in Denver.
Michael (left) Kirsten (right) on the way from Checkpooint #1: Highlands to Checkpoint #2: Denver Bike Cafe. Credit: Jeff Doorn, July 2013
Saturday, July 13th, I embarked on my first bike race with two of our good friends, Michael and Jeff (their first races as well!). Like previously noted, Jeff just moved here from Dallas – he bought a bike roughly a week prior, and had ridden a few times, however we calculated the Poker Rush race to be about 20 miles. Jeff and I being the newbies to biking said, “Why the hell not?” We had 4 hours to finish the race, we didn’t mind if we were last, and we could meet some new people.
We started off at Coco Bikes on Inca in Denver; this is where we registered for $20 (which included sweet tshirt), received the manifest, and hung out until race time. There were roughly 60 people entered in the race – some beginners, like Jeff and I, some serious racers, and some participating to have a chill, bike ride day with friends. All were welcome, which made the race less intimidating.
Poker Run – Royal Rush Bike Route. I did not include the bike ride to the starting point, Coco Bikes, from our apartment which is another 4 miles. Our ride home from Broadway clocked another 6 miles. Thanks to the Strava App for allowing me to keep track of these things!
When we were signaled to begin, Michael, Jeff, and I road to the Highlands, the hardest part of the entire race. This is where I hurled in front of children along the sidewalk of a beautiful neighborhood. I had only rode in the Highlands once, which was not anything too strenuous as it was only a few blocks. This was totally different. With some coaching and support from my friends Jeff and Michael, we made it to our first check point. The rest of the race was around the greater downtown Denver area, including Washington Park, Odelay Tacos, & Denver Bike Cafe.
Four checkpoints, one thunderstorm, and roughly 28 miles later (including bike ride from house, race, and bike ride home), we had finished our first race. We weren’t first, last, fastest, slowest – somewhere in the middle was where we wound up. The experience was incredible, and we met amazing friends.
So, why am I writing about this? Simple: to encourage newbies to not be afraid of such events. It’s an incredible, accomplished feeling to finish a bike race, aside from it being a hell of a lot of fun.
Check out places like CocoBikes, the SKBC Facebook Page, Denver Chain Chase, and other Facebook pages to see what races are coming up in your area! Don’t be afraid – if a bunch of fresh-to-the-city Michiganders can do it, you’ve totally got this!
Big thanks to Denver Bike Cafe & Odelay Tacos for participating as check points in this awesome Poker Run event.
I, amongst many others, have anticipated the opening of said beloved grocery store since the second week I moved to Denver, CO. With the opening of the Sprouts at 3625 E. Colfax Avenue in Denver, the opportunity to bike 4 blocks for groceries has arose, providing even GREATER opportunity for healthier shopping more often; in my eyes, this leads to a healthier lifestyle.
Grand Opening of Sprouts on Colfax, July 10, 2013. Cick on the picture to find other Sprouts locations to visit. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, July 2013
Today marks the opening day of this great store, so of course I had to go and see how it was going. The store is PACKED, balloons are everywhere, and the sale prices are ridiculous: three red peppers for a buck? Yeah, I’ll take it! Although the lines are long, they move quickly, so don’t shy away once you walk in. Also, the staff is incredibly friendly – we can all imagine what kind of day they’ve had!
One bummer – Sprouts, where are all of the bike racks? It’s not cool to have your customers waiting outside for a spot on one of three rails, hoping that the shopping bikers inside come out soon. Might want to work on that small logistics piece, my friends.
Aside from that, WELCOME, SPROUTS! Welcome to the neighborhood! We’ve been eagerly waiting for your arrival, and thank you for providing us a place to buy good, wholesome food at sweet prices to reflect positively on our lives. See you in two days (or less).
Credit: Ticket Horse & the Colorado Rapids. Click on the picture to purchase tickets for the game on the 4th!
Yes, ladies and gentleman – we are only days away from celebrating ‘Merica right here in Denver, CO, and I, for one, can’t wait. Basically, the entire DenverSpeax crew is catching a 7 pm shuttle from The Three Lions Football Pub on Colfax to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to watch the Colorado Rapids take on the New York Red Bulls. Tickets were about $25 bucks (plus convenience fee) for bleachers, and the bus ride to, and from, Three Lions is $10 per person. There’s also fireworks. What would a 4th of July be without fireworks, really? Not awesome – that’s what. Come join us for an awesome game of football / soccer, and wish America one kick ass birthday. Hope to see you there!
denverspeax 