If it was more sustainable Nik and could definitely get used to this life style of biking, exploring interesting cities and drinking good beer.
Denver, no surprise has been treating us well. We took our bikes to REI (the 3 story flagship store which is an event in and of itself), for tune ups. Our bikes are holding up pretty well but we want to make sure everything is clean and running well before we hit the Rockies and the more desolate parts of Wyoming. We both have worn through our brakes and had to get new ones.
We have also been doing our diligence on the local brews, which no one seems to be quite as excited about as in Asheville (the other beer mecca we have been to). There are definitely just as many breweries (if not more) as in Asheville, but people are less quick to tell you where to go and what to drink with as much pride as we encounter is Asheville. Maybe because Denver is a larger city and is also know for other things, (sports etc). Anyway we are here now and doing our own research. For breweries we have tried:
Breckinridge (went to lunch at their brew pub with my whole family, really good time and beer and has an awesome fried green tomatoe sandwich)
Great Divide (my personal favorite, and I must say that I fancy myself quit the connessiuer at this point I even order my own beer instead of letting Nik decide for me).
Wynkoop (started by the governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper, his brewery is credited for helping to turn downtown around). I was less than impressed with the beer but that might not be relevant in the grand scheme of revitalization.
Dry Dock (my cousin Dana's favorite, located conveniently in her neighborhood of Aurora. I don't usually like fruit beers but the Apricot Blond was most excellent. We may have filled up two growler before leaving).
Our favorite place for drinking beers was Historian's Ale House (south broadway) it has a roof top that looks out onto the Rockies and 75 beers on tap mainly local.
While our bikes have been in the shop we have been doing a lot of waking. Mainly along Cherry Creek a flowing river that runs through Denver. We also rode the light rail, which has been put in since last time I have been here more than ten years ago.
Denver is a fun city I love that you see mountains all around you. Also, when over hearing people they are often taking about being activity outside, running, biking, climbing 14000 footers. Overall, Denver is a city that fits us well.
Resting in Denver
Denver is our first real dropping point for us to plan out the second section of our trip.
So far Wyoming is causing some concern. There is so little there in terms of towns, hotels and campground. It looks like we will be pretty much stranded from Laramie to the beginning of Grand Teton National Park where we can stay in a KOA (Kampgrounds of America) in Dubois.
If anyone knows anyone who knows anyone in Wyoming we would much appreciate the contact.
I think you are missing a 0 on the height of those mountains people are climbing. Or maybe that is just wishful thinking? :)
ReplyDeleteAugust 5, 2015
ReplyDeleteYes, Molly has been drawn to Denver before—when visiting colleges near the end of high school, and visiting family in Denver. Molly had criteria for selecting a school—somewhere new, somewhere she could run, and somewhere near family. Earlier than that, Cousin Dana had invited Molly to visit, camping in the meadows of the Rockies that seem to be pulling at her even now. The Denver area was a real contender. Molly’s Great Great Aunt Kate arrived in Denver when she was about Molly’s age—by stage coach on her way to join her mom and siblings, including my then 16 year old grandmother Ellen, who had already settled in Southern California after their dad was killed in a coal mining accident in Illinois. According to family legend, Kate was greeted by a man hanging from a tree so most likely felt less welcomed to the city than Molly and Nik do now.
I found their blog comment about the fried green tomato sandwich interesting. Nik, unsurprising, is ahead of his time. For several years we’ve been following a tradition of making fried green tomatoes in early fall when those remaining in the garden are less likely to ripen. The current favorite coating is cornmeal—wonder if they will bring new ideas for the next green tomato fry that have been informed by their Denver experience. While I’m certain we’ll continue to fry our own, a new restaurant in JP has replaced Sanctuary and serves fried green tomatoes. Might need to research their coating soon.
The term “Wild West” from Buffalo Bill Cody’s time still seems to describe the area you will next be biking through. While driving on a work adventure with Ginny and Jessica a few days ago, Ginny searched Google maps in Wyoming and found towns called Muddy Gap, Sweetwater Station and Crowheart along Rt 287 between Laramie and Dubois before entering Yellowstone National Park. Bet you two have also found names that suggest tiny towns of people with kind hearts to invite you in along the way. Did you know that Dick Cheney reportedly lives in Wyoming, but I assume not in one of those villages on your route.
Such a joy to wake up to the blog postings and to end my day with a text of where you’ll rest for the night. I now have more time to savor their messages, occasionally feed their sourdough starter, meet the two lovely young women who have rented their apartment and tend to those tomatoes. My final retirement papers were submitted yesterday. To paraphrase Molly & Nik when they also gave their employers notice—my retirement “… just got real.”
Love, MaryMom