Denver

We had such a good time in Denver that we stayed longer than planned. On zero notice, Marty and I scored a mountain bike ride and place to stay with Cynthia. One more call and we had another place to stay and a climbing partner. It's great to hang out with old friends. It seems like yesterday they were living in Baltimore. Eating out at the local joints and talking over homebrew ipa was a highlight.

Centennial Cone was Cynthia's choice for a bike ride. The terrain rolled on with short climbs and descents on a bench cut slope side trail. The views on this ride are classic front range beauty. We had a new rider too. That was the perfect excuse for us to take breaks and breathe in the thin air. I loved the downhills and occasional banked turn. I must work on my switchbacks.

Clear Creek Canyon was the climbing spot and Fred was my guide. I led up the easy stuff while Fred set the 5.11 for me to try. I'm not used to real rock and my footwork is appalling. I don't know whats going to stick so I don't trust any of it. Guess I'll have to relearn the 'friction' thing. You couldn't ask for a better day though. The rock was just right for my ability. The skies were overcast but thunder kept it's distance all day. That is a another thing I'm not used to. Back home thunder always means your about to get wet. No so here.

We finished the day at Golden's second largest brewery. It's like a big house party with everyone hanging out on the front lawn. In true Colorado fashion, last call was at 6pm. The joke is that everyone is training for something so no one stays out late. Yet this town has more microbreweries than anywhere else on the planet. They drink great beers, but not after nine.

(I need to pictures to this one)