An Impromptu Saturday

Last weekend, I had planned to climb my first fourteener. The weather, however, had other ideas. An impromptu cold front rolled in, so we bagged the idea for an upcoming weekend.

At the recommendation of my neighbor, I visited a local bike depot called Bikes Together. This non-profit organization currently has two centers in Denver that offer several volunteer-based clinics and classes. I decided to go during their "fix your bike" hours on Saturday in order to educate myself on basic bike maintenance. Despite commuting to work everyday on bike, I know next to nothing about the upkeep and maintenance required in owning a bicycle. So I went to the center across town next to Lincoln Park, and worked with Jay in order to learn how to remove my tires, fix a flat, and clean my chain. This hands-on program is exactly what I need to learn the ropes as a new bike owner. Plus, it's a free service! The idea is for the owner to do the work while the volunteer guides through instruction. Parts are the only expense at the end of the session. I will be sure to continue taking advantage of this organization moving forward.

After I left, I stopped at the Denver public library downtown, where I got my very own library card and checked out a new book. Anna's been lending me the novels that she reads for her bookclub, so I've been on a bit of a reading kick lately. Seven stories high, the enormous library is full of secret reading nooks, study areas, computer labs, art galleries, and a cafe. It also hosts various classes and events. It was the perfect place to cozy up on a--dare I say it--chilly August afternoon!