I am moving from Houston to Denver in 3 weeks, and am in need of advice. I will be renting for 6 months or so in Hilltop. I know some good places to run in the area, but need some ideas on where to bike and swim (preferably a masters program). There seem to be several tri clubs in the Denver area. Any recommendations?
Also, I am currently pushing a 50-34 compact crank and 11-25 cassette. I am a fairly strong cyclist. Will this gearing be ok, or should I go to a 12-27?
Dave, I am actually in insurance for oil & gas companies. Hilltop is right around the corner from the Cherry Creek Mall. We’re actually going to be about 2 blocks from Colorado and Alameda
Here is a link to the exact location
I’ve been spending a lot of time there over the past few months, and am really looking forward to the move.
There is some good riding a bit south around Chatfield reservior, and then up Deer Creek Road - yes it is a climb. The bike path network around Denver is really good, you can get from Chatfield, north to Golden, up Lookout Mountain, and even further north if you want.
An upcomming event, if you’re interested, is the Cherry Creek Time Trial series, in Cherry Creeek Res. Go to www.AmericanCycling.org for the info. This year they require a license before the entry is sent in. So do it today if you’re interested. Friday Feb 1 the entry forms go on line. If you want to come out an play, you better have your entry mailed on Feb 1 or you will not get in, yes, I’m serious. It fills up quicker than a Ironman !
Not sure where you are going to be working, but I can make a few pool recommendations near Hilltop. The closest is probably Cherry Creek Athletic Club. I have no idea if they have a masters program or not, but they do have both indoor and outdoor pools (I believe). The Denver Athletic Club is downtown and has a nice indoor pool and a good masters program. The University of Denver is further south and has a sweet indoor 50m pool and a good masters program.
As for biking, you can hop on the Cherry Creek trail pretty close to your house and get out to Cherry Creek Reservoir very easily. Not very hilly, but a nice place to ride. (Doesn’t it seem that everything in Denver is named the same thing? Its not, really, but for some reason I keep mentioning those words!)
PM me if you want more specific information. I also have tons of good running routes!
