moving to denver

[bschur13]

Hey all,

Looks like the forum has been quiet most likely due to the winter weather.  I wanted to drop a line and introduce myself since I will be moving to Denver in March for a requested work transfer.  I also wanted to get some of your opinions on locations to consider living and to get an idea of how safe my bike will be on the street/in a garage/in a yard.  

I am turning 30 in a few days, rock climbing (bouldering) and fly fishing are my major activities at the moment but in general I play almost every sport.  When the weather permits I ride almost any chance I get which generally is a few days a week and I make my own work schedule so spur of the moment rides on nice days are common place.  I have had my monster for three seasons and it was my first bike.  Just like everyone else on here, I love my monster.  Living here in Northern Va has given me an opportunity to get on some good roads and I feel like I am a fairly good street rider.  I generally ride alone but that is just a function of schedule and I would really like to get out with some other riders.  I think it will help me become a better rider.    

I just started looking on trusty craigs list for houses/rooms to rent.  I have an idea of the situation I am looking for but I am not sure of the locations to aim for.  I do have one friend out there in grad school and he suggests where he lives in washington park.  My main concern is my bike.  Living here in Va i would keep it outside but I was always a little paranoid I would wake up one day and it would be gone. I would like to avoid street or unsecured parking garage storage if I can.  

Any advice in any of the following areas would be greatly appreciated.  
1. good climbing gyms/outdoor spots
2. secret fishing spots with monster trout    
3. a good area of the city to move (preferably 15-20 minutes from the city with safe parking for my bike and a gym  
                                                 facility included in my rent)

Thanks in advance for any responses and Ill look forward to riding with you when the season starts (when does it start in CO?).  

Brian

[Randimus Maximus]

Welcome to the area. 

There are quite a few riders here in the area that meet regularly.  However, due to the meltdown on TOB, many choose to use an e-mail list for communications.  PM me or "Titty" your addy, and we'll get you on the list.

Here is a website for more info about rides/get-togethers, etc:  http://www.denvereurotrash.com/DEMC/Welcome_to_the_DEMC.html

As far as where to live, based on your desire for proximity to canyons & streams, you'll probably want to look towards the west side of the area, closer to the front range.  Unfortunately, I have no info on "good" places out that way.  Hopefully a few others will chime in.

- R

[Stella]

Hi Brian and welcome!

If climbing is that much a part of your life, I would recommend you head towards Boulder.  There are world class climbers, climbing gyms and of course the world-renowned Eldorado Canyon State Park.  Plus, it's at the foothills of all the great twisties.  Boulder is interesting, beautiful and, in my opinion, intolerable at times (many haters of many things). 

Denver on the other hand is a more tolerant and diverse city.  Wash(ington) Park is nice but no less at risk of crime than other areas.  Higher cost of living and more mainstream than other neighborhoods.  The Highlands are fun, more diverse and maybe a little pricier than Wash Park.  You may want to check out Golden, CO as well - also at the foothills, south of Boulder.

Both Boulder and Golden have rivers for immediate access to fishing.

Fort Collins is a fun town as well with all the amenities you're looking for.

Lots of choices for you!  Make sure you get a hold of any of us when you venture this way and we'll be happy to buy you a beverage and show you around!

 

[ducducgooseme]

come on out...Ill show you some hidden gems for fly fishing and loan you a bike to boot!!!

[Manny]

Welcome, Brian!

The Spot in Boulder is a great climbing gym, but hosts more attitude than SNL. Try Rockin' & Jammin" (lame name, I know) in Denver for a good climbing gym. There is also a great little climbing gym in Fort Collins called Inner Strength. There is a new climbing gym in Denver that my friend goes to and likes, but I haven't tried it yet. Tehre is outdoor sport climbing and bouldering all up and down the front range.

For fishing, I've heard that northern CO is better than close to Denver. I could ask my cousin for more specific info if you're interested.

Try looking in Golden, or even Longmont (longer drive, but cheaper, and close to alot of canyons) for housing. Wash park is great. I lived there for several years. I would get a garage there for the bike. There are a few nice apartment complexes in Denver West that include garages and fitness facilities, depending on your price range. The Camden at Denver West looks like a very nice complex.

I'll tour you around the Fort Collins/Loveland/Longmont area if you want to look up here. Just PM me. 

[flynbulldog]

all great guys but NONE of that is 15 min from downtown. You want to live that close to Denver you'll be in the ghetto.

Loveland, fort collins, boulder, longmont... your looking at an hour commute.

oh and those monster trout your dreamin about? Try Alaska, I hear there's good fishing out there.  cheers 

[Randimus Maximus]

all great guys but NONE of that is 15 min from downtown. You want to live that close to Denver you'll be in the ghetto.

I prefer 'hood.

[PanDuc]

Denver native speaking...... Ahem..

If you are looking for a short commute and quick access to the foothills for fishing, riding and mtb/hiking trails try Lakwood or Morrison.  Lakewood is right between the foothills and Denver.  It would be about a 20 min trip into denver in traffic hour and about a 30 min ride home. Lakwood has a newer development called BelMar.  It has lofts, apts, shopping etc.  Kinda trendy but also kinda suburban.

Morrison is at the base of the foothills and is really close to the popular Red Rocks Amphitheatre and there is some boldering that goes on over there.  I dont bolder  but I see people up there doing it.  Morrison gives easy access to main highways (I-70 and C-470)  Morrison is also VERY close to some twisties for the Duc [moto]. 

Good luck!!  Hit me up if you need some more info. on these or other places you are interested in.

[bschur13]

come on out...Ill show you some hidden gems for fly fishing and loan you a bike to boot!!!

i like the sound of hidden gems 

and thanks for the offer on the bike.  If yours is nicer then mine, Ill take you up on that offer.  ha   

[bschur13]

thanks for all the ideas so far.  

At this point I am thinking of sticking close to denver or even in the city.  I would like to be somewhat near social things especially since I am basically moving only knowing one person in denver.  So assuming most of the suburbs are married and older folks, I think I am better off near the city.  Is that a fair assumption?  I know that if I live 25 minutes from that stuff I will hardly be inclined to drive in for it.  But in the end if I do go outside of the city I will be aiming for something west like Lakewood.  

I was looking at google maps and it looks like almost all the roads into the mountains are good roads to ride on.  Is that the case?  Here in Va I had to drive an hour + to get to any fun roads.   

[bschur13]

is anyone members of any local fitness clubs?  Out here in va they are like 60 a month!  I was assuming it would be expensive there too but I heard around 30 is average.  At that rate I could place less emphasis on trying to find a place with a gym included. 

[Randimus Maximus]

and thanks for the offer on the bike.  If yours is nicer then mine, Ill take you up on that offer.  ha   

I can guarantee that they are, no matter what you currently ride.

is anyone members of any local fitness clubs?  Out here in va they are like 60 a month!  I was assuming it would be expensive there too but I heard around 30 is average.  At that rate I could place less emphasis on trying to find a place with a gym included. 

There are a metric shit-ton of fitness clubs out here.  Some cities even have Rec Centers, which are part of the HOA fees.  I think you'll be able to find a place for around $30 a month.

And as far as locations are concerned, I live about 10 minutes east of Downtown, but can be on killer canyons in 45 minutes.

[Munch]

You can pick up a 2 year membership to 24-hour fitness for $299 at Costco.

Nice gyms, most are new or remodeled, just need to check your specific area for one close by. My only word of caution, they are typically packed at lunch and right after work, so it's a bear to get in and get a workout done in a timely fashion.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11499621&search=24 hour&Mo=3&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=24 hour&Ntt=24 hour&No=2&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

All the chicks in this picture ARE included with your membership. 

[Stella]

If it's only one person keeping you from considering other areas, that's fine.  But don't think for a minute that Boulder and Golden are suburbs of Denver or lacking social life.  I think your best bet is to give yourself a fair amount of time to spend in each area so you can make a decision that's best for you.  Otherwise, move to Denver but lease and then explore once you get here.  Also, look at meetup.com to get an idea of who's doing what and where.  Just my 2cents.

[ducducgooseme]

+1 Stella!