Denver Diaries: Bikes and guitars

Posted at 9:47 AM on August 28, 2008 by Bob Collins (0 Comments)
Filed under: The political conventions, The political conventions

In a comment attached to another post, a News Cutter writes:

Looks like you were up pretty late for a man of your age. On a lighter note, there was a brief story about all the bikes (the pedal kind) that are scattered around Denver for people to use. I understand we may have some around St. Paul too. Have you used or have you seen people using the bikes? It would be interesting to see how much this project really mattered. I understand the bikes had gauges for miles and calories etc.

Here's a picture I took of the main location yesterday:

Business was pretty brisk and the majority of the bikes seem to have been dispatched. Denver appears to be very bike friendly and very skateboard friendly. As near as I can tell, most of those grabbing the bikes are locals.

I've never been to Denver before. It's hot in the sun and the altitude certainly takes some getting used to. A walk up a few stairs at the light-rail station requires a moment's rest, although that may have more to do with your first sentence.

Next to the bike corral, however, is the place where -- if I had a choice and a large trust fund to carry me through my unemployment years -- I'd spend the whole week.

A giant Guitar Hero location:

It's put on by the Rock the Vote people. While you're waiting, you can have your caricature drawn. It features huge speakers, and a large video screen. There were no lines when I went by, but that may have more to do with the fact they stuck the thing out in direct sunlight.

I'm hoping this thing makes its way to the Twin Cities. Perhaps by then I will have worked up the courage to give it a go.

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