On July 16th, riders from all over the world are encouraged to commute together for Ride to Work Day. The event is intended to showcase the number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians, to demonstrate that motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life, that motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities and that motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation. Simply put motorcycling is a social good.

With the number of riders on the rise it is anticipated that this year will be the largest ever participation in Ride To Work Day. We all know that motorcycles and scooters generally consume fewer resources per mile than automobiles, so it makes sense that more commuters are turning to this form of transportation to save money. New owners are finding riding to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town.

According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding will become more visible as a larger number of America’s 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.

The program is international. Affiliated countries include Germany, Philippines, England, Germany, France, Israel, Turkey, Ecuador, United States, and many others.

Check out the web site at RideToWork.org for more information and new interactive forums on topics ranging from lane sharing to insurance and health care issues.

It’s just after 9:00 am Saturday morning in Denver, and WOW, what a beautiful day already!  What’s everyone up to?  There’s a couple of runs going on today (check out our calendar or current issue for details, but I don’t see any “official” runs scheduled for Sunday. 

Later this afternoon I will be celebrating a friend’s 30th birthday “luau-style.” But that’s not until mid-afternoon.  Before that, my old man and I will probably hop on the scoots and head out to enjoy the hot sunny day.

Where? Biker-friendly patios of course. Here are a few of mine favorites:

The Buffalo Rose in Golden

In The Zone Sports Bar in Golden (Grand opening patio day with Brethren Fast playing tonight– and my daughter bartending — see post from last weekend)

Jerry D’s in Dacono

Morrison Holiday Bar in Morrison (403 Hwy 74, 303.697.5658)

Morrison Inn in Morrison

The Platte River Bar and Grill in Littleton

Sedalia Bar & Grill, way down south, in Sedalia

Piflers Sports Tavern in Lakewood

Did I miss any?

See you around!  Diana

We’re up and running at MotorcycleRiderNews.com. After a rideable Memorial day weekend, I woke up to a cloudy and rainy Memorial Day here in Denver, riding for only the diehard biker.  Is that you?  Not so much me. I have a rainsuit, but don’t want to break it out unless I’m already out and caught in the run.

What did y’all do over the weekend?  I hopped on the scoot this weekend and did short rides because alas graduation BBQ parties kept me close to home.  It was pretty quiet out and about, probably everyone went out of town.  There were quite a few rallies: Fallen Heroes, Red River, etc.

I re-discovered a couple cool Bikers patios.

Of course, this first one might be because I’m a little bit partial. The weekend patio bartender is my #2 daughter, Bethany, — and I think she’s a hottie. (Plus she loves to ride!) It’s the newly renovated In The Zone Sports Bar patio at 44th/McIntyre (and a MRN advertiser). Just outside of downtown Golden, the Zone has a great view of Table Mountain. Besides plenty of patio seating where you can keep an eye on your motorcycle (with plenty of parking!), the Zone now has a patio kitchen!  The owner, Monte, will grill to order dogs for $1.50 and hamburgers for $3.00, and top it off with a fresh grilled jalapeno. Yesterday he smoked brisket, and a plate was $5.95.  MMMM, good. The Zone’s location works for biker ‘cuz it’s on the way to the hills, good riding, or on the way home, for a quick stop before you head home.  Oh–next week, all day Saturday May 31 is their patio grand opening featuring drinks specials and grill to order, and that evening live music by Brethren Fast!

Jake’s Roadhouse in Arvada — If you haven’t checked this one out, you’re missing a great patio. A small bar, but it packs a big punch. The waitresses are fun and always there to bring your favorite adult beverage. We were there on Sunday afternoon and there was a band, Kick’d. I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were, playing oldies but goodies, and a lot of my favs, like the Eagles. So next time you see Kick’d on the calendar, check ‘em out!

Any one else discover a new place? Or perhaps rediscover an old place to hang out? Give up your suggestions!

Keep on riding! Diana