Let's Go

Hey there, fellow thrill-seekers! I've recently discovered this fantastic little gadget called the myColorado app and, let me tell you, it's like having a genie in your pocket that grants all your state service wishes. A round of applause for the State of Colorado for developing such a digital superstar!

Imagine this: I'm all geared up for an unforgettable hiking adventure to the Beaver Creek Wilderness area (which, by the way, is a mesmerizing mosaic of verdant forests, shimmering streams, and craggy peaks in Colorado - an absolute haven for us nature enthusiasts!). And what did I need? A fishing license. But thanks to myColorado, snagging one was as simple as ABC! A few online clicks and voila, my license was linked to the app. No more hair-pulling over misplaced papers!

And here's the cherry on top - the app lets you create a digital ID. Yes indeed, my driver's license has now found a cozy home on my phone. How cool is that? Of course, I'll still keep my physical one handy because, well, some habits are hard to kick.

But hold onto your hats, folks! This app's like a digital locker for your vehicle documents. Titles, insurance, registrations - they're all snugly tucked away in the app. Talk about a worry-free slumber!

And if you thought that was all, brace yourself for a surprise. The myColorado app even links to the Colorado PEAK website, allowing me to manage medical, food, and cash assistance benefits without ever setting foot in a county office. Convenience level: stratospheric!

Shifting gears to the User Interface (UI), it's as smooth as silk. Clean, contemporary design, clearly marked sections - navigating through it is a cinch. As a rookie, I'd award the UI a sparkling gold medal with an 8.5/10.

In short, the myColorado app is your faithful digital companion for accessing state services. Even though I'm still a newbie, I can already vouch for its convenience, security, and efficiency. If you're a Colorado resident who loves the great outdoors (and really, who doesn't?), this app should be your new BFF. Happy adventuring!

Now, let's shift gears and venture into the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area in Southern Colorado. This place is an unspoiled jewel that's absolutely brimming with Mother Nature's finest masterpieces.

Visualize this: a vast landscape stretching along Beaver Creek, originating at the Skaguay Reservoir and meandering its way through rugged canyons and lush forests. The area is a sanctuary for wildlife, so keep those peepers open for deer, elk, and maybe even a bobcat if you're fortunate!

But it's not just about sightseeing. Heck no! This place is a playground for outdoor junkies. With ample fishing spots in the creek and the reservoir, anglers can have a whale of a time here. And let's not forget about the hunting opportunities - this area is renowned for its game.

For the hiking aficionados among us, the Beaver Creek SWA Loop is a must-see.

It's a trek through a 40,000-acre roadless chunk of land on the rugged south-slope of Pikes Peak. And believe me when I say, the vistas are jaw-dropping.

Nestled between Penrose and Colorado Springs, the Beaver Creek State Wildlife Area is a picturesque destination that offers a slice of wilderness in the midst of the hustle and bustle of modern life. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a peace-seeker, this place has got you sorted.

Rad Power Bikes - An In-depth Overview

Revving up the electric bike industry since 2007, Rad Power Bikes has made a name for itself with its innovative designs, top-notch quality, and unbeatable affordability. These bikes are not just about getting from point A to B; they're about enjoying the journey, making every ride an adventure!

Now, I know I might sound like a broken record, always raving about Rad Power Bikes. But let me tell you, some of the best moments of my

day are spent on my Rad Power Bike. It's a sweet, smooth 30-minute ride to work and another 30 minutes back home. That's one whole hour of pure, unadulterated joy, covering six miles round trip.

My daily route takes me through the serene trails of Bear Creek Park, where every day brings a new discovery. There's a short stretch on a major street that requires a bit of extra vigilance. With distracted drivers around, it's crucial to stay alert and safe. After all, as we riders know, safety first!

If Rad Power Bikes ever needs a volunteer to test their e-bikes, I'm their man! Especially with this fantastic weather, there's nothing I'd rather do than spend more time outdoors on these beauties. Plus, with my JBL 5 speaker mounted upfront, my rides are always accompanied by my rockabilly playlist.

Believe it or not, my music choice seems to be a hit among passersby too! People often start dancing or shout out, "Hey, I love that song!" as I zoom past. Talk about spreading the joy of music!

But what makes Rad Power Bikes stand out in the crowd? It's their commitment to delivering a superior biking experience. Each bike boasts a sturdy aluminum frame for durability, a powerful 750W motor for a smooth, effortless ride, and a long-lasting battery that offers a range of 25-45 miles on a single charge. Perfect for long commutes or leisurely rides!

Rad Power Bikes aren't just about transportation; they're about transforming everyday commutes into exciting adventures. They make every ride an opportunity to explore, enjoy, and embrace life. So if you're looking for a fun, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to travel, Rad Power Bikes is the way to go!

Staycation

Golly gee, time sure does fly! Last week, I treated myself to a staycation and boy, did I get stuff done! On Monday, I was at my workshop all day, getting heating installed so I can stay toasty while working on projects during the winter months. I am putting in a 20ft radiant heating solution.  This will hang from the ceiling.  A crew was there running the gas line and prepping the heater installation. But, wouldn't you know it, they discovered a missing part on Wednesday! So, they had to order it, which slowed things down a bit.  Guess they will be back on July 5th to hopefully wrap this up. Had a full house with

the workers.  I took a picture of all the vehicles that were parked in the drive.  It was three individuals but they each had there own transportation.

On Tuesday, a friendly electrician came by to work on the wiring for the shop heating. They got their part done, but will have to come back once the heater is up. I spent most of Monday sprucing up the shop - mowing, weeding, and trimming those pesky little starter trees. The place is looking spiffy now! I met with some furnace repair folks on Tuesday and Thursday to get estimates for replacing our old house furnace and adding some much-needed A/C.

I did manage to get one item off my list that has been pestering me.  In the front of the Shop there is a power pole and there has been a line down for at least six months.  I called the city and they checked it and said it wasn't there's and that it was not a live wire.  They suggested I call the cable company.  Well after many a calls and not luck, I finally took matters into my own hands.  So instead this wire laying all over the ground it is now wrapped around the stop sign and out of my way.  Maybe this will get some ones attention and they will fix it correctly.

Since I had time at the shop waiting on the work to be done and finished up with the yard work, I cleaned up and painted our Frisbee Disc Golf Basket.  It was gray and showing it's age.  I think it looks better in red.

In the evenings, I've been diving into my Batman Lego Shadowbox project. It's got almost 4,000 pieces, and I'm still not done! Fingers crossed I'll finish it this week because it's shaping up to be super cool!  Pictures will follow once I get it completed.

I also ordered a couple of rad Rad E-bikes (see what I did there?). They're
different from our other E-bikes - lighter and foldable for easy transportation. We're planning some exciting day trips to the mountains to discover new trails to ride.  They had arrived so I spent one afternoon putting them together.  Did a couple of test runs and I think we are good to go.  So we will look for you on the trails.  My other E-bike is becoming my daily driver when the Colorado weather permits, which is most of the time.  I ride back and forth to work, use them to go to the grocery store.  Candy even used hers and took one of the dogs to the vet for shots. 

Been doing some research on E-bike rentals in the area.  Seeing pricing from $69 to $99 for two hours and $130 to $150 for four hours.  With the location of my shop, a block from Red Rock Canyon, 3 blocks from Old Colorado City, one block from the road for Gold Camp Road and Cheyanne Canyon and a direct bike path to Garden of the Gods I think it would be the ideal place to setup a E-bike rental, service and sales business.  In addition I have the parking needed as well.  Who knows, maybe that's what I can do when I retire someday, if the someday ever comes.

On Wednesday morning we got out for a nice little hike.  It was early and there was no one else out yet or at least we didn't see anyone else out.  We stopped by the Beaver pond to see what new progress he/she has made.  Our little dog Lilly went with us and she had a great time jumping in the water. 

One day, we pedaled our way to the zoo, which I just adore! We go early in the morning, around 8 AM, when they start feeding the animals. This way, we get a great view of them before the heat sends them off to hide from the sun.  Maybe someday I will be able to take the grandkids back to the zoo with me. 

The zoo was followed up by a couples massage (Candy got it for me as a Fathers Day present.)  I haven't had a massage in over a year or more.  The masseuse had to wake me up when she was done.  Then we headed out for dinner.  It was actually like being on vacation, it was a great day.

All in all, it was a swell week! Sure, I took a break from work, but I still kept an eye on my emails and handled a few things. After all, you can never truly escape work, can you?

Rainy Days

What an eventful afternoon! The rain in Colorado Springs has been pouring for the past two weeks, which is a relief from the usual hot and dry weather. Because of the abundance of rain, I haven't had to use my sprinkler system, which saves me money on water bills and mowing expenses. Honestly, I'm at an age where I care less about lawn maintenance, and it's no longer a priority. Besides, my sprinkler system needs repair, so I might put it off until this summer.

But let's get back to my exciting afternoon. I rode my bike to work, and at noon, it started raining heavily. Fortunately, at 3 PM, there was a break, and I decided to seize the opportunity and ride home before the next downpour. However, five minutes later, thunder boomed, and the rain came pouring down again. Despite the lightning that scares me, riding in the rain was actually fun, and I enjoyed the ride home, making record time.

Speaking of my bike rides, yesterday on my way home, I stumbled across a huge bull snake, the second

one I've seen this year. It was quite an experience, and I'm always excited to see wildlife during my rides.

Love My RadRunner +

I recently got my hands on a Radrunner Plus electric bike, and after about 9 months of using it regularly, I had clocked more than 965 miles. With all the wear and tear, it was high time for a much-needed tune-up. The brakes were nearly gone, and with the steep hills here in Colorado, they had definitely taken a beating.

After two days at the bike shop, my Radrunner Plus was ready to hit the road once again! The brake pads were replaced, shifting cable was sorted out, and the entire bike was cleaned and oiled up. Now, all I needed was for the rain to stop for a few days - although I can't really complain as we need all the rain we can get.

The Radrunner Plus has been an absolute delight to ride. My family and I use them almost every day, and I even use it to commute to work when the weather is good. It's also equipped for grocery runs, making it convenient to bring home our shopping hauls. Plus, we love going on weekend rides and ending up downtown for a nice lunch.

Overall, I would give the Radrunner Plus a high rating and a positive review. It's versatile, practical, and efficient, especially with its electric assist feature. Plus, it's sturdy and durable enough to handle different terrains and weather conditions. If you're looking for a reliable and enjoyable electric bike, the Radrunner Plus is definitely worth considering.