The Foliage Continues... as Does Adventure Development!

The end of September was "Foliage Prime-Time" in the high country, and this second week of October has been quite the show of reds, oranges, and yellows here in the Fort. Even the sky seems ablaze with autumn mischief!

Looking West at Sunset in Fort Collins, CO

The sky and trees aren't the only lively news coming out of the Fort: both National Geographic and American Express featured stories on our little gem of a city nestled at the base of the Rockies. You can check out what they have to say about the commitment to safe cycling routes and the community's visitor-and-local-friendly culture in the links highlighted above.

In other exciting news, the "Route Research" is continuing to roll out beautifully (puns intended all around), and we'll likely have something to show publicly for all our hard work within the month. Keep an eye on that official website: things are about to shake up!!

Cheers for Now,

Adventure Jes

Bike-Topia

While the "to-do" list continues to grow, this last month and a half was well stocked with many activity research opportunities here at Adventure Jes!

Our adventures exploring "what gets people to take active vacations?" took us to Montana and Wyoming where things are done in a more "pen and paper" style and phone numbers are commonly understood in their 7-digit format. As well, the route research took us up to Summit County (about an hour and a half from our base in Fort Collins) to do a little "Leaf-peeping" as the aspens prepare to lose their leaves for the year.

Montana and Wyoming have the advantage of well-dispersed populations making the roadways and bike routes a truly personal experience. We chose to get our tires in the dirt despite the "road and pavement" nature of Adventure Jes. We're looking forward to recreating a felling of "it's just you, the road, and Nature" feeling as we update and coordinate routes throughout Northern Colorado.

On the same token, Yellowstone has a fantastic mapping system that tells you where bikes can go and where they are discouraged. Nothing compares to finding a quiet spot to observe the geysers and waterfalls just a moment farther off the well-worn foot paths in Yellowstone- bringing the bikes was a major win!

Exploring Summit County in mid-September is absolutely breath-taking, and I cannot put into words my excitement for taking Colorado visitors on a tour of foliage next autumn. Great brakfast cafes, well-maintained bike paths through and between cities and towns, and several places of interest for stopping and enjoying the history, scenery, and small indulgences unique to Colorado. I hope the following pictures will suffice.

Cheers for now!

Adventure Jes

Market Research: Riding Across Iowa With Five Close Friends In One RV!

Now that Adventure Jes is truly an entity, the fun can begin! This last week was spent on RAGBRAI: The Register's Annual Great Ride Across Iowa, and was an excellent exploration in "what cyclists want" and "what cyclists appreciate" versus "what cyclists do". My informal observations and chats provided a wealth of information for the kind of cyclist explorers we will attract:

• What cyclists want is efficiency, prompt gratification, scenery, accurate (and slightly ironic) signage, smooth roads, well-known music, and MORE COWBELL!
• What cyclists need are clean bathroom breaks, just enough variety of food to cover the "sweet/salty/crunchy/soft/hot/cold/flavorful/simple" bases, drink variety that includes "hoppy/electrolyte/cola/water/lemonade", emphasis on cold drinking water, flat sleeping surfaces, accurate mileage expectations, compatible group dynamics, reliably warm showers, and basic laundry service.
• What cyclists appreciate are good dance parties, shopping opportunities, points of interest, local flavor, volunteer and paid support that "just get how cyclists operate," and cold adult beverages at the end of the ride (or at the first rest stop).

This makes Adventure Jes happy! ...and is all information that will be used in putting together our tours. As always, we welcome your input and thoughts as we get geared-up and dialed-in for leisurely pedalings throughout Northern Colorado.

Anyway, below are a few highlights from this last week ending in a lovely Colorado sunset upon returning home. Enjoy!

Cheers for now,

Adventure Jes

All riders welcome!

Juiciest, thickest, most delicious pork-chops ever!

Reliable Volunteers

RAGBRAI or BUST!

Lovely end to a lovely week of riding

Let's Get Down to Business, Adventure Jes LLC!

Today the dream has become reality as Adventure Jes takes form in the annals of public records and tax responsibility! I am very excited to bring this business to life and share our adventures in the many seasons to come.

Won't you pedal with me a moment? It will be fun: I promise! What are the details you say? This is an adventure- the details will be along shortly... :-)

Cheers for now,

Jes