Do you Townie?

Last week a small group of community members and I got together at the Double Dog Saloon to discuss an uprising. The topic? Bringing some soul back to the Gucchi streets of Aspen. The movement? Riding your bike, cruiser, townie, uni, or other mode of pedaled transportation. The goal is to build some local community, encourage people to ride bikes rather than drive (Aspen has a horrendous traffic problem), and of course have fun.

We will meet for the first ride in April and a date is yet to be set. Hopefully over time the ride will grow enough to take up whole streets, slow traffic enough so that drivers will notice the riders, and a new tradition will be born. If you would like to participate please call or email so I can tell you a date. All you need is your bike, a smile, and a little velorution....

Mazatlan

When I think of Mexico I see color. Colors deep with life, black and white lines, shadows, brilliance, contrast, and depth. Mexico is a country built of layers, stacked high, and always in motion. Some areas move faster than others, some layers crack, exposing the roots and history in present day.

We traveled to such a place, Mazatlan. This is a tourist hubb in the state of Sinaloa on the pacific coast. This town is layered with rich history, change, evolution. Most of the growth spurred by American influence and our willingness and longing to spend money for a vacation.

Our vacation was a gift of sorts. As I wrote before the Fleming family of Seattle invited us to join their vacation south of the border. Cara went down 3 days before me, watching the kids for a few hours a day, the other hours relaxing by the pool, sipping a drink, and turning off her head. I joined her Wednesday of last week leaving a blizzard in the Rockies to warm humid ocean breezes.

When we weren't at the hotel, or should I say Italian Rivera Villa, we were riding the local buses, eating at taco stands, talking to the cabbies, and soaking the riches of Mexican life. Most of the before mentioned riches were oddly absent or significantly watered down at the hotel. Again the world of contrast.

At the hotel we played with the kids Casey and Max. Probably two of the most amazing kids I have met so far. Casey is a beautiful little girl with inquisitive, curious, eyes, and an eager smile. She has recently discovered photography and wants to couple this talent with saving animals such as sea turtles and whales. She is an ambitious three year old. We took daily expeditions around the hotel, searching out the fish in the ponds, the green lizard, and the pink flamingos. Max her little brother is a ball of fierce energy and engaging grins. Cars and his bottle where the main sources of intrigue. He drove toy cars all over everything and chased his sister from one end of the resort to another. When we were with the kids Brian and Krista could be a couple again, go out on dates without toys and bottles, talk without interruption, and enjoy the peace a vacation can bring.

Below are a few pictures of the journey, travel, and down time. Enjoy...And one huge thank you to Brian and Krista, Max and Casey for such a great time with your family in Mexico! B-