Purveyors of the Obvious

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is making its inaugural jaunt through Colorado next week – 22-28 August to be exact.  While it would be cool to see spectators embrace this race like the Europeans with the Tour de France we are new to this beast and there seem to be some a few precautions to take note of if you plan on going out on the course.

First off here is the route information broken into stages:

Colorado Springs | Salida > Crested Butte | Gunnison >  Aspen | Vail | Avon > Steamboat Springs | Steamboat Springs > Breckenridge | Golden > Denver

TRAFFIC

CDOT has information up regarding traffic, parking and camping for every stage of the race.  Yes, camping.  CDOT is easing restrictions regarding camping along the highway for the race but know them before you go (via DenverPost).

TACKS, GLASS, BOXCUTTERS

Apparently foolios are trying to hate on bikes and leaving this stuff out on the course.  Seriously.  If you are riding any part of the course (on a non-race day) do be careful of any of this crap.   Here is an interview via 9news with a Jefferson County Sheriff spokesperson.

BEARS

Yeah bears.  I got a Department of Wildlife e-mail today talking about the bear danger coinciding with CDOT easing highway camping restrictions.  Apparently up at Difficult Campground near Aspen a decision was made to temporarily suspend tent camping following incidents with bears in the last couple of weeks.

Read the DOW press release to re-familiarize yourself with camping etiquette in bear country.

Have fun out there supporting this first bike race.  I may just head to the festival in Denver or catch a bit of it here at home.  It apparently passes a couple of blocks from our place.

Last night I was lucky enough to be invited to learn about the Organic Pizza Company (891 14th St. #120 – Downtown Denver) opening 11 March. It was a fun foodie’s dream. I like to play, I enjoy mixing flavors. However nothing annoys me more than fusion cuisine for the sake of fusion and then the consumer is left to pay the price of a misdirected chef’s deeds.  This play with food and flavors was done rather well on the 13 pizza varieties made to sample at last night’s event.  The price tag will normally be between $7.99 and $19.99 for pies ranging between 9″, 12″ and 14″.

The Tandoori - yes there is some mint in all that green

My favorites in order, not that you really care, are the Tandoori, the Herbivore, and the Wild West.  See their Signature Pizza Menu.  Ingredients are certified organic, organic, natural, gourmet and locally-sourced whenever possible.  There is even a gluten-free crust made by Udi’s for those with wheat protein concerns – and it is all good to inquire about cross-contamination prevention if you are that sensitive.

I enjoy the concept of this venture with take and bake pizzas available for the Downtown set with a loose partnership with a nearby spirit store that provided the wine pairings for us last night.  In theory my husband who works Downtown can order a pizza at 4:30 via online, be cued for a wine pairing that he can also order via online, have both delivered to him by 5, hop on RTD, and be ready for me to pick up at the Park n’ Ride with a fun dinner for us by 6.  I think that is really sweet.  I mention online because OPC is working to market to a tech savvy crowd who will interact via their online presence including ordering as well as Facebook and Twitter where there will be occasional deals.

Other fun things are that you can grab a pie and some wine for a juxtaposed gourmet urban picnic (or picnic on-the-go in the back of a pedi-cab).  You can dine on something fancy schmancy before heading to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Pops series across the street.  Perhaps a slice or salad on your lunch break… oh yeah they do salads too.

With me being me, a place has to do more good than kindly sourced food for me to give a rat’s ass about it.  I applaud the owners and development crew for working on this concept to have a complimentary eco-responsible and charitable component.  Reduced packaging, compostable goods for take out, LEED certified facilities, even the employee shirts are 100% organic.  They have also partnered with Metro CareRing for excess produce donations and a customer loyalty program where the customer can acquire coupons or choose to donate that good karma back to Metro CareRing.

Between the brilliantly planned concept, kind food and the do-gooder element their tag line is “Taste the difference. Make a difference.”

Finally through 5 PM tomorrow Mile High on the Cheap is holding a giveaway for 10 large pies.  All you have to do is visit the OPC site and comment which pie you want to try.  I want to wish OPC well in this new location and hope they have a product that resonates with the community while doing good for the community.

For disclosure I went to this event and ate (and drank) but was not required to write a review or compensated for anything to do with this posting.  This was of my own volition in hopes that this business succeeds. Namaste.