Tuesday Cruiseday Fun!

 Tomorrow is Tuesday...

 So...

Wanna go meet a million cool locals in one night in Aspen? Maybe you haven't had enough exercise hiking and biking or whatever you do and you just want to go on a sweet bike ride and discover some of Aspens cool public parks? Or maybe you just wanna get drunk, but you are sick of doing it in bars? Any of these are good reasons (not that you need one) to go check out Tuesday Cruiseday!

Tuesday Cruiseday is a magical day where about 200 people all get together to get drunk, make new friends and ride around to different Aspen Parks on bikes. Don't have a bike? Don't worry, there are bike racks on every other corner here in aspen where you can just swipe your credit card and rent a bike in no time!

The event starts at about 6-6:30 at the Aspen Brewing Company (its always good together there early and grab a beer from the brewery!) and hits up 3 or 4 different Aspen Parks. The event usually ends around 9 pm or whenever you are verging on too drunk to bike yourself home. Try it, its fun, cheap, counts as exercise, and you will meet some of aspens most fun locals!

Rock Climbing (begginers version) in Aspen

Need a little adrenaline rush? Or a full body workout without having to think about the fact that you're working out? I found rock climbing to be the perfect way to get in shape and have a blast at the same time with very little equipment costs. I started by finding a friend to take me, and borrowed shoes and a harness. But you can also climb through an experience company such as Aspen Expeditions.

We are lucky to have Independence pass that boasts some really incredible rock climbing walls, even for those of us who are just starting out. Here are my favorite spots so far.

5 Spots for Beginner Rock Climbers

• Power line: Right after mile marker 52 this site is perfect for beginners. rating no larger than 5.8, it has something that everyone can get up and start climbing on (yes even if you have no upper body strength). If you are not comfortable lead climbing you can hike around and top-rope here with no problems.
• Pooh Corner: Another nice easy route, but there are some slightly harder routes here, check it out when you are ready to take your climbing to the next level (mostly 5.8 but goes up to 5.9). Also up the pass a little ways past mile marker 52.
• Lower Bulldog: I have done a few climbs here, "The Other White Meat" is the easiest that gives you the chance to climb out around an Arete (the corner out-jutting of the rocks) and great view from the top. Be careful on the approach with this one, it is short but it is very steep. There is also a couple of walls above lower bulldog with some harder climbs if you are ready to advance.
• Junior Olympic: The hike to this wall is pretty steep, and not exactly short, but totally worth it. The view is great even before you start climbing! This wall goes 5.8, 5.9 (shown below), 5.10 i believe so there is really only one easy climb. The 5.8 here would be a great climb for someone to do their first lead...
• Gold Butte: I love this wall because I can hop up there before work and still have cell service and be 5 mins from town. All of the other spots I wrote about before are up Independence Pass, but Golden Butte is just a little ways down Cemetery Lane (right across from Sunnyside Trailhead). It is fairly new to the public and I don't think there is a guidebook yet, although you can see it on the Ute Mountaineers website here. This would be good place to bring a helmet, the rocks are pretty crumbly. Lots of tougher climbs, go with someone experienced.

Junior Olympic. 5.9

There are so many spots in and around Aspen, and I highly suggest if this is something you want to get into to get the independence pass climbing book (either at the Ute, Explore bookstore, or here) and feel free to ask me anything!

Need Gear, for a while Outdoorplay.com is having come climbing sales, check it out here:

Indoor Fun for Rainy Days in Aspen

 Its raining in Aspen today, and since most of the activities I personally take part in are outdoor activities, I thought I should branch out and write about things you can do indoors. Here are my top 5 indoor (and family friendly) activities you can do in Aspen.

1. Visit the Aspen Art Museum: Why? Because it FREE! And usually really interesting. The current exhibition is Ernesto Netto, which is especially exciting becasue its all interactive. So instead of your boring typical just look at me art, you get to lay down, touch, smell, and be touched by his work. Check out some examples here.
2.The Isis AKA the Aspen movie theater: There isn't always the best selection, but who doesn't love a good trip to the movie theater once and a while and this one is right in town.
3. The Arc: You can go workout if you want, but I suggest making use of the awesome swimming pool. This pool has a huge waterslide, a lazy river, hot tub, diving boards, a sauna, and more. Its about $17 for an adult for a full day.
4. Red Brick: Go test out your rock climbing skills at Aspens largest indoor climbing facility, its fun and good for your body!
5. Play Games at Ryano's: Maybe you have children and you want to just drink a beer and let them do the playing, but Ryano's has adult fun too. My favorite is shuffleboard with pacman at a close second. you can kill at least 2 hours playing games, drinking, and eating here.

Have fun, stay dry, let me know if you have any suggestions to add to the list!