May 2010 Lakewood Gulch update

Holy Cow Lakewood Gulch is transforming. I rode it last in August 2008, just about the time construction was starting along the old Associated Railroad right of way, a spur line used infrequently until the 1980's. After that it was abandoned. Now it is being resurrected as an RTD Light Rail  route.

To get there I rode the Platte River Trail At Alameda headed to Denver. The Platte river is beyond the row of trees in the background. This is a new ballpark at Valverde Park, just built this year. I wondered how they got the fields in shape to play so soon, then I noticed it was artificial turf.

 Cruising along the Platte river trail.

 The river was running high, something you'd expect this time of year. The temperature today was mid 70's. Perfect biking weather.

 There's a bird waiting for a squiggly treat.

 Phil Milstein Park is along the trail. There are picnic tables and shaded spots to stop for a break. 

 We're in a place called Frog Hollow. About a mile from the Lakewood Gulch junction.

 Then I came along a stretch of the Platte river trail that was closed. I went past the sign to see why.

 After passing a few barriers I came upon the reason.I'm not quite sure what they're doing but there's a coffer dam in the middle of the Platte.

 There's the coffer dam. I took a picture of the inside too.

 The coffer dam extends out into the Platte. If you look closely you can see the river past the yellow CAT machine.

 The detour takes you along some streets.

 Then I came to the trail for Lakewood Gulch. It was closed. Work on the RTD light rail line is in full swing.

 They cut down a bunch of mature trees along this section. Hopefully once the construction is done they will plant new trees. In the distance you can see the Federal Avenue bridge over Lakewood Gulch. It is Denver's most dangerous bridge and will be replaced soon.

 Yes a very crappy bridge, re bar showing.

 The new bridge is being built right next to it.

 There's a big water main in the middle.

 Despite the heavy construction the water was clear. I rode on the trail part of the time but also rode on the rail bed.

 There are a lot of trail closures along the way. I was interested in the progress of the light rail project so I went past some of these signs.

 A new bridge along the trail. There are a few although they aren't all open yet.

 This is a new bridge for cars. To keep it dry during construction the water is sucked up and pumped through the silver pipes downstream.

 Here you can see the water going off a waterfall into a  pool and the big pumps sucking it up & sending it downstream.

This waterfall in 2008 looked like this. Notice the building in the background.

 I think Lakewood Gulch will be a good ride in another year when they get all the bits tied together.

 I saw a nice art piece.

 Riding along the future rail bed there's a new bike bridge in the distance.

 This is a machine that levels out the future bike path. There is a string strung along the side of the trail this machine follows.

 Looking back towards Denver. You can see the gold covered dome at the Capitol.

 Here's a shot of the string the trail leveling machine follows.

 Here we are about to cross Sheridan. The new bridge is under construction.

 After Sheridan the trail disappears. You can ride the road seen in the background.

 I rode to 13th to see the rail corridor progress. All of a sudden I saw the edifice that represents Casa Bonita, the strange Mexican restaurant as seen on South Park. Didn't have time to eat there today.

 More detours through the construction zone. Now I'm riding back down on the other side of the gulch.

 Underneath the rail line there is a tunnel that goes the entire length. Maybe the rail line collects surface water and sends it down.

 Another shot of the tunnel.

 Take a last look at the Associated Railway's tracks.

 Let's talk about eminent domain. The building with the blue mural was a thriving auto parts warehouse for 20 years but because you can only get to it by going over the rail road it became obsolete with the coming of the light rail.

 There's the driveway in question.

 There's the building that got condemned. There are plenty of other structures being sacrificed for the light rail. It's the price of progress although I feel bad for the business that had to close.

 Lakewood Gulch is pretty messed up right now.

 Riding down on the other side of the gulch.

 A new bridge not quite open yet. I'm glad they're building the light rail and bike path simultaneously. One day soon this path will be awesome again and you could catch a light rail train to Golden right here. In the meantime Lakewood Gulch is pretty messed up. Denver's plan to build out the light rail has hit a snag. Due to the great recession tax revenues are way down and the RTD light rail tax is not enough to fund the lines. RTD has to appeal to the voters to approve further taxes to complete the expansion on time. When the ballot initiative goes before the voters is uncertain. Now is not a good time. Probably 2012. Because of the constant detours I'd rate this ride 2 of 4 stars.