It was an overcast evening with expectations for heavy rain and snow. However, this didn't deter the excitement of nearly 200 riders taking their bikes cruising up and down Washington Street in costumes (the beer probably helped a little too).
The Golden Cruise is an event held on the last Tuesday of every month starting in April and ending before November. Riders bring their bikes and park them in front of Woody's, then at exactly 7:00 PM, they ride them all around town. Justin, who was dressed like an “old-school” Pepsi delivery man, was one of the first people to bring an actual cruising bike when the event first started nearly 3 years ago. “Back then, it was just a few guys riding their bikes around town.” It is also worth mentioning that there have never been any fatalities at the event, “Besides a few of the bikes not working properly,” said Justin.
The costumes at the event were extremely creative and fun. Captain America wouldn't tell anyone his secret identity (even though he had been doing the Golden Cruise since it started 3 years ago), and Denise Mitrano was dressed as a Garden Gnome. Al, the partial organizer for the event and runs the website for Golden Cruise, www.goldensupercruise.com, was dressed as Yukon Cornelius. Kacie, Jade, and Steve were the first people to show up for the event. Kacie was dressed as a disco doll on a giant mountain bike. Jade was dressed as superwoman on her Sears “Free Spirit” bike. Steve didn't dress up, but came on his “puny yellow bike,” as described by Jade.
Tim, a Mines Alum with a master's degree in Geology, was in town after coming back from working in the Congo. Tim was dressed like a candy pirate for the event. He enjoys the Golden Cruise “for the people, the good times, and the great mix of people in Golden.”
Despite the weather, Woody's was also proud to display their new solar panels. Jon Bortles, the restaurant owner's son, was the main man making it happen. “We worked on getting [the solar panels] over the course of 2 years. Got the bid done working with numerous energy groups.” Xcel and the Golden Urban Renewal Agency (GURA) gave Woody's bonuses for carrying on a more sustainable business. The whole system of 48 panels generating 10,000 Watts of power costs $55,000. “We only ended up paying about $10,000 for the whole thing.”
The panels were supplied by Buglet Solar Electric. Buglet Solar provides solar panels for businesses everywhere in the United States with tax breaks for businesses and homeowners. “And, the solar panels are made right here in the US,” said Mike Helms, dressed as Disco Stu.
Helms, who has been supporting the Golden Cruise since it started, enjoys the event a great deal. “It came from humble beginnings of about 12 people to about 200 people here tonight,” said Helms. “We've given away nearly 200 bikes since this event started, and I still see those bikes around town. It’s just good to help the community.”
The Golden Cruise is an event held on the last Tuesday of every month starting in April and ending before November. Riders bring their bikes and park them in front of Woody's, then at exactly 7:00 PM, they ride them all around town. Justin, who was dressed like an “old-school” Pepsi delivery man, was one of the first people to bring an actual cruising bike when the event first started nearly 3 years ago. “Back then, it was just a few guys riding their bikes around town.” It is also worth mentioning that there have never been any fatalities at the event, “Besides a few of the bikes not working properly,” said Justin.
The costumes at the event were extremely creative and fun. Captain America wouldn't tell anyone his secret identity (even though he had been doing the Golden Cruise since it started 3 years ago), and Denise Mitrano was dressed as a Garden Gnome. Al, the partial organizer for the event and runs the website for Golden Cruise, www.goldensupercruise.com, was dressed as Yukon Cornelius. Kacie, Jade, and Steve were the first people to show up for the event. Kacie was dressed as a disco doll on a giant mountain bike. Jade was dressed as superwoman on her Sears “Free Spirit” bike. Steve didn't dress up, but came on his “puny yellow bike,” as described by Jade.
Tim, a Mines Alum with a master's degree in Geology, was in town after coming back from working in the Congo. Tim was dressed like a candy pirate for the event. He enjoys the Golden Cruise “for the people, the good times, and the great mix of people in Golden.”
Despite the weather, Woody's was also proud to display their new solar panels. Jon Bortles, the restaurant owner's son, was the main man making it happen. “We worked on getting [the solar panels] over the course of 2 years. Got the bid done working with numerous energy groups.” Xcel and the Golden Urban Renewal Agency (GURA) gave Woody's bonuses for carrying on a more sustainable business. The whole system of 48 panels generating 10,000 Watts of power costs $55,000. “We only ended up paying about $10,000 for the whole thing.”
The panels were supplied by Buglet Solar Electric. Buglet Solar provides solar panels for businesses everywhere in the United States with tax breaks for businesses and homeowners. “And, the solar panels are made right here in the US,” said Mike Helms, dressed as Disco Stu.
Helms, who has been supporting the Golden Cruise since it started, enjoys the event a great deal. “It came from humble beginnings of about 12 people to about 200 people here tonight,” said Helms. “We've given away nearly 200 bikes since this event started, and I still see those bikes around town. It’s just good to help the community.”
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