It’s hard to believe, but summer is already starting to wind down. Thankfully there’s still time to get out and check all your “summer fun” items off your list before the cold moves in.

While many of us ride year-round, there’s something special about being able to get around town by bike during these long summer days where the evenings are still nice and warm. And there are so many fun things going on…why not make them more enjoyable by getting there by bike?

Denver: Outdoor exploring

For those of you who live in or around Denver, the Dale Chihuly exhibit at the Denver Botanic Gardens is a must see. If you’re not familiar with his work, he is an American glass artist whose work is featured in more than 200 museums worldwide. The DBG exhibit runs through November 30, 2014. There’s something about biking to the gardens that makes the day or evening into more of an event, and there’s also a B-cycle station for your convenience.

Boulder: Museum exhibit

Most of my cycling friends in Boulder play multiple sports, so why not ride downtown one weekend and check out the Game Changer exhibit (through September 14, 2014) at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art? The exhibit features 12 artists who take a reflective look at modern sports. The museum is easily accessible by the Boulder Creek Path, so make a fun day of it and pack a picnic to eat by the creek.

Steamboat Springs: Earn a treat!

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is eat ice cream. I once rode with an older, retired gentleman who told me he eats Ben & Jerry’s ice cream every night because it helps keep his joints lubricated. Glad to see I’m not the only one who can rationalize anything, but he seemed to think it worked! When in Steamboat, I love to ride out to the general store in Clark and get a big ice cream cone to enjoy before turning around and heading back. At 17 miles each way, this is further than a townie ride, but worth every pedal stroke.

Anywhere: Tour a new neighborhood

I am a big fan of interesting architecture…and also nosing around other people’s homes. A fun way for me to spend a warm Sunday is to map out 3 or 4 open houses that are within a reasonable distance of one another and ride my bike from house to house. Or pick a style of houses (such as mid-century modern) or a well-known architect from your area, and plan your own tour. Keep it casual and stop for coffee or lunch at a place you haven’t tried before along the way.

Bicycling to cultural and community events makes the day so enjoyable and much more than “just” a trip to the museum, etc. You inevitably find a new route or a cute little shop or park that you never noticed before. Enjoy these warm summer days to the fullest while we have them!