Denvers Spokes and Scoops: A Self-Guided Cycle Tour

Denver’s Spokes and Scoops offers a unique self-guided cycling adventure that combines scenic routes with delectable treats. Pedaling through the city’s picturesque parks and neighborhoods, participants can discover charming local ice cream shops while enjoying the flexibility to explore at their own pace. With an engaging audio guide and easy-to-navigate directions, this tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the best of Denver’s vibrant culinary and outdoor offerings. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or simply seeking a fun-filled day, the Spokes and Scoops tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the city. There’s more to discover, so read on to uncover the details of this enticing adventure.

About Your Stay

• The self-guided cycle tour, available from October 2, 2019, to July 21, 2025, features Chessman and Confluence Parks, as well as local ice cream shops.
• The route highlights Denver’s natural beauty, including the iconic parks and trails, and allows for exploration of diverse neighborhoods and attractions.
• The tour starts at Little Man Ice Cream and concludes at Amore Gelato, providing a cycling adventure with a sweet ending.
• The experience includes access to the VoiceMap app for audio guides, maps, and geodata, but participants must bring their own bikes.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and feedback suggests the need for improved navigation instructions and easier access to bike rentals.

Overview of the Tour

Denver’s "Spokes and Scoops" is a self-guided cycle tour that takes visitors on a delightful journey through the city’s parks, trails, and local ice cream shops.

This experience, available from October 2, 2019 to July 21, 2025, allows you to explore Chessman and Confluence Parks, travel part of the Cherry Creek Trail, and visit popular ice cream shops like Amore Gelato and Little Man.

The tour’s GPS audio guide provides insights as you bike through the vibrant Santa Fe art district.

While you’ll need to bring your own bike, the self-guided nature of the tour offers flexibility to enjoy this unique way of discovering Denver’s sights and flavors at your own pace.

Route Highlights and Landmarks

The self-guided cycle tour takes cyclists on a visually captivating journey through several of Denver’s iconic parks and trails.

Riders will explore the picturesque Chessman and Confluence Parks, where they can take in the stunning natural scenery.

The tour also includes a portion of the Cherry Creek Trail, offering a scenic route for cyclists.

Pedaling through the vibrant Santa Fe art district, you will encounter local ice cream shops like Amore Gelato and Little Man, allowing them to indulge in delicious treats along the way.

This self-guided adventure provides a well-rounded exploration of Denver’s diverse neighborhoods and attractions, all while enjoying the freedom of cycling.

Starting and Ending Points

The tour begins at Little Man Ice Cream, located at 2620 16th St, Denver, CO 80211, USA.

This iconic ice cream shop serves as the starting point for the self-guided cycle tour. Riders will then weave through Chessman and Confluence Parks, following the Cherry Creek Trail.

The tour culminates at Amore Gelato, situated at 701 12th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA.

This scenic location allows participants to indulge in delicious gelato as they conclude their cycling adventure.

With the starting and ending points clearly defined, cyclists can confidently follow the route and enjoy the full experience of Denver’s Spokes and Scoops.

What’s Included in the Experience

Participants can access the tour’s lifetime offer in English through the VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS devices.

The app provides offline access to the tour’s audio, maps, and geodata, ensuring a seamless experience.

However, participants must bring their own bikes, as the tour doesn’t include bike rentals.

Plus, the cost of food, drink, transportation, and entrance fees to any attractions along the route aren’t covered.

While the tour is private, with only your group participating, it’s important to note that the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s near public transportation options.

Accessibility and Requirements

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s situated near public transportation options.

Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness to complete the self-guided cycle tour. Infants are welcome, but they must sit on laps during the ride.

The route includes navigating through parks, trails, and neighborhoods, so cyclists should be comfortable riding in mixed traffic environments.

While the tour is designed for individuals or small groups, it’s important to consider the abilities and needs of all participants to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Proper attire, such as helmets and comfortable clothing, is recommended.

Feedback and Reviews

Reviewers have offered a mix of feedback on the self-guided cycle tour, with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews.

Common feedback includes:

• Difficulty in finding bike rentals, as the advertised rental company is no longer in business.
• The tour’s starting and ending points being quite far apart, making transportation logistics challenging.
• A desire for more detailed instructions on navigating the route, especially for less experienced cyclists.
• Appreciation for the unique concept of combining cycling and ice cream, but disappointment in the limited number of shops visited.
• Suggestions to include more parks, landmarks, and points of interest along the way to enhance the overall experience.

The tour’s host has acknowledged this feedback and is working to address the issues, including finding alternative bike rental options.

Alternative Bike Rental Options

In response to the feedback regarding the difficulty in finding bike rentals, the tour’s organizers are working to identify and partner with alternative rental providers in the Denver area.

They’re currently in discussions with several local bike shops and independent vendors to offer rental options for participants.

The goal is to make it easier for visitors to access bicycles and complete the full tour itinerary.

The organizers are also exploring the possibility of providing a list of recommended rental locations on the tour’s website and app.

This will ensure that future participants have a smoother experience and can focus on enjoying the cycle tour and ice cream stops.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Own Ice Cream to the Tour?

Based on the provided information, participants can bring their own ice cream to consume during the tour. However, the tour does not include or provide any ice cream – food and drink are not included in the tour package.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Bike Ride?

The tour doesn’t specify a weight limit for the bike ride. However, participants should choose a bike that can comfortably support their weight to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. It’s recommended to check with the bike rental provider for any weight restrictions.

Can I Take the Tour at Night?

The tour can be taken during daylight hours only, as the audio guide and map are not designed for nighttime use. For safety reasons, the tour is not recommended at night.

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet?

Though not explicitly required, wearing a helmet is highly recommended for any self-guided cycling tour to ensure your safety. Helmet use is generally considered a prudent practice when riding a bicycle, regardless of the specific tour or location.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

While pets are generally allowed on self-guided tours, this one is not recommended for pets. The tour route may not be suitable for animals, and the ice cream shops along the way may have restrictions. It’s best to leave your furry friends at home for this cycling adventure.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Denver’s Spokes and Scoops offers an engaging self-guided cycle tour that showcases the city’s picturesque parks, charming ice cream shops, and vibrant neighborhoods. Participants can explore the route at their own pace, using the GPS audio guide to discover insights along the way. With its flexibility and focus on culinary and scenic delights, this tour provides an enjoyable cycling adventure through Denver’s lively urban landscape.