Container Collective Yoga & Bikes (1492 Ammons Street)
Container Collective is a thoughtful pairing of yoga and bicycles, located on Colfax & Ammons Street. Owners Russ and Brittany Hopkins are both extraordinarily knowledgeable about their respective passions; he builds bikes and she teaches yoga (and is actually a professionally trained dancer). They've brought together their skill sets under one roof to collectively promote open mindedness and sustainability. Her yoga classes span all levels, and there's always a new workshop, retreat, or other community event going on. He offers unique two day workshops where you can build your own bike out of bamboo__it's as much about the process as it is about the awesomely hip bike you take (or ride) home. See other articles about Container Collective Yoga & and Bikes in the News HERE! "Wow that is so cool!" That is a typical initial response from someone seeing or hearing about our bamboo bike building workshop, in the Denver area (Lakewood, CO to be specific). That response is usually followed by "What is the black stuff?" and series of other questions about bamboo bikes. So we thought it would be helpful to answer them again here. Why bamboo? Not only is bamboo sustainable. It is as light as carbon fiber and has a ride quality that is superior to aluminum. What is that black stuff? It's carbon fiber thread and epoxy wrapped in specific patterns depending on the load each joint takes. How long does a bamboo bicycle last for? With proper care…a long long time. Like any bike if you leave it in the rain, choose not to service it, and constantly leave it smashed into a bike rack…it could shorten the life of not only the frame but the rest of the bike as well. Is there a special way to maintain a bamboo bicycle? Nope, we coat epoxy on the bamboo to keep it from drying out so just maintain it like any other regular bike! I’m kind of worried about riding a bamboo bicycle... is it safe and secure? Yes – absolutely! Bamboo bicycles actually offer delightful performance: natural shock-absorption, super light, and stiff manoeuvring. Will parts from my old bike fit? As of right now, your bamboo bike frame will be designed around a 700c wheel, with a 25.4 seat post size, a 68mm bottom bracket, and 1 1/8 press fit headset. If you understand what all that means then you can decide if your old bike parts will fit, if you don’t, we will be happy to take a quick look and tell you what parts you might be able to switch over. Can I buy a bamboo bicycle from CCBIKES? At this time CCBIKES doesn’t manufacture bicycles. We strongly encourage people to be part of the bicycle-making process as much as possible. After all, it creates a stronger sense of ownership of your bike! If you have other questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to contact us via email (info@thecontainercollective.com) or phone (720-437-0638)
"I have never been so ready to get on my mat.” I texted my girlfriend after getting the OK to exercise again. It had six weeks since I had my first baby. And before she was born, I hadn’t done yoga for two months or so. My body, my spirit, my mind were way overdue for a date with my mat. Sure I was ready to get back to my practice. But what I hadn’t anticipated was how different everything would feel. This body feels different in all the poses. Sitting in child's pose, which was once a welcome refuge, now feels like torture. My back is tight, my hips are tight and my bum is a mile away from my heels. My knees feel creaky and even my fingers and toes feel stiff in downward facing dog. I skip half the chatarungas. The ones I do complete are modified on my knees. Where I once floated up to the top of my mat, now I walk my feet. My body feels rusty and heavy. And yet, my mind feels clear. As Baron Baptiste writes in 40 Days to Personal Revolution, "If you honor the inner voice that says you are ready to let go of the past and create a new reality, I am confident you will find your way home to the mental clarity, lightness of body and illumination of spirit that comes with whole-life health.” I repeat the words to myself throughout the day. “You are ready now, Anne.” This phrase extended off my mat and into different areas of my life. I am ready now. As I submitted my application to host The Dinner Party - something I’ve been meaning to do for weeks. It’s a potluck dinner meets support group for 20 and 30 somethings who have lost a parent. I wonder if I’m ready for this…I take a breath and tell myself “I am ready now." As I hit reply and type up my interview to an artist I admire, asking him to be a part of an upcoming project I’m working on. The project is about overcoming fear, and writing this interview is something that has scared me into paralysis for eight days now. I take another deep breath and hit send as I whisper “I am ready now.” As I untangle the mess that is the backend of my website and begin to finally implement strategies I’ve been learning in my business class. My momentum completely fizzled in the hospital and today, after an almost 8 week hiatus, I log in and complete an assignment. I open wordpress and figure out how to install a piece that I’ve been stuck on for months. “I am ready now.” As I unroll my mat, my sleeping baby in her bassinet next to me and press play on my guided yoga podcast. This takes enormous discipline for me to do at home, when I initially think “I should probably start back in a studio first.” That thought disappears as I remind myself how much time and effort it takes to go anywhere when you have a newborn. I can do this here, at home. I have everything I need. “I am ready now.” If I’m really honest with myself, I never think I’m ready to do anything. And yet, I do the things. I am mentally ready to get back to my practice, and physically, I’m working my way back to where I once was. One step, one down dog at a time. I am ready now. And so are you. So much love, Anne (Container Collective Yoga studio member and photographer in Lakewood, CO) PS - as you go through your week and come across things that leave you feeling apprehensive or challenged, remember - you are ready now. Anne is a photographer, writer, motivational speaker co-leading our retreat to Crestone, CO in September 2016. 99% of the photos on our website were taken by Anne!!! Follow her on Instagram to be inspired daily @annetalhelm Do you approach life as a yes or a no?
That's the question we encourage you to consider as you flow to this hour-long flow sequenceed by Brittany in her Lakewood, CO yoga studio. We wanted to give you this podcast just because you're awesome! Great for days when you just can't get to a studio whether at home or on vacation - download this free hour-long class to enjoy whenever you need! I didn't quite know what to expect when deciding to participate in the 108 sun salutations in honor of the summer solstice. As I sat on my mat I contemplated what I was about to do and of course subconsciously started making a small list of expectations. I had counted out my 108 mala beads and staring at the large pile I felt the anxiety rising up within me. I was determined to do all the sun salutations to the fullest extent of the pose and as close to perfection as possible. I quieted my thoughts as Brittany's voice sounded in the room welcoming everyone to their mats. She started to explain the importance of modifications in today's practice, encouraging everyone to listen closely to their bodies, and avoid injury. In order to ensure we all practice safely she guided everyone through all of the different modifications we could take and should take! As she carefully went through each pose I was quietly having a battle within. How was I going to be okay with letting go of my expectations and willingly modify my sun salutations. It took me until about sun salutation number 54 to finally get my mind to shut up about its stress for perfection and let my heart lead my practice. My heart wanted a practice of acceptance, love, and thanks. Thanks for having a mind, body, and spirit that was present, courageous, and ever growing as a part of this Lakewood, CO yoga community. I found within me a voice saying that it's not about striving for perfection at all, it's about the journey and the grace that we find in the ever changing moments. I found within me a voice saying that it's not about striving for perfection at all, it's about the journey and the grace that we find in the ever changing moments. In these moments I found that my grace was allowing room for modifications in my practice and accepting them with a whole heart!
~Elizabeth (Container Collective Yoga studio member, Lakewood, CO) |