Passes & Canyons Blog

My apologies to anyone reading this who is not in the Denver area; this is a local event only.

You may recall I have written about Octane Alley, an area up on the 2800 block of Walnut Street where there is a tight concentration of motorcycle shops. Erico Motorsports is the original shop to open up there, long before the area got redeveloped and gentrified.

Perhaps because it was necessary to draw customers up to that then-unlikely part of town, Erico has always been a little different, taking uncommon steps to bring folks in. That process continues with the establishment of a small park-like area next door where Erico has been promoting community events.

As one of those community events, this Friday, October 17, “@sofarDenver is transforming Erico Motorsports into an intimate live music venue. Expect an unforgettable night of local artists, great vibes, and a little mystery because you won’t know who’s playing until they hit the stage!”

Doors open for this event at 7:30 with the show slated to begin at 8. The music will continue for up to three hours.

Here’s the rest of the info.

BYOB: Feel free to bring your own drinks, including alcohol. Remember to pack your own cups or bottle openers.

Snacks Welcome: Small snacks are permitted to keep you fueled during the show.

Seating: Mostly floor seating or standing —bring cushions or blankets for added comfort.

Parking: Limited spaces may be available in our lot; public parking available throughout the streets.

Tickets: Secure your spot now and use our exclusive friends & family discount code: ERICO at checkout to receive 20% off!

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience—grab your tickets today and join us for an evening where motorcycles and music collide!

Sounds like it could be fun. Judy and I have been trying to catch more live music lately so we might go–can’t say for sure just yet. Maybe this will be right up your (octane) alley.

Biker Quote for Today

If you want to live a happy life, don’t teach your wife how to ride a motorcycle.

I had seen an article about the opening of a REV’IT! store in downtown Denver. Really? There is enough demand for an actual bricks and mortar store of REV’IT! products in this town? I had to check this out.

Then I took a quick look at Google Maps to be clear on my destination and noticed two things. First, the REV’IT! store was right across the street from Erico Motorsports, which I’ve been to previously, but also, right next door to Erico was a RevZilla store. I didn’t know RevZilla had physical stores either, and there it was in a cluster with the other two shops. More and more interesting.

It was morning and I saw that REV’IT! opened at 11 but RevZilla opened at 10 so I headed down figuring to go to RevZilla first. I parked in front of REV’IT! next to an Indian, crossed the street, and went in RevZilla. There I met Scott who gave me a tour of the place and told me this store had been open about three years. It was the first bricks and mortar store RevZilla opened. They now also have shops in Philadelphia and Newport Beach.

Curious, I asked Scott if, like China Town and Little Italy, did this area have a nickname? It seemed suitable. Yes, he said, it’s called Octane Alley. OK, that’s fun.

RevZilla primarily carries gear such as jackets, pants, and helmets, plus some supplies like oil and cleaners. Other less common items can sometimes be special ordered.

Next, heading over to REV’IT! I was greeted upon entry by Meg, who is the owner of that Indian out front. The sole focus in this store is on REV’IT! products, which consists of boots, gloves, jackets, pants, and riding suits. Plus, this location is the US Headquarters for REV’IT!. Meg not only showed me around the shop, she took me in back to the offices.

I inquired about a replacement insulated liner for my REV’IT! pants but Meg confirmed what I had been told by corporate that something like that can’t be had individually. That was what I figured but it never hurts to ask. What the heck ever happened to my liner? Corporate had suggested I purchase a pair of their insulated inner pants (don’t call it underwear! the tag read) so I asked to look at these. They didn’t have my size in stock, though, so I didn’t try them on. This is just the sort of thing I would like to try on before buying.

The atmosphere around Octane Alley seems pretty collegial. Meg said she knows Scott over at RevZilla and she told me how John, at Erico, was hoping to convert a small space between the Erico and RevZilla shops into something of a gathering spot offering seating, shade, perhaps concessions. That would be nice.

It was a good visit, nice talking with these folks. And now Octane Alley is a place in my mind. And yours.

Biker Quote for Today

Never sacrifice style for speed.