Oct

The Best Way to Arvada

Posted by coach Published in Hockey

Apex Ice Arena

Recently I have been taken to task by a hockey mom (don’t worry Trisha, I won’t tell anybody it was you) who insisted that my directions from Fort Collins to the Apex Ice Arena in Arvada Colorado were 15 minutes of travel time that nobody needed to endure, especially in these times of high gasoline prices.

The popularity of four wheel drive vehicles (ie. ubiquitous Ford Explorer 4wd), gas at ~ 3.49/gallon and a roughly 60 mile drive means the average commuter is going to spend approximately $11.50 on this trip.

See: http://www.costtodrive.com/ Your cost may vary.

My directions are a direct result of the insecurity that Colorado driving instills on us former California residents. You see, In California roads and signs make sense. The ‘San Diego’ freeway actually goes to San Diego and is oriented North/South as one would expect. Compare that to the E470 that can be going North, South, East or West?! Or how about S. College Ave. in Fort Collins where one heads South and it becomes Garfield Avenue, then at the 29th cross street Buchanan Avenue, within an couple miles it then becomes N. Lincoln Avenue, it then bends to the west and becomes the Berthoud Parkway. I could go on. For the first year in Colorado I felt like any drive out of my immediate neighborhood (English Ranch) would have me immediately lost, going around in confused circles. What could be easier then I25 to I70 West, to Ward Blvd. Continue to the dead end T intersection and turn right, Apex within a block or so on your left.

Here is the alternate time saving route:

Take the I25 South to E470 Toll Road
Turn Right (West) onto the E470
Continue on E470 to the end whereupon it becomes Interlocken Loop and crosses over the 36
Continue on Interlocken Loop (aka S. 96th St.) to 120th Ave. (aka 128) and turn Right (West)
Note: 128, 120th Ave and Interlocken Loop are all now the same street!
Continue to the Indiana Street (Traffic Signal) and turn Left (South)
Continue on Indiana Street South to 72nd Avenue (Your almost there)
Turn Left onto 72nd Avenue (East)
Note: There are several 72nd this or thats, ie, 72nd Drive, 72nd Street, 72nd whatever…
The Apex Ice Arena will be on your right!