Lyons Outdoor Games

Oskar Blues Lyons Outdoor Games - Images

2010-06-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

Images from the 2010 Oskar Blues Lyons Outdoor Games via www.eddieclarkmedia.com

LYONS OUTDOOR GAMES IS HERE!

2010-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Just in case grab that rain gear that has been sitting in the closet for the last 10 months and come on out to the Games. Remember if you bring it you won't need it. We have had some minor changes in the venues due to the high water levels but rest assured all events are still scheduled for this weekend. The kayaking... events in Meadow Park should be awesome! Be here for all the kayaking, trick bike demos, skate boarding, chainsaw carving, vendor expo area, music, food, dog competitions and all around outdoor enthusiasm. Competitions range in level from professional to beginner creating exciting and entertaining outcomes. There will also be a 5k "Dash and Bash" trail run, clinics, demonstrations, and exhibitions open to the public and performed by elite athletes. All of this will be brought to you by Oskar Blues Brewery and Smith Optics, this three day event offers entertainment for the whole family, the Lyons Outdoor Games is a must see. So, load up the family and head to nearby Lyons for a breathtaking spectacle set among redrock cliffs and shady riverside. This event is FREE to all spectators! Check out the updated schedule of events, maps, donated items for sale and more at our website www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com

LOG is Coming, The RIVER IS CRACKIN'

2010-06-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

The South Saint Vrain river is crakin' & Lyons Outdoor Games is ready to roll. We have world class PLAN A & PLAN B depending on the river levels so it is GAME TIME!! Grab & Dale's Pale Ale & watch the best boaters in the world attack the SSV.

Here are a few shots from the SSV Narrows.

Check out the COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for the weekend that includes Bike Dirt Jumps, Pumptrack & Short Track competitions, dog competitions, live music & a Smith Optics after Party at Oskar Blues Brewery!
Lee McCormack rippin' the Pumptrack.
Jen Gersbach drops into an off camber left hander in the Mountain Bike Short Track.
A Full On Clicked Out Turndown in the Dirt Jump competition.

See you this weekend!

LOG Dash & Bash 5K - Saturday June 12th, 5pm

2010-06-08T09:25:00.001-07:00

LOG Bike Events - Get Some!

2010-06-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Lyons Outdoor Games Ups The Ante: TAO vs. The World

2010-06-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

Check it out at Canoe & Kayak.

Tao Berman has a deal for you: If you can beat him in the Lyons Outdoors Games’ extreme race June 12 he’ll pay you $500, bringing the first-place payday to $1,000.
But Berman also struck a deal for himself: Oskar Blues Brewery stepped to the Microphone & told Tao they would match his offer of $500 & up the ante by providing a year of free beer to him if he can pull out the win.

That’s the deal the 31-year-old extreme racer negotiated with Marty Cronin, the event’s organizer and vice president of sales for Jackson Kayak.
“It all started because I know they have the best race course in the country, but their purse isn’t big enough to attract the country’s best talent,” Berman says.

The race on South St. Vrain Creek began in 2007 when Andrew Holcombe won the inaugural event. But since 2008, no one has had faster lines than Berman.
“When Tao called and started going off on me, I’m like, ‘I’m just trying to make an event go,’” Cronin says. “And then he says ‘I’ll put up $500 of my own money.’ All of the sudden I’m like ‘Holy sh*t, that sounds cool.’ It created a nice little twist.”

“Colorado has a lot of fast paddlers,” Berman says. “Scott Shipley lives in Lyons. I’m willing to put up this money knowing there’s no guarantee that I’m going to win. I’m doing it, partly to give myself even more motivation to train harder.”

The 2010 Oskar Blues Lyons Outdoor Games presentded by Smith Optics

2010-05-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Lyons Outdoor Games has grown into a world class celebration of mountain sports featuring kayaking, mountain biking and even dog events. In addition to competition, the Games will offer clinics and exhibitions put on by elite professional athletes set alongside live music & a party envirment only Oskar Blues Brewery can provide.

Word on the street is that Tao Berman has somethingup his sleeve & Smith Optics is teaming up with Oskar Blues to throw the saturday night shindig...details to come. Keep your eye's & ears here as more develops.

Check our all LOG details via http://www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com/
or
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHEDULE.

www.photo-cycle.com caught great shots last year, take a look at a glimpse HERE.

How cool is Lyons? It's not only a haven for mountain bikers and kayakers, but it's also a green town

2010-03-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

This Boulder Daily Camera article that was published today is just great. It discusses how various businesses and organizations have made Lyons one of the more environmentally friendly towns in the area. The only thing the writer forgot to include in her opening description of who lives in Lyons is the HARD CORE ADVENTURE ATHLETES. We've got world class kayakers, climbers, and mountain bikers.

Read on...

Some people in Lyons think the town's size -- about 1,600 people -- its location -- 20 miles away from Rocky Mountain National Park -- and its mix of artists, young families, professionals, businesses and nonprofits has the potential to create a model for a green community.

"(People believe) we need to do something," says Mindy Tallent, who owns the Stone Cup coffee shop with her husband, Sam. "A lot of new people are coming to town, some new businesses. More of the population is aware of the problems. They want to be part of the solution."

The shop, which emphasizes green practices and community, has served as a gathering place for many Lyons residents.

Final Results for all LOG Kayaking events

2009-07-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Lyons Outdoor Games 2009 Kayak Even Final Results
D. B. Daniel

Slalom Results
Name Time Place
C1 Steve Isenberg 119.78 1
JP Griffith 125.82 2
Alex Dodge 128.72 3
Griff Griffith 135.13 4

K1 Men's Scott Shipley 100.37 1
Griff Griffith 108.47 2
Alex Dodge 109.00 3
Will Grubb 112.37 4
JP Griffith 118.47 5
Henry Heyman 119.66 6
Lamar Simms 126.75 7
Tyler Newton 139.87 8
Jack Heyman 142.16 9
Henry Hyde 159.84 10
Marshall McQuillen 161.19 11
Max Karlsson 267.00 12

K1 Women's Emily Jackson 123.44 1
Lauren Burress 134.34 2
Sarah Dodge 135.13 3
Sage Donnelly 154.94 4
Emily Grubb 243.78 5
Samatha Cole Johnson 334.59

Age Group Results:
C1 - Junior (17 - 18) JP Griffith 125.82 1
Griff Griffith 153.13 2

C1 - Open (19 - 29) Steve Isenberg 119.78 1
Alex Dodge 128.72 2

K1 - Cadet (16 and under) Henry Heyman 119.66 1
Jack Heyman 142.16 2
Henry Hyde 159.84 3
Marshall McQuillen 161.19 4
Max Karlsson 267.00 5

K1 - Junior (17 - 18) Griff Griffith 108.47 1
Will Grubb 112.37 2
JP Griffith 3

K1 - Open (19 - 29) Scott Shipley 100.37 1
Alex Dodge 109.00 2
Lamar Simms 128.75 3
Tyler Newton 139.87 4

K1-W - Cadet (16 and under) Lauren Burress 134.34 1
Sage Donnelly 154.94 2
Emily Grubb 243.78 3

K1-W - Junior (17 - 18) Sarah Dodge 135.13 1
Samatha Cole Johnson 334.59 2

K1-W - Open (19 - 29) Emily Jackson 123.44 1

Ashley Davis Photos of the Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-06-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

I still have more results to post. In the meantime, here are more photos by our LOG photographer, Ashley Davis.

Dirt Jump Comp video

2009-06-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

I put together a short video of the dirt jump comp, but then was sent a link to this really cool video. I'll post mine... later... maybe. Next year I'll have a proper video camera.

According to the main organizer, Glenn Bell of Bitterbrush Cycles, "The bike events were a huge success and a lot of fun. We had at least 400 spectators at the dirt jumps and Pump Track alone. What made this such a success is all of the people behind it. The dirt jump competitors threw it down. The Pump Track competition was the 1st annual. We had about 13 people competing in that event, and I believe 10 in the dirt jumps. We should all give ourselves a pat on the back and have smiles on our faces!"

-Lizzy

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games

More results Dog Competition and Chainsaw Carving

2009-06-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dog Competition Results

1. Houligan (Owner: Ashley Ahrens, Lyons, CO)
2. Siler (Owner: Alli Bozeman, Lyons, CO)
3. Jessi (Owner: Ryan & Jayne, Boulder, CO)
4. Cody (Ryan & Jayne, Boulder, CO)

Dirt Jump
1. Matt Cordova
2. Honorable mention Nick Simcick who landed a back flip after many attempts.

Pump Track
1. John Watt
2. Brandon Turman
3. Will Mc

Chainsaw Carving Comp
1st Place Steve Higgins – Native American and an eagle
2nd Place Joe Hense – Mountain Lion and an Eagle

More photos to come later this week.

LOG Photo's from Photo-Cycle.com

2009-06-15T15:23:00.001-07:00

Check out what came from behind Eddie's lens HERE.

Lyons Outdoor Games 2009 a big success (photos below)

2009-06-15T10:32:00.001-07:00

Despite the bad weather forecasts around the Front Range, we enjoyed perfect temps and no rain both Saturday and Sunday for the 7th annual Lyons Outdoor Games. This was by far the biggest and best event the Town of Lyons has held with between 2,500 and 3,000 people attending.

According to one of the organizers of the kayak events, Marty Cronin of Jackson Kayaks, "It was well attended and sponsored, and I believe the community really saw a great time, so that, to me, is a thumbs up!” The event, he added, was a great boon for the community.

“We have seen the cadet rodeo (kids’ freestyle kayaking). grow 100% each year, from four kids to 13 or 14” Cronin stated. “The cadet rodeo is one of the really important aspects of this event. We have the opportunity to see kids get into the sport and develop skills early on. The real pros in the world all started on the water when they were five and 10 years old. Our plan is, five or 10 years from now, to have a whole new crew of teenagers just ripping. We are super excited to see all this starting to come together at the Lyons Outdoor Games.”

Both the kayak and the bike elements of the Games are hugely positive for both the Lyons and the greater Front Range community.

“Kids winning boats are the ones coming back, and they are bringing their friends,” Cronin stated. “They are having a damn good time, and parents talking to parents. Things are starting to snowball. I’m seeing it in just three years since we’ve been involved.”

Chad Melis of Oskar Blues agreed. “Though there weren’t a huge number of kids competing, the new pump track and dirt jumps were built so that both adults and kids could progress,” he explained. “Using the Games as a way to leverage and create that park is going to pay off in the long term as far as getting kids the skills to participate in the future and have fun on their bikes.”

This is really a huge success story, he added. “We have a $150K skills bike park that we got for just a few thousand dollars (because of volunteer support and sponsorship.,” Melis stated. “The town will benefit, the bike shops will benefit, and the community will benefit.”

Full slalom results and partial creek boat/freestyle results

Adam Barron Memorial South Saint Vrain Creek Boat Race
1. Tao Berman
2. Pat Keller
3. Brian Kirk

Women's Pro Freestyle
1. Emily jackson
2. Ruth gordon
3. Elaine

Men's Pro Freestyle
1. Steven Wright
2. Nick Troutman
3. Brian Kirk

Cadet Rodeo
1. Alec Banderhoof
2. Sage Donnelly
3. Paul Palmer

Slalom Races
C1
1. Steve Isenberg -- 119.78
2. Jp Griffeth2 -- 125.82
3. Alex Dodge -- 128.72
4. Griff Griffeth -- 135.13

K1
1. Scott Shipley -- 100.37
2. Griff Griffeth -- 108.47
3. Alex Dodge2 -- 109
4. Will Grubb -- 112.37
5. JP Griffeth -- 118.47
6. Henry Hyman -- 119.66
7. Lamar Simms -- 128.75
8. Tyler Newton -- 139.87
9. Jack Heyman -- 142.16
10. Henry Hyde -- 159.84
11. Marshall McQuillen -- 161.19
12. Max Karlsson -- 267

K1-W
1. Emily Jackson -- 123.44
2. Lauren Buress -- 134.34
3. Sarah Dodge -- 135.13
4. Sage Donnelly -- 154.94
5. Emily Grubb -- 243.78
6. Samatha Cole Johnson -- 334.59

Age Group Results:

C1 - Junior (17 – 18)
1. Jp Griffeth2 -- 125.82
2. Griff Griffeth -- 135.13
C1 - Open (19 – 29)
1. Steve Isenberg -- 119.78
2. Alex Dodge -- 128.72

K1 - Cadet (16 and under)
1. Henry Hyman -- 119.66
2. Jack Heyman -- 142.16
3. Henry Hyde -- 159.84
4. Marshall McQuillen -- 161.19
5. Max Karlsson -- 267

K1 - Junior (17 – 18)
1. Griff Griffeth -- 108.47
2. Will Grubb -- 112.37
3. JP -- 118.47

K1 - Open (19 – 29)
1. Scott Shipley -- 100.37
2. Alex Dodge2 -- 109
3. Lamar Simms -- 128.75
4. Tyler Newton -- 139.87

K1-W - Cadet (16 and under)
1. Lauren Buress -- 134.34
2. Sage Donnelly -- 154.94
3. Emily Grubb -- 243.78

K1-W - Junior (17 – 18)
1. Sarah Dodge -- 135.13
2. Samatha Cole Johnson -- 334.59

K1-W - Open (19 – 29)
1. Emily Jackson -- 123.44

Thanks to all our awesome sponsors for supporting this event:

Town of Lyons
Oskar Blues (Lyons local)
Smith Optics
Montbell
Subaru
Kelty
Spot Bicycles
Jackson Kayaks
Laughing Grizzly
BMA
Yellow Designs Stunt Team
ACA
Fluid Kayaks
Immersion
Tomahawk
Bitterbrush Cycles (Lyons local)
A Spice of Life (Lyons local)
Blue Sky Mortgage Company (Lyons local)
Ideal Market
Kona
Sierra Designs
Hatrock Excavating (Lyons local)
Bella Energy
Elevation Outdoors
Loki
Mountain Buzz
Leave No Trace
River Gypsies
Blue Mountain Stone (Lyons local)
Vitamin Water
Kokatat
Outdoor Divas
Alpine Sports
Flappy's Print Shop
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen
Barking Dog Cafe
USA Freestyle Kayaking
The Lyons Recorder (Lyons local)
Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists
Planet Bluegrass
LeeLikesBikes.com
Monster energy drinks
Cronin Jewelers
Boss Hogg Enterprises

Lyons Outdoor Games 2009 a big success--PHOTOS

2009-06-15T09:49:00.001-07:00

Marty Cronin and Scott Young chat with kayakers about the course. Watch for more photos of Boater X later this week.

The new Lyons Bike Park will help train future Lyons Outdoor Games competitors.

Maya Bassford and Ignacio Fleishour participate in the river cleanup sponsored by Lyons-based catering company, A Spice of Life. Dan Bruckner, company owner, sponsored a delicious, fresh food breakfast for people who participated. He also sponsored the zero-waste aspect of the event, along with Scott Young, of local company, Blue Sky Mortgage.

A helicopter was brought in to dry the pump track and dirt jumps for the comp. It worked.

Steven Wright brightened everyone's day with his superb skills (he won the pro-freestyle kayak event) and his constant smile.

LOG short track competitors readying for the race.

The chainsaw carving event was one of the newest and coolest events of the Games. The detail on these carvings were awesome. I had no idea these guys were so incredible. Kudos to Bongo Love for putting this aspect of the Games together. I'll put more photos up later this week.

Adam, Amy, AJ Schwartz and mom. Amy and Adam organized the Games in 2008 and the Canine Cannonball in 2009.
Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for promoting such a great event!

Lyons Outdoor Games Short Track Bike results

2009-06-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

This year's Lyons Outdoor Games bike events were a big success with large crowds and plenty of talent.

According to Chad Melis of Oskar Blues, there were 17 participants for the bike short track race.

"It was our first event and there was a national event occurring the same weekend in Colorado Springs, but despite that we thought it was a success," Melis stated. "Racers really liked the course, and most asked if we would have additional short track and cyclocross events in the future. The terrain behind the Lyons High School is great for these sorts of races. We hope this event was something we can build on." The race earned the Town of Lyons about $200 and cost nothing to run because of volunteer efforts.

The dirt jump comp, he added, also went really well. "We had some really high quality jumpers there. The crowd was excited about it. It translated to a good event." For more information on the Dirt Jump comp, please revisit the blog tomorrow. I have posted one video of the event today.

Short Track Race Results:

Men's A (6 Laps)
1. Michael Hosey = $65
2. Brian Fuentes = $35
3. Chad Melis
4. Sean Madson
5. Neil Miner
6. Josh Kravitz
7. Zach White
8. Tim Leahy
9. Dan Farrell

Women's A (5 Laps)
1. Dellys Starr = $25
2. Jen Gersbach = $15
3. Monique Hein
4. Kim Pardoe

Men's B (5 Laps)
1. Scott Hicar
2. Hippie Dave Gardiner
3. Dylan Donohoe
4. Doug Mers

Awesome second day for Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-06-14T06:31:00.001-07:00

The second day of the Lyons Outdoor Games was awesome, with a great showing for all the events. The BMX bike comp was especially exciting, with riders doing back flips and all sorts of other tricks (sorry I don't know the names). Music emanated from Sandstone Park all day, while spectators from throughout the Front Range enjoyed NO RAIN! It was a gorgeous day, and likely we will have another one today. It's sunny with nary a cloud. Today's events include some pretty amazing chain saw carving exhibitions. Forrest, one of the competitors, said that the competition was the best he'd ever been to, with incredibly talented artists. I'll put some photos up tonight, along with photos of the kayaking and bike events that took place yesterday and today.
Hope to see you out for the last day of the Lyons Outdoor Games! There's still plenty of beer left, and bands will be playing in Sandstone Park all day.

Sweet footage of the Adam Barron Memorial South Saint Vrain Creek Race

2009-06-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

The day is gorgeous, and the Games got a jump start this morning with sunshine and a lot of psyched athletes. Thanks to Ideal Market for supplying the fresh, organic apples and bananas that helped the athletes and volunteers start their morning right.

A few hundred people are lining the shores of our ponds for the Canine Cannonball (look for photos Monday, Tuesday), and the kayaking kicked off with a fantastic, exciting race. Plenty of locals (Lyons-Boulder-Denver area) competed (go Scott Young!) alongside the likes of Tao Berman. Berman said he had just come out of a bout with mono, but that didn't stop him from charging down the river. Fun stuff to watch. I got some sweet footage of him from the top of the Oskar Blues bus (don't tell). Yeehoo. I should have some video footage up here in the next day or two and then a short film in the next month.

I'm heading down to check out some of the bike comps. They had a helicopter out there this morning drying the dirt jumps. I'm sure the sun is helping. It's party cloudy, warm and gorgeous. Hope to see a bunch of locals out today for beer, music, and extreme sport fun!

-Lizzy

Rivers are high and kayakers are stoked

2009-06-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

The river's high and the kayakers are psyched. The Black Bear hole was packed today with kayakers practicing and taking Jackon Kayak clinics. I watched cars with kayaks on top drive up and down the canyon, likely running the river and/or checking out the roadside drops. In fact, tomorrow kicks off with the Adam Barron Memroial South Saint Vrain Creek Race, during which two world champs Tao Berman and Scott Shipley are going to be going head to head.

The day is also full of dog competitions, additional kids and amateur kayak comps and slalom races, dirt jump comps, and clinics and exhibitions in kayaking, chainsaw carving, skateboarding, and fly fishing. Temps are supposed to be in the low 70s, with a chance of showers. So bring your sunscreen and your rain coats. There's beer, music, and thousands of dollars worth of cool outdoor equipment stuff that will be auctioned and raffled off. See you tomorrow!

Lyons Outdoor Games - FRIDAY 6/12 Schedule

2009-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

10AM - Jackson Kayak clinic - Black Bear Hole
Chain Saw Carving Exhibition - Meadow Park

4PM - Kayak Pro Free Style Prelims – Black Bear Hole
Skateboard Comp - Kurt Carlson Skate Park

5PM - Oskar Blues Beer Tent Open & Kickoff BBQ Includes Live Music - Sandstone Park

8PM - Yellow Designs Stunt Team Bike Trial Demo - Sandstone Park

Check out the entire Schedule of Event for Friday, Saturday & Sunday HERE.

Lyons Outdoor Games gets press

2009-06-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

As we approach opening day, the Games are getting a lot of press. Check out this Denver Post article, and this Rocky Mountain Sports article. Watch for a Boulder Daily-Camera article, two pieces in the Lyons Recorder, and two in the Berthoud Recorder.

Laughing Grizzly to teach fly fishing 101 classes at Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-06-08T22:45:00.001-07:00

LYONS, CO (May 4, 2009)– Laughing Grizzly to teach its biggest classes at June 12-14 Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues

Longmont-based fly fishing shop, Laughing Grizzly, is running its most expanded fly fishing course for beginner and novice fishers at the 7th Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues.

The Lyons Outdoor Games is the Town of Lyon’s annual extreme sports event. It includes competitions and races in kayaking, mountain and BMX biking, and skateboarding, and clinics and exhibitions in everything from fly-fishing to chainsaw carving. Organizers of the event decided to expand the fly-fishing component of the event this year, and Laughing Grizzly took the bait and ran with it. They will be doing a basic “fishing 101 class,” said Mike Kruise, co-owner of Laughing Grizzly.

“This is our first time doing anything like this for the masses,” he added. The class includes a casting and line control clinic, stream ecology, bug life, what flies to use, and an on the water presentation. Kruise hopes to really involve the audience/participants in the clinics.

Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop is owned and operated by Kruise and Scott Bley. They grew up fishing local waters, including the St. Vrain, the Big Thompson, the Cache La Poudre, and the lakes and streams of Rocky Mountain National Park. For more information, please contact Kruise at laughinggrizzly@comcast.net.

Camping for the Lyons Outdoor Games will be available in Meadow Park. To register online please go to www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com. If you have any questions please call Lyons Parks and Recreation at 303-823-8250 or email recreation@townoflyons.com.

Lots of free stuff to be auctioned and raffled off at the 7th annual Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues

2009-06-08T22:17:00.001-07:00

Kokatat Destination has donated a bunch of stuff (just a few items are pictured here.) The Greenbriar Inn, which is just a few minutes from Lyons, donated some gift certificates (their food is awesome, and they have a wine selection that numbers in teh thousands!) Fluid Whitewater Boats donated a boat; Immersion Research has donated a Spray Skirt; JJ Booksh donated a 90-minute massage; Jackson Kayaks has donated a kayak; Cronin Jewelers donated a gorgeous ring. I'll post more stuff tomorrow. There's also a load of stuff coming in from our other sponsors: Kelty, Sierra Designs, Spot Bikes, Elevation Outdoors magazine, Montbell, and many others.

June 7th DJ/Skills Park Dig Day

2009-06-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

We had a good turnout to knock out more of the skills park work that needed to get done in preparation for the Lyons Outdoor Games. Thanks to everyone that came out, the progress over the past 2 weeks has been unbelievable. We got to Dig & we got to Ride....here's a taste.

Thanks again for every one's support over the last few weeks, hope to see you this weekend at the games. www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com
This weekend is going to be OFF THE HOOK! Check out the Schedule HERE.

South Saint Vrain Class V kayaking video, The Narrows

2009-06-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Cool video of the Class V drops and rapids of the South Saint Vrain River, Lyons, Colo. World champion kayakers will be racing down this river at next week's Lyons Outdoor Games.

Dig & Ride - Dirt Jump/Skills Park this SUNDAY

2009-06-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Lyons Bike park is nearly done!

Come out this Sunday and help put the finishing touches on the Bike park up in Lyons, and don't forget your bike! Digging, riding, and refreshments are all on the agenda. Call Glenn with any questions: 303.823.8100

_________________

Our efforts to build a world-class bike park in Boulder have encouraged other similar parks, including our neighbors to the north in Lyons.

The Lyons Bike Park design is approved and ready to build. The park, located very close to the Lyons end of the Picture Rock Trail, will feature a pump track, natural terrain loop, BMX rollers, tabletops, jumps, and more. The budget is tiny, but the fun factor promises to be huge.

The team will need volunteers for final shaping, including a handful of experienced rider/builders to lead work groups. Construction is set to begin in the next couple weeks, and the park should be rocking for the Lyons Outdoor Games, June 12-14. For more information, check out www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com

Getting down to the wire

2009-06-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Lyons Outdoor Games is less than two weeks away, and the town's dozens of volunteers are cranking along. The Lyons Bike Park (new public pump track) is nearly finished, and the other sites are being readied.
In addition to the tons of sponsors we already have on board, we are pleased to announce Whole Foods is donating fresh fruit for all volunteers and competitors. Plus, we've welcomed Elevation Outdoors Magazine on board as our media sponsor. They are bringing tons of mags to the event, as well as goodie bags and donations for the auction.
Check out the blog next Monday for a complete list of all the fantastic auction items we will have at the Games. Also check in the next few days for the South Saint Vrain video, an article on World Champion kayaker (and Lyons local) Scott Shipley, as well as other news of the Games!

This blog sponsored by Lyons Outdoor Games

Lyons Bike Park, Boulder County's first public pump track

2009-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Boulder County to get its first mountain bike/BMX pump park in Lyons, Colo.

With significant help from local sponsors, designers, and a lot of volunteers, the Town of Lyons, Colo., is building Boulder County’s first pump park in time for its 7^th annual Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues, held June 12-14. The three-day event includes various extreme biking and kayaking competitions, as well as demos and comps in other sports, from skateboarding to fly fishing.

“The new pump park will add an exciting mountain biking component to the Games,” stated Lyons’ Parks and Recreation Director Dave Cosgrove. “Now bikers will be able to go really big. The jumps will send them flying. It should be thrilling for both competitors and spectators.”

The pump park will also open the door for local and regional bikers of all skill sets to hone their skills prior to hitting the nearby open space trails, he added. Located within town limits in Bohn Park, it will combine aspects of dirt jump riding, skills riding, and a pump track. Parts of it, including the practice loop, will be rideable year round because it will incorporate the native Sandstone of the area, donated by Lyons-based Blue Mountain Stone.

Lee McCormack, founder of Pump Track Nation, designed the course. “This kind of park hasn’t been done,” he stated. “The inclusion of natural terrain and materials makes it unique.” Parks in other areas of the country often utilize bridges, but in Colorado riders must contend with riding over rocks.

“This park is being created specifically for fun’s sake, but also to help people enjoy the local riding,” McCormack explained. He has spent hours actually recreating some difficult sections of local trails, utilizing his own experiences on those trails and measurements he took.

The pump park, says Glenn Bell, owner of Lyons-based Bitterbrush Cycles and one of the course’s main advocates, will be a boon to the town’s recreational offerings. “We can have more competitions other than the Lyons Outdoor Games, generate a lot of fun, and maybe get people to stay in Lyons and shop.”

Bell initiated the creation of the pump park soon after opening his shop. He soon got the Town on board, enlisted the help of McCormack, and less than a year later, it is now a reality.

“It’s going to be a place anyone can ride and have a great time,” Bell said, enthusiastically.

“It’s just another great collaborative effort in Lyons that truly highlights what our parks department is capable of accomplishing with very few resources,” Cosgrove added.

The town will be holding bike clinics at the park, as well as competitions. For more information, please visit the www.LyonsOutdoorGames.com, or contact Dave Cosgrove at davec@townoflyons.com.

Fly Fishing in Lyons

2009-06-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

Water levels in the St Vrain are still pretty high, so past advice still holds: fish the soft water on the edges and behind midstream obstructions using nymphs such as the Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear and Copper John trailing a pink or purple San Juan Worm. While hatching insects may be rare, you may see Blue Wing Olives or Pale Morning Duns- match the hatch with an appropriate pattern or a Parachute Adams.

Lyons Bike Park Is A Go!

2009-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that showed up to make the bike park build day such a success. We had about 40 people show up to help get this thing whipped into shape. We managed to get the pump track in place and burned in, two of the table tops formed and the second ramp for the big jumps built. Not to mention all of the fun we all had riding the park. Thanks so much to Lee McCormack, Lefthand Excavating, Dave Cosgrove, BMA, Yellow Designs, Hatrock Excavating and everyone that showed up!

Lyons Outdoor Games to be 90% Zero Waste event

2009-06-01T08:14:00.001-07:00

The Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, sponsored by Oskar Blues, to be zero-waste event in 2009

Working with Boulder-based EcoCycle, Scott Young of Lyons-based Blue Sky Mortgage and the Lyons Outdoor Games organizers are running a zero-waste event in 2009.

“These days, financial incentive causes individuals and businesses to begin to notice and take part in green efforts, but it is secondary to the critical need for all of us to make the paradigm shift to a green way of living,” Young explains. “My personal and business philosophy is to make as small a carbon footprint as possible, and sponsoring the zero-waste component of LOG ties in perfectly with that philosophy.”

According to Dan Bruckner, co-owner of the catering company A Spice of Life and the man who spearheaded the zero waste efforts at the Games in previous years, “Composting all the waste from events like these is just as important as recycling. When you put organic materials into landfills it’s creating not just carbon emissions but also methane emissions, which are even worse for the environment.”

After applying zero-waste efforts successfully at his own business (reducing the landfill waste he produced by 90 percent), Brucker approached Lyons Outdoor Games organizers with the idea. They started out with a successful zero-waste breakfast in 2007 and then a zero-waste BBQ and movie night in 2008, during which all cans and bottles were recycled, and all foodstuff (bones, meat included) and corn-based cups and potato starch based cutlery were gathered for composting. Local volunteers manned stations to ensure people discarded their items into the proper containers.

“Between all the beer cans we picked up, food waste, plates, forks, etc, we had a 98 percent diversion rate from landfills,” Bruckner stated. “That means out of all the waste generated by 250 people in Sandstone Park during the barbeque, only two percent went to landfills, and the rest was recycled.” Once collected by EcoCycle, the materials are turned into soil within three months and then sold.

Composting and recycling isn’t just good for the environment, Bruckner added. According to a ground breaking Wasting and Recycling in the United States report published in 2000, "On a per-ton basis, sorting and processing recyclables alone sustains ten times more jobs than landfilling or incineration." And according to EcoCycle, zero-waste events “herald fundamental change” in the way governments subsidize wasting, manufacturers design products and packaging, and people manage resources in general.

This year, landfill waste will be eliminated from 90 percent of the event.

“Really it’s all about creating as little landfill waste as possible,” added Bruckner. “If you can do that you’re really truly doing good for the earth.”

Adds Young, “If we strive for zero waste in our day-to-day consumptive activities, then we set our sights on perfection. If we set a high goal, then we will achieve a greater level of success. Wouldn't it be great if we could close the garbage dumps?”

The Lyons Outdoor Games are a multi-sport extreme sports competition held every summer in Lyons. Events include kayaking races and trick comps, mountain biking and BMX events, as well as skateboarding, fly fishing, chainsaw carving and other demos. The event also includes live music throughout the weekend, outdoor industry booths, BBQ, and plenty of beer.

For more information, please contact the Lyons Parks and Recreation at 303-823-8250 or emailrecreation@townoflyons.com.

Scott Young’s Blue Sky Mortgage Group works with first time homebuyers and seasoned investors to develop sensible, intelligent mortgage solutions based on current needs, with a view to the future. Their goal is to play a part in guiding our clients along the road to financial success.

Dan Bruckner’s A Spice of Life Catering is a full-service event company providing ‘a fresh approach to a memorable event’ since 1987. They combine exceptional cuisine, years of experience, and a dedication to details that will add the right spice to any occasion.

River update for A-Hole

2009-05-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Beau and I got some time in the A-Hole last night at about 400cfs. It was awesome. Best I've ever seen it.

Thanks,

Adam

More photos from Lee's site

2009-05-28T07:25:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Lee McCormack at LeeLikesBikes.com for all the photos and updates. For more information, photos, and regular updates, visit his site. Or, visit Glenn Bell's Bitterbrush Cycles blog by clicking here, or the link on the right side of the page.

The rock sections provide a range of lines, from super easy to pretty darn tricky. Glenn Bell, owner of Bitterbrush Cycles, tests out the course.

Tomorrow:

- More super-pro jump shaping thanks to Brandan.

- Left Hand will start building the technical climb/descent.

- Start placing the various jumps and rollers, as well as the pump track.

Saturday:

Massive dig/ride session. Most of the dirt should be placed. I hope we’ll be doing final shaping and testing.

- We’ll start at 9 a.m. and go all day. Bring any tools you have: shovel, metal rake, tampers, McCleods, skid steerers … helicopter parking is available.

- Bring your bike!!! We need to burn in the lines, my friends. The rock lines are rideable now; the trick jumps will be ready tomorrow.

- Lyons Bike Park is right next to Bohn Park in Lyons. Google map.

Mega huge thanks to
The growing list of rock stars: Doug, Jake and Scooter from Left Hand Excavating; Raul from Blue Mountain Stone; parks director Dave Cosgrove and the entire Lyons work crew; Glenn from Bitterbrush Cycles; Brandan Turman; Brian, John, Dominic from the Yellow Designs Stunt Team; Sam, Chad, Nick, Ian, the list goes on … and The Wife, who brought me lunch and looked hot.

Go Team!

For something like this, you need equipment and love. And we have both.

— Lee

More photos and May 27 update from LeeLikesBikes.com

2009-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

The limiting factor has been getting enough dirt to the site. You can’t imagine how stoked I was to see this monster from Left Hand Excavating. What the City of Lyons trucks can move in a full day, this baby moves in one load. Game on!

This is how the pros build big jumps: Scooter moves the dirt. Jake checks the elevations with his computerized voodoo tool. Scooter adjusts accordingly. Then, Brandan Turman — local DJ riding/building stud — shapes a narrow section in the middle of the lip by hand …… and Scooter copies that shape across the entire lip (in about one minute).

Brandan, Sam, John and Dom spend a few hours ultra-fine-tuning, packing and watering — and bam: You have a very sweet step-up that will get half the kids in Lyons doing backflips. For the Lyons Outdoor Games, a wooden takeoff will be placed in front of the lip you see. HUGE!

Pump Park update and photos May 26

2009-05-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

From Lee McCormack: For more information and photos, visit his site.

T-minus 15 days until the Lyons Outdoor Games. The weather is bad and the resources are spare, but things are starting to take shape.

Left Hand Excavating works from the fence-line stakes. We mountain bikers need to see flags on the ground. It’s cool to see how everything will fit together.

Doug from left Hand Excavating told me to mark the features using stakes along the fence. Every stake has a stake number (linked to the diagram), name of feature, inset from the fence, height of feature and length of feature. Lee Likes Obsessive Compulsion dot com!

Raul, the owner of Blue Mountain Stone, delivers the sandstone himself. Jake from Left Hand (a trail moto rider) is stoked to start building some SICK rock sections. “I’ve been placing rock for four years, and it’s never this cool.”

Yellow Designs team to test out Lyons Pump Park

2009-05-28T06:33:00.001-07:00

When: Tuesday, May 26, 2009 12:00 AM to Saturday, May 30, 2009 12:00 AM (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada).

Where: Bohn Park

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Week of May 25-29:

Area A: Place and shape main hill, rollers/jumps/slalom.

Brandon Turman will be there May 27-28 to shape jumps.

DAVE: Have materials for the wooden takeoffs by Monday, May 25.

Brian Gavagan and the Yellow Designs Stunt Team will be there May 26-29 to build the wooden lips, help finish the dirt work and test the trick jumps. Brian is setting the schedule with his guys. They will help however they can. ***Photo op for P.R.***

The more we have in place when these guys show up, the better!!!

Check out Lyons' latest weather

2009-05-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Lyons Recorder has a Web Cam on its site on which you can check out the local weather. Click here.

Note from Bitterbrush Cycles regarding new Lyons Pump Park

2009-05-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

We are hoping to have some volunteers help us move and shape dirt this Saturday. We will be there from 9am to around 4pm. Please feel free to stop by at any time. We will have some tools available, but feel free to bring extra shovels, rakes, etc.
The work will be followed by the 2nd annual barn burner at Wayne Anderson's. Food and tasty beverages will be provided. If it's anything like last year it should be a blast. Please contact me or Glenn with any questions you might have. You can email or call me at (303)898.9003, or you can contact Glenn at Bitterbrush (303)823.8100. Also feel free to pass this email along to any of your friends that may be interested in helping out.
Thanks for your help!

DJ / Skills park BMA volunteer work day

2009-05-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

Dirt Jumps & Pump Track updates: We continue the success of 2008 by updating the Lyons Dirt Jump area in preperation for the Lyons Outdoor Games (June 12-14). We will have a BMA hosted Volunteer Work Day on Saturday My 29th starting at 9:00am, tools are provided so come & join us.

The Town of Lyons has been working with Lee McCormack from Lee Likes Bikes and Yellow Designs Stunt Team to make The Lyons DJ/Skills Park a unique and one of the most promising parks in the state.

Hall Ranch, Lyons, Colorado

2009-05-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Oskar Blues providing us with this cool video of mountain biking on Hall Ranch.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

Lyons, Colorado, River Report

2009-05-24T13:38:00.001-07:00

The River is 325 right now on the gauge, so that is probably about 225+ in South Saint Vrain River. Oh yeah!
-From Scott Young

Lyons-to-Boulder Regional Trail Open House

2009-05-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Lyons To Boulder Trail Update
Project Open House

Please mark your calendars for the next Lyons-to-Boulder Regional Trail Open House. The open house will have a walk through format with no formal presentation, therefore, please come when it best works for schedule.

The next open house for the Lyons to Boulder trail is coming up!

Lyons-to-Boulder-Regional Trail Open House
June 23, 2009
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Barn A - Boulder County Fairgrounds
9595 Nelson Road, Longmont (see attached map)

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and see you in June!

Boulder County Transportation Department
Lyons to Boulder Regional Trail
(303) 441-3900
www.LyonstoBoulderTrail.com

Info courtesy of Redstone Cyclery blog.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Town of Lyons, Colorado

More Lyons, Berthoud, and Longmont kids kayaking

2009-05-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Berthoud residents Garrett and Keegan Parker just learned how to kayak, but will be competing at the Lyons Outdoor Games in the Cadet Rodeo. Keegan is in the black boat, and Garrett is in the red boat.

Blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games

Fishing Update

2009-05-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

The annual snowmelt runoff is in full force all over the state. The St Vrain River system is no exception, with high water on both the North and South branches. The stretch between Bohn Park and McConnell Drive is very fishable right now. Fish a small streamer like a black or olive Woolly Bugger through the deeper holes, or a two nymph rig such as a Pheasant Tail or Prince Nymph trailing a pink or purple San Juan Worm in quieter water along the edges or behind boulders or other obstructions. Look for the Laughing Grizzly at the Lyons Outdoor Games. We'll be doing on-the-water fly fishing demos.

Yellow Designs Stunt Team

2009-05-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

Yellow Designs Stunt Team to perform at Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues

The Denver-based Yellow Designs Stunt Team will be performing at the new Lyons Pump Park at this year’s Lyons Outdoor Games, to be held June 12-14. The Games are a competitive, multi-sport event sponsored by Oskar Blues and two-dozen other local and outdoor industry businesses. More that 200 participants, including world-class kayakers and mountain bikers, will be competing, and organizers expect more than 2000 spectators.

According to Dave Cosgrove, director of the town’s parks and recreation department, “We are excited to have the Yellow Designs Stunt Team at this year’s Games. These professional riders are the best in the nation. The show will be great!”

The team’s founder, Brian Gavagan, and team member James McGraw will open the event with their ‘balancing act on wheels’ Friday night in Sandstone Park. Over the weekend, the team will also perform high-flying aerial shows with portable ramps as well as flatland-freestyle demonstrations. Saturday there will be a skateboard competition at the skatepark that Yellow Designs will help facilitate, and team riders Jon Chin and Dominick Ruminer will be teaching kids "Bike Skills" at the new bike dirt course. Also that day, there is a Dirt-Jumping competition that will give spectators a chance to witness spins and flips and many amazing aerial moves by local riders and Yellow Designs Pro BMXers and mountain bikers.

Along with performing halftime shows for the Denver Broncos and competing in the Dew Action Sports Tour, Teva Games and Crankworks, The Yellow Designs Stunt Team also teaches "Bike Skills" Enrichment classes through Denver public schools.

Yellow Designs originally started as a clothing company in Wyoming in 1991. The owner, Brian Gavagan was an artist and loved riding bikes, so the two passions came together with bike-specific designs printed on shirts, sweats and jackets. Brian turned Pro at the X Games in 1997 and ended up breaking his ankle in the finals and took a two years off to heal and create a plethora of artwork for Yellow Designs. After traveling for eight months with a backpack around Europe and the Middle East, Gavagan returned to Colorado with the idea to bring the excitement and action of BMX stunt-riding to the public, without the formality and stresses of competition. The Yellow Designs Stunt Team was formed, portable ramps were built and the clients were excited to bring live action stunt-riding, music and announcing to special events around the country. The Yellow Designs team has performed hundreds of shows in Colorado and in over a dozen states in the USA.

For more information on the Yellow Designs Stunt Team, please visit:
http://www.yellowdesigns.com

Kids kayaking in Lyons

2009-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

The kids program in Lyons is going strong. There are two boys Garret and Keagan Parker, who will be competing in the Lyons Outdoor Games cadet rodeo. Other participants are: Teagan Johnson from Longmont, Ilse Meiler from Lafayette, And Spencer Huff from Lyons. Teagan if pictured here.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.
Photos by Daily Up Photography, Becky Parker

New report on the South Saint Vrain

2009-05-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

SSV is coming up now. We paddled it on Sunday at 220 on the gauge, water coming over the Old South gauge rock. Fun, no carnage, some really nice lines at Jihad, mine not included!

I think BB and A-hole will be looking good now too. Booth, you getting looped?

Scott Young
President
Blue Sky Mortgage Group, Inc.
Tel: 303.823.0567
FAX: 720.746.2844
www.blueskymortgagegroup.com

2009 DJ/Skills Park Upgrade for Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-05-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Town of Lyons has been working with Lee McCormack from Lee Likes Bikes and Yellow Designs Stunt Team to make The Lyons DJ/Skills Park a unique and one of the most promising parks in the state! It will have a natural terrain area with step ups, step downs, and an awesome pump track.

Below is a general schedule of the plan, please notice & let us know if you are interested in participating in the volunteer days below in Bold:

Week of May 18-22:

All materials delivered - Locations marked. Ready to build.

Week of May 25-29:

Area A: Place and shape main hill & Jumps, rollers/jumps/slalom.

Brian Gavagan and the Yellow Designs Stunt Team will be there May 26-29 to build the wooden lips, help finish the dirt work and test the trick jumps. Brian is setting the schedule with his guys. They will help however they can. ***Photo op for P.R.*** The more we have in place when these guys show up, the better!!!

Area B: Start placing dirt/rock on small hill, pump track, natural terrain loop. Get as far as possible on this, focusing on LHE placing the rock. Multiple equipment crews would be ideal, so we can double-team.

Weekend of May 30-31:

Volunteer work/ride day(s). Hopefully minimal sweeping/shaping/massaging. We will plan this day based on where we are. Barn Burner After Party!

Week of June 1-5:

Finish building small hill, pump track, natural terrain loop. Final tweaks.

Get people to ride as much as possible.

Weekend of June 6-7:

Work/ride days. The park should be built by now. These sessions should be mostly riding and community building.

For more info please contact Glenn at
Bitterbrush Cycles
324 Main Street
Lyons, CO
303.823.8100

World Champion freestyle kayaker Ruth Gordon to compete in Lyons Outdoor Games June 12-14 and promote breast cancer awareness and prevention

2009-05-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Story by Lizzy Scully
Photos courtesy of Ruth Gordon

In an effort to promote awareness and prevention for breast cancer, World Champion freestyle kayaker Ruth Gordon is embarking on her Paddle Pink tour this May. One of her stops will be the Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues, where she will hold Paddle Pink clinics and compete. The Games are a Lyons-based multi-sport event that draws world champion kayakers and national champion mountain bikers, as well as skateboarders, fly fishers, and other athletes.

Gordon was inspired to start her Paddle Pink tour by her grandmother’s battle with breast cancer. “My grandmother is an excellent role model,” she says. “At 86 she still plays tennis everyday and faces life with a smile.” One day while discussing the subject, Gordon’s grandmother said that she hoped someone close to her would work to raise awareness for the disease.

“I stepped up to her cue,” Gordon explains. “I love the idea of giving back, especially to a cause that I've seen negatively affect so many people.” Her first event was held in Moab, Utah, the weekend of May 16, and she will be holding events throughout Colorado this summer, including at the 7th annual Lyons Outdoor Games.

Having competed in Lyons in 2007, she realized the Games were a perfect venue for disseminating her message. “I'd like to reach as many people as possible in an intimate setting, and this event provides just that,” she says. And kayaking, she adds, offers a level of activity for “everybody’s pace,” so the sport can reach out to all types of people.

Paddle Pink participants will enjoy a two-hour session of whitewater kayaking with Gordon, who has been teaching kayaking since 2002. Participants will learn freestyle kayaking techniques and find out how they can protect themselves and their loved ones from breast cancer.

“This memorable experience could potentially bring together a group of paddlers in Lyons and give each of them a chance to learn about breast cancer prevention – steps that may one day save lives,” Gordon says. “We are paddling with purpose.”

All proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more information, visit Gordon’s Web site at: ruthgordon.ca or email her at ruth@jacksonkayak.com. You can also watch a YouTube video of Gordon here.

for more information on the Games, please visit the site or blog.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

River conditions for kayaking in Lyons, Colorado

2009-05-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

This just in from local kayaker Adam Schwartz:
"Got our for a bit of play on the A-Hole yesterday. It was great as usual. Plenty of water to throw ends, loops and a bunch of other tricks that I can't do. This is by far the best the hole has been since I've been paddling it for the last couple of years. The new rocks Arn placed last fall have made a huge difference. The hole is really even all the way across with a nice pile right on top of the loop slot in the rocks. Warm water, 70 degrees and sunny... What an unbelievable mid-May day. Also did some slalom paddling a couple of days ago below the October Hole. That's such a perfect spot to get a work out in. Even with just four gates, the water is so dynamic below that hole that it's a great little training spot.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

Trail conditions for Lyons

2009-05-15T12:13:00.001-07:00

Pretty much anything east of the Peak to Peak is good at this point. Trail conditions are prime!

Dave
http://www.redstonecyclery.com
Lyons, CO

Bike Report from Dave Chase

2009-05-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

I stole this off Dave Chase's blog.

Tuesday Ride 5/12
It has been described by some as tough jeep road climbs with hiking thrown in combined with fun, steep and technical flowy descents. It has been described by others as having climbs that make you feel like you were punched in the stomach and want to vomit combined with descents hair raisingly steep and rocky.

However you slice it, Left Hand Canyon OHV area offers up a unique experience. I mean, heck, if the views are top notch and the descending is good enough that local dh'ers push their bikes up to come down the singletrack, it's worth hitting.

Bike shop at 5:30pm and the LHC parking lot at 6ish. We'll be at the lower pullout on the lefthand (south) side of the road just below the main jeep road entrance.

This blog sponsored by Lyons Outdoor Games.

More cool stuff to do in Lyons

2009-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. Spring is here and it's time for our annual Lyons area ride/party/ride/party/ride shindig! Come on out for the 9th Annual Lyons Fat Tire Fest. Dates this year are the weekend AFTER Memorial Day. Friday 5/29-Sunday 5/31. We'll have bike polo, group rides, a poker run, and we've got the party barn at Oskars reserved. Dinner at Oskars will be a fundraiser for BMA. Onsite camping this year, too!

More details are here:
www.lyonsfattirefest.blogspot.com

Since we're trying to get a grip on approximate attendance numbers please rsvp to:
lyonsfattirefest@gmail.com so it won't be quite as disfunctional as in years past :)

Dave
http://www.redstonecyclery.com
Lyons, CO

This blog sponsored by Lyons Outdoor Games.

May 12 Lyons River Report, by Matt Booth

2009-05-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

I paddled the Play Park today. I would guess the flow to be about 160 in town. The Black Bear hole was amazing (as usual). You can surf all day and do left and right spins ad nauseam. Very low angle cart wheels are possible. The A-Hole is amazing. The new river right wing is really focusing the waters energy into the center of the pile. The hole is nicely retentive and steep enough for my first completed air loop of the season. The hole is much better at these lower flows than in years past and looks as though it will be nice and juicy at higher flows. I went to look at the new gage we made for SSV (Thanks To Arn) It is at negative 3 inches. (Down 3 inches from 4 days ago). A rough guess of a decent flow is 6 inches. That's all I got.

May 5 SSV kayaking report

2009-05-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

"Flows (on South Saint Vrain River) looked to be about 90 cfs today (rough guess). Tomorrow would need a big spike. I started a rock gage in Bohn Park. First line is TOO Low."
From Matt Booth, local kayaker

"Too low. We need a couple of warm days, but I am ready to go as soon as my rock tells me to!"
Scott Young, local kayaker

Catch and Release on the St Vrain!

2009-05-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday evening, May 4, the Lyons Town Board of Trustees unanimously passed an ordinance that mandates fishing with flies and lures only, with catch and release regulations, on the St Vrain River through the Town. Town Staff worked closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to ensure that the regulations outlined in the Town Ordinance are consistent with CDOW catch and release regs.

In addition to this good news, CDOW has also announced its intention to stock up to 50,000 three inch Hofer rainbows into the river this fall. The Hofer strain is a fast growing, whirling disease-resistant rainbow. This should give us a nice population of catchable rainbows next year, and a mix of browns and 'bows similar to pre-whirling disease days.

Finally, the North and Sout St Vrains are flowing at typical spring levels, but still quite fishable. Try a two nymph rig with a Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, or Copper John trailing a pink or purple San Juan Worm, or, if fish are rising (probably to a Blue Wing Olive Hatch), try a BWO dry with a Barr Emerger dropper, a Parachute Adams or an Elk Hair Caddis. Alternatively, fish an attractor dry fly (Lime Trude, Royal Coachman Trude or LA Ant) with a mymph or San Juan Worm dropper.

We'll be posting St Vrain fishing reports from time to time, so let us know about your fishing. See you on the river.

Local youngster getting big air at the Lyons dirt jumps

2009-05-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

A local dad and volunteer sent this video of his future big air champ at the dirt jumps that proceeds from the Lyons Outdoor Games help to build.

As part of this years games the Dirt Jump Park will be upgraded to include a pump track.

Ron wrote:

"Hi Reed, I just wanted to share this clip I took of my son riding at the dirt jumps. Its this kind of stuff that makes me appreciate all the hard work you guys do to bring these things to our town. My kids have endless opportunities to get involved in positive things like paddling, climbing, biking etc etc as they grow up."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7JqmD-K6r4

RF

Yellow Designs Stunt Team to come to Games

2009-05-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Members of the Yellow Design Stunt Team are coming to this year's Lyons Outdoor Games. To read more about them, click here.

Watch Dane Jackson kayaking at last year's Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-05-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Kayaker Dane Jackson, son of World Champion kayaker EJ Jackson, competed at last year's Lyons Outdoor Games. To watch a video of him, click here.
Dane will be competing in this year's Lyons Outdoor Games.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

Extreme boater Dan Gavere to compete at Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-05-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

In January of this year, Canoe & Kayak Mag Named Werner Paddle's Dan Gavere "A Hero"and "one of the most inspirational paddlers alive." Gavere will be competing at this year's Lyons Outdoor Games. To read more about him, click here.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

World Champion kayaker and Smith Optics/Jackson Kayak athlete Ruth Gordon to compete in Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-05-01T10:49:00.001-07:00

The folks at Smith Optics just notified me that Ruth Gordon will be both competing at this year's Lyons Outdoor Games and running a Paddle Pink clinic. Check out the blog in late May for an interview with Ruth and more information on her clinic. To read more you can visit Ruth's Website.

Excerpt and photo taken directly from Ruth Gordon's Website...

Ruth is known among fellow kayakers as having great style and finesse. ‘Where a lot of men can muscle through the moves, in general, women lack the brute strength and therefore have to have good technique.’ Her whitewater skills are matched only by her passion for the sport and her desire to impart her knowledge and ability to others. Born and raised near the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada, Ruth has been kayaking for over 10 years and is currently the World Champion.

- Canadian Freestyle Kayak Committee (CFKC) Board Member

- Kayak Instructor since 2002

- International Kayak Guide: Chile, Mexico, Norway

- Featured athlete in Kayak Instructional Series (whitewater and sea kayaking)

- Other interests: hiking, mtn biking, sea kayaking, swimming, snowboarding, traveling, disk golf, yoga and playing with my dog Fiji

‘Ruth Gordon was the girl to beat looking like a computer model of what a freestyle boater should look like on the wave. Ruth was smooth as silk, and as effective at nailing one move after the next as a gymnast in a well practiced routine.’ – Eric Jackson, Four-time World Champion

‘Ruth Gordon what a display of style and finesse!! Ruth dominated the women’s class throughout the Canadian Cup with aerial blunts and back stabs.’ – Tanya Shuman

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games.

Fort Collins kayaking start to compete in Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-05-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Front Range kayaking adventurer Evan Stafford will compete at this year’s Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues, a three-day, extreme multi-sport event held June 12-14 in the Town of Lyons, Colo. He brings more star power to an already celebrity-packed event.

“World-class competitors and spectators have flocked to the Games in recent years,” says Lyons Parks and Recreation Director David Cosgrove. “The Lyons Outdoor Games are like the TEVA Mountain Games, but they have a much more hometown, grassroots feel to them. We have the world’s best professional athletes competing—such as kayakers Tao Berman, Joe Keck, and Scott Shipley, as well as Evan.”

A resident of Fort Collins, the 29-year-old Stafford has spent the better part of the last decade checking out wild and scenic rivers in his kayak.

“My focus in kayaking has always been on exploration,” says the man who discovered his love for kayaking on the Cache la Poudre River. His love of new terrain led to his co-authoring of the guidebook, “Whitewater of the Southern Rockies,” which he wrote with Kyle McCutchen in 2007.

“We used the guidebook as an excuse to paddle every day in search of the best runs in the states of Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah,” Stafford explains. He also used the book as a way to “contribute to the knowledge and conservation of the whitewater rivers in the Rockies.”

Giving back felt so good, he adds, that soon after writing the book, both he and McCutchen began volunteering with the Rocky Mountain Junior Kayak League, a group designed to promote proper stroke technique, river running strategy and swiftwater rescue skills in the kayaking youth of Colorado. The league consists of teams in Denver/Boulder, Fort Collins, Steamboat, Buena Vista, Vail, Glenwood Springs and Durango, and is growing every year.

“The focus is on fun and safety but we also have competitive meets, take the kids to whitewater festivals across the state and explore rivers outside of our team towns,” Stafford says, adding that he hopes to bring some of the kids to the Lyons Outdoor Games as well.

In addition to racing kayaks, and working with kids, Stafford recently began working in video production and web marketing. He is also working with American Whitewater to develop instream flow targets to help protect the ecological integrity and acceptable whitewater flows in negotiations over the future of the Upper Colorado River.

“It is the responsibility of each of us, as paddlers, to protect the watersheds which bring us so much happiness,” he says. “For many, including myself, kayaking is the fusion of sport and temple. Let's keep our place of worship clean.”
Stafford will compete in the creek boating event, which is held on the Class V waters of the South St. Vrain River. He is currently sponsored by Liquid Logic Kayaks and Werner Paddles, among others.

For more information or to chat with the athlete, please contact: Lizzy Scully, 303-903-2768, girlsed@gmail.com.

April 29 at the Black Bear Hole

2009-04-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a one-minute video I made of kayakers at the Black Bear Hole.

Lyons kids kayaking, river update, October Hole, & mountain bike update of Hall Ranch and Picture Rock Trail

2009-04-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

Lyons Kids kayaking program

More than a half dozen kayakers were out at the October Hole today, including a couple kids from Berthoud. In fact, Jason Beausoleil is currently teaching a group of kids from Lyons, Berthoud, and elsewhere how to kayak, and two of the Lyons locals--Garett and Keagan Parker--are "picking things up so fast that they are going to be joining the cadet rodeo this June at the Lyons Outdoor Games." Cool!

The Town of Lyons has actually started a club that has signed up seven kids so far. They have been doing pool sessions in Longmont, and "the kids have been working hard and having a blast," says Beausoleil. "Some of them have learned to roll their kayaks upright already in just a few lessons--a skill that takes some adults months or years to learn!" The Town will be starting the program outdoors on Tuesday May 12th, and it will run every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. The kids will be learning all skills to navigate and control there kayaks. They work on strokes and fundamentals, boat control, self rescue techniques, and of course how to roll the kayak. For more information, visit the Town of Lyons Website.

I'll put photos of the kiddos on the blog in the next few days.

River Update

According to local kayaker and last year's Lyons Outdoor Games organizer Adam Schwartz, "The October Hole is "not loopable." I'm expecting more of a report from Adam later this evening.

Mountain Biking Update

According to Dave Chase at Redstone Cyclery, conditions on Hall Ranch and the first part of the Picture Rock Trail are excellent. He and the Tuesday night posse of hardcore Lyons residents (and friends) had a great time last night.

-Lizzy

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games

Mountain Flyer magazine features Lyons Outdoor Games

2009-04-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

As reported on the Oskar Blues blog (thanks to Chad Melis for the photos), the latest issue of Mountain Flyer magazine features the Lyons Outdoor Games. Click here for more details on the mag.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado

Sunny and gorgeous in Lyons, Colorado

2009-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. The weather report said 70 degrees; it feels more like 55 here in Lyons, but it's still gorgeous. I'm going to head out this afternoon to see if I can get some video of some kayakers in action at the Black Bear Hole. I had a nice interview with former Wold Cup kayaking champion Scott Shipley on Monday. I'll post it by the end of the week.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games

Photo-Cycle.com pictures from LOG 2008

2009-04-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

You can check out the entire set at Photo-Cycle.com's Flickr set HERE

Lyons Outdoor Update April 27

2009-04-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today Lyons' residents awoke to a light smattering of snow, which melted by 8a.m. Now it's drizzly and cool, but the river is running high.

Scott Shipley on is three-hour excursion down the South Saint Vrain yesterday (his second time on the river in five years): "I liked it a lot. I forgot about how good it was until I got up there yesterday. It helped that Scott Young had been down it a lot. We didn't have to scout as much because he knows the river so well."

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games

Lyons Pump Park in its beginning stages

2009-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Lyons Pump Park has been designed. Work will begin on it the third week in May. Here are the designs for the park, provided by Glenn over at Bitterbrush Cycles.

Report from Scott Young on South Saint Vrain River kayaking & Hall Ranch report, April 26

2009-04-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Paddled low water mank on SSV today with Scott Shipley, Shane and Jakob. Adam and Arn showed up and watched us bumpety bump down the crick! It was minimum flow, and the phrase "Plastic is Fantastic!" kept rolling through my mind. First run on SSV for Shipley, who catches lots of eddies, just like a good slalom boater should. I catch eddies so I can catch my breath. I think he catches them for other reasons. Great to get the first paddle of the year in on my favorite home creek!
-Scott Young
www.blueskymortgagegroup.com

In re: Hall Ranch...
Conditions on the trail were dry, good. Perfect. There were a lot of bikers out there.
-Madaleine Sorkin

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

Lyons river and mountain bike

2009-04-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

The day dawned sunny, cool and bright, though things have clouded up a bit since 9a.m. Last night it rained steadily, but lightly for a few hours last night. It drizzled on and off yesterday, but it probably didn't affect the trail conditions too seriously (at least if my still parched garden is any indication of Lyons' dirt ability to retain water). I suspect conditions are probably a bit wetter than they were a few days ago. I'll have a bike report later today as a few of my friends got out to Hall early and should be back afternoon sometime.

The river's running high. A couple fellows had an early morning session at the October Hole, but no one was there at 11a.m.

Here's a video of the Picture Rock Trail.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

Picture Rock Trail conditions today

2009-04-24T14:37:00.001-07:00

Picture Rock Trail sure is rocky. It's also wet in a few spots, but mostly conditions on the trail are perfect (until it rains tomorrow). Dozens of bikers were out this morning as it was sunny and gorgeous, but not too hot. Here are some photos of the trail. I've got some video as well that I will post later.

The Picture Rock Trail is just one of the great trails Lyons has to offer. If you come for a visit or to see the Lyons Outdoor Games this June 12-14, bring your mountain bike. You can access this trail from the town of Lyons.

Lyons Outdoor Games update: pump track, sponsors, bike and kayak races, etc...

2009-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

More than a dozen volunteers met to discuss the Lyons Outdoor Games last night at our fearless leader's house (Reed Farr). We discussed the South Saint Vrain creek race. Front Range resident and pro kayaker Kyle McCutchen, who was in attendance and who is helpling out with the Games, said the SSV is "world class" and is psyched to race in the creek boat race this year. "Hopefully water levels are high!" he added.

Good news on the bike front, all the plans are ready and supplies have been acquired and/or promised for the construction of the new pump park, according to Glenn over at Bitterbrush Cycles (the local bikeshop owner who spearheaded the building of the park). More news on that to come next week. If you want to volunteer building the pump park, please contact Dave Cosgrove at davec @ townoflyons.com or stop in and see Glenn.

Other good news. We've got 30 sponsors on board now. Despite the recession, companies are recognizing that the possibilities with the Lyons Outdoor Games are endless. It is exciting to have these folks on board. We're looking for more local sponsors. If interested, please contact Dave at the email address above.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

Lefthand Report from Rockin Ron Burgundy

2009-04-23T17:40:00.000-07:00

(as stolen from Redstone Cyclery blog today)

Rockin Ron Burgundy's morning glimpse of the Lefthand area.
I'll have photos of the entire Heil to Hall Ranch trail tomorrow afternoon.
-Lizzy

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

More on river conditions

2009-04-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

There were 10-15 kayakers at the Black Bear Hole (just below confluence) today as the flow was up to around 200-220 cfs because of the epic snowfall last week and the perfect springtime weather today.

-Reed Farr

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

River Update from Scott Shipley

2009-04-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

River no good today—especially between 5 and 6 when I’ll be doing gates. Please tell your friends.
Scott Shipley, P.E.
www.RaftParks.com

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

This just in from local kayaker Scott Young

2009-04-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

I just went over South St. Vrain, and it is at the minimum runnable flow of probably just north of 100 cfs. There is a "gauge rock" if you stand on the bridge where Old South crosses SSV, look upstream, and if the water is flowing over the flat rock located river left of center (viewer's right of center), then SSV is runnable.

I checked out Black Bear Hole and A-hole too, and both are looking great!

-Scott Young
Blue Sky Mortgage Group, Inc.

This blog sponsored by the Lyons Outdoor Games, Lyons, Colorado.

Where to find information on kayaking conditions in Lyons, Colorado

2009-04-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey all, for more information on kayaking conditions in Lyons, check out EddyFlower.com, and if you want to start and/or contribute to a forum topic on the subject of kayaking in Lyons, visit MountainBuzz.com. I'm working on getting some locals to provide some commentary, and I'll be taking photos and video over the next month. Stay tuned for more!
-Lizzy

Lyons Outdoor Games to be held at Sandstone Park, June 12-14

2009-04-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

LYONS, CO (March 31, 2009) – The Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues to be held at Sandstone Park June 12-14, 2009

The Smith Optics Lyons Outdoor Games, presented by Oskar Blues will be held Friday, June 12-14 in Lyons, Colo. In its 7th year, this thriving multi-sport competition now draws the country’s best whitewater kayakers and mountain bikers as well as thousands of spectators.

“People have really flocked to the Games in recent years,” says Lyons Parks and Recreation Director David Cosgrove. “The Lyons Outdoor Games are like the TEVA Mountain Games, but they have a much more hometown, grassroots feel to them. We have the world’s best professional athletes competing—such as kayakers Tao Berman, Joe Keck, and Scott Shipley, who actually lives here—but we also have plenty of opportunities for beginners to learn new skills and for the everyday athlete to test his mettle.”

The Games have also become a place for fly fishers to showcase their talents and for dog lovers to exhibit the aptitude of their well-trained pets. Organizers decided to add a significant number of new events in 2009, including more bike and kayak races, daily chainsaw carving exhibitions, and a skateboarding competition, among other things.

“These added events and the new central location will really help the Games evolve into one of the premier multi-sport competitions of its kind in the Rocky Mountain West”, says Reed Farr lead event organizer and Lyons resident. “I have been coming to the Games for several years, and it’s exciting to see how they have grown and how much the Town of Lyons residents and businesses have embraced the event”.

This year’s vendors and the bands will be located in the town’s centrally located Sandstone Park. The venue, says Cosgrove, will offer more visibility for the Games’ sponsors, who will have tents and equipment for sale during the three-day event. Plus, he adds, “it offers shaded, grassy areas for athletes to relax in between competitions and also for participants to get a beer, a snack, or listen to some of the great music that will be played all day.”

The mountain sports will take place throughout the town’s various world-class facilities: biking events (including the new pump track) will be located in Bohn Park, freestyle kayaking will take place at the Black Bear Hole, slalom kayaking will occur at the October Hole, and the creek race will happen on the South Saint Vrain River. Additionally, the dog events will take place at the Lyons Valley River Park Ponds for dog events, and the Kurt Carlson Skateboard Park will be the location for the skateboarding comp.

The event begins with a kick-off party in Sandstone Park, sponsored by Oskar Blues. Delicious BBQ and the brewery’s signature Dales Pale Ale will be served, in addition to a variety of other fine beers. Saturday’s events start with some bike comps in Bohn Park and a kayak rodeo at the Black Bear Hole (on the east side of Lyons across from the Black Bear Restaurant). Spectator friendly competitions will be held throughout the weekend including freestyle kayaking and creek racing on the Class V waters of the South St. Vrain, mountain bike short track racing and jump competitions. The dogs will be competing for speed and splash in the speed retrieve and canine cannonball competitions.

The Games also include clinics. “If you’re interested in casting a fly rod or learning how to loop a kayak, this is the event to attend,” Cosgrove adds. “We’ve got some of the world’s most elite athletes on board to teach these classes and do demos.”

“The volunteers and sponsors are already getting excited about this year’s Games,” adds Cosgrove. “If the success and numbers of participants and spectators of the past few years indicate anything it’s that this year’s event is going to be the biggest yet.”

Camping will be available in Meadow Park.

To register online please go to www.lyonsoutdoorgames.com. If you have any questions please call Lyons Parks and Recreation at 303-823-8250 or email recreation@townoflyons.com.

Lyons weather, outdoor activities, and other musings

2009-04-21T09:44:00.001-07:00

Today temps will reach in the 80s here in sunny Lyons, Colo. From my front porch, I enjoy a stellar view of a large swath of Hall Ranch open space. The sprawling landscape is just turning green, the frogs are going nuts in the numerous ponds that have formed in the old quarries, and the birds have started their dueling songs (my territory, no mine, ooo look a worm, I need to get some action...).

Despite the heavy rainfall over the past weekend, things are drying up quickly around here. I'll be out running Hall Ranch later this afternoon, chasing some of my friends as they bike up the steeper, technical sections (click here for info on this fabulous mountain bike/running trail).
According to Dave Chase, owner of Lyons' own Redstone Cyclery, there are some muddy spots, but the riding's good. I stole a couple photos off his website ... To see more photos, read his musings, and find out general trail conditions in the area visit his Redstone Cyclerly blog.

The river is raging, loudly. It puts me to sleep at night, like white noise. I haven't seen any kayakers yet, but I'm sure they're going to be hitting the water as soon as they realize how raging it is. For information on the Lyons playpark, click here. I'll try to get some information on local conditions to post here over the next few days. Until then, happy spring days!
-Lizzy Scully
Lyons Outdoor Game PR
girlsed@gmail.com

Lyons Outdoor Games, the Front Range's only community organized multisport event

2009-04-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

In Lyons, Colorado, miles of the Front Range’s best mountain bike trails weave through the rocky desert landscape of Hall and Heil ranches, up over sandstone buttresses and down through sage-filled ravines. And two rivers—The North and South St. Vrains—converge in town, their winding paths offering world class creek boating, a fun kayak playpark and plenty of flyfishing. The 1,500 locals know their town is a Mecca for outdoor adventure sports, and now, because of the fast growing grassroots event—the Lyons Outdoor Games—thousands of people throughout the West are also beginning to recognize the opportunities it offers.

The Games grew from a one-day event celebrating the “grand opening” of the $300,000 playpark, which was built in 2003. Because spectatorship and participation were surprisingly high, Lyons locals decided to expand the event to three days and to include other sports—mountain & BMX biking, flyfishing, skateboarding, rock climbing, a 5K, etc.

Though similar in nature to the X-Games and TEVA Mountain Games, the Lyons Outdoor Games differs in that it’s an almost exclusively volunteer run event and all proceeds go directly to town’s Parks & Rec department. Driven by their shared love of adventure sports and a desire to boost the Town’s image, volunteers put in hundreds of hours organizing each aspect of the event.

“Lyons has always been a community of volunteers,” says Lyons Parks and Recreation Director, Dave Cosgrove. “What makes this event special is that there are also many amazing local athletes who participate. It’s good to see the community take ownership in the events that it participates in.”