LYONS, CO (APR30, 2010) – The Oskar Blues Brewery Lyons Outdoor Games presented by Smith Optics to be held at Sandstone Park June 11-13, 2010
The Oskar Blues Brewery Lyons Outdoor Games presented by Smith Optics to be held at Sandstone Park June 11-13, in Lyons, Colo. In its 8th 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 have added some new events in 2010, including the inaugural Dash and Bash 5k trail run, more bike and kayak races plus a couple of family events for anyone who likes a challenge.
“We are really excited about being in Sandstone Park again this year. We had such positive feedback from spectators, exhibitors and local business’s last year we feel it was a great move. We want folks to bring their bikes or any kind of alternative transportation to get around town to see all of the events from Bohn Park, Meadow Park and all up and down the river”, says Reed Farr event organizer and Lyons resident. “I have been part of the Games for several years, and it’s thrilling to see how they have grown and how much the Town of Lyons residents and businesses have embraced the event”.
This is the second year that the vendors and the bands will be located in the town’s centrally located Sandstone Park. The venue, says Cosgrove, offers more visibility for the Games’ sponsors, who will have tents and canopy’s set-up where the latest outdoor equipment will be displayed and sold 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 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. On Friday night right after skateboarding the Yellow Design Stunt Team will perform a big air bike trick demo using ramps on the street next to Sandstone Park.
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, kayaking freestyle at the Black Bear Hole (on the east side of Lyons across from the Black Bear Restaurant) and end with the Dash and Bash 5k trail run which culminates with a live music in Sandstone Park and a party later at Oskar Blues. 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.
Check out the photo's from last year from www.photo-cycle.com
HERETo 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.
The group gets the daily camera treatment.
The Brick Oven leads the pack out...or drops them off the back.
Harry Legs, Baggies & Wheelies...Quasi Road Style.
Orli rides in the top of Cottonwood Pass after 18 miles of climbing.
The Ska boys grab a bite to eat atop Cottonwood.
Oskar Blues Brews & Bikes
Cottonwoond before the dirt road descent which was moist & choice. Stay tuned for the lef from Crested Butte to Ouray...then the encore to Durango.
