Ten years after its introduction in 1999, the Salida Pole, Pedal, Paddle multisport race returns to the Arkansas River Valley on Saturday.
Following the path of the spring runoff, competitors start at the Continental Divide on Monarch Pass with a 6.7-mile backcountry ski leg, followed by a 22-mile mountain bike ride in the shadow of Mount Shavano to the Arkansas River, where whitewater kayaks carry paddlers 6 miles into downtown Salida.
Participants can compete as a relay team or individually in categories including juniors (18 and younger) and mixed-gender. Individual registration is $50 and team registration is $75. The proceeds benefit the Arkansas River Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and enhancing recreational access of the Upper Arkansas River and promoting youth participation in whitewater paddle sports. Benson’s Tavern in downtown Salida will host an after party and awards ceremony.
Do it: Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up before the mandatory race meeting at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Find out more at . To volunteer, send e-mail to: robin@3psalida.com.
