The deck has been reshuffled for river festivals this spring, beginning with a Memorial Day weekend doubleheader.
Colorado Kayak Supply (CKS) pushed back its Paddlefest on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista to Friday-Monday, combining clinics and gear swaps with the new BV Pro Rodeo in the town’s River Park on Saturday and Sunday. The event serves as a precursor to the U.S. freestyle kayaking team trials in Glenwood Springs on May 30-31.
Those who don’t show up on the Ark (and even some who do) will likely make their way to the Yampa River in Steamboat Springs for the Paddling Life Pro Invitational on Monday. Combining a steep creek race on nearby Fish Creek (10 a.m.) and freestyle throwdown in Charlie’s Hole on the Yampa (1 p.m.), this one-of-a-kind, one-day event is always a hit.
The kayaking caravan makes its way next to the acclaimed Glenwood Whitewater Park to determine who will represent the U.S. in world championship competition, followed by the Teva Mountain Games in Vail (June 4-7) and the nation’s longest-running river festival, the New Belgium FIBArk Festival in Salida, June 18-21.
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Lodwick honored.
Nordic combined skier Todd Lodwick of Steamboat Springs was awarded the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s annual Beck Award, the highest athlete honor granted by the USSA. Lodwick came out of retirement to win two gold medals in world championship competition this winter along with some podium finishes on the World Cup circuit.
Cycling sign-up soaring.
Registration for the 22nd annual Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival is already up 200 percent from last year, and riders are encouraged to sign up before the 7,000-rider limit is met for the June 7 event. Mail-in registration is already closed, but online registration continues through June 3 at .
Scott Willoughby, The Denver Post
