Lyons Outdoor Games!

I guess summer is really here, because it is time for the Lyons Outdoor Games. Click the link for a full schedule and all the details. This year's festival is bigger than ever- more fun, more crashes, more events... more of everything. Isn't that just what you wanted?

LOG (as its affectionately known around here), started as a small local whitewater event- but boy has it grown.  This year there will be competitions, classes and shows in kayaks, on bikes, with fishing rods- you name it, its here.

Of course there will be the whitewater events- the creek race on the South 

St. Vrain, Boatercross (wicked collisions), and the rodeo in the Black Bear Holes. There will also be booths, vendors and lots of activities along the river. The organizers have made a real effort to make sure that there is something for everyone at this year's festival. 

And the dogs! Who doesn't want to watch happy dogs hurl themselves into the pond in pursuit of a ball- come on, that's the best!

But the big news this year is probably the new and improved bike park and all the events that will happen there. With a lot of local support (especially Glen of Bitterbrush Cycles), the park has had a complete makeover. There is an awesome pump track, some really great landscaped obstacles, and the jumps are better than ever. 

Volunteers were out working over the last week to have the park buffed and shined for the events of the weekend, and some of the volunteers managed to take a few laps as well. The overall quality of the park is great, and there are jumps and moves for riders of all levels. Expect the competition this weekend to show off all the possibilities the new park has to offer. 

I caught Matt Radich of Lyons checking out the new jumps last night- nice moves there Matt. The ramps in the park have been completely reshaped, and there are some really great lines now. Hopefully we will see a lot of very cool action this weekend. 

Its already clear that the improved park is going to make Lyons an even better attraction for cyclists then it already is. With our awesome trails, the bike park, and the great hill climbing for road bikes, there really isn't anywhere else you need to go!

If you are looking for something to do come on out to Lyons this weekend- it will be a great show. 

Holy Cyclocross Batman!

Wow- it was really something to see all those bikers out sweating like crazy in 30 degree weather. I was freezing my butt off taking pictures, but it was a lot of fun. The 2009 Lyons cyclocross races were sponsored by Oskar Blues and Boulder Racing. 

I really loved shooting this gal. She had the biggest smile every time she went by. Some people make it really easy to take pictures.

Cyclocross is a bit like mountain bike racing on road bikes by people on the run from a smash up derby. It is a lot of fun to watch. The course ran in a twisting line from the high school, uphill and across the ditch trail, down through the dirt jumps in Bohn Park, and back to the high school.

I especially enjoyed the crashes (of course). and the competition.  It was also nice to be shooting people I know within walking distance of my house. And, there were some pretty arresting visual moments. I hope I captured a few of them.