Arapahoe Basin's Full Moon Snowshoe Dinner Series has expanded to include a New Year's Eve dinner and an uphill event.

With the first of Arapahoe Basin’s five dinner events behind us, I figured it was about time to post the dates of the remaining four. Really, I was just procrastinating on registering for the January event and wanted to secure our spots before I shared with the rest of the world. And with the March 19 Dolomites dinner already sold out, I had good reason to wait.

2011 Arapahoe Basin Full Moon Dinner Snowshoe Series [Read more →]

Anyone who travels in the backcountry should think about attending the CAIC Benefit Bash on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.

What: CAIC Benefit Bash
When: Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
Where: Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, Colorado
Cost: $25/person includes entry, food, two drink tickets and a door prize ticket

Just last Friday, the Summit Daily News ran a photo of a longtime local catching early season turns on Loveland Pass. It’s a slim start to what becomes an extremely popular backcountry spot, one that’s several times slid enough to cover Highway 6. Once the snow really flies, backcountry junkies begin hiking Summit County’s big peaks in search of powder.

Colorado and Summit County see large numbers of winter backcountry users and according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), avalanche deaths in our state account for one-third of all avalanche deaths in the United States. The CAIC began as an avalanche forecast and warning center and today they focus on “minimizing the economic and human impact of snow avalanches on recreation, tourism, commerce, industry and the citizens of Colorado.”

In addition to working to keep roads open and providing backcountry forecasts and observations, the CAIC offers educational seminars, classes and workshops. Nonprofit organization Friends of the CAIC produces events and initiatives to support the CAIC’s backcountry program and overall avalanche awareness and education. The end result? Friends of the CAIC Benefit Bash. It’s a great party for a great cause. http://friendsofcaic.org

So I can’t take credit for a really sweet 24 Hours in the Sage course preview video. But I had to post, because it’s pretty great.

And here’s another of a townie cruising down the Notch.

The Notch, a technical section along the 24 Hours in the Sage Course, claims another bike and its rider.

In honor of our friends that competed October 9/10 (the weekend before last) at 24 Hours of Moab and 24 Hours of Adrenalin (the 24 hour solo world championships), I’m finally posting my race report on 24 Hours in the Sage. A very grassroots event, 24 Hours in the Sage takes over the Gunnison KOA for a full weekend of racing on the amazing trails of Hartman Rocks.

The whole thing is pretty darn plush for a bike race. Hot showers, electricity, washing machines and all the amenities (thanks KOA Dave!) make 24 Hours in the Sage pretty much the best 24 hour race around.

Not the first person to walk the Notch, a rider makes way along the course.

I’ll admit. I’m biased. After all, Eric and I both work the event. My favorite part? Timing through the wee hours.

That’s not to say I’m not a fan of the non-stop BBQ and beer offerings, on-course Popsicle handouts, great people and sweet riding. But timing through the night, even when the sounds of music and announcing are long gone, is definitely fun. And, when I see pictures of myself after no rest all night, it makes me feel better about enjoying sleep. Because I look like death (or a crackhead!) after staying awake with the abandon of an 18-year-old.

Anyhow, to catch the details of the race report, read on!

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Riders on course at the eighth annual 24 Hours in the Sage were treated, sometime around 10:30 a.m., to grilled hamburgers handed out by mountain bike superstar Dave Wiens. Equipped with a backpack stocked full of classic American grub, the Gunnison, Colo. local set out to treat athletes and log a lap for the KOA corporate team.

[Read more →]

The annual rubber duck races in Breckenridge are one of many events happening over the Labor Day weekend in Summit County, Colorado.

Just as Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial start to summer, Labor Day can be considered the unofficial close. The aspen in my neighborhood are already beginning to turn yellow, despite Denver temperatures climbing into the 90s.

While many of Summit County’s towns offer events into the fall, the non-stop, free event summer circus is nearing its end. So this will be the last of the weekly event posts until next summer. That said, I can’t stay away from Oktoberfest and the other Summit County events that continue through the fall. So you may get some photos from those. Besides, the approach of fall is an excellent time for backpacking and biking. So I’ll likely be posting those exploits as well. Until next summer, here’s your top events for August 30 – September 6 in Summit County, Colorado: Breckenridge, Copper, Dillon, Frisco and Keystone. [Read more →]

Wine and food are the highlights of summer events this week in Breckenridge, Keystone and Dillon.

With school in session and Labor Day swiftly approaching, we’re nearing the end of summer events season. Still, there’s plenty happening as we approach fall. This week? The summer event focus is food and drink. [Read more →]

Summit County has some cool events this week, but we're headed to Gunnison's 24 Hours in the Sage. Don't worry, the Le Mans start is a thing of the past.

Not surprisingly, bikes and outdoor events are the subject of the moment this week in Summit County. And beyond. Despite all the great things happening throughout Summit over the weekend, I’m headed to Gunnison for 24 Hours in the Sage, simply the best 24-hour mountain bike race around. Think singletrack, pancakes and a seemingly endless flow of beer. Don’t worry, we take race-day registration. So gather your friends, create a team and head to Gunnison, Colorado. Heck, do it solo. Or on a townie.

And for those of you that refuse to head to Gunnison for a weekend, here are my event picks for Summit County, Colorado for August 16 – August 22: [Read more →]

Live music is the big story this week in Summit County, Colorado.

Ok, so working Dillon’s BBQ Challenge and having family in town at the same time wasted me. So your events this week are a bit late. Still, there’s plenty happening this weekend throughout Summit County. Think live music, and plenty of it. [Read more →]