Adventurous runners and cyclists, clad in tights and windbreakers, congregated at Bohn Park in Lyons on Sunday morning after a snowstorm the night before, for the 10th annual Old Man Winter Bike Rally & Run.
Braving the depths of winter, participants from wobbly-legged young bucks to intrepid Olympians converged to celebrate a decade of endurance racing and festivities in this special winter event, tackling the muddy trails and snowy paths of the course.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Josh Kravetz, the overseer of the Old Man Winter Rally, described the scene as “a very wild event” unlike any other. Despite the snowstorm’s impact, the resilient spirit of the participants prevailed, with many embracing the opportunity for an adventurous winter rally.
With each passing moment, the sun emerged mid-morning from behind the mountainous surrounding ridges, casting a golden glow upon the bustling scene. Friends and family exchanged hugs and high-fives, sharing in the pre-race excitement while catching up on life’s latest exploits.
Meanwhile, runners and cyclists meticulously checked their gear, ensuring they were ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. Legs already caked and spattered with the telltale signs of red mud before the race even started, the competitors exuded a contagious energy that charged the atmosphere.
With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, the assembled crowd eagerly awaited the blast of the starting foghorn, signaling the beginning of their epic trek through snow and ice, mud and muck. As the first foghorn sounded, echoing through the crisp winter air, the adventure began in earnest, with spirits soaring as high as the mountains that surrounded them.
“It was 60 degrees all week, but we had probably six to eight inches of snow drop in Boulder,” Kravetz said. “In Lyons, there was only one inch, so it didn’t really impact the run course that much. The bike course, however, was completely saturated in mud.”
As one of the few winter race events of its kind, the rally drew in a staggering 2,000 participants, showcasing the resilience and boisterousness of athletes willing to tackle the elements. Even with the unpredictable weather, the Old Man Winter Rally has seen a steady increase in participation over the years. Kravetz recalled the event’s humble beginnings, with just 600 participants in the first year.
“It’s fun for people to put themselves in a little bit more extreme situations than they’re used to because it creates memories that they’ll always have,” Kravetz said.
Featuring a variety of race options including 5K and 10K runs, 50K and 100K bike rides, as well as a run/bike combo, the event offered something for every level of athlete. Participants faced the challenge head-on, with Kravetz recalling how they returned from the course “completely covered in mud.”
“All you could see were eyeballs and teeth when they had to take their sunglasses off,” Kravetz laughed. “We’ve had a huge variety of weather over the years, but nothing as muddy as this.”
The Old Man Winter Bike Rally & Run also served as a platform for local businesses to show their support for the community and the event itself. Notable sponsors such as Oskar Blues, La Mariposa Mexican Restaurant, REI and Garmin, among others, rallied behind the races and the post-event celebrations in Lyons.
Among the sponsors, the Cemex Lyons Cement Plant stood out as a longstanding supporter of the rally, continuing its sponsorship for yet another year. The company’s commitment to the event aligns with its broader initiatives, including the Safer Roads Together program, which emphasizes road safety among pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
The Corporate Responsibility Manager at Cemex Lyons, Michael Clausen, reflected on the event’s significance for the community and the company’s commitment to safety and wellness.
“For Cemex, it’s about acknowledging that this is something people want to do, that they enjoy, and that they’re doing this for health and fitness,” Clausen illuminated. “The event aligns with our values of promoting health, fitness and safety. Cyclists frequently pass by the entrance to our facility, so it’s a natural fit for us to support an event that celebrates outdoor adventure and community spirit.”
As runners crossed the snowy finish lines and cyclists conquered muddy trails, the spirit of community and athleticism shone brightly, marking the 10th anniversary of this beloved Lyons tradition.
As Kravetz summed it up, “You don’t have to hang up your bike or your shoes during the wintertime. You can still stay super active, and this is what we live for.”
