2009 Lyons Outdoor Games

Every year the Lyons Outdoor Games keep getting better.  Non paddling events include bike demos, dog comps, music, and even chainsaw carving.  On the water, there is a freestyle comp, boatercross, and the South St. Vrain offers a steep creek race.

This year I competed in the freestyle event.  The hole was small and flushy, but competitors could do all of the advanced hole tricks.  

In prelims on Friday, a huge cut from 12 to 10 was made in the pro mens class.  I put down two good rides which landed me in 3rd place.  Nick was in 2nd and Stephen hit loop/orbit and split/phoenix links which put him in first.  There wasn’t a cut in the women’s class but they were reseaded for finals.

On Sunday morning Stephen, Nick, and I went to the bike park to do some dirt jumping before finals.  See if you can guess which picture is me.

In semi finals the men were cut from 10 to 5.  I had a great ride of 1060 points which was enough to put me in first.  Nick, Stephen, Bryan Kirk, and Kelsey Thompson also moved on.  In finals Stephen hit his links again and came in with a score of 1190 points in the first round.  Nick came close with a score of 1140 and Bryan had 990 points.  Going last is an advantage, but I think it added some extra pressure.  In three rides I couldn’t quite put my ideal ride together but managed to get 940 points which was enough for 4th.  Now I’ve had the exact same results as last for all 3 events I’ve competed in this year.  6th at BV, 8th at Vail, and 4th at Lyons.  Hopefully I can break this pattern and do better at Fibark!

In the women’s finals Emily and Ruth battled for first.  They were tied until the last ride when Emily improved her score to secure the win.  Elaine Campbell had impressive rides as well which earned her the 3rd place spot.