C-Forum

From Jeff O:
Nate L and I are considering putting in a bid for the 2011 open canoe slalom nationals at the Golden WW Park. Before volunteering Golden, we want to make sure that we have the support and will get participation from Colorado paddlers. We would want local paddlers to race, volunteer, hang out, and possibly show out-of-state paddlers some cool local runs. We’ve tentatively selected July 8-10, 2011 as race dates.
To encourage race participation, Nate and I will offer free slalom clinics starting early in the year. We’d also like to have demo opportunities early season and possibly during the race.
We're trying to gage interest, so please let me know if you’d be interested in participating.

I'm doubtful about the interest of Coloradans, but may be out of staters could give them encouragement, too.

I would show for that!

i'd go too. i'm hoping to make my slalom debut at the fall series on the eleventh of september.

I would 100% attend that event. I go boating in Colorado every year around that time anyway. I think that would be an awesome venue for the race.

Also, that is the time of year that a lot of the other runs in the state are at open boat friendly levels so people could go paddle the poudre, arkansas etc... while they are out there for the race.

Dooley

I'd probably come if there are two things... other water to paddle and a far better camping scenario than the last time we were out there... I know most people weren't really thrilled about the sound of jake-braking 18 wheelers at "Chief Hose-Ya" campground.

Just puttin' that out there.

Is the "Ark" an option with Kent out of curiousity?

There will definitely be water "other" water to paddle in CO that time of year. Some of the smaller creeks on the front range might be dried up by then, but the bigger rivers will be running.

Runs that will definitely going that are within an couple hour drive:

- Poudre - Upper and lower mish, poudre park, bridges, filterplant, (the gnarrows- if you dare) will be running - Upper and lower rustic sections might be runnable

- Arkansas - pretty much everything will be at a good open boat level - Browns canyon, Numbers, Royal gorge, Granite/Pine Creek, etc...

-Taylor river

-Colorado river

There are also several creeks and runs that might be going depending on snowpack/spring temps/irrigation calls:

-Clear Creek
-South platte - waterton, deckers/chutes (elevenmile canyon if we get lucky)
-North Fork South Platte - Foxton/Bailey
-North Saint Vrain - Shelly's Cottages/ Proving Grounds
-Boulder Creek - Town run, 4-mile
-Big Thompson
-Lower Blue
-Eagle river
-Gore creek
-Roaring Fork

And that's just in the Northern and central part of the state...

Can't really comment on camping as I don't ever really camp near Denver - a friend of mine just stayed at golden gate state park and said it was really nice. There is lots of free camping in the national forests all over colorado - but again I don't really know what's close by to Golden/Denver.

I was at the last one there in '99. It is a nice section for slalom and I imagine there have been some improvements since then. The park is nice as well... it would be great if we could camp in a portion of that park. My friend and I did not camp where Craig S. mentioned, but for several nights, stayed in a dorm (school of mines) across the river. It was walking distance from the site but our room was on the west side of the building and was like an oven. We got a motel room for the last night or two.
I will make it my mission (if Golden hosts) to bring the largest Team Montana to date. Hope it works out!

Wife is planning to force me to drive to Yellowstone with the kids next summer....based on this she is now working on the path to be take so that a canoe will not look out of place! Hope the stars, moon and sun line up on this one!

deleted

hmmm .... week of rivers in NC/TN or a bigger R.O.A.D.T.R.I.P to run stuff out in CO

tough call ...... N.O.T

I am in if the girlfirend is still alive and kicking

Hmmm, ROADTRIP.

If it works out, I'll try my best to attend.

That is great news! Keep all of us updated on when the bid is submitted. I am on the slalom committee and will be voting for the site... there hasn't been two bids submitted since 2005.
If you can pass along to Nate and Jeff some prevously mentioned concerns about camping. Both Craig S. and I referred to our less than ideal experiences. There must be a place close by where everyone could stay. I would camp in a parking lot if it had shade.
By the way, Cadster, are you Bruce B?
Alan B

Bid was accepted, see:
http://aca.whitewater-slalom.us/ocs2011n/

There will be a May 14th Race for high school students in Golden, but Nate is encouraging and expecting adult open canoes to race, too.

Here's video from a few years ago without open canoes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIGs88WRsYA

With luck, the flows at the two races will be similar.

Bummer - one week to late.... I'll try to swing by and check out the park since we plan on swinging through Colorado Springs on the way home to PA from Yellowstone.

Sweet! I could probably make that. I am headed to Crested Butte for a Wilderness Upgrade for my EMT starting on the 16th. Would anyone want to paddle closer to CB on Sunday after the race on Saturday if I can make it up early?

Thanks!
Shep