Fitness Fests

Celebrate fitness with the elements of earth and water this weekend in Buena Vista. Two separate events — Paddlefest and Bike Fest — will give participants the opportunity to enjoy some of their favorite recreational activities amid the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Paddlefest kicks off today and runs through Sunday; the record snowfalls and cool springtime temperatures have led to the perfect water flows on the Arkansas River for boaters of all abilities. The fest includes several clinics covering everything from a kids' clinic to stroke advice from Olympian Clay Wright, plus classes for recreational and touring paddlers, free educational seminars, demos and an enormous sale-and-swap.

The Bike Fest takes place tomorrow; the main event, the BVBF century route, takes riders north along Turquoise Lake Road and the Mineral Belt Trail, through Leadville's historic mining district and back to Buena Vista. At noon, the Bike Fest Party — sponsored by New Belgium Brewery — will help riders unwind from the day's exercise. Visit www.bvbf.org for Bike Fest information and www.ckspaddlefest.com for Paddlefest.
May 16-18, 2008