Now in its 10th year, this ‘Epic Winter Adventure’ has become the annual kickoff event for adventurous runners and riders from all over the country.
Need to know:
- Registration Is now open to the public and is likely to sell out.
- 2,000 riders and runners will take the start line in Lyons on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
- Elite riders and runners will compete for the $8,000 prize purse in cash and prize.
- The Old Man Winter Rally has seen all kinds of weather from a blizzard to a record-high sunny day. The average weather on this date is 45 degrees with sun.
- The event will be hosted at, Bohn Park, a multi-million dollar project completed in the wake of the historic 2013 floods.
- 6 events: 50K Bike, 100K Bike, 10K Run, 5K Run, 10K Run / 50K Bike combo, 10K Run / 50K Bike Team Duo.
“Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Old Man Winter Rally, originally conceived as a gathering of runners and riders seeking camaraderie and adventure on frosty days, has evolved into Colorado’s premier winter running and cycling festival. In a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes who are keen to take on a winter adventure, the Rally beckons them to embrace the chill, don their warmest gear, and conquer gravel roads and trails.”
“Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 4th, as the event unfolds with a diverse array of course options to cater to varying tastes and abilities. Cyclists can opt for the challenging 50km or 100km routes, while runners can test their mettle in the 5K or 10K races. For those who relish the thrill of multisport endeavors, the Run/Bike combo remains a popular choice.”
“The run courses will be updated this year with an entertaining route through Downtown Lyons, allowing runners to experience the history if Lyons, but also run through the town’s parks and trails. The 50K bike course has been honed over the years and is now a classic route that gravel cyclists enjoy all year long. This is a great course for people new to gravel biking since it does not include significant climbing or any technical riding. At the same time, the 50K is the biggest category with over 1000 riders, so those that can hang with the fastest riders will be averaging over 25 mph. The 100K course is a truly adventurous and challenging route, made even more so with winter conditions and guaranteed snow on the single track portion of the course. The largest prize purse goes to this category due to the challenge and elite competition taking on this course.”
“The festivities don’t conclude at the finish line; instead, it transitions into a celebration at Bohn Park. And by “celebration,” we mean a bona fide party. Participants will be greeted with warming bonfires, live musical performances, delectable cuisine (including the beloved s’mores), and a selection of beverages, including offerings from Bootstrap Brewing Beer and craft cocktails. Join us in commemorating a decade of wintery athleticism and camaraderie at the 10th anniversary of the Old Man Winter Rally!”
Old Man Winter History
- 2015 – In the debut year, gravel bikes weren’t in fashion quite yet and future Tour de France stage winner Sepp Kuss nearly won on a road bike. Temps hit the high-60’s and high winds made for a breezy finish.
- 2016 – The running event is added, drawing in 500 participants in year one.
- 2018 – The course was revised, offering the first and only Northbound version, Mat Stephens and Lauren Lauren De Crescenzo (both winners of Unbound Gravel) tool the wins
- 2020 – A massive winter storm rolled through and ultimately, forced the cancellation of the 100K bike event 10 miles in. Riders were slipping and sliding in the epic conditions and despite the cancellation, the wild nature of it made it a monumental story in the race’s history.
- 2021 – One of the first COVID-friendly “DIY” style events to pick up steam, riders had the chance to ride the course with their pod, and get scored on a virtual scoreboard, or select a virtual option altogether. World Tour talents Alex Howes & Lachlan Morton teamed up and won the event.
- 2022 – The Rally returned from the pandemic full steam ahead, drawing in pro riders, everyday athletes and riders and runners from every background.
- 2023 – The Rally moves to a new venue, Bohn Park, a multi-million dollar project completed in the wake of the historic 2013 floods. The event sells out with 1500 participants.
“Old Man Winter is all about gearing up for winter adventure, having fun with your buddies, and enjoying a great party at the finish line” says, Josh Kravetz, the event’s founder and President of Adventure Fit, a Boulder-based Active Entertainment event company.
For those not competing, the top of the Rowena trail (off CO Rd 83) and Old Stage will be great spectating locations – showing off the variety of terrain the riders will challenge. Early February in Colorado can bring spring conditions, or mid-winter snow. A cool January and “sticky snow” will likely see a wintery route on tap. The after party in Lyons is open to all, with bonfires, s’mores, cold beer, and warm food. Join in on the winter adventure!
Registration and additional event information is online at: www.OldManWinterRally.com
