As Colorado enters the Safer At Home stage, our second level of COVID-19 mitigation, it’s tempting to start reaching out to our much-missed riding, running and climbing partners for a social workout. But hold your horses. Believe us when we say we’re itching to get out and get together too, but for the safety of the vulnerable members of our community, it’s important that we continue to respect social distancing rules as much as possible.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get social through virtual avenues. So, whether it’s the community, the competition or the campgrounds that you’re most craving, here’s a list of events, resources, retreat and webinars to tide you over for now.
Community and Competition
Bolder Boulder
Date: May 25
This year, America’s all-time best 10k (or so they claim) is virtual. Unfortunately that means you’ll have to cook your own bacon and wet down your own slip and slide. On the upside, the event is free to anyone who wants to do it. If you’re someone who runs the race annually, you can still buy a commemorative t-shirt — and this year, $5 from the purchase will go to the Help Colorado Now COVID Relief Fund.
You may think of Strava as a social media outlet for hardcore bikers, runners, hikers and swimmers looking to PR or add new FKTs on trail and road segments. And you’d be right. But it isn’t just that. Create a free account, and you’ll get access to multiple “Challenges” and “Clubs” where you can stay motivated with new goals and join a community of like-minded athletes.
Virtual TerraTrike RiderFest
Dates: May 30 and June 27
Recumbent trike-maker TerraTrike had originally planned on hosting three group rides across the country. That idea went out the window in March when life as we knew it came to a grinding halt compliments of COVID-19. The good news is that we can now take part virtually by joining the TerraTrike Isolation Riders club on Strava. Bikers have a 24-hour window to complete their ride on each date. After the event, share your ride data with the club and earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win a TerraTrike of your own.
Conservation Alliance Breakfast
Date: May 21 at 11:00 a.m. MST
Get inspired as rock climber Timmy O’Neill and Kristine McDivitt Tompkins, former CEO of Patagonia (the brand, not the place), discuss rewilding Patagonia (the place, not the brand) and overcoming adversity. Typically, the Conservation Alliance Breakfast is an exclusive event at the Outdoor Retailer trade show. But when the big show was cancelled and the breakfast necessarily moved online, the Conservation Alliance opened it up to the outdoor community and conservation activists around the world. Register for it here. (Pancakes not included.)
BCC Friday Film Night
Date: May 22 at 5:00 p.m. MST
If it’s the camaraderie of the crag that you miss, get stoked and join fellow rock jocks for the Boulder Climbing Community’s (BCC) virtual screening of Gone Tomorrow: The Story of Kentucky Ice Climbing. If that title didn’t pique your interest, maybe the post-viewing Q&A with filmmaker Mike Wilkinson and opportunity to win sweet RAB swag will do the trick. Suggested donation is $9.50 per person or $25 per household.
Camping
Snow Peak At-Home Campout
Date: May 23
Camping over Memorial Day is a great way to usher in summer. And there’s no need to change your tradition this year — it just might need to look a little different. The camping experts at Snow Peak are here to help. Register for their At Home Campout and receive an activity book, food and drink recipes, and a “packing list” with campout essentials, plus you’re entered to win some sweet gear.
Retreat at Home by Collective Retreats
Luxury outdoor hospitality company Collective Retreats serves up an inspiring tutorial on how to create a cozy indoor campsite. With creative touches like café lights instead of candles, the result is safe for little ones while still stirring excitement for the real deal.
Breckenridge Brewery Staycation
Dates: Now until Memorial Day Weekend
Turn your Safer at Home social responsibility into a staycation. Breckenridge Brewery is marking the launch of their newest beer, Mountain Beach — dubbed a “tropical session sour with flavors of juicy pineapple and tart lime highlighted by sweet notes of guava” — by giving away a staycation in a box. Awarded to one winner per week through Memorial Day weekend, the box includes tiki lights, a porch swing and, of course, a pack of Mountain Beach. To enter, share a pic on Instagram to show how you’re keeping busy at home (puzzles, homemade bread, etc.) and use the hashtag #BreckBrewStaycation.
‘Ask an Airstreamer’ Webinar
Date: May 23 at 11 a.m. MST
Curious what life is really like in a ‘silver bullet’? Here’s a chance to find out. Two Airstream Globetrotter Ambassadors lead a discussion about everything from what vehicle they use to tow their Airstream to what it’s like working from the road.
