BOULDER, CO (November 11, 2021) — Adventure Fit Productions, announces open-registration for the 8th annual Old Man Winter Bike and Run Rally on February 6th, 2022. Known throughout the cycling and running community as an “epic winter adventure,” Old Man Winter 2022 is placing a strong focus on welcoming more beginner athletes and those new to racing to the event.
BEGINNER FOCUS / PRO-FRIENDLY
The event has been attracting Olympians and other world-class professional athletes since its inception in 2015, but it was originally created to be a fun winter adventure for all abilities.
“One of the main goals of OMW has always been to create the most fun, adventurous, yet welcoming environment possible to all our athletes from the pro’s to weekend warriors,” states Josh Kravetz, founder of Adventure Fit Productions.
This year, Kravetz is placing a special focus on new athletes and those new to racing. COVID may have put events on hold for much of the last two seasons, but it also caused more folks to take up solo hobbies/athletics, like biking and running. By offering training plans, and a variety of training rides and clinics leading up to the event, he hopes to attract new or cross-discipline athletes and introduce them to Old Man Winter’s welcoming community.
There’s a reason Adventure Fit Productions chose to use the word ‘Rally’ in the event title vs. ‘Race’. If you look at the start-line, you’ll see pro cyclists like Erin Huck and Sepp Kuss and world-class runners like Anton Krupicka. But when the gun goes off, it’s clearly evident that they’re there to have a good time in the gravel and snow just like everyone else.
“The Old Man Winter Rally motivates us all to keep moving during the winter months and cross the finish line with a smile on our faces, before hanging out around fire-pits with good food and a post-race beer or hot-cocoa,” said Kravetz.
COURSES
This epic winter community celebration starts and finishes in the Town of Lyons and takes athletes through mixed terrain in Boulder County, Colorado. The event offers two bike course options: 50km and 100km. The 50km route tours some of the scenic, rolling terrain that has made Boulder County, CO one of the country’s most popular gravel riding destinations in the world. The 100km course starts with the same gravel roads as the 50km course before sending cyclists on a roller coaster route of climbs and descents through the canyons west of Boulder. The event also offers a 10K running race and a Run/Bike combo that is popular for winter multisport athletes.In true family-friendly fashion, there will be free 1K run and bike races in the park for kids at the after-party.
PRIZE PURSE, SWAG & SNOWFLAKES
Old Man Winter offers prizes for all levels of athletes. Though the challenging course and the very nature of Colorado winter weather naturally draws elite athletes to compete for bragging rights, the OMW Rally varied prize purse doesn’t hurt.
This year a $3000 prize purse will be split among the winners of the 100K bike race / five deep. For all other categories, the top 3 finishers will receive over $1000 in product / gift-card prizes.
For those athletes and participants who aren’t “in it to win it”, Old Man Winter 2022 offers the Snowflakes Scavenger Hunt. Back by popular demand and exclusive to the Old Man Winter Rally, along the course will be Snowflakes which participants can pick up for a guaranteed prize at the after-party.
NEW FOR 2022
In addition to a refreshed focus on beginners, the historically fantastic after-party in Lyons will feature live music from local bands, free races for kids, and more contests. On the 100K bike course, the 1st aid station placement will be slightly varied. Previously the aid station was at the top of Rowena (and coincided with a timed section). This year it will be moved to the end of the timed section, before the Sunshine Canyon descent, to encourage folks to truly take a break, interact with their fellow athletes and our sponsors more.
Registration is currently open for this adventure-inducing, family and pet-friendly event at www.oldmanwinterrally.com and is expected to sell out fast.
