Christo’s team estimates the attraction would float more than $111 million into the local economy. They said it will add $3.4 million to the already vibrant rafting industry, create 620 temporary regional jobs, and bring more than 415,000 tourists to the area.

Outside magazine has a good summary of the project status. Covering both the pros and cons of the project, without taking a side.
Over the River and Nearly Through the Woods

Christo's Over the River Project

]]> http://salidalodging.com/over-the-river-update/feed/ 0 http://salidalodging.com/the-salida-triathlon/ http://salidalodging.com/the-salida-triathlon/#comments Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:39:23 +0000 Mark http://salidalodging.com/?p=255 September 3-4, 2011 – The Tenderfoot Tri/Duathlon

This two day event features an adult duathlon and triathlon on Saturday and a kids Triathlon on Sunday. The triathlon action all takes place at the Salida Pool, starting with a 1000m swim, folowed by a 24 mile bike ride and finishing at the pool with a 7 mile run. A great time for all levels of competitors and spectators.
More about the Salida Triathlon

The scenic Salida Triathlon

The Pro Challenge is a new entry in the Professional Cycling schedule. There are 16 professional teams with 128 riders already committed to the 2011 race. This is a great opportunity for cycling fans to see the best racers in the world, ride on a very challenging course. Sat

Stage one of the race, from Salida to Crested Butte will take the riders over Monarch Pass.The start in downtown Salida, will features a short ride through town before the actual competition begins. Then the riders race up Monarch Pass, and over to Gunnison.

The day in Salida will give fans a great opportunity to see their favorite cycling stars in person.

Find out more about the 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Thanks to the RR Picture Archives, we can see some amazingly detailed photos from the early years.

The Salida Colorado Roundhouse, around 1890.

Salida Tenderfoot Hill around 1890 - "S" Mountain before the "S"!

The 13th Annual Monarch Crest Crank is a fundraising ride for the Chaffee County Alliance Against Domestic Abuse (AADA).

This year, riders will have a choice of rides. For avid mountain bikers, they can choose the Monarch Crest Trail, one of America’s Best high altitude Single track rides.

Another option is a scenic route around the amazing Salida Mountain Trails (SMT), just across the river from Salida.

Finally, there is the casual Historic Salida Cruiser Tour, a ride around some of Salida’s notable historical spots. See more about the Monarch Crest Crank.
MonarchCrestCrank.com

Along the scenic Monarch Crest Trail

Presented in alphabetical order….

Amicas Pizza and Microbrwery – A great pizza and beer joint in downtown Salida. Still known by locals as Il Vicino. this Sicilian style (thin crust) pizza place offers a dozen or so interesting and non-standard pizza topping combinations. Including my favorite the Margherita – a thin crust pizza with marinara sauce, mozzarella and basil. A nice size pizza for $9. In addition to the great pizza, they have calzones, super size salads and a few amazingly rich desserts. The have an onsite microbrewery with a number of award winning beers, something for everyone. Even a non-alcoholic root beer. Amicas Pizza and Microbrwery

Country Bounty Restaurant – Conveniently located on Highway 50, Country Bounty is a good choice for a quick tasty sit down meal. A large and varied menu from typical American cuisine like hamburger and french fries to tasty and unique items like an Asian Style Vegetarian Wrap. Their main claim to fame is their desserts, many freshly baked pies, with super ice cream topping. In fact, you could skip the meal and just have a large piece of wholesome Dutch Apple Pie ala mode, delightful – go ahead, you are on vacation. Open for breakfast lunch and dinner – 7 days a week. Main courses $12 – $20 with plenty of less expensive but tasty items. The Country Bounty Restaurant

Laughing Ladies Restaurant – Another long time Salida favorite. Located near the stoplights in downtown Salida, Laughing Ladies is on the gourmet and expensive side. A seasonally varied menu of fresh food, sure to please even the most discriminating diner. The restaurant is small, offering limited seating and cozy dining atmosphere. Good wine list and slow casual dining make this a good choice for dinner after a big day at Monarch or riding the crest trail. Main dishes for dinner are $12 – $22. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday – Sorry. Laughing Ladies Restaurant.

Little Cambodia – Salida’s newest restaurant, this micro cafe has only a few tables, but great, healthy and authentic Asian cuisine. The menu is always growing, and always fresh ingredients and freshly prepared. Their latest creation, Braised Short Ribs served with jasmine rice and baby bok choy cannot be beat. Entrees start at $8. Although you can certainly skip the full plate meals and have a light meal of spring rolls, with super hot Tai sauce. Take your meal out onto the sidewalk table, or walk across the street and enjoy your meal along the Arkansas River. You don’t need to live in Asia to enjoy the fresh food and street dining scene. Little Cambodia

The Fritz – A delightfully new and fresh restaurant located just across from Riverside Park downtown. The Fritz serves American cuisine with a unique twist. Serving light sandwich fare for lunch, and full plate meals for dinner. Inside and outside dining make the Fritz a great option for hot summer afternoons and cool evenings. Meals range from $9-$14+ depending on time of day and size of meal. A nice choice of beer and wine add to the dining experience. These days, the Fritz is the scene, be one of the locals. The Fritz

Starting with an 8 mile time trial race on Friday. Continuing on Saturday with a Criterium race around downtown Salida. This is a great race for spectators, as the riders ride a short and exciting course through downtown.

Sunday features the Road Race, through Pinon Hills. An exciting hilly and curvy course makes this a challenge for riders and an exciting race to watch.

Many of the races feature an amateur class, and age groups.

Find out more about the Salida Classic.

A tight peloton from the 2010 Road Race

The Salida Library

For completely free and easy, head over to the Salida Regional Library – 405 E Street (let Google help you find your way), near downtown Salida. The connection is fast, with no passwords, and there are comfortable chairs to relax in. The signal is not quite strong enough to connect from your car. There is also a great park right across the street for when you are ready to rejoin the real world.

If you prefer a little socialization with your wi-fi, head over to the Salida Cafe (Google directions to the cafe) The center of Salida social life, they offer free wifi, great healthy meals and pretty good coffee. The back deck overlooks the Arkansas River, and has shaded areas for easy laptop viewing. They also offer beer, and live entertainment.

Just down the street is the upstart Cafe Dawn (map to the Cafe Dawn) a great downtown location with a nice atmosphere and a wide variety of snacks, coffee and tea. The owners are charming, and the internet connection is fast. There is a password, but you get the secret number when you buy your coffee.

If you are just passing through on Hwy 50, no need to go downtown. Most of the hotels offer free wi-fi with no passwords. Stop by the Salida Super 8 (Google map to the Super 8). You can access the net from the parking lot. The Super 8 is also a nice inexpensive place to stay, with a great breakfast and a pool. Right across the street is another large shady park, and the Salida Hot Springs Pool.

If by chance you don’t have a laptop, but still need to get online. You can visit the Salida Chamber of Commerce (directions to the Salida Chamber), they have a free use computer that is online. Stop by and say hi to  John and Lori. In addition to free internet access, they can tell you all about the area, and make recreation and lodging suggestions.

One of the biggest events in Salida, this whitewater festival takes place during high water on the Arkansas River. Some of the best Kayaing, Rafting and Conoeing comepeitors in the nation. Four days of everything river.

All events are based at Salida’s Riverside park. Be sure to stop by and check out the food vendor, the river equipment demos and of course all the great competitions.

See the 2011 FIBArk events schedule. and the FIBArk running and mountain bike races.

The Hooligan Race - crazy boats and rafts at FIBArk