Rangely Hill Climb returns; brewfest new this year

RANGELY | Rangely is the place to be this weekend. Friday, June 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rangely Automotive Museum you can meet the drivers and check out the cars that will compete in the Canyon Pintado Hill Climb event on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. On race days spectators can enjoy a fun, fast-paced, second annual Rangely Hill Climb Race. The Rangely Hill Climb is organized by the Colorado Hill Climb Association, the same group that runs the Land’s End Race on Grand Junction’s Grand Mesa. This is some of the best spectating in motorsports, featuring the third oldest running motorsports race in the country. Whether you’re camping in the pits, along the course or just coming out for race day, CHCA races make for a great family friendly combination of motorsports and the outdoors. Spectator tickets are only $15 for both days and kids 12 and under are always free.  

After the hill climb races on Saturday, from 5-10 p.m., adults 21 and over can cool off at the Rangely Elks first annual Brewfest at Elks Park. This event will help the Rangely Elks raise funds for their scholarship fund. The brewfest boasts entertainment by two live bands: New Gene and Fiscus and Gravy. Storm Peak Brewing Company, Two Rascals Brewing Co., The Barrel Cathedral and the Grand Adventure Brewing Co. will be providing craft beer. The entry fee is $20 per person or $35 per couple. The price includes a customized taster glass and four free samples. Food will be offered by Rangely’s Tacos El Toro, Sodexo USA from CNCC, and Meeker’s A Delicious Disaster. 

If you plan on attending the hill climb event, the Colorado Hill Climb Association has some great tips for enjoying your experience. They encourage you to plan on staying at the event all day. There are only a few breaks in the action. Therefore, you will not be able to move freely on the race track.  Be sure to park in a safe place off the road. Once the race starts, the road is closed. You may only move if a race safety official approves. If you are unsure, stay put. It is best to bring food and water.  There will be a food truck in the pits but not up on the mountain, so plan accordingly. Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather, be sure you are prepared for that famous Colorado weather and bring sunscreen, umbrellas and a jacket. Race weekend schedules are:  Saturdays are practice and qualifying days. CHCA always try to get in four runs up the road but this depends on how many delays (accidents) they have that day.  Sundays are race day and they will do two full runs up the road. Race start times are tentative but usually they start at around 8 a.m. (gates open at 6 a.m.) on Saturdays and 9 a.m. (gates open at 7 a.m.) on Sundays. The races will take place on Dragon Douglas Trail, 4.5 miles west of Highway 139. If you have questions about the Canyon Pintado Hill Climb Races you can contact the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce at 970-675-5290 or you can follow them for updates and schedule information on Facebook.

By Roxie Fromang | Special to the Herald Times