Rangely has a busy weekend line-up where you can enjoy the outdoors and easily social distance. The Colorado Hill Climb Association has submitted a COVID-19 safety plan with the Rio Blanco County commissioners and was granted approval to hold their third annual Canyon Pintado Hill Climb event this Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. This is some of the best spectating in motorsports, featuring the third oldest running motorsports race in the country. Spectators can enjoy family–friendly, fun, fast–paced entertainment. The Rangely Hill Climb is organized by the Colorado Hill Climb Association, the same group that runs the Lands’ End Race on Grand Junction’s Grand Mesa.
Spectator tickets are $15 for both days and kids 12 and under attend for free. Due to the pandemic, there will be no racer parade or meet and greet as in the past.
If you plan on attending the hill climb event the Colorado Hill Climb Association has some great tips to 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 racetrack. 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. 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 as follows: Saturday is practice and qualifying day. 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 near Dragon Trail, 4.5 miles west of Colorado Highway 139 on Rio Blanco County Road 116.
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 CHCA for updates and schedule information on Facebook.
If you are looking for something a little more laid back and closer to the cool waters of the White River and Kenney Reservoir, look no further than the fishing event of the season! The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District will hold their annual free fishing derby June 6-7 which coincides with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend June 5-7. This fishing derby has grown in attendance year after year due to several factors including phenomenal prizes for the winners. This year is no exception. A fully guided walleye fishing trip, $250 for the most smallmouth bass caught, and a weekend getaway package are up for grabs. Camping and boating at Kenney Reservoir are also free this weekend.
Fishing derby registration begins on Saturday, June 6 at 8:30 a.m. A mandatory “pre-derby” kick-off meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. The youth derby weigh-in is Saturday at 1 p.m. with the awards following at 1:30 p.m. Sunday’s team and individual weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. with the awards following at 3:30 p.m. Prize categories include longest fish, shortest fish, longest crappie, heaviest crappie stringer, and overall heaviest stringer.
Saturday also offers an interactive learning opportunity with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. If that isn’t enough to entice you out to the water, CPW and Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District are working together to control the illegally introduced and toothy northern pike in its waters by offering an angler incentive. Each northern pike caught this year nets you $20 a fish. For more information about the fishing derby including the rules and registration view the ad on Page 2A, check out www.rioblancowcd.org or visit the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District or Kenney Reservoir Facebook pages. Good luck to all the Colorado Hill Climb Association Racers and fishing derby participants this weekend.
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
