Though we are no longer in Denver the reach and impact of the National Western takes in pretty much all of Colorado. Yesterday in Steamboat Springs the cowboys and cowgirls of the PBR made a day of it in the 37th annual Cowboy Downhill.
The Downhill started 38 years ago as Larry Mahan wanted to learn to ski. He sought out Billy Kidd who was (and still is) the Direct or of Skiing at Steamboat Mountain. Larry learned quick and it was suggested that he bring some of his fellow rodeo cowboys up the next year after the National Western for a little R & R. Well as most of you know you get cowboys and a little beer and crazy things can happen.
The premise of the event is they ski through a few gates at the top, fly over a jump, through a few more gates to the base, rope a cowgirl and saddle a horse (Still wearing their skis) and then cross the finish line for their time. What a riot and to say the least very few did the event in that order.
Finally there is a Stampede where all contestants line up and make a downhill dash, no holds barred dash to the finish. It is very much like a demolition derby on skis!
For the 70 participants yesterday it was a good time. For the thousands of spectators it was a great time! And for those that didn't make the Top Ten....back to training at the Bud Light training facility.
Now a few pictures from the Cowboy Downhill 2011!
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