We're Wheelin'

The next few days in Gunnison should be a "wheelin' good time!
Starting today, ride your townie, 10-speed, or cruise your vintage coupe over to Legion Park and watch the talented artists "Carvin' Up Colorado".  A variety of chainsaw-carving, cottonwood-changing, artists are creating whimsical and magnificent wood carvings out of cottonwood and pine tree trunks.  They will work on their creations until 5pm on Saturday when the winning sculptures will be selected.
Classic "wheels" can be seen starting this evening, Friday, August 17th, starting at 5:00pm in downtown Gunnison.  The Gunnison Car Club's 25th Annual Car Show will start with their traditional Cruise-In.  Unique, classic and vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles, will be on display for everyone to view and dream over.  Fun and lively Rockabilly music will be provided by the "Atomic Drifters" starting at 6pm on Main Street in front of GS&L.  The Car Show wheels over to Jorgensen Park on East Tomichi Avenue on Saturday morning.  You can spend an enjoyable morning strolling on the easy-on-your-feet grass while you view the cool wheels!  Car show participants will finish out their weekend event on Sunday morning with a breakfast cruise to Crested Butte.
Once you're done looking at the vehicle comets, novas, and galaxies at the car show, head south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory and see some real galaxies, novas and maybe a comet.  The facility gates open for public viewing on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm.  Admission is by $5 per person donation and no reservations are required.  Following a short astronomy lecture, viewing takes place (when the skies allow) through the observatory dome-house 30" telescope and other smaller scopes.   The observatory is located at 2804 County Road 38 across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area.  The facility is located on the left/east side of the road, 2.1 miles (no more!!!!) south of where you turn off Hwy 50.  
Saturday morning, starting at 9:30am, you can wheel back downtown for the weekly Gunnison Farmers' Market.  Western Slope produce is getting fine!  Pick up some juicy, sweet peaches or some salad-ready veggies.  There are also delectable bakery goods to choose from, locally produced fruit wines, and beautiful arts and crafts featured at the weekly market.
Back down at the Parks on East Tomichi, the Annual High Octane Arts and Crafts Festival will be taking place under the shady cottonwood trees of Legion Park.  Talented artists will be displaying and selling their wares.  It's not too early to start your holiday shopping!
Back on two wheels, the Annual 24 Hrs. in the Sage Race gets underway at noon south of Gunnison at the Hosting KOA Campground. Bikers hit the trails at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area and those bikers dedicated or crazy enough - end the race on Sunday at noon!  Riders can participate on their own, in coed- duo teams, or in other rider combinations.  Each lap consists of over 13 miles of terrain at Hartmans.  For more information go to www.24hoursinthesage.com  
And - the "Wheelin" isn't over yet!  Monday is the start of the 2nd Annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge Bike Race.  The riders start in Durango and race to Telluride.  Tuesday morning, they start Stage 2 in Montrose, climb up in elevation via US Hwy 50 and pass through Gunnison on Tuesday afternoon.  The riders climb the WSCU hill as they navigate the campus.  The beautiful campus will  be shown internationally as the racers climb the hill and race down Escalante Hill to make that sharp corner at Colorado Street.  Tuesday's Stage ends high up in Mt. Crested Butte.  The Queen Stage - starts in Gunnison on Wednesday morning!  The racers will head north up Main Street toward Cottonwood Pass at about 10am.  For more information go to www.usapccinfo,com
In between all of the "wheelin" fun - enjoy delectable meals in any of Gunnison's fine restaurants and cafes, sip a cool one in a Gunnison brew pub, tavern or wine bar, or visit one or many of Gunnison's eclectic retail stores.  You can find just about anything your heart desires!