History Museum Chronicles How Boulder Became a 'Sports Mecca' By Aimee Heckel - October 9, 2005 You never know who is passing you on the trail or sitting across from you at a coffee shop in Boulder, said Susan Linde. It might be one of the world's top athletes. And around here, there's a good chance it is, said Linde, a spokeswoman for the Boulder History Museum. At least 65 Olympic athletes live in Boulder today, according to the museum. Add to that another 25 world-class athletes, such as climbers, skateboarders and adventure racers. And an estimated 30 or 40 successful athletic businesses, such as Lange Ski Boots and Neptune Mountaineering, have Boulder roots. It's enough to classify Boulder as a sports mecca — and call for a museum exhibit, said Linde. The Boulder History Museum opens a display today highlighting some of the sports, athletes and companies that have helped Boulder earn its reputation. Two rooms are packed with famous sports gear — including commemorative Olympic medals and road bikes that made history. More than two dozen elite athletes are expected to attend the exhibit opening at 1 p.m. today. The exhibit, "Ready... Set... Boulder: Colorado's Sports Mecca," chronicles local sports history. The early stuff includes a pair of 9 1/2-foot-long wooden skis and a big-wheel bike, on loan from University Bikes. In fact, most of the artifacts were borrowed, unlike typical shows at the museum, said Nancy Geyer, executive director. One table focuses on ski history, including a blue velour outfit worn by John Ruger in the 1980 Olympics. Ruger competed in the biathlon. "He had to laugh when he lent us that outfit," Geyer said. The exhibit also features mountaineering, running, cycling and rock and ice climbing. The yellow shoes that carried Frank Shorter across the finish line in 1972, earning him an Olympic gold for the men's marathon. Ann Trombley's mountain-bike helmet from the 2000 Olympics. An old-fashioned snowboard: a skinny, wooden plank with a rope. Connie Carpenter Phinney's bicycle from the 1984 Olympics hangs below the road bike Tyler Hamilton took to the Tour de France 20 years later. "You wouldn't believe how much heavier Connie's bike is," Geyer said. As technology advances, so does Boulder's level of athletic skill, she said. The number of elite athletes in the area also continues to rise. It's almost as if athleticism is contagious in Boulder, she said. "People have been coming here become of recreational activities and the outdoors forever, and it's only grown over the years," she said. The museum has been researching and preparing the exhibit for about one year, Geyer said, "And we've just touched the tip of the iceberg." Every interview leads to a web of other people she wants to talk to, she said; the museum doesn't have enough space for all of Boulder's milestones. "We have an incredible community of athletes that's unprecedented in our country," Geyer said. "I've always known Boulder is an athletic community, but the number competing — they're No. 1 in the world, and they live right here." This article originally appeared on the Daily Camera website. Aimee Heckel is a Staff Writer for the Daily. Back to Articles Page

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