Tube to Work Day turns Boulder Creek into a neon parade
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Tubers come down a rapid on Boulder Creek for Tube to Work Day on Friday. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios Boulder
The world's wettest traffic jam hit Boulder Creek again Friday as hundreds of commuters braved the cold waters for the 16th annual Tube to Work Day.
Why it matters: The quirky celebration of alternative transportation continues to draw crowds 18 years after co-founders Jeff Kagan and Andy Gruel started the event.
The vibe: This year's theme was '80s workout gear, and hundreds showed up to Eben G. Fine Park in headbands and spandex as Huey Lewis and the News played over speakers.
- "People really showed up for the neon '80s," Kagan said, sporting a bright green mesh top and a fake mustache.
What they're saying: Boulder Councilmember Ryan Schuchard, wearing a feather boa, said the event is just another example of why "Boulder is the best place in the world."
- U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Lafayette) made an appearance with his daughter Friday morning, though his schedule included meetings in Fort Collins and Frisco, so he didn't get in the water.
- Yes, but: Neguse said he would think about "next year ... maybe."
State of play: Though some participants don't put a ton of emphasis on the "work" part of Tube to Work Day, the event has attracted plenty of local companies.
🦊 Computer security service Rule4's team all showed up with a skulk (yes) of fox tubes, matching the company's mascot.
- "It's our favorite day of the year ... We talk about it all year long," said Haley Berry, chief client officer at Rule4 in Boulder.
- She pointed out that, with tubers careening down the creek, people can't help but literally bump into strangers: "It's the most unique networking event."
🌈 A large contingent from The Trade Desk, a software firm, was on hand in matching rainbow socks and headbands, as the event is a makeshift initiation for new hires.
- "I don't really know what I'm getting into," new hire Emma Foley said.
🦩 Skratch Labs coworkers Avery Stumm and Logan Peiffer rode tandem on a large flamingo tube last year, and this year they managed to squeeze first-time tuber Greta Shaffer on, too.
- "They said they would rent me a tube or I could go on the flamingo. Easy choice," said Shaffer, who managed to catch a donut from one of the bridges over the creek.
🦄 First-time tuber Sarah Nauer continued the event's tradition of riding the river on a unicorn tube.
- "It's just fun; I feel like it makes people happy," Nauer said of her tube choice.