Low water, high spirits for Boulder's Tube to Work Day
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A tuber makes her way down Boulder Creek on Friday's Tube to Work Day. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios Boulder
It was a slow but fun morning commute Friday as hundreds of commuters bumped their way along Boulder Creek for the 17th annual Tube to Work Day.
Why it matters: The celebration of alternative transportation and general Boulder-iness is still vibing almost two decades after co-founders Jeff Kagan and Andy Gruel launched the tradition.
Reality check: While the event remains lively, Boulder Creek on Friday was not.
- With the West coming off a historically dry winter, the creek at times this week was flowing at just 50 cubic feet per second, about the minimum to make it from the event's starting point at Eben G. Fine Park to downtown Boulder.
- Some rain overnight bumped flows to about 100–120 cfs, but in places it was more of a Scoot to Work Day.
- "They say still waters run deep," Boulder City Councilmember Ryan Schuchard told the crowd prior to launch. "These waters are not still, and these waters are not deep. Good luck."
What they're saying: Despite the bumpier-than-hoped-for commute, tubers enjoyed neighbors handing out drinks along the river, doughnut fishing and a Central Park dance party.
- "It's fun every year," said Tyler Johnson. "Doesn't matter what the water is like, it's good vibes, beautiful people, amazing costumes."
Zoom in: Capturing the Best Tube award and everyone's attention was "Mimi," a four-person inflatable caterpillar.
- "She's surprisingly stable," said lead tuber Kelly McBride, a 10-year Tube to Work Day veteran who captained her crew through the rapids.
What's next: Unfortunately, for some, it's time for the "work" half of Tube to Work Day.