River Talk It was a busy weekend in Dolores

Crowds flocked to the Dolores Community Center on Saturday for the annual Ski and Sports Swap. The center was full of people who combed through hundreds of skis, boots, jackets, hats and snow boards and bought Telluride ski passes.

The weather was warm Saturday, but many were eager to put their passes to good use and to test out their new equipment.

Fifteen percent of sales benefit the Dolores School District ski program.

Cyclo-cross

Hundreds of bike enthusiasts descended onto Joe Rowell park for the Four Corners Cyclo-cross Race series.

Sponsored in part by the Durango Performance Center, the race was the first in a series that includes stops in Aztec, Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs.

Fifty-six cyclists signed up for the race, held at Joe Rowell Park.

Nicholas Jones placed 20th in the Men's B Division.

Other locals included Kokapelli Bike Club member Ashley Carelock, who placed sixth in the Open Women's Division, which was won by Sarah Sturm. Mancos High grad and Fort Lewis College alum Courtney Ott was 11th in the Women's Open Division.

Keegan Swenson was first in the Men's A Division, and Tyler Jones won the Men's B Division. Kokopelli Bike Club member Paul Adams took 14th in the Men's B Division.

Next up: Aztec, Nov. 15.

Don't forget

This year's Christmas Bazaar at the Dolores Community Center on Dec. 6 is a great time to get in the Christmas Spirit. That same day, there is an arts and crafts show at the Dolores River Brewery. It's a fun day to shop.

Speaking of shopping, The Dolores Chamber of Commerce will launch its "Shop Local" program on Saturday, Nov. 29. For every $10 you spend with local merchants, you will receive an entry into the "Dolores Dollars" drawings. Prizes are pulled on Dec. 6, 12 and 20.

River fence winds up season

The Dolores River Boating Advocates had a big weekend too. A team of volunteers near the Lightenburger Ranch finished up the boater-safety river fences. The group repaired, finished and stored both fences, which will be put up next grazing season. They had built fences made of PVC poles, which dangle into the water and deter cattle from crossing, but allow boaters to pass through.

Shannon Livick