Tagged: Lyons

Transcript

RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:

When was the last time you heard this sound:

(SOUNDBITE OF PINBALL MACHINE)

MARTIN: Pinball machines are as popular as ever in a small mountain town in Colorado, giving a new generation a taste of the past. NPR's Ahmad Shafi has the story.

(SOUNDBITE OF PINBALL MACHINE)

AHMAD SHAFI, BYLINE: Lyons, Colorado sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about 20 miles north of Boulder. It's known for its annual music festivals and art scene. But in downtown Lyons, there's a business that doesn't fit that mold.

Colorado’s rivers are known worldwide for their challenge and adventure for white river rafters and kayakers. Lyons, Colorado is far removed from the Olympic Games in London. But the inspiration for the 300-meter, manmade whitewater slalom course that’s front and center at the games this week can be traced back to the small town and a former Olympian.