Fall Newsletter USA Triathlon - Rocky Mountain Region - 2002

 From the Prez: I don't usually reflect on the year until December, but on September 11, I could not do much more than spend time remembering, reflecting and looking ahead. That day seemed to put triathlon into perspective for me with everything else going on in the world. For most of us, triathlon is a hobby, a lifestyle, and a way to spend time. It can even be thought of a way to escape life's realities and tragedies. While swimming that day, I thought back on the year. Our region had some of our own tragedies, with what unfolded at Ironman Utah and the accident at Danskin Denver. Although we had those two unfortunate things, we survived. 

Congratulations to those regional rankings winners from 2001. Those awards were either given out at races during 2002 or were recently mailed out. Check the web in the forth quarter for 2002 regional rankings. We had successful regional championships in 2002, Sprint at Cheyenne Mountain, Youth at IronKids Denver, Olympic distance and club at Las Vegas NM. 

Race directors: bids for the 2003 regional championships will be accepted until October 15, 2002. Bid packets were emailed out to sanctioning race directors. If you would like a packet and did not get one, you can copy it from www.usat-rockymountain.org or send an email to larryseidman@hotmail.com. 

Many races this year filled up early so watch for the 2003 calendar so you don't miss out on your favorite race next year. Also, congratulations to our own regional officials coordinator Jim Flint who recently was the head referee at Ironman Wisconsin. Jim says the race was fantastic with huge crowds and is destined to be a spectator favorite on the Ironman circuit. Family had the chance to see their loved ones ten times on the run course while cyclists had to cycle through a narrow gauntlet of spectators in the great town of Verona. It was like cycling the Tour de France! Too cool. 

Larry Seidman

 Kokopelli Trail ½ Ironman Race Update - St. George, Utah - Saturday, October 26th. A quick note to let everyone know that we are heading down to Hurricane/St. George this weekend to check out the water situation and finalize the courses. We are also meeting with school, city, park, and law enforcement officials to review the entire event and confirm the race timelines. We have submitted the sanction packet for USA Triathlon, and we will have at least 4 USAT draft marshalls at the race. We have also confirmed ChampionChip timing. We will send out another Kokopelli update early next week after we return from our trip to give everyone a better idea of the water situation. We will also update the webpage with race timelines, packet pickup information, finalized course maps, etc. A reminder that we are allowing 2- and 3-person relay teams to enter. See the registration page on active.com to register. 

Here is a course review from Bri Klug who will be participating in Kokopelli and who went down to train on the course: I was just down in Hurricane this last weekend to train on the course and I wanted to give you a review. I know that I can speak for another, as well as myself, who has relatives flying in for this event and several friends coming down to watch as I pulled into Quail Creek I was first struck by how breathtaking it is. The water was turquoise against the layers of multi-colored redrock. It's a great way to start the race. The bike course is challenging, yet again the beauty of it all completely overcomes you. The majestic cliffs and small country towns are very welcoming. Lastly the run course. Great layout and I particularly loved the fact that when I was there the butterflies were migrating through and were flying all around me during my run. I hope that more people consider doing this race. It's a great course to have your first or fiftieth 1/2 ironman experience on. I mostly wanted to let you know that I thought the course was great and the location well chosen for a g ood challenge and it's beauty. I look forward to the race! Thanks much, BRI (Park City, UT)  

PS: I am going down the first weekend in October to train on the course again. If anyone else is interested they can e-mail me (briklu@hotmail.com) We wish you the best as you train for Kokopelli! 

Chris Bowerbank John Anderson TriUtah

Rock and Road LLC Announces Inaugural MOUNTAIN EXTREME Triathlon World's Toughest Off-Road Triathlon Begins July 11, 2003

 Park City Utah, Sept. 17th, 2002 If Xterra® and Ironman® had an evil love-child, this would be it. The Mountain Extreme Triathlon is an intense, off-road, Iron-distance endurance race in the heart of Utah ski country. On July 11, 2003, 600 trailblazing athletes will have the honor of opening a new era in multisport competition. It remains to be seen, of course, how many will actually cross the finish line. "While talking with other racers at Ironman® and Xterra® events, I've noticed an interest in a long-format race with the increased demands of an off-road bike and run," says Race Director Bryant Christensen. "People who have done a couple Ironman® events are wondering, 'Well, what's next?' People who have been racing Xterra® ask, 'Could I do more?' The Mountain Extreme is the answer to these questions." Where and When The Mountain Extreme will be centered around Park City, Utah, home to many 2002 Olympic ski events, the annual Sundance Film Festival, and extraordinary mountain biking. The race begins July 11 at 6 a.m., with a final cutoff time of 24 hours. "The increased difficulty of an off-road event warrants extended time to complete the race," says race organizer Mark Warner. "And we really want everyone who has the courage to do this race to have a chance to cross the finish line, even if it literally takes them all day." The swim will be a mass-start, two-loop affair in Jordanelle Reservoir. More protected from wind than other Utah lakes, Jordanelle is nestled in the mountains, 10 miles from downtown Park City. Wetsuits are required; water temperature in July will be close to 70F. The 112-mile bike course promises to be the most challenging part of the race, with approximately 9,000 feet of climbing. Racers will ride on single-track, fire roads, and dirt rail trail. Many will not finish the bike until close to the T2 cutoff time at 10: p.m. Friday evening. The final leg of this personal adventure race will be a marathon on the trails and dirt roads around Park City, lit by racers' personal lights and a beautiful full moon. Throughout the race, participants will be able to count on outstanding support at frequent aid stations, as well as famously friendly Utah volunteers and multiple spots for racers' own support crews. Every finisher will receive a fantastic award as proof that they finished the world's toughest off-road triathlon. A bonus award will be given to the elite few racers who finish before midnight. Tired of pounding the pavement? Come to Park City next July and help write a new chapter in the book of triathlon. For More Information Visit www.mxtri.com after September 20th, or call 801-361-7365 for more information on the Mountain Extreme Triathlon. Registration opens Nov. 1, 2002; registration will be exclusively on-line from the website. The registration fee is $295, which includes a racer's swag-bag, event gear, pre- and post-event meals, and access to some of the finest recreation and dining services on earth. Discounted lodging packages and excellent camping facilities are also available.