Marc "Wiggy" Witkes

FLC grad builds career as PGA caddy

2006-11-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

Imagine "Caddyshack," Bill Murray and Fort Lewis College combined and you're part of the dream that Brendan Vahey is living.

Vahey, 25, who graduated FLC with a degree in Exercise Science in 2005, is a PGA Tour caddy for Jay Delsing.

Vahey started caddying at age 13 before he was even 5 feet tall. He began carrying one bag at Boone Valley Country Club in Augusta, Missouri. For 18 holes and four hours of work, Vahey was excited to bring home $14, plus tips.

After he grew a couple of inches, Vahey was ready for doubles (two bags and twice the money).
Before he got serious about caddying, Vahey was involved in his share of hi-jinks.

"We just thrashed the golf carts," Vahey said. "One of the guys in the cart barn made a trail in the woods, and we'd race those carts laughing our heads off."

The work was fun, but it could be difficult. Hackers were tough because they didn't hit the ball very far, and it was impossible to forecaddie (scout in front of the golfer and follow his ball).

Weather could be problematic and Vahey struggled while carrying monster bags, keeping umbrellas perched above golfer's heads and trying to keep the duffers' clubs clean. Sometimes, Vahey's frustration resulted in a kicked ball that kept things moving along a little faster and saved a stroke.

Vahey's fellow caddies bet on everything under the sun, and tickled each other with fuzzy golf head covers.

"We just giggled. It was hard to keep a straight face," he said.

Vahey's social skills were also a little lacking.

"We were supposed to speak only when spoken to, but I just wouldn't shut up."

After caddying at the Nike Tour for two years and the U.S. Open Sectionals at Boone Valley, Vahey started thinking about the PGA Tour. By chance, during a break from Fort Lewis College, Vahey met Delsing in 2003 at Boone Valley.

Delsing mentored Vahey, and showed him a few ropes.

"I realized that caddying on the PGA Tour was entrepreneurial, and I did some more research after graduating from FLC," Vahey said.

Traveling back and forth between St. Louis and Durango, Vahey finally hit the tour full-time in 2006. Delsing presented Vahey with a nice year-end bonus, and a handshake between the two served as an invitation for 2007.

Working the tour has been challenging and exciting for Vahey. During six months of travel and while logging 20,000 miles in his automobile, Vahey has seen a lot.

"Caddying can be cutthroat for the newer guys like me."

Vahey has also brushed elbows with greatness.

"Tiger Woods has an aura about him, and all of the other golfers defer to him," Vahey explained. "The other pros can be cocky when Tiger's not around, but when he shows up, everybody just puts their tails between their legs."

And where will Vahey be next month and next year? He's working on the side as a manufacturer's sales rep for Tom Wishon Golf Technology, a local company, The Drip and Health FX.

"I have so many different chapters I want to write, but right now I'm just focused on giving all of my energy to Jay and helping him win."

Squawker crowns two locals

2006-11-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

At Saturday's Squawker Cross Classic up at Fort Lewis College, Todd Wells fell while running up the amphitheater steps and broke his chain ring guard.

Sarah Tescher took a fall at the start of the first lap of the Elite Women race.

Joe Burtoni fell, peeled his tire off, snapped his handlebars and suffered some road rash.

But after all of the mangled bicycles, carnage and wounded egos, local riders Matt Shriver and Sabina Kraushaar emerged as Colorado state champions.

The race was a criterium-style event on a course set up using rebar, plastic safety sleeves and miles of white ribbon throughout the FLC campus.

Shriver had a good start on his race, but quickly ran into trouble on the run-up near the beer tent.

"That off-camber side hill was the toughest part of the race," he said. "I was just trying to be smooth and not make too many mistakes."

After the first few laps, the elite men's event turned into a four-man race between Shriver, brothers Todd and Troy Wells and Joey Thompson.

The lead switched several times, but after Todd changed bikes in the pit area, Shriver pulled ahead for good.

On the elite women's side, Kraushaar held off Shannon Gibson.

Kraushaar, 18, an FLC freshman, was competing in only her second cross race.

"Before we started the race, I was just kind of hoping that I wouldn't get lapped," Kraushaar said. "This race was a lot of fun, and I'll probably do more of them."

Gibson, 40, splits her time between El Paso and Durango while toiling as a professional mountain biker/rolfer/massage therapist.

"A lot of these girls are in great shape after just coming off of nationals, but this sport is about endurance and that gives older women more of a chance," Gibson said. "This was my first cross race, but I've been sitting around and getting fat and lazy since the end of mountain biking season."

Todd Wells, last year's cyclocross national champion, finished second to Shriver, just seconds back.

"I was chasing hard, but there just wasn't enough time to catch Matt," he said. "This race was super fun, and the crowds were great."

After all of his racing travels this year, the older Wells brother was happy to have such a high-caliber race in his hometown.

"It was nice to sleep in my own bed," he said

Younger brother Troy - who was the U23 national champion last year - finished third.

"I was going the whole race pushing my VO2 maximum, but it was a little easier with all of the people cheering," he said. "I'll be heading to Nationals in Providence in a few weeks, and I hope I can do well there. But I've still got a lot of work to do."

Todd Wells will also race at the National Championship, while Shriver will finish his cross season with races next weekend in Portland and Seattle.

Rick Crawford, the FLC cycling coach, was pleased to host the first state cross championship in Durango.

"We've got some of the best cross racers in the world living here," he said. "I hope we can get this race here again next year."

Ned Overend, Steve Owens, Chad Cheeney and countless others had their share of falls and horror stories on the course.

"The start of these things is pretty hectic," Overend said. "Power and accelerating are my weakness, so these kind of races are good for me to work on that."

Jeremiah Bouchard, an FLC student, was participating in his first cross race. There were a lot of first timers, but none as courageous as Bouchard. He has one leg amputated at the ankle.

Despite his disability, Bouchard races on the cycling team and hopes to give skiing a try this winter as well.

Jade Goh, 24, raced in the Women's B event. After a birthday four days ago, Goh wanted to try something different and give herself a present.

"I came in last place, but my goal was just to finish so I'm happy," she said.

FLC cyclist collects national titles

2006-11-07T02:07:00.000-07:00

Alex Hagman, 22, a Fort Lewis College exercise science major, now has a sombrero of national champion jerseys.

Adorned with an American flag, stars on the shoulders and horizontal stripes on the torso and a collegiate national emblem, the jerseys are works of art - and prized possessions in the cycling world.

It has been a bit of a dream come true for this quiet, humble, young man from Aspen.

Last summer, Hagman ventured to cycling's blue collar towns in England and Italy. Riding for the Ag-isko/Dart/-CyclingTV Pro Continental Cycling Team, Hagman shared a small apartment with other FLC students in Sansepolcro, Italy.

Besides racing and shuttling back and forth between Tuscany and the Motherland, Hagman picked up an Espresso habit.

"Italy has the best Espresso and now that I'm back in the United States, I'm not drinking them as often," Hagman said.

Having said that, Hagman still sipped on an espresso at the Steaming Bean.

Hagman will graduate this December and he expects to sign a professional contract with a road bike team around that time.

Even though Hagman's roots are in mountain biking, Hagman thinks that his chances of a lasting professional career are better as a road cyclist.

"I was hoping to stay in Durango next summer but there is a good chance that I'll have to move back East in order to fulfill my obligations," Hagman said.

Besides schoolwork, training and racing, Hagman is also keeping busy with an internship at the Durango Community Recreation Center.

"I'm learning the administration side and getting an overall feel of how everything runs," Hagman said. "I'm working with Rick Callies, and we look at safety and how everybody works together."

Hagman is also working on a sports administration option at Fort Lewis College.

Of the four national championship jerseys, Hagman is most proud of the team title that FLC won.

"Everybody was clicking really well, and no one dropped the ball," Hagman said. "In the past four years, we have won team national championships three times."

Besides concentrating on his cycling speed, Hagman is focusing on keeping a level head.

"I might be a little faster than some other riders but I'm not a better person than anybody else," Hagman said.

"If you're racing bikes, it's important to have fun, not get an inflated head and be happy and gracious that you can ride your bike so well."

It's been a long season for Hagman that started last spring and for now, he's content to sip coffee, focus on his studies and mellow out a little bit

Now, what to do with four jerseys, since you can only wear one at a time?

"I had all the members of the FLC cycling team sign one of them and I'm thinking about giving one to my parents and maybe another to one of my sponsors."

For more information, photos and race schedules see http://alexhagman.com.

Cyclocross racers begin season at FLC

2006-10-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Fall weather in Durango can mean snow, mud, rain and an assortment of other conditions. Perfect weather for cyclocross.

Cyclocross uses bicycles that have some features of mountain bikes and some features of road bikes. Repeats on cyclocross loop courses have pavement, grass, curbs, jumps, tight corners and other nasty obstacles that can send riders for a spill.

The cross racing season started three weeks ago on the Fort Lewis College campus. Cross guru and FLC student Matt Shriver has again organized a series of races.

While weather for the first race was miserable, last week's race featured sunny, but cold, clear skies.

Twenty riders assembled on the north side of the FLC track circling the football field. FLC students, citizens, professionals and age groupers all went off hard.

Grant Berry (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory), Travis Brown (2000 Olympian), Joey Thompson (FLC), Anthony Colby (Target Training), Ned Overend (Specialized ageless wonder) and Adam Snyder quickly pulled ahead of the rest of the riders.

Winding around the FLC campus, this course included two jumps on the lawn between dormitories where riders dismounted, carried their bikes over the jumps and got back on. There was a steep, short incline south of the gymnasium, a gravity-fighting U-turn near the football field, and too many tight turns and curbs to count.

"People were just dropping off one by one and at the end there were just three of us," said Thompson, the race winner. Colby and Berry finished second and third, just a few seconds behind.

Brown, an Olympic mountain biker in 2000 and a 1993 Durango High School graduate, loves cross.

"There are lots of lead changes, finishes are close and it is the most fun to watch," he said. "I remember doing a race in Kansas City in 2002 when the wind chill was 20 degrees below and the ground was frozen and slick."

Brown used a bright colored single-speed for the race last weekend, but will probably change to an easier multispeed bike later in the series.

Joe Burtoni, 47, a Durango Wheel Club member and age-group racer, was breathless at the race finish.

"I only got lapped by three guys, but it's an honor to race with everyone," he said.

Steve Lamont, another wheel clubber, fought with back pain as he finished his laps.

"The grass is slow and it's hard to get any speed going," he said.

"But I'll be back for the rest of the series and the state championship (Nov. 11)."

Mary Monroe, Trails 2000 director and Brown's wife, was the only woman competing last week.

Overend enjoyed himself but admitted, "My experience with cyclocross is thin."

Professional cyclists Tom Danielson (Discovery Channel) and Chris Wherry (Toyota-United Pro) were among the spectators at Saturday's race.

While local cross cyclists and events are thriving in Durango, Todd Wells, last year's national cyclocross champion continues his winning ways.

This month, Wells competed in two United States Gran Prix events in Boston, one cross race in Gloucester, Mass., the Pan American Mountain Bike Championship in Brazil and two races in Philadelphia.

"Gloucester was held in the park where they filmed 'The Perfect Storm' and it sits next to the ocean," Wells said. "This year the race was dry and warm with temperatures in the upper 50s, and it sure was nice to race cross in short sleeves and not be covered in mud at the end of it."

Cross races continue in Durango on Nov. 4, 18, 24 and Dec. 3. The state championship is Nov. 11. For more information, see www.flcshrivercross.blogspot.com.

Ourada blazes to first place in Mug Run

2006-09-28T03:08:00.000-07:00

Several runners were stung by bees, one runner took a wrong turn and ended up near Junction Creek and another runner took a nasty spill near the finish line, but, other than all that, it was still a perfect day for the 113 runners who took part in the Animas Mountain Mug Run on Sunday.

Dan Ourada, 32, took off from the start and blazed to a first-place finish in 44 minutes and 58 seconds.

This was Ourada's first footrace in five years after having broken his ankle.

"It's been a struggle getting back into it," Ourada said. "I did two XTerra races this year and since I qualified for nationals next week, I wanted to get in some good training."

On the women's side, Sarah Slaughter, 34, won the Mug Run and finished first in the Alpine Bank Trail Series, which also consisted of the Mother's Day Telegraph 10K and the June Mountain Park Race.

"I have done this race before but I didn't do it last year, and I forgot how hard it is," Slaughter said. "I think that Animas is the ultimate, fast trail run because it's technical and steep."

Slaughter is preparing for the 25K trail run in two weeks that is part of the Durango Double weekend.

Dave Heald (45:26) finished second Sunday but won the race series. After taking a nasty fall and scraping his hands badly at Animas last year, Heald was prepared this year and wore gloves.

After Ourada took off fast at the start, Heald thought that he might be running the short course, but that wasn't the case.

"I saw him (Ourada) for a little bit on the straightaway going downhill, but I couldn't catch him," Heald said.

Corey Gianniny, 12, and Alisha Whiteman, 11, finished the short course together, holding hands. Both are students at Miller Middle School.

"We had a blast," Gianniny said.

"We're getting ready for the Turkey Trot," Whiteman said.

Gianniny and Whiteman had smiles from ear to ear.

Allison Andersen, 47, ran Animas and also completed the race series. She's been living in Durango for 10 years but has not been running until this year.

"I hike, ski, mountain bike and play soccer but I set a goal for myself to do the 25K trail run in two weeks," Andersen said.

"The run (Sunday) was a great way to keep committed, but I'm still not really sure how I feel about this long-distance running stuff."

Sabina Kuss ran and hiked the long course with a brace on her knee.

After an injury while playing ice hockey last year, Kuss had both reconstructive and arthroscopic surgeries.

"My doctor said that I could go ahead and do all the things I love to do, and I'm just happy to be out here again," Kuss said.

Sabina's son, Sepp, won the short course division for the men and her husband, Dolph, also completed the Mug Run.

"We wanted to make it a fun, family day," Dolph said.

Ann Creamer, race director and Durango Parks and Recreation employee, was pleased with the race series.

With the nice weather, 53 runners signed up the morning of the race.

"Alpine Bank has agreed to sponsor the series again next year, and we'll be back starting with the Telegraph 10K on Mother's Day," Creamer said.

Zia Taqueria hosted the post-race party and runners were treated to burritos and lots of tasty Mexican food.

The first 100 runners Sunday were also given large, beautiful, breakfast mugs at the annual Animas Mountain trail event.

3 locals qualify for Xterra USA Championship

2006-09-06T04:01:00.000-07:00

3 locals qualify for Xterra USA Championship

Xterra races consist of a 1.5K swim, 30K mountain bike and a 10K trail run. This format would appear to be ideally suited for mountain-loving Durango athletes.

Angel, 30, a physical therapist, is a former cross country and track standout at Kansas State University. She also swam competitively for eight years. After a serious hamstring injury sidelined her for several years, Angel only started running again this year.

"The last few years I've raced mountain bikes, and it's kind of nice to put everything together," Angel said.

While Angel finished fourth in the women's 30-34 division with a time of three hours, 22 minutes and 57 seconds, it was not an easy race.

"During the swim I got walloped and kicked in the face," Angel said. "I was swallowing a lot of blood."

Besides the Ogden event, Angel has competed in Xterra races in Phoenix and Crested Butte this year. With her total points accumulated, Angel is currently ranked second in the mountain region and ninth nationally. Besides qualifying for the national championship, Angel has also qualified for the world championship Oct. 24 in Maui.

Rakita, 57, also a physical therapist, finished first in the 55-59 age division in 3:18.27.

The swim portion went well for Rakita, but he had difficulties on the bike. A pinch flat cost Rakita seven minutes, and a faulty quick valve made matters worse. Rakita finally fixed the flat, but toward the end of the bike course, he hit a rock and took a dive over his handlebars.

"It wasn't too bad, and I just skinned my knees," Rakita said. "I wasn't shaken up, but I was ticked off."

For training, Rakita swims with the Durango Masters group three days a week, bikes 5Â½ hours a week and runs 3Â½ hours.

"There's a lot of interest in this town for triathlons, and the college and city triathlons are good events," Rakita said.

Rakita has qualified for, and will race in, both the Xterra national and world championships.

Lieb, 36, a Durango property manager, decided in January to make the Xterra races a priority.

"After my first race in Mesa, Ariz. on April 23 - I finished fourth in my age group, ninth overall - I thought I might be able to qualify for the national championships," Lieb said.

With a 3:40:38 finish in Ogden and points accumulated from Bailey, Mesa, Ariz., Austin, Texas, Show Low, Ariz., and Big Sky, Mont., Lieb has reached her goal of qualifying for nationals.

"Swimming is the toughest for me, and I probably don't spend enough time in the pool," Lieb said. "I used to swim Masters a lot but getting up at 5:30 a.m. is tough."

Lieb's favorite race this summer was Austin. While competing at sea level, Lieb finished first in her age group and first overall.

"My sister lives there," she added. "I had a great run, and I was on fire," she said.

Crested Butte was difficult.

"I was tired at the race start; swimming at elevation is tough, and I felt like I was going backwards," Lieb said. "My glasses came flying off during a descent on the bike, and then my chain got stuck on the inside cog. That cost me 10 minutes."

Locals recount Hardrock tales

2006-07-27T03:39:00.000-07:00

There were a record 81 finishers out of 130 starters at the weekend's Hardrock 100-mile endurance run in Silverton.

From the starters, six live in La Plata County.

Brett Sublett finished in 39 hours, 46 minutes and 20 seconds; Will Vaughan 42:27:43, Brett Gosney 42:35:09, Odin Christensen 43:08:40 and Rick Pearcy 46:08:59.

David Greenberg completed 90 miles before succumbing to exhaustion near Cunningham Gulch.

These are the numbers, but they don't tell the stories.

Sublett was happy to finish the race for the second time in as many tries, but it was not a pretty site. Sublett injured his knee halfway through the race and limped most of the remaining 50 miles.

"I couldn't bend my knee all the way, and I couldn't put much weight on it," Sublett said.

Sublett received a little bit of relief when an osteopath at Pole Creek treated him. Friend and adventure racing teammate Rick Callies and friend Liane Jollon also walked with Sublett and helped him stay focused.

"They were just great," Sublett said.

Vaughan knew the course, but the race was much harder than he thought it would be.

"I had done each section individually, but putting them together is a different story," Vaughan said. "Oscar's Pass was hot, and the terrain in and out of Cunningham was steep, loose and marbled."

This was Vaughan's first Hardrock but his third 100-mile run. He has also completed Wasatch and Bighorn. Despite some swelling and blisters, Vaughan felt better at the completion of Hardrock than he did at his other 100-mile runs.

Gosney is now 2-for-3 for Hardrock finishes.

"I was sick as a dog on Friday, but I had a great day of running on Saturday," Gosney said.

After arriving at Grouse Gulch, the halfway point, at 5 a.m. Saturday, Gosney thought that his race might be finished. He was nauseated, sick and exhausted. But after a 30-minute nap, Gosney felt like a new man.

"It was like Lazarus coming back from the dead," Gosney said.

Gosney's son Sam, 15, paced his father for the last 9 miles.

"Sam was psyched to be there, and I was happy to have him," Brett said.

Christensen was bothered after not finishing the race last year but redeemed himself this year by running a smarter race.

"The weather was favorable, and I didn't push too hard early on," Christensen said. "It was a positive experience, and it was a great community of people to share the weekend with."

Christensen also found two secret weapons this year. "I ate lots of pumpkin pie and potato soup at the aid stations."

Pearcy found all of the climbs difficult but was also intrigued with the beauty of the course and the remarkable sunrises and sunsets.

"There were amazing waterfalls, and I saw a herd of elk near Cataract Lake," Pearcy said.

Fortunately, Pearcy had plenty of scenery to distract him while he was vomiting during most of the last four hours of the race.

"Maybe I'll hike some 14ers and learn to kayak during the rest of the summer," Pearcy said.

Despite not finishing the race after having covered 90 miles walking and run, Greenberg had the best stories to tell.

In spite of the oppressive heat, Greenberg felt fine on Friday while going up Oscar's. After dealing with some stormy weather on Virginius, Greenberg started the climb up Engineer.

"My stomach started to turn, and I could see that flashing red light on top of the pass. But it just never seemed to get any closer," Greenberg said.

"Handies was beautiful but by Pole Creek and Maggie's, I was having trouble getting fluids down."

When Greenberg met up with a small group of runners, he soldiered up Stony Pass and over Green Mountain. After arriving at Cunningham with 9 miles to go and seven hours before the 48-hour cut-off time, Greenberg appeared to be on his way to a finish at his first Hardrock attempt. But it was not to be.

Greenberg tripped and fell backward while only 500 feet from the next ridge.

Exhausted, dehydrated and perhaps hypothermic, he was not able to get back up and resume walking.

Greenberg said he considered crawling but after thinking about the long-term effects on his body and the worry and anxiety he would put his family through, Greenberg knew that his race was over.

While his pacer gave him extra clothes and went back to the Cunningham aid station to get some help, Greenberg reclined and waited.

After being escorted back to the Cunningham aid station, Greenberg was administered an IV and was on his way to a complete recovery.

"I'd like to give Hardrock another try, but it probably won't be next year," Greenberg said.

Race director Dale Garland, who said he is amazed at the tenacity of all the runners, will be directing the event again next year.

"I can't run anymore, but this is one connection that I still have," Garland said. "I enjoy the challenge of putting on such a big event and watching it all come together. Hardrock has a lot of meaning in people's lives, and I enjoy being part of that."

Harriers start Hardrock 100

2006-07-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

While it rained Monday, six local runners made their last-minute preparations for today's 13th annual Hardrock 100-mile endurance run, which begins in Silverton and proceeds in a clockwise direction through Telluride, Ouray and Lake City.

The race starts at 6 a.m. and will finish Sunday at 6 a.m. The Hardrock course has 33,000 feet of elevation gain.

Rick Pearcy, 53, spent the week in Silverton. On Monday, he duct-taped his Camelbak while fastening down all of the straps on his pack.

"This way, I'll have lots of duct tape handy in case I get blisters during the run," Pearcy said.

Pearcy, a retired policeman from Colorado Springs, was scheduled to start last year's event, but, instead, paced a friend.

"I knew I wasn't prepared for the race."

Pearcy is well aware of the monumental task at hand.

"A million things can go wrong, like getting sick, lost or bad weather," he said. "But I'm excited about seeing an incredibly beautiful course."

Odin Christensen, 58, a Mancos geologist, has started the Hardrock 10 times and has finished the event six times.

Last year, Christensen dropped out of the race at Grouse Gulch, near the 40-mile mark.

"Getting sick while running through the night is tough to deal with," Christensen said.

Christensen is hoping to redeem himself this year.

"I know that the pain and stiffness from the run only lasts about a week, but the real agony of not finishing lasts all year."

Will Vaughn, 34, is attempting the Hardrock for the first time. Since suffering a back injury in March, Vaughn's training has gone well. In the past few months, Vaughn has been able to complete five training runs of 30-40 miles.

"I think the toughest part of this race is eating and hydrating correctly," Vaughn said.

"It's also hard staying focused while you haven't slept for 40 hours and you've got all of these aches and pains."

With monsoon season arriving early in Southwest Colorado, Vaughn is expecting to see spectacular wildflowers.

Brett Gosney, 47, is the CEO of the Animas Surgical Hospital. Juggling a high-pressure job, family and training can be difficult, but Gosney is hoping to make it for his second successful try in three attempts.

On Monday, Gosney was in Silverton waiting out the rain and hoping to continue his high-altitude training by reading a book, Last of the Mohicans while spending time on Stony Pass.

"I climbed peaks in Alaska, Asia and South America for 15 years, but what I really love is moving quickly through the mountains," Gosney said.

"The Hardrock is the premier 100-mile trail race in the country. It's well-organized, and it's an honor and privilege to run this event in my own backyard."

Brett Sublett was the 10th-place finisher in last year's event in 32 hours and 42 minutes. Hardrock starters are determined by lottery, and Sublett was placed on the waiting list for this year's event. He only found out that he had been accepted to run a few weeks ago.

"My training hasn't been the greatest, but I have been able to get in a few long runs in the mountains," Sublett said.

David Greenberg, 41, lives in Durango but is a family-practice doctor in Shiprock, N.M.

It is Greenberg's first try at the Hardrock.

He qualified to run the Hardrock by finishing the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run last year in 35:42.

"My training has been going well, and I've been walking and running in the mountains," Greenberg said. "With family and work it's always challenging finding time to run."

Dale Garland, city councilor and former mayor of Durango, has directed the race every year since its inception.

"Last year's winners, Sue Johnston and Karl Metzler, are both back this year," Garland said.

"We'll also have runners from 33 states and Finland, Germany, France and Italy."

All of the runners' progress can be tracked at www.hardrock100.com.

Cyclists are RAAM tough

2006-07-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

They started in Oceanside, Calif., on Sunday at 10 a.m., and they'll keep on biking 3,043 miles until they reach Atlantic City sometime around June 20. It's the 25th Anniversary edition of the Race Across America (RAAM) and riders started passing through Durango on Tuesday afternoon.

It's a traveling three-ring circus of endurance masochists, support vehicles and media.

Val and Robin Phelps, time station captains and Durango Wheel Club members, are hosting a checkpoint at Santa Rita Park. The Durango stop is 815.3 miles into the race.

"It's sort of the fringe of cycling," Val said.

Jure Robic, two-time defending champion and last year's RAAM winner in nine days, eight hours and 48 minutes, was the first one to the Durango checkpoint this year, arriving at 12:30 p.m.

According to Robin, Robic was a little unsteady getting off his bike and went to sleep in his support crew's motor home almost immediately.

Marko Baloh was the second rider through at 2:12 p.m.

"It's going OK for now," said Baloh, while devouring a plate of risotto prepared by his support crew.

Marcel Knaus arrived only three minutes behind Baloh. Knaus brushed his teeth, lay down in the grass at Santa Rita Park and propped his legs up against a pole. While Knaus rubbed a wet cloth across his sweaty face, his crew massaged his legs.

Drew Bourey, Durango business owner, watched the riders as they arrived and tried to do a little work at Boure Sportswear in between.

"We have a couple of sponsored riders doing RAAM," Bourey said.

Jonathan Boyer arrived at 2:40 p.m. He dismounted his bike, got into his support crew's car and zipped off to a hotel for some rest.

Boyer was the winner of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in 1982. Ned Overend, who was wrenching at the Outdoorsman (now Mountain Bike Specialist) at the time, raced and won as a Cat. IV racer that year.

"I didn't get to race against Boyer much, but we're the same age (50), and I've been following the guy's career forever," Overend said. "Boyer was one of the early riders in Europe, and he paved the way for a lot of Americans to race there."

Ed Zink, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic organizer, remembers Boyer's 1982 visit to Durango well.

"Boyer came here because he was using it as a tune-up for the Coors Classic," Zink said. "After Boyer won the IHBC, he stopped for a few interviews before turning back around and racing back to Durango. He was on top of Molas Pass while the Cat. III racers were just getting there."

Overend was back and forth at the aid station trying to see his friends Ken Souza, Boyer and Tinkler Juarez. He was also hoping to ride a little.

Martha McClellan, 59, lives in Durango and was expecting to see her son, Zach Bingham, early on Wednesday. Bingham is riding on the four-person Beaver Creek-Vail team, last year's winning team.

"I'll have Zach's favorite food, tuna noodle casserole, ready when he comes through," McClellan said. "I worry every year about Zach, and I just want him to be safe."

Paul Skilbeck is the RAAM media director. He was accompanying the lead riders through Durango, making sure that they were safe and following the RAAM rulebook.

"Durango is a slightly mad cycling town, and this is the best stop of the entire race," Skilbeck said. "We're starting to see some real fatigue set in on the riders right now."

Rose Juarez, Tinker's mother, stopped in Durango while crewing for her son and waited for him to arrive from Cortez.

"This race is hard on everybody, but I'm just taking it day by day," Rose said. "Between cooking, cleaning and driving, there's so much to do."

Her son has visited Durango many times while racing in NORBA and Iron Horse events. He was looking forward to passing through Durango again.

"It's one of my favorite places to race," he said in a pre-race interview. "I see Ned around sometimes, and I keep in touch with Myles Rockwell (Durango rider)."

Meanwhile, Juarez was having his share of difficulties in Cortez on Tuesday. He had some problems with his bike fit, and was not in a good mood.

"This is not fun," said Rose, repeating her son's words.

At 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night, Robin Phelps was getting ready for a little nap as she wasn't expecting any more riders for several hours.

Steep, twisty trails offer new challenge

2006-06-13T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Park Classic, with 1,500-feet of climbing over 6.6 miles of twisty, steep, nasty trails, was held Saturday morning under sunny skies.

The mountain park is city-owned land on the west side of town. The race start was at the Southwest Conservation Corps headquarters in the Durango Tech Center. While Hogsback is the centerpiece of the mountain park, runners, thankfully, only climbed halfway to the top before making a wicked descent on the opposite flank.

Besides the long course, there was also a shorter 4-mile course and a 1-mile fun run. This was the second race in the Alpine Bank Trail Series. The first race was the Telegraph 10K on Mother's Day, and the final race is the Animas Mountain Mug Run on Sept. 24.

Marty Brenner, 37, worked a long shift at the La Plata County Sheriff's Department on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., but that didn't stop him from winning the men's long course.

"This course was absolutely nasty," Brenner said. "I took a wrong turn and the person behind me called out and pointed me in the right direction."

Brenner has been in Durango since January after moving from Santa Cruz. At the finish line, he was nearly breathless.

"I'm going home to take a nap this afternoon because I have to be back at work for 5:30 tonight," Brenner said. "The course was beautiful and fun and I hurt so bad, but I loved it."

Sarah Slaughter won the women's division. After climbing the road out of the Tech Center into the mountain park, Slaughter's heart rate climbed immediately.

"I thought this race wouldn't be too hard but I was wrong," Slaughter said. "Thankfully, the course was well-marked."

With two children at home, ages 5 and one and a half, Slaughter is ready for a busy summer. But, she's also planning to do all of the area mountain runs including Kendall, Kennebec, Imogene and Pikes Peak.

Slaughter enjoys training on Hogsback.

"I'm planning on doing Animas Mountain Mug Run, but I'm not real good about planning things out," Slaughter said.

Besides blaming yourself for running so hard on a nice Saturday morning in Durango, Harry Bruell should also shoulder some of that responsibility.

Bruell, executive director of the Southwest Conservation Corps, marked and set the course.

"I did the Animas Mountain Mug Run last year, and I thought that we should have a race in the Mountain Park that would showcase Durango and some of the work that the SCC does," Bruell said.

SCC did trail maintenance and conservation work after a fire ripped through part of the area two weeks ago. While the trail was clear and safe through the burned area, there was still a strong smell in the air.

"We'll employ and train 300 young people this year who will do thousands of hours of work on public land throughout the region this summer," Bruell said.

Livi Kurmano, 7, and her brother, Nathan, 9, both students at Needham Elementary, completed the 1-mile run.

"That was fun," Livi said. "Maybe I'll run again but I don't know."

"People keep telling me I need to run longer distance and I agree," said Nathan, matter-of-factly. "I've never run here before."

Mike Burns of Alpine Bank, race series sponsor, was working the finish line.

"It's great to be involved in a community event like this," Burns said. "Everybody had smiles on their faces today."

After a feast of doughnuts, bagels, fruit and granola bars, awards were presented for winners and "Best Blood and Best Mud."

One couple at the finish line had a busy day in front of them.

"We're going to get married at Andrews Lake and I need to get my hair done first," the young lady said.

Sage, Nelson lead way at Narrow Gauge 10-miler

2006-06-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

With perfect weather conditions, more than 240 runners participated in the 29th annual Animas Surgical Hospital Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K runs Sunday morning.

For Sampson Sage, 24, a former Fort Lewis College cross country standout, the race was a little different, but the result was the same: Sage won the 10-mile event going away in 58 minutes and 53 seconds.

"The course was on the Animas River Trail instead of West Second Avenue and the short, steep climb up Richard Avenue just before North College Drive was tricky," Sage said.

While Sage ran the first mile in five minutes and 30 seconds, he thought that he might have gone out too fast.

"I let up a little, and I didn't take the lead back until we made the turn on 32nd Street," Sage said.

Brianne Nelson, another former FLC cross country star, won the women's 10-mile event in 1:07.15.

"This is one of my favorite runs of the year," Nelson said. "It's also a great kick-off to the mountain running season."

Nelson heard the runner-up woman breathing behind her for the first few miles, but by the time she started climbing North College Drive, no one was in sight.

Nelson is racing in the Vail USA Track and Field Mountain National Championships next week. After that, Nelson will probably make room in her schedule for Kendall Mountain, Kennebec Challenge, Imogene Pass and Pikes Peak.

J.W. Ragsdale, 54, a Durango psychologist, ran the 10-mile race for his 15th time.

"That hill on Richard Drive was a new, fun twist," Ragsdale said.

Next weekend, Ragsdale is running the Estes Park Marathon.

"I've done at least one marathon a year for the last 22 years, and this one won't be any different," Ragsdale said.

But even 15 times at Narrow Gauge, pales in comparison to David Rakita's 29th running.

"I was 13 minutes slower than I was the first year," Rakita said. "Today's race was a lot of fun, but I was a little challenged when I heard Andy Snow's footsteps near the FLC chapel."

Snow, 46, started running one and a half years ago.

"This was my first time at the Narrow Gauge, and it was a wonderful event," Snow said.

Traeana Tripoli (20:16) and John Weswah (16:15) won the 5K events.

With a screaming downhill course beginning at FLC, many runners set personal bests.

Kathy Stephenson, 34, had a baby nine months ago and was running to get back into shape.

"I had a PR today, and I felt good the whole way," Stephenson said.

Rogan Brown, 14, son of Lynne and Brett, ran just over 18 minutes while winning his division.

"Running is just training for cross country skiing in the fall," Rogan said.

"I'm also planning to do a lot of kayaking this summer."

Leo Lloyd Sr., a Durango Motorless Transit (DMT) running club board member, was the event director.

"It was great having the events centered at Park Elementary School this year," Lloyd said. "Everybody got to hang around for the awards, socialize, eat and have a good time."

More than 40 percent of the runners were visiting from out of town.

"This race could become an institution," Lloyd said.

Art Rohr, 58, from Cortez, was pleased with the race organization. According to Rohr's GPS watch, the race course was exactly 10 miles.

"All of the mile markers were in the right places, and a race just doesn't get any better than this," Rohr said.

Marjorie Brinton, DMT president, said that the race proceeds would benefit the cross country running scholarship fund at FLC and youth running programs in Durango.

Many runners had tired legs after participating in Saturday's bike race and 16 athletes, including Rakita and Snow, will be splashing today in the Narrow Horse 1,500-meter swim while completing the Iron Horse three-day stage triathlon

First-timers get revved for Iron Horse

2006-05-23T03:57:00.000-07:00

Thinking about riding to Silverton this year with the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic? Nervous because you've never done it before? This year, among the estimated 2,000 riders doing the race and the citizen's ride, there will be many first-timers.

Rich Fletcher, 49, is a professional broadcaster and has videotaped the IHBC for everyone from CNN to Inside Durango TV, but has never attempted the ride.

With a little encouragement from friends, Fletcher started riding his bike regularly, which he had not done since he was 16.

"I sold my race car that was taking a lot of time as a hobby and bought a new bike from Mountain Bike Specialists," Fletcher said.

New bike in hand, Fletcher signed up for the IHBC training program. "The IHBC program was a complete course in cycling," Fletcher said. "We learned everything from how to adjust the bike to fit your body, to fixing flat tires, proper spin technique, riding in a group and pacing."

While training, Fletcher has ridden Coal Bank twice and Hesperus twice. He'll still be filming the event this year, but he'll do it while riding the bike, using a lipstick camera and small recorder.

Peter Marshall, also 49, has been the general manager of the Doubletree Hotel for four years. Marshall is always looking for new challenges, whether it's playing in a rugby tournament or running a footrace.

After mulling over the race for a few months, Marshall decided to buy a new bike and start training for the race.

"My wife has been very supportive of me doing this," Marshall said.

"The training has been going pretty well, even though it usually finishes up at Steamworks."

Marshall is a little nervous about next week's ride, but he's also excited.

Kirk McLaughlin, 55, is a retired Bayfield elementary schoolteacher who has been inspired by his children.

McLaughlin has been riding with a group at the Durango Sports Club three days a week. While he's been having lots of fun, McLaughlin has also dropped 20 pounds since he started riding regularly.

"I didn't want to jump right into a hard training program, so I had a physical in November to make sure that everything was OK," McLaughlin said. "After seeing others in my age group complete the ride, I thought that maybe I could do it, too."

McLaughlin's training has been going well. While making gradual progress, McLaughlin started by riding to Trimble Lane before graduating to harder rides up old Shalonah, Haviland Lake and Coal Bank Pass.

"Cycling is addictive, and it's not a pounding activity, like running," McLaughlin said.

Jackie Ellis, 44, hoped to make her IHBC debut last year, but a few weeks before the race she tore her ACL while hiking in Sedona, Ariz. After surgery, recovery and a lot of spring cycling, Ellis is ready to race this year.

When Ellis makes it to the start line she'll have plenty of motivation to power her over the passes. Husband, children and parents will all be waiting in Silverton.

"I've been using a heart rate monitor during my training, and I can see when I need to gear up or down," Ellis said. "I've also practiced changing a flat tire, but I hope I don't have to do that on race day."

Nelson sets three Masters Records

2006-04-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

MaryAnne Nelson has been around for a few years, but you couldn't see that by watching her swim, bike or run.

Nelson, 55, is a fit athlete and a swimmer on the Durango Masters Team.

Two weeks ago, Nelson swam in eight events and two relays at the Colorado Masters State Swimming Championships in Denver. She also set three age-group state records in breast stroke events with times of 40 seconds in the 50-meter, 1:30 in the 100 and 3:20 in the 200. Nelson competes in the 55-59 age bracket.

"I know I'm at the bottom of the age bracket right now and probably some younger whipper-snapper will come around and break those records next year," Nelson said. "But besides setting the state records, I'm pretty pleased that I didn't drown during the backstroke."

The backstroke is not Nelson's favorite event.

Nelson grew up in a small town in Iowa in the '70s. Title 9 and equal opportunities for women in sports weren't around yet, and she didn't have many athletic role models.

"I remember playing some half-court basketball," Nelson said. "Nobody thought that women were capable of playing the full-court game."

Even though there were few organized opportunities for women in sports, Nelson didn't let that stop her. She rode her bicycle, horses and played in all of the neighborhood ball games.

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer signed up for the Boston Marathon. When the authorities realized that a woman was running, race director Jock Semple and tried to force her off the course. In a dramatic moment, Switzer's 235-pound boyfriend, who was running beside her, blocked Semple, and Switzer finished the race.

Nelson remembers the Switzer incident well. "That was pretty courageous and a real eye-opener for a lot of women," Nelson said. "We all thought, 'Yeah, we can do that too.'"

After teaching in eastern Colorado, Nelson moved to Dolores to begin a 30-year teaching stint in Southwest Colorado, where she ran on the country roads.

"Everyone thought I was nuts and pretty eccentric," she said. "They said, 'There goes that crazy girl who lives in that house on the corner.'"

Nelson continued running. She did a marathon in Steamboat Springs, finished the brutal 18-mile Imogene Pass Run four times and ran ultramarathons.

When running injuries started catching up with her, she headed for the swimming pool.

"A lot of people don't do fitness activities because they say they don't have the time, but you need to schedule it, like everything else," Nelson said. "It's so important to stay healthy; fitness is at least one-third of my life, and I know that I'd be lost without it."

Bill Palmer, who has been coaching Olympians and national champion swimmers since the late 50s, is impressed with Nelson's swimming progress.

"Swimming doesn't come natural to MaryAnne, and she really has to work at it," Palmer said. "Plus, she has very little body fat and doesn't get good flotation."

Nelson finished last weekend's Tri-the-Rim Triathlon (500 yard swim, 12 mile bike and 5K run) in one hour, 39 minutes and 35 seconds.

"I enjoy racing but I enjoy training even more," Nelson said. "I've got a great friend, Trudy O'Brien, who I've shared a lane with for three years."

Triathlon training takes teamwork

2006-03-28T02:12:00.000-07:00

Dana Desplanques, David Fraser, Lisa Lieb and Jason Smallheer are happy to have found each other.

All are taking part in the triathlon training program offered three nights per week at the Durango Community Recreation Center with coach Arthur Razee.

At last week's session, Desplanques, 34, sat with Razee and went over her logbook. Fraser and Smallheer swam, while Lieb ran for one and a half hours on the treadmill.

Desplanques is preparing for the Fort Lewis College Tri-the-Rim (500-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run) on April 15. She has been with the group for only three weeks.

"I'm also training for the Steamworks Half-Marathon while raising money with Team-in-Training for the leukemia and lymphoma society," Desplanques said. "My son, Keenan, was recently diagnosed with leukemia."

With Desplanque's two children and a full-time position in information technology at Fort Lewis College, the hardest thing about triathlons is finding the time to train.

Fraser, 27, just rejoined the training program after taking several months off. But time away didn't mean time off from training. Fraser is preparing for the Arizona Ironman on April 8, and the Las Vegas Silverman on Nov. 12. These torture sessions consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle leg and a 26.2-mile run.

"I've done several shorter races, century (100-mile) rides and marathons, and the Ironman is just a matter of putting it all together," Fraser said. "This is a fun way to train because it's motivating to have a group of people working out together and sharing a common interest."

While Durango was covered in powder two weeks ago, Fraser fled to the warmer climes of Tucson for extensive training.

"I'm excited for the challenge of the Arizona Ironman and putting my body through such a test," Fraser said.

Lieb, 36, did her first triathlon in Durango when she was only 12.

"We swam in the old city pool next to the Fairgrounds," Lieb said. "This year I want to qualify for the National X-Terra Championships."

Lieb has recently endured three knee surgeries for torn ACLs and a meniscus repair, but she's not letting that stand in her way. Her knees aren't as strong as they used to be, but Lieb is hoping they'll hold up for the upcoming races.

Smallheer, 32, who works at Durango Mountain Resort with Fraser, has been in the program for two years but missed most of last year with a broken back.

"Right now I'm just trying to get back in shape again," Smallheer said. "Triathlon is a tough sport, and it's hard to train in Durango during the winter."

Smallheer's evening workout consisted of three 800-meter swims plus a 1,500. While he is comfortable running and biking, Smallheer has a little difficulty with the swimming.

"I tend to sink in the water." Smallheer said.

Coach Razee lectured his students for a few minutes about water intake, the dangers of too much ibuprofen and measuring wattage (power) using a computerized bicycle trainer.

"I'm hoping to get my Level 1 coaching certification soon," Razee said. "I just want to keep on learning more so I can keep on helping everybody in their training."

For more information on the triathlon training program, call Razee at 385-0634.

18-mile Grand Canyon run turns into 25-year tradition

2006-03-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Leo Lloyd III, 44, celebrated his silver anniversary in the Grand Canyon with 30 friends last weekend.

Lloyd has returned every year since with friends and family to run down the South Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel Trail in a single day.
It has been a 25-year love affair for Lloyd, but this one isn't with his wife Susie.

Since 1982, when Lloyd was a sophomore at Fort Lewis College, he has traveled to the South Rim every year to run down the Kaibab Trail to the Colorado River and back up the Bright Angel Trail.

An 18-mile trek is typical training fare for a marathoner, but those runs don't usually include a total elevation change of 9,000 feet.

The National Park Service has posted signs discouraging hikers from trying to travel from the rim to the river and back up in the same day, but this has never stopped Lloyd and his companions.

Paul Pixler, former philosophy professor at FLC and noted author of Hiking Trails of Southwestern Colorado was Lloyd's mentor, inspiration and companion during the first run.

"Pixler had done it by himself the year before," Lloyd said. "He still went to the Grand Canyon every year until 1985 when he was in his mid 60s."

After Lloyd graduated FLC in 1985, he remained in Durango and worked as an EMT. While he settled into a routine with his new wife, who also graduated from FLC, Lloyd's love for spending part of spring break in the canyon remained.

Mayor Dale Garland, who was training for ultramarathons at the time, also accompanied Lloyd on many of the runs until the mid 90s.

"It's just been a wonderful tradition for me," Lloyd said. "I never know who is going to come along each year."

While this year's attendance saw a high of 30 individuals, Lloyd has also made the trip with as few as one other person: Susie.

Brett Gosney, who is training for this year's Hard Rock 100 Endurance Run in Silverton, joined Lloyd in the Canyon this year. Chris Nute, Outdoor Pursuits Director at FLC, was also along.

Besides many of Lloyd's friends, who came from as far away as Connecticut, Lloyd was also fortunate to have two other generations along.

"Kendall, 14, my oldest son, did his first trip this year, while my Dad, Leo, who's 68, made his fifth run," Lloyd said.

"It was perfect weather this year," said the elder Lloyd. "Couldn't have been better," agreed his son. "It was cool and clear and just magical."

FLC racer enjoys cyclocross ruckus in Europe

2006-02-21T01:46:00.000-07:00

Troy Wells, 21, has a few cuts on his chin and above his eye but he's still smiling.

Fort Lewis College student Troy Wells, who lives in Durango, celebrates a hard-earned winter cyclocross finish in Belgium in January.They're just the leftover scars on a Fort Lewis College senior accounting major who recently returned from six weeks of cyclocross training and racing in Belgium.

Cyclocross, a mix of road and mountain biking and running, is not normally a contact sport, but you might have a hard time explaining that to the Swiss racer who chopped Wells into the fence during one of the races.

"I should have dropped out of that one," Wells said. "My face was bleeding; I had a chipped elbow and probably a minor concussion."

Instead, Wells ran to the pit, switched his damaged bike (the front wheel was in five pieces) for a new one and finished up the race.

"I caught the guys from Zimbabwe, and I also passed a teammate with a flat tire who was having a bad day," Wells said.

This was Wells' second racing trip to Europe. Last year he was there for a week and a half.

Cyclocross is serious business in Europe. The competition is tougher, and the starts are crowded.

While racing for the TIAA-CREF/Clif Bar U-26 development team, Wells is trying to gain all of the experience he can before taking his cycling to the next level.

"I'm not a professional yet because I'm not making any money, but I'm close to breaking even," he explained.

Wells got an early start with biking and rode BMX starting at age 3. Older brother Todd, an Olympian and national champion, was leading the way.

"I got burned out from biking for a while and I started running in high school and college," Wells said.

But it was cold in Plattsburg, N.Y., while attending junior college, and after visiting Todd in Durango Troy decided to move to Durango two years ago and continue biking with Coach Rick Crawford and the Fort Lewis Cycling program.

And despite the bruises, muddy race courses and six races in twelve days, the European racing experience was good for Wells. There wasn't much time to sight-see but Wells was happy to compete in a race that finished in the historic Paris-Robaix velodrome. He also visited the medieval city of Brogue.

While in Belgium, Wells stayed in a house with his teammates that was set up like a college dormitory.

"The food is different over there. It's nothing like Tequila's and RGP's, my Durango favorites," he said.

While eating a special Christmas meal at the house, Wells was enjoying a good piece of meat only to discover that it was actually horse. But the Belgian waffles that Wells and his teammates would get from a stand while out on their training rides were spectacular.

Is it difficult riding in the shadow of Todd, who is eight years older?

"Sometimes I feel the pressure, and sometimes I don't," Troy said. "We get along great, and he helps me a lot but I also want to do my own thing."

Todd and Troy both won their respective national championships in Rhode Island last December.

Despite coming from a running background, Wells isn't quite adept at carrying his bike, which is a necessary part of cyclocross.

"I'm slow and I can't get good foot turnover," he said.

Despite the challenges ahead, Troy has the same sparkle in his eye as Todd. It's almost like he can't help but follow in his brother's footsteps.

And why wouldn't he want to?

The Tao of Tad: Life is good

2006-02-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Wine, women and song.

Maybe, it's more like Gatorade, Red Bull, young ladies and Nordic skiing, but, either way, it's a wonderful time in the life for Durango Nordic's 17-year-old phenom, Tad Elliott.

Elliott, Jason Cork, Durango Nordic Ski Coach, and several other high-school students from the U.S. left last week for a trip of a lifetime to Scandinavia to compete in the annual Scando Cup race series.

For two weeks, skiers from the U.S., Norway, Sweden, Finland and Estonia are training and competing in a series of Nordic ski races.

It's a 24-hour flight to Stockholm, and while Durangoans are reading the morning paper, it's already afternoon there.

"The international flight was awesome, and the airplane was 64 meters long and held 261 people," said Elliott in a recent e-mail.

"Each seat had a television in the head rest with a touch screen panel, and I could watch whatever movies and videos I wanted."

Accommodations aren't bad either.

"Every room in every hotel where we have been staying has a heated towel rack," Elliott said. "The U.S. needs to have that."

While Elliott was in flight, his parents, Nancy and Mike, were already lamenting.
"Tad forgot to pack his nice shirts and left them on the dresser." Mike said.

After arriving in Stockholm, the U.S. contingent practiced for two days.

"The snow conditions are awesome and everybody here just loves Nordic skiing," Elliott said.

The first race tune-up was hosted by the Jarnaspelen ski club. Elliott won the 10-kilometer event in a blistering time of 27 minutes and 53 seconds.

The U.S. boys took seven of the first eight places while the girl's team, led by Elise Moody, took six of the top eight positions.

For his efforts, Elliott was awarded a large box of cracker bread.

"This was an excellent race for us, and it was good to come over and get into an event and come out on top," said Cork, who has been keeping an on-line journal at www.rmnordic.org.

Next stop on the ski circuit is Falun, and then it's a ferry ride from Umea to Vasa, Finland.

Gatorade is a special European mixture, Red Bull comes in a glass bottle, and the coffee is very strong. Elliott has been having more than his share of all, but he has been disappointed with the candy selection.

"It's not very good," Elliott said.

So much for the diet of champions.

Besides lots of skiing, racing, training and enjoying the food, Elliott also has enjoyed meeting lots of people.

"The girls here are beautiful," Elliott said.

It's a wonderful life.

Elliott will be returning to Durango Wednesday, Feb. 8, and then it will be time to catch up on two weeks of missed schoolwork.

It's an expensive trip, according to Mike, but well worth it.

A plethora of local races set for 2006

2006-01-16T04:17:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've just started running, or perhaps you're a grizzled 20-year multisport athlete. Either way, there is a perfect race for you in the area in 2006.

The Snowdown runs are Feb. 4 and 5.

"One-hundred people from six different states are already signed up," said Matt Kelly, head hasher.

The Animas River Trail 5K and one-mile fun run on Feb. 25 form the first event of the Fort Lewis College race series. These events raise money for the FLC running program and scholarship fund.

The Durango Parks and Recreation Department is also putting on a series of races this year. The first event, a Valentine's Day 5K, is Feb. 11.

"This race has great raffle prizes," said Ann Cramer, recreation supervisor.

The High Altitude Snowshoe Race and Alley Challenge cross country ski race, part of Silverton's Snowscape Festival, are Feb. 18 and 19.

Wiggy's 12th annual Fun Run begins at Cascade Village on Feb. 26. The 19-mile route follows Highway 550 over Coal Bank and Molas Pass before finishing at the Explorer's Club in Silverton. New Belgium Beer is helping out with beverages this year.

Hozhoni Days 5K on March 25 is the second race of the FLC series and the Screaming Downhill Race from the college mesa to Your Running Store on April 15 is the third.

The Pueblo to Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile fun run is on April 29. This course leans downhill and travels on beautiful rural roads between Dolores and Cortez.

Shiprock, named for the ancient volcanic plug west of Farmington, hosts its 23rd annual marathon on May 6. For those who do not want to run 26.2 miles, there is also a five-person relay.

At Tri-the-Rim, on April 15 at FLC, competitors will swim 500 yards, bike 12 miles and run 3.1 miles.

The city-sponsored South Rim Duathlon, a combination mountain bike and trail run, is May 7. There is a long course, a short course and a kid's race.

The Telegraph 5 and 10K take place on Mother's Day, May 14. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory provides treats for moms. This is also the first event of the Alpine Bank trail series.

The 29th Annual Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K is May 28.

"This is a classic route that goes up North College, does a loop around the college and comes back down Goeglein," said race director Leo Lloyd, Sr. "It's part of a great weekend of events that also includes the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Narrow Horse 1500-meter swim."

"There were 51 swimmers last year and seven people who completed the three-day triathlon," said swim director and Durango Motorless Transit president, Marjorie Brinton.

The Mountain Park Classic, a new race this year, is June 10.

"We are encouraging all runners, walkers and hikers to participate," Cramer said.

The Steamworks Animas Valley Half-Marathon is June 17.

"We'll have finisher medals this year and a big barbeque at the race finish at the Durango Sports Club," Kelly said.

With the Blue Ribbon 10K on the Fourth, Hard Rock 100 Endurance Run, July 14-16 and Kendall Mountain on July 22, Silverton is the place to be for runners in July.

"July 4 is a big camping weekend, and we'll have the rhubarb festival, ducky races, marching brass band and fireworks too," said Amy Gass, Chamber of Commerce director.

The Hardrock 100 might sound like a difficult task, but race director Dale Garland said, "It's not tough at all as long as you can run from sea level to the top of Mt. Everest at an average elevation of over two miles above sea level."

In August, there's the Durango Parks and Recreation Triathlon, Kennebec Challenge and the Durango Sports Club Femme 10K.

The Animas Mountain Mug Run is September 24.

The Durango Double, part of the Rocky Mountain Festival for Runners, is October 7 and 8.

"We had 106 people do the Double last year, and there were people from 34 states, Japan and Canada," Kelly said.

The Journey of Hope 5K, also in October, raises money for women to get mammograms.

Thanksgiving Day, November 23, brings the annual Turkey Trot 5-mile and one-mile fun run.

"In 2005 we had over 450 runners," said race director Nick Nichols.

Found the races you want to do this year?

Check www.go-dmt.org for updates and the latest information.

There’s no place like home for holiday gifts

2005-12-27T03:46:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again for holiday parties, giving gifts, making resolutions and setting new goals and challenges. Somewhere in the frenzy, fitness, health and a good dose of the outdoors should not be far from anyone's mind. After all, those are the reasons why we live here.

Once again I have scoured the planet for new and interesting gifts for all of the amazing athletes of Durango and, surprise! I found the best deals are right here .

Some of these products are made and sold in Durango. While many of my picks are made elsewhere in Colorado, all are sold locally.

After cycling lots of miles over the past few years and finding a way to permanently lodge both my seat post into my down tube and my handlebars into my fork, I wish someone would buy me a new 3D road bicycle.

Chris Herting was a partner with Yeti Cycles from its beginning in 1985 until 1991. In 1992, Herting left Yeti and started 3D Racing frames.

"3D stands for dedication, design, development," Herting said. "I am a small, one-person custom frame builder and I design each frame for that customer using information like body dimensions, flexibility and riding style."

Herting builds road, mountain and tandem bikes.

"Pretty much anything with wheels on it," Herting said.

Durango Cyclery is selling jewelry made by up-and-coming cyclist Alicia Rose Pastore. She's making chain link key chains and bicycle earrings while trying to raise money for next year's racing season. The 12-year-old Miller Middle School student has already used this year's proceeds from her business to buy a new racing bike.

"I'm also selling hanging plastic bag holders at Guido's," Pastore said. "I have my own business, called 'Soft As A Rose Cards & Crafts,' where I make homemade bath salts, bath teas, bath bombs, soap, earrings, potpourri, cards and necklaces."

Call Pastore at 385-4571 or e-mail her at pastore@frontier.net

The Cyclery is also selling Xtracycle racks and unique toilet paper dispensers.

"You can put 200 pounds or a kayak on those Xtracycle racks," said owner Russ Zimmermann.

Backcountry Experience and Peanut Cafe have Mountain Boy sleds. Brice Hoskin makes these in his Silverton shop, is selling them through L.L. Bean and is producing 10 times the amount of sleds he did when he first went into business two years ago.

"Everybody in Silverton and Crested Butte puts their groceries on their push sleds, even though they are intended for kids," said Backcountry buyer Becky Rockis.

Brown's Sport Shoe has 180s ear muffs that are fleece-lined and go behind the head instead of over the top.

Your Running Store has Fuel Belts, Blister Shield and multi-colored Pearlizumi Wrapsody Hats.

Maria's Bookshop has several Lance Armstrong selections to fuel your fire this winter. And, there's a new book, Duel in the Sun: Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, and America's Greatest Marathon by John Brant.

My own fitness goals for 2006 include learning how to ride in a pace line properly and completing the Arizona and Florida Ironmen races without drowning. I'd rather do almost anything else in the world than flail my arms and legs while attempting to swim laps.

Please don't be shy and let me know your fitness goals for 2006. If I get enough responses, they'll fill a future column.

Wells brothers win nationals

2005-12-15T03:08:00.000-07:00

If you think that biking is only an activity for the sunny, warm days of summer, think again.
Despite nasty weather conditions that included ice, slush, snow and mud, Durango cyclists continued their frequent podium visits at the Liberty Mutual U.S. National Cyclo-cross Championships at Roger Williams Park in Providence, R.I. The three-day weekend events, Dec. 9-11, included 1,400 competitors.

The Wells' brothers, Todd and Troy, each took home national championships, while Fort Lewis College won the collegiate championship. Todd races for GT Hyundai while Troy, a student at Fort Lewis College, races for TIAA-CREF/Clif Bar.

Cyclo-cross, a mix of road and mountain biking, running and leaping over various obstacles with the bike hoisted atop a shoulder, including hay bales and other barriers, has been popular in Europe for several years, but is finally catching on in the United States.

During the cyclo-cross season, which begins in the fall, when road and mountain biking is finishing up, older brother, Todd, 30, had been focusing all of his energies on the national championship.

"It's the only race everyone cares about," explained Wells, as he prepared for the weekend's championship. "The weather is supposed to be snowy, and my brother and I both seem to do well in poor conditions."

Despite crashing and breaking his handlebars early in the men's pro race on Saturday, Todd held on for a 14-second margin of victory over Ryan Trebon.

"Fortunately, you are able to switch bikes in cyclo-cross, and I picked up a new bike on the next lap," Todd said. "It's satisfying to accomplish my goal."

Todd was on his way to Mexico for a little rest and relaxation after another long, but successful, season of professional cycling. Earlier in the day, Todd watched Troy dust (or rather, mud) the competition in the under-23 national championship.

"It was amazing to see my brother win," Todd said.

Troy, 21, pushed hard at the start of the race and then backed off a little after he opened a little gap during the second and third laps.

"The course was covered with ice and snow and I wanted to be conservative," Troy said. "There were also four run-ups (dismounting and running with the bike) during each lap, and I don't like those and would rather just stay on the bike."

With a busy weekend and still in transit back to Durango on Monday, Troy wasn't able to get much studying done for his final exams next week.

"After finals, I'm leaving on Dec. 21 to race in Europe for one and a half months," Troy said. "I'm excited to race, and last year I only got to stay there for two weeks."

The defending national collegiate champion, Fort Lewis was supposed to race on Friday but was forced to wait another day to claim its title again.

"It snowed all morning on Friday, it started raining, and there was a windstorm blowing three inches of snow sideways," said team manager Dave Hagen.

When conditions settled down on Saturday, the Skyhawks won their third consecutive national championship.

Matt Shriver finished second overall in the men's collegiate race.

"Cyclo-cross is usually not canceled but when I went out to do a few laps on Friday, I couldn't feel my fingers or toes, despite wearing booties, hat and lobster gloves," Shriver said. "I am not stoked for a race to be canceled, but the weather was so bad that even the insane racers of New England didn't want to be out there."

Hagen was thrilled with his team's performance.

"The whole team really stepped it up out here - everyone from our first rider down to our last," he said.

Grant Berry, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, finished 37th in the Elite Men's division while teammate Ryan Barthel finished 41st. Shriver, racing for Kona/Easton, added a 47th-place finish in that event.

Other men's finishers in the collegiate races included Adam Snyder (7), Eric Ransom (11), Jon Belcher (21) and Mike Stevens (26).In the women's collegiate race, Tina Dominic (3), Molly Hummel (8), Onawa Pelham (9) and Chantel Shoemaker (15) all had strong showings. In the men's master race, Steve Lamont of the Durango Wheel Club finished 12th.

Sunday's races included the low-key Liberty Cup, but, both Todd Wells (1) and Shriver (16) decided to push the pace.

For complete race results, see cyclocrossnationals.com.

Thweatt, Casey and Flint take national stage

2005-12-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

When 369 runners took the starting line at the Foot Locker Midwest Cross Country Girl's Championship 5,000-meter race at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside two days after Thanksgiving, Laura Thweatt and Erin Casey, from Durango, were among the nervous high-schoolers waiting for the starting gun.On the boys side, Steve Flint, from Bayfield, was among 362 runners.

Formerly known as the Kinney Cross Country Championships, the Foot Locker has been providing a national championship for high school runners for 26 years. Notable runners Dathan Ritzenhein (1999-2000) and Melody Fairchild (1989-1990) were national champions for two years.

Thweatt, 16, a junior, finished in 105th place with a time of 19 minutes and 50 seconds.

After previewing the course on the day before the race, Thweatt was a little concerned about the snowy, cold condition, but on race day it was sunny and blustery.
"I had a good season this year, but I would have liked to do better at the state meet," Thweatt said. "Now I'll be running during the winter getting ready for the Simplot Games in Idaho in February."

Thweatt got an early start while running the 800-meter race in seventh and eighth grades at Miller Middle School. "I'd like to continue running in college," Thweatt said. "Running is something I hope I can do all my life."

Casey, 15, a sophomore at Durango High School, finished 123rd in 20:07.
"It was the largest race I've ever been in, and it was a little overwhelming," Casey said. "Laura and I started out together but we lost each other." Only 17 seconds separated Casey and Thweatt at the finish.

Besides a crowded start that extended all the way across an open meadow, Casey also contended with a tough, snowy, slippery course. A skier with Durango Nordic, Casey usually competes in the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, but missed this year's event while resting for the Foot Locker race.

"My Dad (Jim) was probably happy that I didn't race, because I can usually beat him at the shorter distances," Erin said.

Flint, 17, a senior, finished 58th with a time of 16 minutes. "I was a little disappointed," Flint said. "I got boxed in at the start of the race and I never really worked my way up."

Still, it was a great experience for Flint, who was completing a stellar four years of running for Coach Vernon Kimball. Flint's Wolverine boys squad won every event they entered this season except the Durango Invitational.

"Mr. Kimball did a great job," Flint said.

Now that cross-country season is finished, Flint is playing varsity basketball. "I'm a better runner than a basketball player, but I'm having fun," he confessed.

Flint hopes to run someday for a Division I college like BYU, Stanford or Oregon, but that will probably wait for two years while he completes a mission with his church.

For complete race results, see http://www.footlockercc.com./

Marc Witkes has been running, biking and writing in Durango for almost 20 years.

Adaptive Sports brings world closer together

2005-11-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

While Durango continues to gaze at the sky for clouds, moisture and anything remotely related to snow, the Adaptive Sports Association (ASA) is busy recruiting and training volunteers for its 23rd season.

In 1983, Dave Spencer, a skier whose leg was amputated due to cancer, co-founded ASA with a vision of developing an organization dedicated to providing outdoor recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. Spencer died in November 1986, but not before ASA was well on its way to becoming one of the best adaptive programs in the nation.

Two weeks ago, ASA held organizational and informational sessions for its winter programs. ASA trains and supervises volunteers who provide skiing and snowboarding instruction and guidance for people with disabilities ranging from visual and hearing impairment to amputation, ALS, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Griz Kelley, program director with Adaptive Sports for six years, provided an animated overview for 30 new recruits at the Community Recreation Center.

"Yes, volunteers who help someone with a day of skiing earn a free lift ticket," Kelley said. "That may bring you into the program, but it's not what makes you stay. There's so much personal satisfaction in teaching someone to ski or snowboard."

Kelley showed off all of the different toys that an instructor can use to help someone successfully navigate the trails at Durango Mountain Resort. There were harnesses, snow bikes, outrigger poles (crutches with mini-skis on the bottom), mono-ski chairs, board buddies and hula hoops.

"If we can teach people to ski without adaptive equipment, that's great," Kelley said. But if there's something that can lend a hand to a skier with a disability that helps him get down the mountain, Kelley has it in his collection.

"We're a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people's lives and allowing them to take advantage of all that Durango and the San Juan Mountains have to offer," Kelley said.
Liane Jollon is the new executive director of ASA.

"I'm excited to be part of this program which helps bring a community of people together with and without disabilities to pursue outdoor activities," Jollon said. "It's just wonderful that people are willing to give their time and energy to help us out."

While ASA not only provides services for local residents, it also serves school groups, Special Olympians and large groups from around the country.

Gene Larson, an ASA board member, is in charge of the housing program. He finds individuals and families willing to host visitors who come to Durango to ski and snowboard with ASA.

Besides skiing programs in the winter, ASA has also been providing its clients with summer programs including kayaking, fishing, canoeing, rafting, hiking and houseboat programs on Lake Powell.

Claire Ninde, the executive office manager for ASA, met her husband, Gordon, through Adaptive Sports in 1998.

"Gordon was an instructor at ASA and I was a kid's ski school instructor at Purgatory," Ninde said. Gordon is a T-9/10 paraplegic (paralyzed below the waist), skis with a mono-ski and is featured in the video to promote ASA.

He's also hoping to compete in the Mancos Mush dogsled race again this year.

For more information on Adaptive Sports, call 259-0374.

Turkey Trot sees big numbers

2005-11-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

Some people ran to burn off a few calories before the traditional Thanksgiving feast, while others ran to see if they could be faster than friends and neighbors. All 450 who participated in the 18th annual Turkey Trot 5-mile and 1-mile races, however, ran to have fun.

Thursday's turnout was the largest for a Durango Thanksgiving Day race. Many families, including the Lloyds and Stovalls, boasted three generations of runners on the starting line.

Tad Elliott, 17, (29 minutes and 59 seconds) from Durango, and Amy Shelley, 26, (32:47) from Cedaredge, repeated as overall men's and women's winners in the 5-mile event. Both took home large pumpkin pies for their efforts.

Starting near the clock tower on the Fort Lewis College campus, the race course was a mixture of trail and road sections before going through the Hillcrest neighborhood, across the dam by the city reservoir and back to campus.

Elliott ran in a small pack in second place for most of the race before passing Daniel Crane (30:53) on the final ascent beside the golf course. Preparing for the upcoming ski season, Elliott was practicing with his teammates in Grand Mesa last week.

"Almost the whole Nordic team was here racing (Thursday), and it was great to see all of my friends," Elliott said. "I was stoked to beat my coach (Jason Cork)."

Ageless (50) Ned Overend, held on to the lead pack for as long as he could before finishing in sixth place.

"When Tad finally decided to go hard, he put 500 yards on everyone else," Overend said.

Shelley, who grew up in Aztec, came close to taking a fall on the trail but another runner reached over and helped her.

"I ran 35 minutes last year, and I wanted to beat that time," Shelley said. "The trail was tough and a little slippery this year."

Many runners were racing the Turkey Trot for their first time.

"I don't know why I haven't done this before," Peggy Munten said. "I'm excited, and I'm trying to train for an upcoming marathon."

Lou Vito, 34, a line captain with the Durango Fire Department, also a first-timer, chased fast 12-year-olds for most of the race.

"But, hey, it felt pretty good beating them at the finish line," Vito said.

Youngster Emily Badgley, dressed up like a turkey in orange pants and a fluffy white top, ran the one-mile event with her parents, Kate and Kevin, and brother, Patrick.

"We plan to run the Turkey Trot every year but this is the first time we made it," Kate said.

Drew Lewis, 12, a student at Miller Middle School, was the first finisher in the 1-mile fun run.

"I was also sick (Thursday)," Lewis said. "The rest of the day I'm going to eat and sleep."

Following the race, the annual gobble-off was held in the FLC Amphitheater. Those runners who let loose a dramatic gobble at the finish line were asked to come back on stage for a repeat performance.

With prizes galore from local merchants, no one went home empty-handed.

Running five miles is never easy, and the temptation to stop is always present, but Gabriella Dugan and her four children probably had it tougher than most as they had to run by their house at the half-way mark in Hillcrest. Husband Tom came out to watch and cheer on the runners, as he does every year.

"There's not too many sporting events in this little neighborhood," Tom said. "It's really nice seeing all of the kids out here having so much fun."

Nick Nichols, who has directed the race for the last four years, was pleased.

"It's a lot of work, but I keep on putting on this event because it's good for the running club (Durango Motorless Transit) and it's good for the community," Nichols said. "All of the proceeds benefit the DMT/FLC cross-country running scholarship."

Colby’s comeback from surgery takes him to first place in Moab

2005-11-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

With a first place finish in the solo category at 24 Hours of Moab three weeks ago, Anthony Colby is a long ways from recovering from brain surgery at Children's Hospital in Boston in 2000.

Colby, left, digs in on a corner near Moab on Oct. 15. He won the 24-hour individual race.Moab is a challenging race where participants push their bodies to the limits and then pray for one more lap. After he circled all the sand, dirt and slickrock he could take for 18 laps, Colby finished with 270 miles, climbed, and descended a total of 24,480 feet.

Colby grew up in Dedham, near Boston, and rode his bike everywhere. One-hundred mile training rides on Route 114 through Worcester, Ayer, Fitchburg and Groton would bring him halfway across the state of Massachusetts.

In 1999, Colby took his bicycle, books and Puritan work ethic to Fort Lewis College. Colby rode five years for the Skyhawks, had great race results including national championships in cross country and short track, and graduated in the spring of 2004 with a degree in exercise science. Typical, except that Colby took a year off from FLC in 2000 to correct a problem that resulted from a ski accident when he was only 10 years old.

"I got a concussion and that caused some brain tissue scarring," Colby said. "A year later, that developed into epilepsy with full-blown seizures."

When you're 10 years old, the doctors might not be willing to tell a young man the whole story but they probably knew that Colby would someday need risky surgery.

"It's not a good idea to get it done and miss a year of school when you're that young," Colby said. "It would have been pretty detrimental to my development."

After being monitored for one month at Children's in 2000 while the doctors tried to figure out the area of Colby's brain that was overactive and causing the seizures, he finally had the surgery.

"It's just part of my life and I really never had any pain or discomfort," Colby said. "I had some odd moments but it wasn't a bad card to be dealt."

After surgery, Colby lost a lot of weight, was sedentary for a couple of months and had a fitness level of about zero. Time away from school and friends helped Colby redefine his goals and reflect on what he wanted from life.

"I wanted success on the bike," Colby said.

Colby returned to school with more passion, perseverance and dedication.

"He's an unbelievable athlete and super hard-working," said Rick Crawford, FLC cycling coach."

After graduation, Colby won the Green Mountain Stage race and finished second behind Tyler Hamilton at the Mount. Washington Hill Climb. He signed on to ride professionally with Target Training, an elite team sponsored by a coaching firm out of Westport, Conn.

Next year's team schedule isn't finalized yet but Colby is already thinking about Tour de Nez, Redlands, San Dimas and the Tour of California.

"Someday I'd like to ride in a Grand Tour like the Giro, Vuelta or France and finish," Colby said.

With Tom Danielson, another FLC alumni, and his eighth place finish overall at this year's Vuelta, Colby is inspired and ready to bring his cycling to an even higher level.

"There's a lot of bike in my life and it has been a long year of training and racing," Colby said.

For the moment, Colby is thinking about where he has been, where he is going and doing some long rides in the Four Corners just for fun. Maybe enjoying a Steamworks pint night or an occasional burger night, too.

Durango’s 'Ironpeople' race in Hawaii

2005-11-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

There are many Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run) events in the United States and around the world, but there's only one lava-lined course on the big island of Hawaii.

In order to race in Kailua-Kona, you have to qualify by placing in the top of your age bracket at another Ironman event. In 2005, more than 40,000 athletes competed for 1,800 coveted spots in Hawaii. Those who race there are the "best of the best."

Two weeks ago, area residents Brett Sublett and Cathy Tibbetts raced in Hawaii.

Sublett, 39, who lives in Durango, earned a spot by placing 4th overall and first in his age bracket at the Buffalo Springs Half-Ironman in June.

Tibbetts, 51, who shares her time between Durango and Farmington, won her age bracket at an Arizona event in April.

Sublette was racing in Hawaii for his fourth time while Tibbetts made her first trip.

"The swim and the bike portion went well for me this year, but I fell apart on the run," Sublett said. "Five miles into the run, I knew I just didn't have it and was having a bad day."

After walking most of the second half of the marathon, Sublett struggled to finish in ten hours, 29 minutes and 16 seconds, placing 132nd out of 256 in his age bracket.

"My run is usually the strong part of my race, but it just failed me this time," Sublett said. "It wasn't a real hot day and I really don't have any excuses, but I guess I still haven't quite figured out this race nutritionally."

Before arriving in Hawaii, Tibbetts was concerned about swimming in the ocean swells of Kailua Bay without a wetsuit - these aren't allowed in Hawaii but are allowed in other events - but after exiting the water in one hour and 24 minutes, she realized that her fears were unfounded.

"When I got on the bike, I ate a bagel and cream cheese, and I stashed some chips for some salt later on. That seemed to work out real well," Tibbetts said.

Coming from a strong ultrarunning background, Tibbetts fared well on the marathon portion of the race and only walked an initial steep climb and through the aid stations.

"I don't think anyone in my age bracket passed me during the run," Tibbetts said. "But all of the women here were just in unbelievable shape. I saw so many women with great figures and I thought it would be nice to be 20 or 30 again, but then I found out that those women were in my age bracket or even older than me."

Tibbetts finished the race in 12:19.39 and placed 12th out of 39 in her age bracket.

After the race, Sublett spent several days in Hawaii with his girlfriend and did some snorkeling and surfing.

"We had a lot of fun, but I did take a wipeout while surfing south of town," Sublett said. "I still have a lot to learn about this race, and I want to come back again and give it another shot."

Sublett is also making plans to race in the Badwater 146 race next year and ride in a Race Across America qualifier.

Tibbetts stayed in Hawaii after the race, enjoyed sea kayaking and hiked the lava fields at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

"I also got a temporary Ironman tattoo on my stomach and that was pretty cool," said Tibbetts, who is already signed up for three more Ironman races next year inds Arizona, Coeur d'Alene and Lake Placid.

Women of the Durango Double trained together

2005-10-25T02:59:00.000-07:00

Training for running in a long event such as a marathon can be a daunting, lonely experience.

But a few women have been getting together once a week in Durango to make their experience a little easier.

Marjorie Brinton, 50, has been organizing long weekend runs for about a year, but somewhere along the way the runs turned into women’s group outings.

“The guys tended to be in a hurry, so they would run ahead,” Brinton said. “Maybe it’s the nurturing side of women that makes us wait and look out for each other, but no one seems to mind stopping and waiting.”

Gail Harriss, a Durango attorney, trained by herself for the Canyonlands Half-Marathon and Tri-the-Rim Triathlon, but recently she has found some other people to run with and that’s made things more enjoyable.

“There is really tremendous support in the running community,” Harriss said. “I certainly feel encouraged, and it does not seem to matter that I am one of the slower ones.”

Robin Halloran, 32, special education teacher at Durango High School, has enjoyed meeting new runners.

“The thought of running with a group can be very intimidating, but the experience was far from it,” Halloran said. “I’m having more fun than ever having women to run with to prepare for racing.”

Lisa Ford spends summers in Durango and winters in Tucson. After taking off 10 years from running due to back pain, Ford has had a little difficulty getting into the running spirit again.

“It is hard to make myself run more than 10 miles alone, and I don’t always feel safe on the trails,” Ford said. “Two weekends ago was the first time I ran with a large group of women. The runners I was with knew the exact trail and the group had similar running abilities.”

Besides being a great way to get in some long training miles, the group runs give mothers who work a lot a good way to socialize.

And the women’s group runs have paid good dividends.

Brinton ran the Durango Double last weekend, completing the 25K trail run in 2 hours and 35 minutes. She followed that with a 1:56 in the half-marathon.

“The races went great and I was right where I hoped to be both days,” Brinton said. “I took a little fall on the trail run which was more embarrassing than painful.”

Harriss ran the Durango Marathon in 5:12, just a little slower than last year.

“This year was a tough race, and I walked a lot between miles 16 and 22,” Harriss said. “I’m getting together with my running buddies this week, and I bet the conversation will be about planning our next big event.”

Halloran ran the Chicago Marathon last weekend in 3: 38.48 and qualified for the Boston Marathon in April.

“I am so excited and appreciative of the support I have here,” she said. “Qualifying for Boston has been a lifelong dream.”

As for Ford, she ran the 25K in 2:37.

“This was the longest race I have done in about seven years,” Ford said. “I got a little emotional about being able to finish something like that because there was a time when I could not even walk 2 miles without severe pain.”

Marc Witkes is president of Durango Motorless Transit.
Reach him at 247-3116.

Miller kids find fun on the trail

2005-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sarah Tescher, a busy professional cyclist, teacher, student and homemaker, has been the organizing force behind the mountain bike program at Miller Middle School for four years.

“Durango has some great trails for beginners, and this gives kids other al ternatives to team sports that they can do until graduating high school. Mountain biking is a lifestyle sport that you can do the rest of your life.” On Wednesday, when the bell sounded dismissing school, most of the kids ran off carrying books, laughing, eager to participate in other activities. Around 20 children gathered their bikes, helmets and gloves and waited in front of the school.

When Tescher arrived, she led the kids through a quick safety check. Next, Tescher and Mark Pastore, a Miller teacher who was helping out, directed the children to the parking lot to test their turning ability while weaving in and out of traffic lane hash marks.

Tescher has recruited many friends including pro riders Ned Overend, Frank Mapel and Todd Wells to ride with the kids over the years.

At least one participant demonstrated a pretty good wheelie.

Zoe Tregillus, 12, rode with the program last year and was back for another year.

“I like riding different trails,” Tregillus said. “Spirit Trail was a new one for me last year and it’s hard, but it’s also a lot of fun.” After riding through the parking lot, Tescher and Pastore watched while the children rode down a steep embankment. At the bottom of the hill, Tescher divided the students into smaller groups, according to ability, and prepared them for a trail ride.

Kyle Horn, 13, wore a colorful Junior Wheel Club jersey and rode a Gary Fischer hardtail bike that he built himself with a little help from his dad. Horn rode in eight races this year, which comprised the Mountain States Cup, and was also planning to ride in the scholastic state championship race.

“Kids don’t have to race and they’re not expected to, but this program can possibly take them to next level,” Tescher said.

Ben Kraushaar, 15, and Ian Burnett, 18, are two Miller mountain bike alumni who continue to race.

Kraushaar, a sophomore at Durango High School, finished first in the Junior Expert 16-and under cross-country race at Mammoth NORBA two weeks ago.

“I enjoyed the pros coming to ride with us when I rode at Miller,” Kraushaar said.

Burnett, a freshman at Fort Lewis College, now rides with the Skyhawks.

“The Miller program was a lot of fun, and it wasn’t too serious,” Burnett said.

With Durango Cyclery, Nature’s Oasis, La Plata Development LLC, Casey and Casey LLC and Boure among the program’s many sponsors, kids can purchase bright yellow, blue, black and white Miller Middle School Angel jerseys for only $10.

Tescher also received a grant from the El Puente Foundation in Denver which provides funds for new bikes that at-risk youth can ride for the season and later purchase with points for good grades, good behavior and community service.

FLC student-cyclists Jeremiah Bouchard and Patrick Piche were also on hand to help out last week.

“I want to be a teacher someday and I enjoy seeing the kids,” Bouchard said.

With Miller Middle School introducing kids to mountain biking, preparing them to ride at DHS, Fort Lewis and perhaps in the pro ranks, it would appear that biking will remain a dominant culture in Durango for years to come.

“Look at seventh grader Alicia Rose Pastore, who the won the (2005) Mountain States Cup,” Tescher said. “She’s the next one.”

Mammoth NORBA a Durango affair

2005-09-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Mammoth Mountain, Calif., hosted this weekend's USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships in a new winner-take-all format, but if you blinked you might have thought you were in Durango.

Alex Howard, 18, a 2004 Durango High School graduate, drove 15 hours. Ned Overend and Todd Wells flew to Reno and drove to Mammoth together. Joe Burtoni, a Durango Realtor, shipped his bike ahead of time to his godfather in Reno and visited before heading to Mammoth.

When four days of racing, including cross country, downhill/kamikaze, Super D, MtnX, marathon/mini and trials, began on Thursday, around 25 area residents were ready to test their talents against the best of the best.

Overall, 1,582 riders comprised 2,147 race starts.

Burtoni spent a lot of time on rollers during March and raced in NORBA Phoenix.
"I'm excited but not really nervous," said Burtoni, en route to Reno on Wednesday morning. "I'm here because I've trained hard and those other races were stepping stones for this one."

On Thursday, Burtoni, who enlisted help from USA Cycling coach and Hesperus resident Mike Engleman prior to the race, rode a practice lap with Overend, Cale Redpath and Greg Lewis.

"No, we're not racing yet," joked Overend, who responded to his cell phone while warming up on the opening climb. "If I was racing, I'd answer the phone and put you on hold."

Wells and Overend raced cross country on Friday, Super D on Saturday and short track on Sunday.

Shonny Vanlandingham, 36, raced the same three events.

"It's a happy atmosphere here," said Vanlandingham, who makes her home in Durango. "The venue is nice, all the different team and sponsor trucks are here, and I'm a little nervous, but that's good."

Wells and Overend both started slow but passed several competitors towards the end of the cross country race.

"I attacked on the climb during the last lap," said Overend, 50, who estimates he has raced at Mammoth 20 to 25 times. "If there was another lap, I might have fared a little better. But I was happy because I started working toward this goal last year, and I wanted to have a good race when I turned 50."

Overend finished fifth, three bikes behind race runner-up Wells.

Wells, a member of the 2004 Olympic mountain biking team and the 2001 national cyclocross
champion, will be conducting the TWells CX Camp Sept. 28-Oct. 2 in Durango and will be sharing a few of his racing secrets.

Overend has a few secrets of his own.

After a long weekend and a late flight back to Durango, Overend was still able to squeeze in the Half-Valley and Lemon Lake 45-mile ride on Sunday as part of the Boure Bike Fest.
Vanlandingham was leading the women's professional cross country race on Friday, but flatted near the top of the final descent, rode her bike downhill, crashed and carried the bike across the finish line for a dramatic fourth-place finish.

"I was caught 200 meters from the finish line," Vanlandingham said. "It was disappointing, but that's part of racing, and I'll be back next year."

Vanlandingham finished first in Sunday's short track, while Wells added his second runner-up finish in the men's pro division.

With the new one-day format, Overend thinks there will be twice as many participants next year at Mammoth Mountain. But with everyone flying and driving 1,100 miles to Mammoth, wouldn't it be easier if the races were held in Durango?

DMT helps put Roser back on running path

2005-09-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

It might be difficult to come home again, but former Durango High standout Emily Roser is back in town, running cross country at Fort Lewis College and picking up where she left off.

Roser ran a spectacular four years at Durango High under coach Ron Keller. She set a school record in the 3,200-meter run before graduating in 2002.

After a one-year injury-plagued stint at the University of Montana, and two years of not running for FLC, Roser missed competing and decided to run this year.

Two weeks ago, Roser ran to a fourth-place overall and second-place finish on her team at the George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff, Ariz. And last weekend she was 20th overall and first for her team at the Lobo Invitational in Albuquerque.

For Roser, some things have changed about running in Durango, but others have stayed the same.

“I’m not nervous about the meets, and I don’t stress out anymore,” Roser said. “I’m new to the team this year, but I enjoy telling the girls the great places to run like Hermosa Creek, Horse Gulch and Lime Creek Road.” Last week, while running cemetery hill repeats, Roser remembered running there while in high school. And, of course, the hill is just as steep as it was four years ago.

After running by herself for the past two years, Roser enjoyed pushing the repeats with teammate Jessica Quigley.

Roser is also the first recipient of a Durango Motorless Transit/Fort Lewis College running scholarship. This endowed fund encourages local high school students to continue their running career at FLC rather than taking their talents to an out-of-town college.

DMT pooled funds from the Narrow Gauge, Steamworks Half Marathon and Turkey Trot races to fund the scholarship. Many individuals made additional donations as well.

“It’s great that we have a local group dealing with local students,” said Dave Preszler, FLC athletic director. “There are limited financial resources at the college, and it’s a nice way to help keep talent here.” Ken Flint, FLC cross country coach, is happy to see good community support during the five years of fundraising.

“Besides helping runners, the scholarship is also helping to graduate high-quality students who do well in the classroom,” Flint said. “Emily is an excellent student who maintains close to a 4.0 G.P.A. in exercise science.” Roser is hoping to graduate FLC this spring.

“I love Durango, but probably at some point I should think about going somewhere else after being here my whole life,” Roser said. “I’ll probably go to graduate school somewhere because you can’t do anything with an exercise science degree, and I’m not ready for a real job yet.” Where does running fit in with Roser’s future plans?

“I could see, maybe, running half-marathons,” Roser said.

Whether it’s graduate school or a career in Durango, running 5Ks or marathons, Roser – the daughter of Craig and Katherine Roser – is certain to be successful.

“I’ve never known anybody to work harder through adversity and focus on what she wants,” Katharine said.

Additional donations for the DMT Scholarship Fund can be sent to the FLC Foundation, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.

Randonneur: BMB long ride was an ordeal

2005-09-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I bicycled in the Boston to Montreal to Boston (BMB) 1200K randonneur (long ride).

The 750-mile BMB is the oldest randonneur in the United States and is based upon the original French event, Paris-Brest-Paris, which began in 1931.

In order to ride in a 1200K event, one must first qualify, by riding a series of shorter brevets of 124, 186, 248 and 372 miles. Robin Favreau, Val Phelps and I completed the brevet series while doing one ride each month in Casa Grande, Ariz. from January to April of this year.

I started packing my bike in its case several days before BMB, and I found my seat post and handlebar stem were frozen in place. I finally squeezed the bike into its case by removing the large chain-ring and seat.

Around 100 cyclists from 23 states and three countries started the ride equipped with lights, generators and gear at 4 a.m.

Heading west from Boston, I hit the 75-mile Bullard Farm checkpoint around 9:30 a.m. and scoffed coffee cake, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and muffins.

Guy Harris, a chemist with Merck, was about my pace; we stayed together for 200 miles.

After skirting New Hampshire, we crossed the Connecticut River Bridge into Brattleboro, Vt. The mountain climbs in Vermont are shorter than the ones in Colorado, but they are steeper. After standing in the pedals in my smallest gear while climbing Middlebury Gap, I was cursing myself for not having a triple chain ring.

Evening accommodations in Middlebury boasted an ice rink with cots. We slept from 11 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. and were on the road again by 4. We made it to Ludlow by 6 a.m.

After riding through Vermont all day, we crossed the Canadian border at Rouses Point, N.Y. at 6:30 p.m., and approached Montreal. The Royal Canadian Legion Hall welcomed us.

I met up with four other cyclists for the evening ride back to Ludlow. Their group leader said that I didn't know how to ride a pace-line, so he put me in back and told me to stay there.

With one of the other cyclists feeling dizzy, we decided to take a nap at a hotel in Ludlow. I left the room for a moment and returned to find my roommate sound asleep while still wearing his reflective vest and ankle bands.

I woke up at 5 a.m. and roused my roomie, but he shrugged me off. His ride was over.

I continued through Vermont, back over Middlebury Gap, and I stopped briefly to see the Robert Frost historical marker. "Miles to go before I sleep" seemed appropriate as I struggled with my sense of time. Was it sun-up, sun-down, dawn or dusk?

Stormy weather hit, and I met up with Tom and Mike, two physicians. They seemed to perversely enjoy shooting up each other's knees with Marcaine, a local anesthetic. After four doses, Mike finally dropped out.

While making another dark, steep climb with Tom, I pulled over to the side of the road, exhausted. Tom gave me electrolytes, a space blanket and wished me luck. After sitting dejected by the road for 15 minutes, I rode on to the Brattleboro checkpoint where I rested for several hours.

It rained all morning for the ride through New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In Barre, my family met me to say hello while I slogged through the final 60 miles. I finished in 83 hours and 16 minutes, some 36 hours behind the ride winner.

I'm still having nightmares about checkpoints, cue sheets and endless miles.

Cyclists savor local sponsorship

2005-08-23T03:19:00.000-07:00

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is cooking up more than toffee, peanut brittle and Belgian white cocoa these days. The current recipe mix includes one sweet cycling team.

Grant Berry, Trevor Krueger, Frank Mapel, Matt Shriver, Mike Nunez, Mitch Moreman, Ryan Barthel and Ned Overend, sometimes, are touting local sponsors, racing, training hard and enjoying success as Durango's only locally sponsored bicycle squad.

Berry, 29, who works for Zuke's Performance Pet Nutrition, and his good friend, Nunez, 24, were kicking around the idea for a team last year.

"We wanted to showcase Durango, local riders and local sponsors," Berry said.

There were just a few small things missing: other riders, sponsors and a formal plan.

Berry approached Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and they agreed to become the team's first title sponsor.

"RMCF was excited and committed right away, and then other sponsors came on board including Spine Colorado/Durango Orthopedics and Mountain Bike Specialists," Berry said.

Berry was careful in picking his teammates.

"I wanted racers who would bring good results, but I also wanted people who were approachable, friendly and would represent our sponsors well," Berry said.

Nunez, 24, likes having the ability to advertise local businesses and forming closer relationships with sponsors and teammates, but he also loves being part of a team and using different tactics while racing on the roads.

"It's easy to do when you have a large team," Nunez said. "We'll usually work for the strongest rider and send some of our riders to the front, slow the pace and try to tire out other teams so that when it counts our strongest rider can come out on top."

Conservation of energy is all-important.

Krueger, 25, has similar feelings.

"It's amazing that all of the local sponsors are so passionate about riding and racing," Krueger said. "They are so interested and excited, and that helps fuel the motivation of the riders on the team."

RMCF has been busy this year and has already ridden in Vuelta de Bisbee, Tour of the Gila, Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Tour de Nez and numerous other events.

Moreman, 25, a Durango High School graduate, finished second at the Iron Horse and the Durango MTB 100. When he's not busy training or racing, Moreman works with his father at Animas Valley Windows.

Shriver, 25, a Fort Lewis College student, has been racing for 11 years and keeps a busy schedule.

"When I'm not riding, I am usually studying, working or resting," said Shriver while he wrenched a bike at Mountain Bike Specialists (MBS).

Overend, seemingly ageless, mostly wears his Specialized Team jersey while racing but occasionally dons the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory duds.

"Specialized doesn't mind because RMCF is one of our grassroots teams and they are using Specialized bikes, helmets and shoes," Overend said.

Last weekend was the Taos Stage Race. Saturday morning was a 70-mile road race, Saturday afternoon was a 9.5-mile uphill time trial and Sunday was a criterium.

Overend, who will celebrate his 50th birthday Saturday, finished in second place, only one point off the winner.

Shriver was fifth. Moreman finished eighth and Krueger, Berry and Barthel all finished tied for 20th.

While in Taos, the team made a last-minute visit to the Taos Rocky Mountain Chocolate location.

"The owner of the store had a tent set up at the criterium," Berry said. "We helped promote some of our other sponsors, talked to a lot of people and just had a real positive experience."

Other sponsors for the team are Spinal Reflex Analysis, Boure Sportswear, Coca-Cola of Durango, Bread, Maxxis tires and DeFeet socks.

Key Jobson and Bryan Merryman are both avid cyclists and work for Rocky Mountain Chocolate.

"Having the team this year has exceeded our expectations," Jobson said. "It's real exciting and satisfying to be involved, and it's cool to see the nice jerseys around town."

Upcoming events for the "chocolate boys," as Jobson likes to say, include the Colorado State Championships, Gore Pass Road Race and the Tucson Bicycle Classic.

Berry is pleased with his team's first-year success.

"It's all about community support, and we love what we are doing," Berry said.

The future of the team?

Seems like the sky's the limit.

"We're a growing program but we wanted to be careful our first year," Berry said.

"Someday we'd love to have juniors and women riding for us."

Rain, mud take toll on mountain bikers

2005-08-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

PURGATORY - With rain, mud, cold and never-ending climbs, it was a trying day for most of the mountain bikers at the Durango MTB 100, 100K (62 miles) and 50K (31 miles) on Saturday at Durango Mountain Resort.

REBECCA DROKE/Herald
Durango's David Drake pedals into the finish line Saturday to win the 100-mile mountain bike race, the Durango MTB 100, at Durango Mountain Resort. Drake won the event for the second consecutive year.The 100-mile riders were attempting three laps; the 100K riders were doing two laps while the 50K riders were trying for one.

Each lap had an elevation gain of more than 6,000 feet and took riders on singletrack and logging roads around the Lizard Head Wilderness, La Plata Mountains and the Needles Range.

An aid station and checkpoint was located at the Graysill Mine while each lap finished in the base of Purgatory, near Hoody’s Base Camp.

Josh Tostsado, from Boulder, who was riding in the 100-mile event, was the first casualty.

He cracked his bicycle frame just a few miles into the race.

Julie Lindstrom, 38, from Jackson, Wyo., was also planning to race 100 miles. She dropped out after the first lap.

“I had fun out there and it wasn’t a waste of time, but this is a really hard, technical course,” Lindstrom said. “The Leadville 100 mountain bike race was easier than this one.” The casualties continued to accumulate.

Kris Quandt, Lindstrom’s friend who signed up for the 100K, dropped out after one lap.

“It was just a bad race,” Quandt repeated – three times.

Jason Maloney and Tracy Jones, flatlanders from Houston, Texas, signed up for the 100K and sat for 15 minutes while deciding whether or not to try for a second loop.

With a little bit of encouragement from their support crew, Maloney and Jones eventually made it out of the DMR aid station.

Both turned back after 30 minutes.

“We were going to be out here for a while and then it started thundering and lightening,” Maloney said. “We got the better of ourselves, but we just needed some more power in our legs.” Jones had similar feelings.

“Should we be out here doing this?” she asked.

“We were crawling and we had a lot more climbing to do.” It wasn’t all frustration at the weekend’s events.

David Drake, last year’s winner, won the 100-mile event again this year, in nine hours and 56 minutes.

Race director Will Newcomer was offering $500 to the first racer to break nine hours, but with course conditions as they were, no one would go home with the money this year.

Durango’s Mitch Moreman, riding for Health FX, finished second in the 100-miler.

Christy Kopasz, 35, of Telluride wonthe women’s 100-mile race in 12 hours, 30 minutes.

Lydia Hill of Grand Junction won the women’s 50K.

“The flowers are amazing, and I definitely stopped to check them out,” Hill said.

“I didn’t think it would take me this long, but there was 8 inches of mud out there in some places and it was slowing everybody down.” Guillaume Belin, visiting from France, won the men’s 50K in 4:11. Belin’s father, Jean-Paul, also raced the 50K.

Ted Compton, 35, from Durango, won the men’s 100K.

Compton fell while riding the Colorado Trail on the first lap, but he said the hardest part of the course was riding up Bolam Pass.

“It just kept on getting steeper and steeper, but there’s no excuse not to ride it,” Compton said. “I’m pretty familiar with this race, I’ve been on all parts of the course and I just wanted see if I could handle it or not.” Compton did, but, just barely, by his own admission.

Kelli Jennings won the women’s 100K in 9: 02.

Besides the competitive types, many riders were just trying to have some fun.

Dolores’ Thomas Miller, 35, rode the 50K on a mountain unicycle and only had one hand plant.

“I got off of the bike a lot, walked and ran, but I didn’t have any major falls,” Miller said.

Tom Sr. waited for his son at the top of the ski area with another unicycle.

“I wanted to have a different bike with a smaller wheel but a fatter tire for better control while descending,” Miller said.

Golden’s Phillip Baker, 43, took a nasty fall midway through the second lap of the 100K and tore up a new pair of $100 bike shorts.

“I’ve got some battle scars and bleeding, but it’s all part of the sport and it builds character,” Baker said. “I appreciate the local folks putting this event on.” Newcomer will be putting on the event again next year.

“Even when people drop out they have a good time, and that’s why we do these races,” Newcomer said.

For complete race results, see www. gravity play.com/MTB100/index2.htm.

Durango 100 draws 400 riders

2005-07-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

DURANGO, Colo. - With 10 people riding under four hours for the Durango 100-mile bicycle ride on Sunday; you might think it was part of the Tour de France.

Approximately 400 cyclists started at Santa Rita Park in Durango at 7 a.m. and were treated to a beautiful ride, excellent weather and outstanding hospitality.

Riders followed the newly paved La Posta Road all the way to Bondad. With smooth, new blacktop and winding country roads, it was nearly paradise, with only a short 2.8-mile section of hard-packed, gravel road during the stretch along La Posta.

"Some people didn't like the dirt, but they took it in stride," said Bill Connelly, ride founder who has organized the Durango 100 four times. "Next year, that section will be paved."

After enduring the buzz of automobile traffic on Highway 550 for a few miles, riders veered off onto Aztec Ruins Road. Cyclists were then treated to a road without any traffic, stop signs or noise all the way to Aztec. One, steep 1/4-mile climb caught a few cyclists off guard, but no one complained after being treated to 20-miles of downhill.

Ten miles into Farmington on Highway 516 went by quickly for riders and with many motorists off the road on Sunday morning, there were probably more cyclists.

Some riders turned north in Aztec to cutoff a few miles and turn a century into 84 miles, some riders stopped at the Farmington Sports Complex for a rest stop at an even 50 miles into the race, while most cyclists rode Pinon Hills Boulevard all the way through as they geared up for the finish to the 100-mile course.

Beatle Abshagen, of Durango, opted for the 84-mile loop.

"My son coerced me into riding this," Abshagen said. "He's doing the 100."

Abshagen is fortunate to still be riding a bicycle. After back fusion surgery two years ago, all Abshagen could manage was a tricycle.

"This year I'm back to riding a recumbent bike," he said. "I usually ride my mountain bike more than a road bike."

Many cyclists stopped at the red schoolhouse aid station in Red Mesa, Colo., while making the long climb up La Plata Highway.

Riley McGovern, 13, a student at Tibbetts Junior High in Farmington, stopped to take a breather at the schoolhouse.

"My parents finished in Farmington," McGovern said. "Two years ago, I only did 50 miles, but I'm thinking about going whole way this time."

McGovern also had a friend who was attempting the ride.

Patti Glover, another Farmington resident, was feeling pretty tired and sore at the schoolhouse.

"I'm not sure I'm going to make it," Glover said.

It was Glover's fourth Durango 100.

"The first year of the ride, there were only about 40 riders," Glover said.

She was one of only about five women that year.

After passing Red Mesa, cyclists made a quick detour to the Marvel, Colo., Post Office aid station.

There, Margaret Pacheco hosed people down, filled water bottles and passed out cookies, bananas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

"This is so much fun," Pacheco said. "This is the second-most meaningful event in Marvel for the year. First is the Groundhog Supper."

After the Marvel Post Office, riders rejoined La Plata Highway before making the final ascent on Wildcat Canyon Road and back into Durango.

Ben Madden, from Albuquerque and developer of www.centuryrides.com, was pleased with his finish.

"Century rides are popular because you get all of the workout and intensity of a race, but there is more camaraderie and team spirit," Madden said. "When I heard about this ride three years ago, I couldn’t believe some of the finishing times, so I had to come and see it for myself."

Connelly was happy for some cooler temperatures.

"If it was 100 degrees like it was last week, we might have been in trouble," Connelly said.

Connelly rode the 100-mile course in an even five hours this year.

All riders were treated to sandwiches and carrot cake at the ride finish.

"Yes, I'll be putting the ride on again next year," Connelly said. "Some folks had cramped legs at the end of this ride, but that's part of riding a century."

The pack of eight riders that crossed the finish line first in a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes were: Durango riders John Seibert, Robby Robinette, Ivan Unkovskoy and Ben Kniller; Sante Fe riders David Schulhofer and Waz Warsa; Mike Dietzman, of Ely, Minn., and Dave Kinsey, of Farmington.

Athletic lifestyle boosts local cancer survivor

2005-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Leanne Jordan is many things - an athlete, doctor, wife and mother. She is also a cancer survivor.

Jordan, 45, grew up in North Conway, N.H., an idyllic setting similar to Durango.

She played field hockey, rooted for the Red Sox and prepared for the rigors of attending medical school.

During college, Jordan started rowing competitively. She enjoyed it, and honed her skills enough to join the U.S. national team from 1985-87.

After delaying entering medical school, Jordan lived in Boston, woke up early to row on the Charles River and raced in national competitions including the Pan Am Games.

Jordan graduated from Brown University in 1989. After spending four years in the Air Force to help pay back her medical school loans, Jordan settled in Durango and started her OB/GYN practice.

She has delivered around 500 babies, and says she's just getting started.

"I'd like to deliver their babies too," explained Jordan, while telling her story of cancer survivorship.

In March 2003, while doing a breast self-examination, Jordan noticed a strange lump.

After a mammogram, the doctor recommended ultrasound and gave Jordan an 85 percent chance the growth was benign.

She wasn't taking any chances.

"I didn't want it there, and I got it removed immediately," Jordan said. "When the doctor called after the surgery and asked to come to my office, I was petrified."

The tumor was malignant.

While still training for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, Jordan began eight weeks of radiation treatment.

She also went back for a second surgery to have her lymph nodes removed to prevent the spread of cancer.

Jordan tried to take the 10-minute daily radiation treatments in stride and kept busy with work, Iron Horse training and parenting when she wasn't exhausted. Her children were scared and confused, so Jordan took them with her one day during treatment.

"Emily, 13, and Kelsey, 10, watched my radiation treatment through a television monitor and talked to me," Jordan said. "Kids imagine things are worse when they can't see it, and after seeing the treatment, they understood."

Jordan's husband remained incredibly understanding and supportive, and her brother from Rhode Island visited in May. Together they rode the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic; it was a major victory.

"Doing sports while going through treatments helped so much," Jordan said. "Biking was great for my stamina and psyche and being an athlete is an advantage."

Jordan is cancer-free today but her experience was a life-changing event.

"The cancer could come back, but I was fortunate that I detected it early," Jordan said.

Keeping active and positive is important for Jordan, who was heading up to Log Chutes for a bike ride right after our Thursday-morning meeting.

She makes it a point to avoid negative situations and negative people.

"I don't want to be encumbered by bad thoughts. There is just so much that I have to be thankful for," she said.

Durango 100 set to ride

2005-07-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

DURANGO, Colo. - While the Tour de France is winding down the Champs-Elysees this weekend, area cyclists will have an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy a classic bike ride of their own.

On Sunday, Bill Connelly and Velo de Animas will host the fourth annual Durango 100 Century.

This fun, fast and scenic ride begins at Gateway Park in Durango at 7 a.m., follows the Animas River on the newly-paved La Posta Road, and enters Farmington via Highway 550, Aztec Ruins Road and Highway 516.

Once in Farmington, cyclists will go across town on Piñon Hills Blvd. before making the ascent back to Durango on CR 170, known as the La Plata Highway. After quick turns into Marvel and Breen and a quick descent on Wildcat Canyon, cyclists will finish where they started at Gateway Park.

Riders will also have the option of riding an 84-mile loop or 50 miles, one-way.

Four years ago Connelly sent an e-mail to a few friends and ended up doing the ride with 50 others.

“It was bare bones,” Connelly said. “I had my wife and daughter help and we didn't have a timer.”

The next year, Connelly decided to make the ride “official” with permits, road sweeping, aid stations, a timer and ride insurance. The event has continued to grow, and Connelly expects 400 riders this year.

“Feedback from riders in past years is excellent and keeps us trying to live up to their high expectations,” Connelly said. “Local governments are very supportive, Marvel is gearing up to be the best rest stop in the world and riders tell me the they feel like professional cyclists when they stop there and the volunteers fill water bottles, hold bikes, peel bananas and hose off riders.”

Drew Bourey, owner of Bourey Sportswear in Durango, has been a sponsor for the ride since its inception.

“I think it’s a fun, community event that is attainable for most cyclists,” Bourey said. “Century rides have a different feel to them than races and cyclists tend to splinter into smaller groups and ride together rather than try to hammer each other.”

With only an elevation gain of 4,091-feet and lots of downhill sections, the Durango 100 is becoming well-known as a fast course. Many cyclists ride personal records.

Bourey thinks that the course is fast for another reason.

“There’s a tailwind in both directions,” Bourey said. “The wind seems to change just as you make the turn in Farmington before heading back to Durango.”

With dramatic scenery that changes from mountain to desert, rest stops and a sag wagon, the Durango 100 promises to be a popular ride again this year.

Organizing the ride, getting all of the special permits and insurance policy can be a daunting task. Proceeds from the ride, if any, will go to the non-profit Velo de Animas Cycling Club of Farmington and help with a variety of programs, including bikes for needy kids. Connelly will also bike the 100 miles.

“I wouldn’t go through all this trouble if I wasn’t going to be able to ride,” Connelly said.

Pre-ride registration is $20 while the race-day fee is $25. All riders will receive a specialized water bottle with a map of the course printed on the side.

For registration or more information, log on to www.durango100.com or call Connelly at (505) 330-7374.

Meltzer makes new tradition

2005-07-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Karl Meltzer, 38, has some new traditions at the Hardrock 100-mile Endurance Run, and they have nothing to do with kissing a massive boulder.

Meltzer, who won the race for his third time, in 28 hours, 29 minutes and 15 seconds, ran up and over the Hardrock three times, did a few push-ups and promptly celebrated with a cheeseburger and fries specially prepared by the chef at the Grand Imperial Hotel.

"The early miles in the race were tough but I felt better after 50," Meltzer said. "Virginius (climb) wasn't that bad but the Wasatch Saddle and Grant Swamp were brutal."

In Ouray, at the 57.7-mile mark, Meltzer was only in third place, trailing Nate McDowell and Paul Sweeney, last year's winner. McDowell dropped out of the race at Chapman (82 miles) with "frozen legs" while Sweeney finished second in 30:02.28.

Meltzer, who ran without a pacer, opted to pass the time listening to music by Strangelove, a band from Vermont.

The 2004 Hardrock 100-mile Endurance Run champion, Paul Sweeney, crosses the finish line in Silverton in second place on Saturday. Sweeney's wife, Betsy Nye, the 2003 champion, finished fourth for the women. Karl Metzler, 38, won the men's race in 28 hours, 29 minutes and 15 seconds. Sue Johnston won the women's race in 32:07.41.

"I think I listened to the tape about five times," Meltzer said. "I almost felt like doing a little dancing out there."

Even with three wins and course records running the race in both directions, it has not been easy for Meltzer, who has also dropped out of the race twice.

On the women's side, Sue Johnston (32:07.41) outpaced a strong women's field for her second win in three attempts.

Johnston, 39, from Waterford, Vermont, was running near three other women, Betsy Nye, Betsy Kalmeyer and Emily Baer, until Cunningham (9.1 mile mark) before she broke away.

"I never knew how close the other runners were," Johnston said. "Usually I have my husband crewing for me but he wasn't there this time helping me out."

Johnston had a difficult time running between Telluride and Oscar's at 3:15 a.m. on Saturday, but she was comfortable not having pacers with her.

"I tend to get whiny with others around," Johnston said.

Training for Hardrock was not difficult for Johnston; she doesn't follow a specific plan but rather runs how she feels.

"I'm a low mileage runner and I only average 30-40 miles per week," Johnston said.

While Meltzer and Johnston were cruising to victories, many of the other 125 runners who started the race were having their share of difficulties.

Jigger and Paul Staby, five-year veteran volunteers from Durango, were working the aid station at Grouse Gulch (44.1 miles) and it looked like a MASH unit.

"There were runners (lying down) everywhere," Jigger said.

Paul worked the communication side of things.

"We had two runners missing and that kept us up all night," Paul said.

Back at race headquarters, Pete Lewis and Mike Hirshman, from Steamboat Springs, who are part of the medical rescue crew, and Chris Nute, from La Plata County Search and Rescue, were already mobilizing efforts to find the lost runners. Both were found quickly.

Brett Sublett (32:57.48) from Durango worked his way up to third place at one point but eventually dropped to tenth.

"I couldn't keep any food down," Sublett said. "My pacers were practically force feeding me but it wasn't enough."

Sublett wants to come back next year and try the race in the other direction.

"It's almost a shame that it has to get dark out because it's so beautiful out there, and you have to miss some of the views," Sublett said. "I think if I could get this thing figured out a little better, I could work my way up (to a higher finish)."

Emily Baer, 29, (36:11.43) from Silverton was the third women's finisher and twentieth place overall. It was Baer's sixth time at the Hardrock and her fourth finish.

"This was my fastest time by about 45 minutes but it was still one of the harder years," Baer said. "I had a difficult climb out of Ouray and Virginius with all the snow and slippery footing."

Rickey Denesik, former race winner, from Telluride, paced Baer.

"He reminded me to keep breathing, and I started taking longer and deeper breaths," Baer said. "I caught about seven people going up Grants Swamp."

Nye (36:58.25), 41, who finished fourth for the women, had a baby in September and is the wife of Sweeney - last year's men's champion.

"I had my ups and downs but Handies was the toughest part of the race for me," Nye said. "I ate too much food before going over the pass and then my stomach went off."

Brett Gosney, from Durango, who finished Hardrock two years ago, was one of the many casualties at Grouse (44.1 miles).

"I was on a 39-hour pace when I left Sherman (29.2 miles) but I fell apart going up Handies," Gosney said. "I was suffering from fatigue, nausea and a headache. It's just the nature of this type of event."

Gosney took baby steps and gutted it out over Handies but the suffering and dehydration caught up to him, and he dropped out after the descent. After being taken to race headquarters, Gosney was administered two liters of IV fluid to help him recover.

"It was just a bad day for me at Hardrock, but maybe I'll come back next year and try it in the other direction," Gosney said.

Odin Christensen, a six-time Hardrock finisher from Mancos, also dropped out at Grouse.

"My stomach went sour, and I couldn't keep any food down," Christensen said.

Richard Hayes, 54, was the 71st and final race finisher in 47:54.13. He finished six minutes before the 6 a.m. race cutoff on Sunday morning.

"I've done 22 other 100-milers and no question about it, this is the toughest," said the exhausted but happy runner. "I was on all fours on the last climb."

Runners, pacers, crew, families and communications staff were treated to a banquet and awards celebration following the race.

Complete race results and registration information for next year's event is at www.run100s.com/HR/

Local couple prefers to see Europe by bike

2005-07-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Courtney Barr and Chuck Eppinger returned two weeks ago from their latest bicycle trip in the Czech Republic, Germany and Denmark.

Barr, 78, and Eppinger, 75 - who have been together for 21 years - started taking bicycle vacations in 1990.

When they first met in the 80s, he wasn't riding. Barr, who had already been on bicycling trips to China and the Columbia Icefields in Canada, persuaded Eppinger to get a bike.

"I hadn't ridden since I was a kid," Eppinger said. "We started riding together in Winter Park, Empire and the mountains surrounding Denver."

In 1995, they took their first cycling trip to Europe.

"We went to Holland while they were celebrating the 50th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe)," Eppinger said.

It has been a learning process while traveling abroad.

"We rented bikes the first year," Barr said. "We didn't know any better. Now we always box up our own bikes and bring them with us."

There are always many people around speaking English so language usually isn't a barrier. If they can't understand the menu in a restaurant, they'll point to a dish.
Navigating roads, paths and backcountry roads can be problematic, but Barr and Eppinger are amazed at the kindness of strangers who always seem to appear at just the right time to help point out directions.

With visits in 16 countries including Holland, Finland, Sweden, Germany, France and Italy, some of those strangers have become friends and have visited the couple in the United States in return.

Choosing the right time to travel is a learning process too.

"We usually go in the springtime because the weather is nice and we are able to avoid the crowds," Eppinger said.

"Sometimes we are the first cyclists through for the season and the places give us a glass of champagne to celebrate," Barr said.

Barr and Eppinger ride hybrid bikes which have upright handlebars but are lighter weight than mountain bikes. Hybrids ride well on mixed surfaces.

Many times the trips follow river valleys. It's a little bit easier biking especially when the couple is carrying lots of gear with them.

On the most recent trip, Barr and Eppinger followed the Moldan River near the North Sea and Hamburg.

While traveling through small villages and seeing lush countryside of red and yellow fields of sunflowers and poppy seeds, Barr and Eppinger have enjoyed the sights and the food.

Barr remembers a meal of honey-crusted chicken with almonds and hazelnuts surrounded by cranberries on a bed of greens while staying at the Osted Kro Inn in Denmark.
This lovely inn was built in 1521.

Eppinger enjoyed pannenkoken (Dutch pancakes) while traveling through Holland.

"It's all about the food," Barr said.

When they are riding in Durango, a couple of their favorite rides also revolve around good meals.

"We like riding to the Aspen Cafe near the Needles Store on Highway 550, and the Kennebec Cafe on Highway 160," Barr said.

While Barr and Eppinger have also bicycled in New England and Canada, their European trips have been especially enjoyable.

"The towns are close together, there is good signage and everybody rides in Europe," Eppinger said.

While still putting the finishing touches on the photo album from this year's trip, the couple hasn't discussed next year's itinerary. But they are certain that they'll be traveling somewhere.

"I love waking up to a new day whether it is sunshine or rain, enjoying the countryside and smelling the flowers while on a bicycle," Barr said.

Hardrockers test limits of blisters

2005-07-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's going to be ugly this year at the Hardrock 100-Mile Endurance Run.

As if running, hiking and crawling 100 miles in the mountains around Silverton, Lake City, Ouray, Telluride and back to Silverton is ever a walk in the park, this year Hardrock veterans and wannabes will face heavy avalanche debris throughout the course, copious amounts of snow and fast-moving creek and river crossings.

The race course, arguably one of the world's most difficult, boasts an elevation gain of 33,000-feet, average elevation of 11,186 and a high point at Handies Peak of 14,048-feet.

Dale Garland, race director and mayor of Durango, was so concerned last week that he was considering rerouting the course to avoid the high water.

"The runners' safety is the bottom line, and if I've got to make last-minute changes, that's what we'll do," Garland said. "We'll have ropes across the most difficult sections."

The water levels have subsided a little bit and major course changes will not have to take place but that doesn't mean there aren't any problems.

"We eliminated the Uncompaghre River crossing outside of Ouray," Garland said. "Instead we'll use a bridge below the dam that was built by a Ouray trail crew.

On Thursday morning, race participant and Durango local Brett Gosney was helping Hardrock board member John Cappis and race medical supervisor Leo Lloyd reroute a particularly dangerous creek crossing below Ice Lakes outside of Silverton.

Gosney, who completed the Hardrock in 39 hours and 9 minutes two years ago will be going for his second finish this year when the race begins at 6 a.m. today.

"I expect to have wet feet the entire race," Gosney said. "But my support crew will have a large medical kit with them, and we'll be ready for blister management."

Gosney, 46, an administrator at the Animas Surgical Hospital, was able to get in some good training this spring although it was difficult to get to the highest elevations due to the snow coverage.

Emily Baer, 29, a Silverton resident, was busy making last-minute drop bag preparations on Thursday afternoon. Baer has finished Hardock three times in four attempts.

"There're going to be tough conditions this year, but I'm looking forward to it," Baer said. "My training has been good, and I've been racing a lot."

It's not the last supper, but Baer was preparing a dinner of mashed potatoes, broccoli, bread and Tira Misu to help get her through the race.

The race winner will finish in Silverton and kiss the "Hardrock" around noon on Saturday.

The Hardrock is a large boulder that is moved to the finish line every year using a bulldozer.

Racers will continue to finish throughout Saturday night and the race course will close at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

Other local race participants include Durangoans Brett Sublett and Rick Pearcy.

This is Sublett's first Hardrock attempt. He will be paced and supported by local runners Nick Nichols and Vic Rudolph.

"I'm kind of excited," Sublett said. "I've done all of my other 100-milers alone, and I've never had any kind of company.

It has been a busy two months for Sublett. Three weeks ago he qualified for the Hawaii Ironman in October with an age-group win at Buffalo Springs Half-Ironman in Texas.

Pearcy and his family moved from Colorado Springs to Durango last month.

Weather at the Hardrock shouldn't pose any problems this year. Temperatures at the race start should be in the 40s and there isn't any rain in the forecast. Daytime temperature is expected to be in the high 70s.

Trail runs open to newcomers, oldtimers alike

2005-06-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Take seven men, five women and five dogs, put them together on a Thursday night, show them a rocky trail on a gnarly mountain on the north end of town, and what do you think will happen?

In the "World According to Nick," of course, they will probably run to the top.
Nick Nichols has been organizing weekly group trail runs for four years.

"I want to emphasize that these runs are for everybody," Nichols explained. "Doesn't matter if you are a walker or runner, fast or slow."

The time is always 6 p.m. but the trail location changes every week. Animas City Mountain was last week's flavor but other runs have included Haflin Creek, Telegraph, Chapman Hill, Colorado Trail, Dry Fork and Smelter Mountain.

Animas, however, remains a favorite for many.

"It's the most bang for your buck in Durango," Nichols said. "It's close to town and it's real simple (to find your way). Just run up and run down."

Animas City Mountain trailhead is located two blocks north of 32nd Street and West Fourth Avenue. A round-trip will take most runners about one hour. There is no water along the trail and you might consider bringing along a hand-held bottle.

Irene Rooney, 48, enjoyed her first trail run last week. She's only been in town for three months but after visiting a local running store, she saw information about the Durango Motorless Transit running club.

"I picked up an application and I figured running a trail with the group would be a good way to check it out," Rooney said. "I have never run trails before."

Gordon Rhodes, a remodeling contractor, runs twice a week.

"I usually go once on my own and once with the group on Thursdays," Rhodes said. "It's different running with a group because I tend to push myself harder."

Besides the camaraderie of running with a group, there still remain competitive types.
Hawaii Ironman veteran Brett Sublett is preparing for the Hard Rock 100, July 8-10, in Silverton. Last week, Sublett was the first runner to reach the spectacular northwest Animas overlook.

"I threw down the gauntlet while running uphill," Sublett explained. "The runner just behind me was suffering."

While all of the runners regrouped on top, took in the views and paused for some conversation, it wasn't long before they all zipped downhill.

Be careful. Don't trip over that rock. Stay light on your feet. This trail is steep.

Animas City Mountain is also the site of the annual Mug Run near the end of October. Rick Callies, who works for Durango Parks and Recreation, has been the race director for three years.

Mike Sulkosky had a big smile on his face during last week's run.

"Animas is kind of tough, but it's a good place to work on downhill running," Sulkowsky said. "It's always fun and it's a great way to enjoy friends."

A group trail run would not be complete without good food and drink. Most runners only punish themselves so they can enjoy unlimited caloric options.

This run ended at the new, nearby Zia Taqueria.

For a complete trail run schedule, see www.go-dmt.org.

See you there.

Going for the gusto

2005-06-09T02:45:00.000-07:00

The festive holidays are over and you've long since finished the eggnog and leftover fruitcake. Time to get serious about fitness again, take the leap and complete an Ironman distance race this year. The task of finishing a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run can be intimidating for the most seasoned athletes. But it doesn't have to be.

There are many considerations while trying to figure out a good strategy of race preparation for an Ironman-distance race. What kind of shape are you in today? I will assume that you’re already riding, running and swimming at least once a week. Do you have a minimum of 12 hours per week during which to work out? Do you have understanding family and friends who won't mind when you spend all of your time training?

Enter a race and give yourself at least three months to prepare. Ironman entries are in high demand, but if you pay attention to the race calendar and figure out when registration opens up for each event, you'll be ready to sign up. Before sending in that registration fee, though, pay attention to the course layout. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don't sign up for a race that has an ocean swim. Some courses are "criterium style" and you might be intimidated by laps on the bicycle and run portions.

Other things to consider before signing on the dotted line are what is the race’s refund policy in case you get injured and aren’t able to make it to the start line. Race fees can run around $450. First-time Ironmen should consider entering a race where they can drive rather than fly. Packing and shipping a bicycle is one pressure that you don't need during your first Ironman.

Gather an equipment list and make sure that your budget will allow for a wetsuit, an upgraded bicycle, if necessary, several swimsuits, running shoes and workout clothing. Flippers, pull buoys and a watch with a lap timer are also helpful for training. Do you have good access to a swimming pool? It might be difficult to train for a spring Ironman in the middle of winter unless you enjoy running endless miles on a treadmill and watching Tour de France videos while logging in miles on your indoor trainer.

Many would-be Ironmen come from a strong background in one sport and only need to polish their skills in the other two disciplines and build some endurance. Cathy Tibbetts, Durango resident and Montrail ultrarunner, has been running and racing for 20 years.

"I already swam and biked a little but when I decided to try my first Ironman in Arizona this spring, I just made a commitment to add in more miles in those areas," Tibbetts says. "I joined a Master's swim program, took my turbo trainer out of the closet and started riding as many centuries as I could fit in on the weekends."

Not all would-be Ironmen have much experience in triathlons or in one area, though. Gabe Wheeler is a manager at a landscape company in Thornton. Wheeler chose Ironman Arizona as his first triathlon.

"To tell the truth, I never really gave much thought to doing a shorter distance race," Wheeler says. "My first exposure to triathlon was the media coverage that Hawaii receives so I have always associated 'triathlon' with Ironman. When I committed to doing a triathlon, I committed to doing an Ironman because that was the obvious thing to do."

Finding the time to train for an Ironman was the most difficult thing for Karen Rudolph, who did her first Ironman in California in 2002.

"It was a lot of time away from my husband," Rudolph recalls. "But if you are committed and dedicated to your training schedule, you can train your body to do anything."

Sander Rigney, product manager for RockShox, from Colorado Springs, is racing his first Ironman in Arizona this spring. Rigney also found it difficult making time for training.

"A large percentage of my travel involves testing bicycle products and while I was in Spain, I did a two-week ride camp, riding each day with various European bicycle manufacturers," Rigney says. "That gets one sport out of the way, so I just have to squeeze in a little running or swimming before or after work."

Spend a little extra time on your weakest event but don't get too bogged down by this. The bicycle is the most important part of the Ironman because you'll be at that the longest. You don't need to set any world records during the swim. It's a warm-up for the rest of the day and you only need to complete the swim without drowning and within the cut-off time. Everybody is tired during the run portion and unless you’re a top competitor, get used to taking frequent walking breaks. Running is important but it’s also the discipline where you’re most likely to get injured while training. Better to get to the start line healthy rather than suffering a running injury.

Treat yourself to occasional races during your training weeks. You may want to complete an international distance (1-mile swim, 25-mile bike and 6.2-mile run) or a road race. Training is the hard part and racing is fun so enjoy these events.

Don’t forget to incorporate brick workouts, one discipline right after the other, especially biking and running. The cement-feeling legs go away after you run for a mile or two.

Find a training partner if you can. This is helpful for the run days when it’s raining outside or mornings when you’re tired and would prefer to sleep in rather than going to a pool for endless laps. You’re more likely to complete a tough workout if you have a friend to share it with. Master's swim programs are available in most cities. Join a running club so that you’ll have some company, especially for the long runs. Club rides are beneficial but can also be intimidating if you’re not used to riding in a tight pack.

Make training fun. Do a two-day self-supported bicycle tour by picking a destination 60 miles from your home. Ride there Saturday, get an inexpensive hotel and ride back Sunday. This only requires half the thought process of two long workouts. Once you've biked the first day, you don't have much choice but to go back on the second day.

Take a break from pounding the pavement on your runs and drive to a scenic destination for a soft, forgiving trail run. Most people don't have access to open water on a regular basis but for a treat, take a vacation to a beach or lake and practice some open-water swimming. It's not difficult but you’ll need to practice lifting your head out of the water so you can sight the course. If you’ll be wearing a wetsuit during the Ironman, get accustomed to wearing it. Many people chafe and it’s important to figure out where you need to put lubricant.

Don't be afraid to schedule a day off. You can take up to one day off per week and still fit in your training. If you’re a compulsive Type A personality and you can't stand the thought of taking a day off, do yourself a favor and mix things up a little. Play pick-up basketball for a workout, hit some tennis balls with your favorite partner or pull a rowing ergometer.

On race-day, have fun, regardless of the outcome.

Katie Baker, National Teams Program Coordinator for Tri-Fed in Colorado Springs, did her first Ironman in Lake Placid in 2001.

"The day before the race my family and I had a nice hike in Adirondacks with a little picnic in the forest to keep my mind off the next day," Baker said. "Race day I had no goals for myself other than to finish and feel good. I had no idea what to expect regarding time."

Baker finished in 12 hours and 3 minutes and, after losing site of her family during the finish, she enjoyed a post-race massage while her family enjoyed pizza. Baker will be racing her fifth Ironman in Arizona.
*****
The cornerstone to any successful Ironman is the necessary training. There are numerous books written on the subject and there are many websites and coaches available to help you devise a program. The following is intended to be a guide.

Many exercise programs are scheduled by time considerations. For example, bike two hours or swim one hour. This may work for some individuals but I prefer to measure my workouts by distance. When I race, I'll need to go a certain "distance" rather than a certain "time" so I think it's better to think in those terms. Get a logbook and make daily entries for all of your workouts. This will hold you accountable.

Gradually build your weekly mileage in all three disciplines so that you’re covering one to one-and-a-half times your race distance over a week's time. Swimming 3.5 miles, cycling 168 miles and running 39.3 miles during your longest training week would be ideal but this may be a difficult goal to reach, especially since biking 168 miles takes most people 8-10 hours to complete.

Practice each discipline two to four times a week. Do a long workout that’s at least half the race distance each week, do an interval session, and do one or two other workouts of middle distance for each discipline. For example, running workouts for the week would include a 13.1-mile run, a track workout consisting of a warm-up, several quarters, halves and three-quarter mile pieces, and one or two runs of between five and eight miles. Complete similar programs for biking and swimming.

If you can, pick three different weeks to do a time trial for each complete race distance. One week, swim 2.4 miles, one-week bike 112 miles and one week run 26.2 miles. These workouts will build significant endurance and confidence.

Resources

For a schedule of races trademarked by Ironman USA, visit www.ironmannorthamerica.com. Currently, there are events in Arizona, Canada, Florida, Coeur d'Alene, Lake Placid and Wisconsin. There are other Ironman-distance races in the U.S. but they’re not put on by the same organization. Check out event sites like www.active.com for listings.

There are hundreds of Ironman training programs available online as well as a myriad of training guides. Here are a few places to start.

www.multisports.com — offering online coaching as well as camps.
www.trifuel.com — resource for everything triathlon, including training and gear reviews. www.markallenonline.com — training and coaching by six-time Ironman winner, Mark Allen.

Going Long: Training for Ironman-Distance Triathlons (The Ultrafit Multisport Training Series). Joe Friel and Gordon Byrn. VeloPress.

Start to Finish Ironman Training 24 Weeks to an Endurance Triathlon. Paul Huddle, et al. Meyer & Meyer.

Triathlete Magazine's Complete Triathlon Book: The Training, Diet, Health, Equipment, and Safety Tips You Need to Do Your Best. Matt Fitzgerald. Warner Books.

Starting Out Triathlon: Training for Your First Competition (Ironman Edition). Paul Huddle, et al. Meyer & Meyer.

Be Iron-Fit: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness. Don Fink. The Lyons Press.

Durango-based writer Marc Witkes completed his first Ironman in 31 hours in 1996. It was a "double" (4.8 mi. swim, 226 mi. bike and 52.4 mi. run) in Huntsville, Ala. Marc missed completing the "triple" in Lake Anna State Park, Va. in 2002 by 10 miles on the run. Ironman Arizona will be his first "single."

Rakita smashes record in Narrow Horse swim

2005-06-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Going into Monday's Narrow Horse 1,500-meter swim, the final part of the three-day stage triathlon which included the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic race to Silverton and the Narrow Gauge 10-Mile Run, Branden Rakita and Michael Hagen were tied with an accumulated time of 3 hours, 32 minutes and 2 seconds.

Rakita was 13 seconds slower than Hagen on the bike, but was 13 seconds faster on the run.

Chance occurrence? Maybe.

But Rakita and Hagen were familiar with each other after having competed in the same masters swim program in Colorado Springs near where they both live.

Hagen, 42, pretty much knew what the end result of the triathlon would be.

"Branden swims in a faster lane than I do," Hagen said.

Rakita, 24, a Durango High School graduate, not only swam faster than Hagen but he also swam faster than any other person who has ever competed in the Narrow Horse swim.

Rakita's outstanding time of 18 minutes and 13 seconds was a new meet event record and a personal best.

"I was happy with my time," Rakita said. "All of the training I have been doing really paid off."

That's 20,000 to 35,000 yards per week.

Rakita is training full time in his quest to become a professional triathlete. In two weeks, he'll be competing in the gnarly Escape from Alcatraz, a triathlon with a difficult ocean swim.

"The current in the bay might be a little bit sketchy and the field is so stacked but I'll just do the best that I can do," Rakita said.

On the women's side of the swim (there were no female triathletes this year), Erin Brinton, 19, also a Durango High School graduate, won with a time of 19:52.18. Next year Brinton will be a sophomore at Occidental College in Los Angeles where she is on the swim team.

"My swim wasn't bad today but I've really only had two weeks of good training," Brinton said. "I had a concussion at school, and I wasn't allowed to swim for a month."

Brinton's best time for a 1,500-meter swim is 17:54.

This summer, Brinton will be living with her parents, Scott and Marjorie, the Narrow Horse meet director, swimming on her own to keep in shape and working at the city's recreational program, Gametime.

There were 51 participants in this year's 14th annual event. Ages ranged from 10 (Hattie

Dahlberg, 36:20.46) to 63 (Jean Smith, 32:23.58).

According to Bill Palmer, Durango Masters swim coach, swimming would be good for so many people because it's nonimpact and doesn't beat up their bodies.

"You can pretty much do it forever," Palmer said.

Hannah Chapman (36:20.46), also 10, and a member of the Durango Swim Club, was expecting to swim 30 minutes but didn't quite make it.

Christopher Meyer (26:11.15), 53, did better than he anticipated.

"I missed the swim last year for the first year in quite a while," Meyer said. "I've done it about 13 times, and I just try and swim according to my current fitness level."

Cathy Stevenson (26:43.40), 33, is a dental hygienist, and six months pregnant.

"I usually swim twice a week between 2,000 and 2,500 yards with my friends in the morning," Stevenson said. "I'll swim until I deliver because it's a nonweight-bearing activity, it feels good and I don't feel the extra weight."

Stevenson is also participating in a prenatal yoga class.

All swimmers received sweatshirts created by J.T. of Steamworks.

"They were one of our sponsors," Marjorie Brinton said.

Age-group award winners received fleece blankets while overall male and female winners received red earth pottery plates.

2005-06-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Michael Carter is first over Molas Pass en route to Iron Horse Bicycle Classic victory

FLC alumni run away with Narrow Gauge 10-Mile titles

2005-06-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Sampson Sage, 23, put a surge on Branden Rakita near 32nd Street and that was all he needed to cruise to a win in the 28th annual Narrow Gauge 10-Mile Run on Sunday morning.

"The hills (North College and Rim Drive) weren't as bad this year because I didn't have a specific time goal," Sage said. "I just relaxed and took it smooth."

Sage, a Fort Lewis College graduate, ran cross country for five years and is now doing an internship with the Center for Southwest Studies.

Brianne Lippoldt, 24, another FLC alumni won the women's 10-mile race.

"I ran by myself the whole way," Lippoldt said. "I was in good shape for the hills, but the flats were pretty tough."

This was Lippoldt's second Narrow Gauge.

"I love this race," Lippoldt said. "I really just love the whole weekend."

David Rakita, 55, continued his streak by finishing the Narrow Gauge run all 28 times.

Rakita has been suffering a foot injury this year and felt fortunate to be able to run.

"I haven't had much training," Rakita said.

"This was more of a race just to finish rather than compete."

Over 28 years, Rakita has only lost 15 minutes from his 1977 time. Bobbie, David's wife, has also been part of the race for most of the 28 years as a volunteer.

"She's always been by my side," David said.

John Weswah won the 5K (3.1 miles) event in 16:51 while Molly Marquez led the women with a 23:20.

A total of 120 people ran the 10-mile event while 80 people ran the 5K.

Keith Baker juggled three balls while running the 10-miler.

"While juggling it's harder running downhill than it is up," Baker said.

"Especially when I drop the balls."

Baker estimates that he is only about one minute per mile slower while juggling.

Lori Elliff, 24, was trying to lower her 5K times since moving into an area with higher elevation.

"I used to run between 19 and 21 minutes, but today I ran 23:40," Elliff said.

A portion of the proceeds from the Narrow Gauge Run will go to the Durango Motorless Transit/FLC Cross Country Scholarship Fund.

With an endowment of $13,000, scholarships will be awarded to local high school seniors who wish to run cross country at Fort Lewis College.

Sunday morning's run was sponsored by Morehart Chevrolet, National King Coal, Steamworks and the Four Corners Heart Clinic.

Complete Narrow Gauge race results are posted at www. go-dmt.org.

Many individuals who completed the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race and the Narrow Gauge 10- Mile Run will be swimming today in the Narrow Horse 1,500-meter Swim at the Durango Recreation Center beginning at 9 a.m. today.

2005-06-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Shonny Vanlandingahm, Karen Kingsley and Ann Trombley lead Iron Horse over Molas Pass

2005-05-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Ned Overend and Mitch Moreman crest Molas Pass

Carter, Kingsley soar to victory in Iron Horse road race

2005-05-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Carter, Kingsley soar to victory in Iron Horse road race
By Marc Witkes
This report filed May 29, 2005

Michael Carter and Karen Kingsley won the 34th annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race on Saturday, a Colorado monument with 5500 feet of climbing over its 47-mile course between Durango and Silverton.

The 42-year-old Carter (Colorado Velo) emerged triumphant from a three-man battle with Mitch Moreman and the apparently immortal Ned Overend, who were racing for the new Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory team.

As Carter assaulted the 10,660-foot Coal Bank Hill, Moreman and Overend struggled to hold the pace. Carter reached the summit first, shot down the wicked descent, climbed alone up 10,900-foot Molas Pass and roared down into Silverton and victory in two hours, 18 minutes and six seconds.

"This win has been a long time coming," said the Littleton, Colorado, resident, who started racing here in 1983.

The 25-year-old Moreman - who was 10 years old when he watched his Durango neighbor Overend win the world mountain bike championship at Purgatory in 1991 - edged his 48-year-old teammate for the runner-up spot.

"It's awesome to be here today," Moreman said. "It's always been a dream of mine to race bikes, and it is just so cool to be able to come in the finish near Ned."

Overend, who has raced the Iron Horse 24 times and won it more than once, said he knew he was in for a rough ride when Carter punched it on Coal Bank.

"I just didn't have it today while going up Coal Bank," Overend said. "I knew I was in trouble."

Still, Overend clearly enjoyed himself.

"I really enjoy racing bikes and it's such a great sport," Overend said. "It's just part of my lifestyle. But it is such a serious commitment to get in shape for this thing each year."

Women sprint into Silverton

In the women's race, Kingsley, Shonny Vanlandingham (Luna) and Ann Trombley (Excel Sports), reached the summit of Molas Pass together, but Vanlandingham was first to the south end of Silverton.

Then Kingsley - who was trailing by 150 yards at the bottom of the winding descent - put the hammer down and beat Vanlandingham in an exciting sprint, crossing in 2:40:30. Trombley crossed third, 23 seconds later.

"I knew she (Kingsley) was closing on me at the finish," said Vanlandingham, a pro mountain biker who planned to race in Monday's cross-country. "She's so strong."

The 30-year-old Kingsley, from Ophir, Colorado, once raced with Geneviève Jeanson's now-defunct RONA squad, but now spends her days building furniture.

"I'm a climber," Kingsley said. "I used to race for RONA, but now I don't train much. I just do a lot of backcountry skiing in the winter, and that is such a good workout. I just race for the fun of it now."

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic
Durango-Silverton, CO. May 28
Men
1. Michael Carter, Colorado Velo, 2:18:06.8
2. Mitch Moreman, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 2:18:25.0
3. Ned Overend, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 2:18:25.6
4. Cody Peterson, 3D Racing-SRAM, 2:18:52.6
5. Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski, 2:18:53.6

1. Karen Kingsley, 2:40:30.7
2. Shonny Vanlandingham, Luna, 2:40:31.0
3. Ann Trombley, Excel Sports, 2:40:53
4. Jennifer Smith, Tokyo Joe's-Golite, 2:42:25.2
5. Mara Abbott, Whitman College, 2:43:35.3

Complete race results can be found at www.ironhorsebicycleclassic.com.

2005-05-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Kristin McGrath for the University of Tennessee

McGrath looks for next athletic challenge

2005-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Kristin McGrath, former Durango High School soccer and swimming standout, has a mantra.

"Go big or go home."

McGrath, 22, used those words throughout four years of athletic success at DHS from 1998-2001.

With a Southwestern League title in soccer during her freshman year and a fifth-place finish at the state swimming meet in the 100-meter breast stroke during her junior year, it would appear that McGrath was on the right track.

Besides her obvious athletic prowess, McGrath was also busy during her senior year in 2001 taking classes at Pueblo Community College so she could get a head start on her studies at the University of Tennessee.

After playing Division I soccer for four years at Tennessee and swimming her junior and senior years, McGrath, an exercise science major, is ready for more challenges and adventure.

Following last week's graduation with summa cum laude honors, McGrath is preparing for an internship with the prestigious Carmichael Training System in Colorado Springs.

"It's an intensive program and they teach you how to become a coach," said McGrath.

Besides working with Carmichael Training this summer, McGrath is hoping to begin a quest to become a professional triathlete.

So, while she will be learning how to coach others, McGrath will also be coaching herself with a heavy dose of swimming, biking and running.

It won't be an easy road. McGrath dislocated her knee during a soccer practice last October.

"I tore my ACL, partially tore my PCL and tore my LCL," McGrath explained. "I'm only able to run every other day right now because I'm still recovering from my injury."

Current DHS men's varsity basketball coach and McGrath's former soccer coach, Tim Fitzpatrick, is betting that McGrath will go far in whatever she chooses for her future.

"Kristin's desire to be the best in whatever she is doing and her work ethic is incredible," Fitzpatrick said. "Even as a high school freshman, she had a great understanding of fitness and the necessary training."

George Philpot, DHS swim coach for 10 years, has known Kristin since she was a girl.

"She's a tenacious young lady," Philpot said. "Kristin is very dedicated and if anybody can become a professional triathlete, she can."

All work and no play might make Jill a dull girl but McGrath has had her share of fun as well.

Last month she went with friends to watch the Tour of Georgia.

"We had an awesome time," McGrath said. "I saw Lance Armstrong and Tom Danielson."

Besides doing a little spectating, McGrath has done her share of cycling in the Smoky Mountains near school.

"Well, there's this 50-mile ride that we do sometimes," McGrath explained.

The climbs and the mountains in Tennessee don't really compare to Coal Bank and Molas, but hopefully they will be enough preparation for the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in two weeks.

It will be easy to spot McGrath, who will be in town to ride to Silverton and visit with her parents Bob and Scattie: She'll be riding a lime green Cannondale.

"Of course her mother and I are quite proud of her," Bob said.

"She doesn't like anybody in front of her but in a nice way."

Marc Witkes is president of Durango Motorless Transit. Reach him at 247-3116.

Trailrunning the Four Corners

2005-05-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

From Sand Canyon to Squaw Peak, Kaibab to Kokapelli, Alien Run to Animas City Mountain, the Four Corners is doodled with trails that inspire runners to leave hot, hard asphalt for the cool and softness of terra firma. Trailrunners are challenged to find a better area to enjoy their fast-growing sport. Indeed, trail running has never been more popular. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, trail running participation has grown by 16.4 percent over the past five years. In 2003 alone, more than six million people ages 6 and over ran on trails at least once. That’s a lot of shoe rubber.

In 13 years of running and traveling the Four Corners for races and training runs, I am convinced that trail running just doesn’t get any better than our backyard. With topography ranging from desert to mountain and geography from tundra to slickrock, living in the Four Corners means that we are never far from a perfect trail run.

PLACES TO RUN

PINNING DOWN THE BEST trails to run in the Four Corners is an impossible exercise. The countless miles of trails are as diverse as the people who run on them. With diversity in mind, here is a sampling of a good few, most of which I’ve had the pleasure of running.

COLORADO

CONDITIONING TIPS

"Start out slow and taper" is the ultra-runner’s signature line but the same can be applied to trail running. If you’ve run only on the roads, running trails will take a little getting used to. Pay attention to the terrain so you won’t trip over obstacles such as a rock or a root. "Power-hike," or hike powerfully rather than run, the steep uphill sections. Cross-train with a road or mountain bicycle to build strong quads, which are essential for running uphill. Pay attention to your form by eliminating any extra movement with your arms. Relax! Go a little farther or a little faster each time you hit the trails. Set a reasonable goal for yourself so that you’ll stay motivated to train. How about completing a Double Hogsback or a sub-four hour Imogene by the end of the summer?

To gain strength and power, run fast but short — 1/4- to 1/2-mile — uphill legs, resting during jogs downhill, and repeat. On a track, include interval sprint-and-jog sessions. Warm-up and cool-down to decrease injury risk. — M.W.

The Durango Mountain Park is less than a mile west of downtown Durango. The rolling trails include the dramatic Hogsback, which is obvious from its name. Even the fittest runner’s legs will be reduced to Jell-O climbing the Hog. Be careful on the way down, especially in the summer, when the trail is dry, dusty and slippery. There are many access points but my favorite is on the western edge of Avenida del Sol, just north of the 9th Avenue Bridge.

Joe Keck, former mayor of Cortez, frequents Sand Canyon, 14 miles southwest of Cortez on McElmo Creek Road. "The area has pinion, juniper and red rocks along its trails," he says, noting the area is all BLM.

It is possible to run 468 miles of the Colorado Trail from Durango but several shorter options are available. Take 25th Street to Junction Street to access the trail’s Durango terminus. A good eight-mile run with spectacular views of Durango is out-and-back to Gudy’s Rest, a good push out but a downhill coast on the return. Other good Colorado Trail access points include Lightener Creek, Kennebec Pass and Molas Pass.

NEW MEXICO

My wife Cathy Tibbetts has been running Farmington gems Pi`F1ion Mesa and the Kinsey Trail for 20 years. "With Pi`F1ion Mesa, you can run a 12-mile loop or an 18-miler but it might be a good idea to go with someone who is familiar with the area. It’s easy to lose your way in this maze but the rock formations are dramatic. I’ve named two of them, ‘Ugly’ and ‘Nasty,’ because of the steep terrain that reduces most runners to a quad-busting power hike."

The Kinsey trailhead, part of the Glade Trail System, is located at the north end of Foothills Drive. "I can run this one all year as it’s almost always dry," she says.

UTAH

Ian Torrence, a Grand Slam finisher (four 100-mile trail races in the same summer) shares his favorite Moab trail runs. "Gemini Bridges starts on 191 north of Moab and it’s about a 16-mile run, out and back ... It is 4 x 4 roads rather than trails, but a beautiful area."

Other Torrence favorites are Steel Bender/Flat Pass, Behind-the-Rocks, Pritchett Arch, Hunter Canyon Loop and unnamed trails near the golf course.

Durango trail runners John McAward and Brett Gosney make frequent trips to the Joint Trail in Canyonlands National Park. "The terrain is varied," McAward said. "There are streams, sand, ladders, rocks and meadows."

"The Joint Trail is a narrow seam that is part of a larger 22-mile loop," adds Gosney. "The trails are well-marked and you can get a map from the National Park Service."

ARIZONA

In Prescott, Charlie Schultzof the Arizona Road Racers likes the Peavine Trail and Groom Creek Loop Trail, a short distance from town. "The Peavine Trail was opened in early 1999," Schultz said. "It is a trail that has been developed over the old Peavine Railroad right-of-way that is historically significant to Prescott and the surrounding areas `85 On a clear day you can see the San Francisco Peaks, the Santa Maria Mountains, south into the Bradshaws and across to the Mazatzals and Pine Mountain from Groom Creek."

Flagstaff’s Matthew Holton, a member and coach with the Northern Arizona Trailrunners Association, shares a favorite run. "My favorite run is up to Fisher Point where there is a lookout that is probably 6 miles south of downtown Flagstaff." Fisher Point overlooks a dramatic slot canyon in one direction and the San Francisco Peaks in the other. "I also like running on top of Mars Hill," Holton adds, "where the Lowell Observatory is located."

There is only one way to properly see the Grand Canyon. Yes, run it. Take the park service shuttle from the main lodge to the Kaibab trailhead on the South Rim and run down to the Colorado River and back up the Bright Angel Trail for a total of 14 miles. It’s a steep pull back up but nothing a little "power hiking" can’t manage. In "younger" days I reveled in going from the South Rim to the North Rim and back in one day, all in about 14 hours. Now I prefer to run from the South Rim with a change of clothes and stay in the Grand Canyon Lodge North rim — and run back the next day.

RACES

THE FOLLOWING RACES range in size from under 50 runners to several hundred. They also offer a variety of distances, places and terrain, from ultramarathons (more than 26.2 miles) to short distances. You may recognize some of the races but I hope that there are some that are new to you.

ARIZONA

The Soulstice Mountain Run (June 18) in Flagstaff was first held in 1997, organized by local race director Bill Ring. Only 34 runners ran the challenging 11 1/2-mile course that includes two 800-feet-plus ascents, but in 2003 and 2004, the race reached its cap of 200.

Neil Weintraub, a veteran of more than 100 races, claims the Soulstice as his favorite. "There are incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks during the second half of the race," he explains, "and the golden aspens mixed with the tall ponderosas add to the beauty." www.natra.org.

The Big Tesuque (October 8), an 11.6-mile trail run, draws about 100 runners to Santa Fe. "It’s in the fall, just between the aspens at the height of their color and the start of snow," said Santa Fe Striders running club president, Kris Kern. "We’ve had snow a few times, but the last few years the colors have been brilliant. We donate part of the race proceeds to Wing of America, a Native American youth running program. www.santafestriders.org

The Arizona White Mountain Marathon, Half and 5K fun run and walk (August 27) takes place on the TRACKS trail system within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Show Lo. In 2002, when the massive forest fires hit the forests near Show Lo, participation was a disaster. But last year, the event came back strong with around 60 runners. www.rndrunning.com.

In 2004, nearly 350 people participated in the Sacred Mountain 10K/5K Prayer Run (June 5) and 2K fun run/walk near Flagstaff. Dorothy Gishie, program coordinator for Native Americans for Community Action, Inc., and one of the race coordinators, expects 500 runners for this year. "The course weaves through unpaved dirt and cinder trails within the Coconino National Forest, Gishie said. " The San Francisco Peaks, mountains held sacred by Native Peoples, provide a scenic background. The course climbs to an elevation of 7,200 feet from a start/finish of 6,950 feet." www.nacainc.org
COLORADO

Ouray resident and former Hardrock 100 race winner, Rick Trujillo, trained on Imogene Pass in 1974, and the next year, the Imogene Pass Run (Sept. 10) became an official race. Today, 1,200 walkers and runners make the trek from Ouray to Telluride through historic Tomboy and Camp Bird. www.imogenerun.com.

The Lake City 50-Mile (June 18), now in its 11th running, is among the toughest events in the United States. "There is over 12,500-feet of climb and descent all above 8,600’ and lots of it above timberline," said Race Director Jerry Gray. "The course is a counter-clockwise loop starting in the town park on Engineer Pass Road, over Alpine Gulch, into Williams Creek, up Wagner Gulch and into the Carson town site.

Vic Rudolph, Durango speedster, ran Lake City last year. "It was the hardest race I have done so far," Rudolph said. "It was a fabulous event; beautiful country, great support and weather. I would recommend it to anyone." www.lakecity50.com.

The Spring Desert Ultra three-day running festival in Fruita (April 22-24,) has 50-, 25-, 10- and 5-mile events. The courses are rocky, dry, and challenging but the scenery is otherworldly. Reid Delman, festival organizer, says that people are often taken by surprise with the race’s difficulty. "The elevation ranges from only 4,600 to 5,400 feet but there is actually 4,000-feet of climb for each 25-mile loop," he said.

My friend, Greg, poked fun at me last year and called me "grandma!" as I picked through the difficult terrain. I had the last laugh when he became dehydrated during the last few miles of the race and I skipped by him on the flat section. www.geminiadventures.com.

NEW MEXICO

La Luz Trail Run (Aug. 7), featured in the March/April 2005 issue, is Albuquerque’s premier running event. This annual event is limited to 400 runners. The race may be filled this year but be prepared for next year by tapping www.aroadrun.org.

UTAH

Moab’s Alpine to Slickrock 50-mile (September 24) is set in the La Sal Mountains and, according to one of its veteran racers, Ian Torrence, has an "awesome single track." This race begins with a 4,000-foot climb from Pack Creek. www.mas50.com.

RUNNING CLUBS

ALL RUNNING CLUBS, like their runners, go through peaks and valleys. Farmington and Cortez, for example, have both had strong running clubs but neither exist today. If you have an interest in joining a running club or finding out about the clubs in your area, drop by your local sporting goods store and ask around or hit the internet and search. Or, better yet, go running and sooner or later you’ll encounter other runners. It’s that easy — for the most part trail runners are easy-going folks.

COLORADO

Durango Motorless Transit (DMT) is the Four Corners largest running club. DMT sponsors low-key group trail runs every Thursday night at 6 p.m. DMT also organizes many area trail races. See www.go-dmt.org or call me at (970) 247-3116. I am its president.

"The Crested Butte Mountain Runners have been around for about 25 years and we organize a series of fun runs throughout the summer, starting in mid-May and ending in late September," said Martin Catmur, who organizes the Runners.www.visitcrestedbutte.com/mtnrunners/

ARIZONA

Flagstaff is home to the Northern Arizona Trailrunners. NATRA has two weekly runs, one on Monday and another on Saturday. The Monday run is a 4.5-mile loop that starts from Buffalo Park and heads up toward Elden. The run on Saturday varies. www.natra.org.

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque Road Runners (ARR), part of the Road Runners Clubs of America, does a weekly trail run in the foothills on Monday evenings starting from the parking lot at the east end of Indian School Road. "There is an extensive network of trails along the base of the Sandia Mountains that runs from I-40 north for about 10 miles or more," said Roxanne Miler, ARR president. "These trails also connect to the crest trail and trails on the east side of the mountains so that you can do a relatively tame workout with small hills or you can go for a 3,000 foot climb." www.aroadrun.org

"The Santa Fe Striders have weekly group training runs that are usually on trails," said president Kris Kern. "This is such a great place for that and the higher trails can get to several peaks above 12,000-feet in as little as six miles of running.

UTAH

The Rimrock Roadrunners, part of the Road Runners Clubs of America, is a small organization in Moab which puts on the Moab Half-Marathon, Winter Sun 10K and other races. www.moabhalfmarathon.org.

Marc Witkes grew up running with the Central Massachussetts Striders. He has competed in hundreds of events around the country and claims a win of the Ignacio Cabin Fever Fest in the early ’90s. Having just completed the Arizona Ironman, Witkes is hoping for a little down time but he fears that his wife will convince him to pace her for 50 miles during the Leadville Trail 100-mile.

2005-05-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Marc and Cathy at start of Ironman Arizona

Local riders go for broke in time trials

2005-05-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

It's the stuff that legends are made of:

Ned Overend, former world champion, once bicycled 9.5 miles from the corner of Roosa Avenue and U.S. Highway 160 to the power lines on top of Hesperus Hill in 28 minutes and 45 seconds.

Tom Danielson, recent Tour de Georgia winner, rode 5.8 miles from Cascade Village to the top of Coal Bank Pass in 24 minutes and 4 seconds.

These are two records from the Durango Wheel Club's Thursday night time trials, but most of the 19 people who competed in last week's Baker's Bridge event weren't concerned with trying to break any records.

Time trials are simple, painful, elegant exercise. Bicycle racers hammer on a predetermined course against the clock and against the other riders. Most are tucked in an aerodynamic position with the help of special handlebars from the start. Less upright body mass translates into less wind resistance and faster times.

There is no drafting (following closely behind another cyclist and using him to break the wind) here. Riders begin at 30-second intervals and race by themselves.

If the person riding behind you catches you, that puts you 30 seconds down. Racers are timed across a finish line, and allowances are made for all of the different starting times.

Jared Pitroski, a 22 year-old Fort Lewis College student who races on the collegiate team, milled around before last Thursday's time trial start just north of the Iron Horse on U.S. Highway 550. It was Pitroski's first time trial of the year, and he figured it would be good preparation for a summer of racing.

Around 5:45 p.m., Todd Beattie, ride organizer, called the racers together.

"Who wants to go first?" Beattie asked.

Linda Paris, 42, volunteered to be the sacrificial lamb chased by the hungry wolves.

"Five… four… three… two… one...," chanted timing volunteer and long-time Durango Wheel Club member Ken Freudenberg, and Paris was off for 17.5 miles of pain and fun.

Thursday's "P" shaped course took riders north of Durango on U.S. Highway 550, to County Road 250, across Baker's Bridge and south on East Animas Road to a finish on the west side of Trimble Lane near the railroad tracks.

Last year Cody Peterson set a blazing record of 37 minutes and 33 seconds on this course.

Todd Wells, 2004 mountain bike Olympian, has already raced 30 days this year. He was getting tuned up for World Cup races in Belgium and the summer's NORBA races.

With a swirling wind that made riders always feel like they were always battling a headwind, competitors continued to take off at 30-second intervals.

Wells took the penultimate position with Gilbert chasing from the final spot. Traditionally the faster riders are the last ones off.

I had it easy and drove with Beattie along the course. We offered encouragement and a little applause, although not many riders acknowledged our presence. This was serious stuff and most riders had a look of pain on their faces.

While riding behind Mitch Moreman on East Animas, Beattie clocked him at 36 mph.

"This is great training, and we have everyone here from casual riders to professionals," Beattie said. "It's good practice for racing because you have people chasing you and everybody is a little nervous."

For more information on the time trials, call Beattie at 946-1993 or go to www.durangowheelclub.com.

Farmington athlete wins age group in inaugural Arizona Ironman

2005-04-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

Farmington residents Cathy Tibbetts, 50, and Keith Peterson, 55, were among 1,682 finishers at the inaugural Ironman Arizona Triathlon in Tempe on Sunday.

Tibbetts finished the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run in 12 hours, 18 minutes, and 52 seconds, while earning a first-place age group finish and a slot in October's Hawaii Ironman. Peterson finished in 15:10.53. It was Tibbetts’ first Ironman and Peterson’s third.

Tibbetts, an optometrist, has been running for nearly 30 years but she only recently started focusing on swimming and biking. She rode her first bicycle century in Grand Junction in October and she started swimming with the Farmington Masters program in the fall.

“I never really gave much thought to doing an Ironman, but last summer when I heard that there was going to be one in Arizona, I just decided to go for it,” Tibbetts said. “It was challenging having to train indoors for so much of the Farmington winter, but I was able to go to Arizona a few times to get in some long rides.”

Peterson, a sales manager at Webb Chevrolet, went into Saturday's race with few expectations.

“I just want to have fun,” Peterson said. “I want to have a good race and I want to be able to converse with people on the run.”

Peterson's wife, Debbie, and their daughter, Bree Ann, accompanied him to the race.

“We also visited my other daughter, who lives in Phoenix, and made it a nice family weekend,” Peterson said. “The race venue was set-up with multiple loops, it was spectator-friendly and I got to see everyone several times.”

Tibbetts set three different alarms in her hotel room the night before the race. With months of preparation behind her, she was taking no chances. While Tibbetts made it to the swim start with plenty of time to spare, she still had her share of difficulties.

“It was a mass start and I got kicked and pushed around quite a bit,” Tibbetts said. “I was glad to get out of the Tempe Town Lake and onto dry land for the bike section.”

Peterson, who is not a strong swimmer, was also pleased to finish that section, but his real challenges began when he hopped on his bicycle.

“I made a cardinal sin because I tried something new on race day,” Peterson divulged. “I heard that all of the pros were using salt tablets so I tried that, but my stomach became upset and I couldn't get any food down.”

While Peterson struggled with his upset stomach during the bike section, Tibbetts found the gusting wind to be problematic.

“I was in my smallest gear, pedaling furiously and all I could manage was 12 miles per hour for sections of the course,” Tibbetts explained.

Peterson's stomach settled down before he got off the bike, but when he drank some chicken soup during the run section, his problems started all over again.

Tibbetts, who is sponsored by Montrail and KIVA, made up quite a bit of time on the run and passed several people, including a few that were in her age group.

“Everyone was marked with a race number on her thigh and arm and age on her left ankle,” Tibbetts said.

But with a loop course and athletes moving in different directions, Tibbetts was surprised when she discovered that she had finished first in her 50-54 age bracket.

“I had no idea, but I'm excited to go to Hawaii Ironman,” Tibbetts said. “Now I guess I’ll have to keep up with the biking and swimming.”

Hawaii entries are coveted among aspiring triahtletes and are only given to the top men and women in each age bracket. Potential Hawaii athletes can also enter a lottery for a race slot.

Peterson entered the lottery and raced in 1992. He has been applying for another lottery spot since so he can go back to Hawaii, but so far his number hasn’t come up.

Debbie and Bree Ann were proud of Keith and his race finish.

“When I was leaving Farmington High School last week to watch the Ironman race, someone said, ‘I wish my dad did cool stuff like that,’” Bree Ann said.

Bree Ann plays softball and volleyball and is inspired by her father.

“Sometimes I know I just need to leave him alone when he’s downstairs working out on his bicycle wind-trainer at home,” Bree Ann said.

Both Tibbetts and Peterson were impressed with the race organization.

“There were volunteers everywhere to help out,” Tibbetts said. “The gave you food and water, they cheered everyone on and they even helped take off competitors’ wetsuits when we got out of the cold water,” Tibbetts said.

“With a race like this, you need good support,” Peterson said. “The race is long and people can get into trouble if they don’t have enough to eat and drink.”

With a nice year-round climate, many running trails and a first-class swimming facility, Farmington residents have potential to make an even stronger showing at next year’s Ironman Arizona event.

“It's just a matter of training,” Peterson said. “I tell people to ‘Just do it.’”

Journey to see Red Sox play worth the effort

2005-04-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

I've always been a Red Sox fan, but following last year's improbable comeback - after being down three games to nothing against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series - and a subsequent World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, I became rabid.

As soon as the 2005 schedules were announced, I conspired, schemed and made plans to see my beloved Sox.

"The Sox are playing the Diamondbacks in Arizona for a couple of special games during spring training," I announced to my wife last December, while both seeking her approval and her desire to accompany me.

"Go ahead and have fun," Cathy said. "But I'm not going down there with you."

I dislike driving and haven't owned a car for 15 years. I usually ride my bike, run and walk everywhere. I thought about biking to Phoenix, but even I have my limits.

I bought tickets the first day they went on sale in January, and I scored great seats behind home plate and on the third base line. With high gas prices, I decided to ride Greyhound (20 hours each way) for $99 round-trip. I then booked a room at the Hampton Inn in midtown Phoenix, just three miles from Bank One Ballpark.

I left on the 9:30 a.m. southbound bus from Durango on a Wednesday morning and arrived in Phoenix at 2:30 a.m. on Thursday. Greyhound takes the long way around with many stops and holdovers in Albuquerque and Flagstaff.

I was ecstatic and the first one in line at 3 p.m. to get into the game. I walked into the ballpark using the players and media entrance. Jerry Remy, a former Red Sox player and current TV announcer, walked in front of me. He had a paunch and was smoking a cigarette. I was disappointed.

I went up to the press box behind home plate and talked to some of the media personnel.
I then made my way to the Red Sox locker room where David Ortiz, Red Sox slugger and last year's World Series hero, was sitting on the couch watching a movie. I sat down next to Ortiz, made small talk and tried to get an interview.

"Ever been to Phoenix before, David?" I asked, since the Sox (American League) normally don't play the Diamondbacks (National League).

"Never been to Phoenix," Ortiz answered.

"Where are you from?" I asked.

"Dominican Republic," Ortiz said. "But my wife is from Wisconsin."

An Arizona Diamondback clubhouse manager was apparently put off with my interview style, or maybe it was my Red Sox hat and Ocean Pacific red beach shorts. He asked who I was and wanted to see my credentials.

I leapt off the couch, presented my press pass and apologized before making my way to the playing field to watch batting practice and talk to the other writers.

In the game, Bronson Arroyo, who has the most unbelievable high leg kick, struggled on the mound but the Sox pulled through 10-9.

The next day I came back to the ballpark and took my seat on the third base line, 10 rows back. The Diamondbacks shelled knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and won 10-3.

Next column, it's back to running, biking and swimming … sports I understand.

La Luz Trail

2005-04-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

Corner Pocket: La Luz Trail, N.M.© April/May 2005 - by Marc Witkes

Of the many great benefits to Albuquerque, including a mild and dry climate, the cheapest airline tickets in the Four Corners, and the Isotopes: a minor league baseball team, the Sandia Mountains and La Luz Trail are near the top — in many ways.

This amazing area boasts 180 miles of trails, Sandia Peak ski area, the world’s longest passenger tramway, 58 species of mammals, 34 species of reptiles, 189 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants.

And of the many ways to enjoy the Sandias, my favorite is running or hiking up the La Luz trail and taking the Sandia Peak Tramway down.

Constructed in 1964-1966 at a cost of $2 million footed by Bell Engineering of Lucerne, Switzerland, the tramway whisks passengers 3.6 miles down in 14 minutes.

To get to the parking lot and tramway terminal, drive north on Tramway Blvd. and turn right (east) on Sandia Heights. Costs are $3 per car and $15 for the tramway.

Start your run or hike on the North Tramway Trail in the northeast corner of the lower tramway parking lot. The trail begins at 6,559 feet elevation, skirts a residential area for two miles, climbs 800 feet, turns east and descends to the junction of La Luz trail. A "5 mile" sign marks the beginning of a series of 19 switchbacks, many of which are cut through rocky sections made up of layers of shale and limestone. At the Y near the top of the trail, turn right and proceed to the top terminal and High Finance Restaurant (10,378 feet elevation).

While moving up La Luz Trail, you’ll notice dramatically different weather patterns and topographical features. There are four different climatic zones in the Sandias. The Upper Sonoran Zone lies at approximately 5,000 to 7,000 feet elevation, the Transition Zone at 7,000 to 8,000 feet, the Canadian Zone at 8,000 to 10,000 feet and Hudsonian Zone above 10,000 feet. In layman terms, you’ll start in the desert, travel through a wet area and finish in a spectacular alpine setting. Because of these transitional zones, taking off and putting on your jacket, gloves and hat is a common occurrence.

None of this matters that much as you struggle with a shortness of breath while climbing trail sections with a 12-percent grade, but try to pay attention. Juniper, pinion, Gambel and Gray oak, aspen, Douglas and corkback fir, Englemann spruce and limber pine, all quake along the trail. Wildflowers also rage from May to August.

La Luz trail is open year round with the best time to visit in the spring and fall. In summer, temperatures are hot. In winter, you’ll need snowshoes and hiking poles.
40th Annual La Luz Trail Run

Hiking or jogging the La Luz too casual for you? How about racing to the top with 400 other runners on August 7 for the La Luz Trail Run. Register on April 1 at www.aroadrun.org — and quickly, it fills fast.

While conditioned mountain goats can top out in one and a half hours, hikers take closer to three hours.

The course starts about one mile north of the tramway. Competitors run 1.8 miles on pavement to the Juan Tabo picnic grounds before bounding up the trail for 7.2 miles.

Pat Hickey, 55, a local, has run the race four times. "When I was more competitive it was one of my favorites and very challenging," Hickey said. "The race was also featured in a 2001 Trailrunner Magazine as one of the ‘12 Most Grueling Trail Races in North America.’"
My wife, Cathy, who introduced me to La Luz a few years ago, won the Master’s Division in 1995 and 1996.

"La Luz is one of the hardest races I have ever done in my life but it is also one of the most beautiful courses," Tibbetts said. "I may go back and do the race again sometime but for now I’d prefer to run up at a casual pace, have a romantic lunch at High Finance Restaurant and tease my husband on the way back down who’s terrified of heights and gondolas."

2005-04-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Bicycles everywhere before Ironman Arizona

2005-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ironman Arizona "calm before the storm"

Tri the Rim Triathlon offers spring checkup

2005-04-04T02:32:00.000-07:00

Student Affairs Director Bill Bolden has been involved with the Fort Lewis College Tri the Rim Triathlon for each of its 17 years.

This community event, to be held on April 16 at 10 a.m., features a 500-yard swim (10 laps in the FLC pool), 12-mile bike (three laps around the rim) and a 5K (3.1 miles) run (once around the FLC campus).

Both teams and individuals are encouraged to participate.

Participants come from throughout the Four Corners to compete in this annual spring rite, but the race has also drawn athletes from Denver, Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City and Albuquerque.

"This is a good spring check-up for your fitness level over the winter," Bolden said. "We have many generous sponsors at this race, and everyone should get a prize."

Hassle Free Sports, Durango Sports Club, Trimble Hot Springs and Brown's Sport Shoe have all been long-time sponsors of Tri the Rim.

With a fun course and great swag, what more could area triathletes possibly want?

"A lot of first-timers are afraid of swimming that far and that's why we have a sprint format," Bolden said.

"Even slower swimmers will make it out of the pool in less than 15 minutes."

With constantly changing spring weather conditions, area triathletes would also do well to hope for sunny, blue skies.

Megan Raymond, assistant director for housing at FLC, is helping with the triathlon and is shadowing Bolden this year.

"This is a good kickoff for a fun summer of events," Raymond said.

"We have a new run course that's part trail and part road and it's all on the rim so you won't have to fight traffic."

In past years, the run portion of the triathlon went down Goeglein Gulch and back up again.

Raymond had a little difficulty measuring and setting this year's run course.

"Every time I tried to measure it, there were a lot of wet, muddy spots," Raymond said. "But I think it's pretty close to actually being 5K."

Steve Stovall, 64, marketing professor at FLC, will be competing in his ninth Tri the Rim.

"It's a good time of the year to have a race because it provides me an incentive to train through the winter," Stovall said. "At my age, it's good to cross-train so I can stay healthy."

Stovall thinks of himself as a runner who is disguised as a triathlete. While competing at the Freedom Days Triathlon in Farmington a few years ago, Stovall had a panic attack in the water.

"I had to walk most of the 10K (6.2 miles) run and the bike portion was a sheer hill," Stovall explained.

Since there were only two people over the age of 60, Stovall finished second in his division and won a nice ceramic bowl.

"That was my reward for sticking it out," Stovall said.

Gary Goold, 51, has completed 15 or so Tri the Rims and is planning to participate this year.

"The thing I remember most about all of the triathlons is that they are consistently well-organized," Goold said.

"I do these for fun because I enjoy the activity and cross-training."

For more information and registration, call Bolden at 970-247-7508.

2005-03-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Marc running on Hawaiin honeymoon

Criterium offers local ticket to ride

2005-03-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

Walt Axthelm, 71, is planning on bringing a few of his fellow age-groupers along so he'll have some company in the upcoming Durango Spring Criterium Series.

A criterium is a bicycle race, but unlike the Iron Horse, you don't have to climb any 10,000-foot passes to join in the fun.

In these races, participants will race laps on a half-mile figure eight flat course running through the Tech Center.

For those who might be counting, there will be six right-hand corners and two lefts. Packs (groups of racers) will be tight, corners will be sharp and the pace will be fast, so you had better bring your bicycle handling skills and a good dose of heart and lung capacity.

Axthelm has been racing crits for the last three years at the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah, and last year he raced in the Iron Horse crit.

"I have never stopped being active, starting with 30 years of racing motorcycles in motocross and participating in events like the Baja 500 and 1000," Axthelm said. "When I came to Durango

I started racing mountain bikes and then road bikes to stay in shape."

Stephanie Swan, local criterium organizer, has been hard at work the past several months making sure that racers will have fun, safe events where they can showcase their talent.

"One of the biggest hurdles in putting this series together was getting insurance and the necessary cycling officials," Swan said. "There weren't any cycling officials in Durango so in February, six of us attended a USA Cycling clinic. The Durango Wheel Club invited the regional USA cycling representative, Tom Vinson, to Durango."

Vinson, who lives in Colorado Springs, is excited about the upcoming races.

"Durango is a tremendous opportunity for bicycle racing," Vinson said. "The Iron Horse and NORBA races are just the tip of the iceberg."

Criteriums can be tricky races, according to Swan.

"Talented road riders and mountain bikers can be like fish out of water," Swan said. "A flat criterium involves precision cornering and team tactics and not necessarily brute strength to cross the finish line first."

Events are scheduled for four Saturdays: March 26, April 2, April 9 and April 16. Entry fee for each race is $15 and registration will open at 9 a.m. at the Tech Center on race days.

The Fort Lewis College Collegiate Crits will follow at 1 p.m. on the 16th. Sponsors for the series include the Durango Tech Center and the Regular Joe Coffee Bar and Deli.

"We hope that these races will give people a chance to improve their crit racing skills and ultimately give them the confidence to race in the Iron Horse Crit," said Michael Carroll, Durango Wheel Club president.

All riders must have a 2005 USCF license. One-day or annual licenses will be available for purchase at registration.

For more information, contact Swan at 903-4202 or here .

2005-03-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

Cathy and Marc in front of Corona Arch in Canyonlands National Park

2005-03-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Rob and Amy Milofsky and friends on hut trip

A cut above your average hut

2005-03-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Amy Milofsky, her husband, Rob, and five friends took a weekend ski trip to a secret winter hideaway just east of Red Mountain Pass, south of Ouray.

"I want to tell everyone about it but I also want to keep it a secret," she said.

But thanks to a bountiful snow year, and legions of backcountry fans in Durango, the secret is out.

The Mountain Belle ski hut makes for a remarkable four-season weekend getaway, and makes many visitors, like Milofsky, long to make it a permanent residence.

"I'd move there in a heartbeat if I could telecommute," said Amy, who works as a land title guarantee officer in Durango.

Winter access to the Mountain Belle is by skis or snowshoes via a two-mile trail on the east side of Highway 550.

"It's a good trail and it's groomed by snowmobiles," said Robert McKeever, an avid backcountry skier.

The hut sleeps eight people comfortably and has a propane cook stove and oven, wood stove, solar powered lights, fully equipped kitchen and toilet room. It also has pots, pans, cooking utensils, emergency food, split firewood, matches and garbage bags.

As far as huts go, it is luxurious.

McKeever, 51, has visited the Mountain Belle several times in the summer but this was his first winter trip. McKeever used alpine skies fitted with Silveretta bindings for a fast 20-minute commute into the Mountain Belle.

"The bindings allow me to put skins on for uphill sections and also ski downhill sections," McKeever explained.

One night during the fun-filled weekend, McKeever accompanied the others on a moonlit ski.

"The sunset took my breath away," he said. "It was like fire in the sky."

Rob Milofsky, chemistry professor at Fort College, didn't waste any time after skiing into the Mountain Belle.

"I settled in, unpacked and went outside the cabin and made four runs in the open meadow," he said.

Two days later Rob Milofsky telemarked all the way to the Chattanooga Turn on Highway 550 where he met a friend, Travis Ward. Ward and Milofsky then drove up Red Mountain Pass to the trail access and skied back to the hut.

Milofsky has also visited the Last Dollar hut in Telluride, the Burn hut in between Telluride and Ridgway, the Pass Creek Yurt, which is part of the 10th Mountain Division system, and the Ridgway hut.

"A lot of the huts claim to be able to sleep eight people, but they are really cramped," Milofsky said. "The Mountain Belle is well-designed and does sleep eight comfortably."

There is a double bed in the downstairs bedroom, three double bed mattresses in the upstairs sleeping loft and a main living area with a kitchen and indoor wood storage.

Dea Funka, McKeever's girlfriend, was also along for the weekend adventure.

"You don't have to be an experienced skier to enjoy the hut," she said.

Funka, an archaeologist for the Forest Service in Norwood, was happy to ski within her abilities and on her own level.

"There are all different areas for backcountry skiing near the hut," Amy Milofsky added. "Some are steep and some aren't so steep. There are open meadows and there are areas with tight trees for experts."

The Mountain Belle has lots of windows and the views are breathtaking. With south and west exposure, sunshine is plentiful. Not too much to look at except spectacular mountain peaks in every direction.

"I think that the Mountain Belle offers some of the best views in Colorado," McKeever said. "I've spent lots of time in the backcountry and this place is a kick in the pants."

About the only thing the Mountain Belle doesn't have is running water. Winter guests melt snow while summer visitors can haul water from the nearby Addie S cabin. And, of course, there isn't a shower.

"The Mountain Belle is an amazing resource to have right in our own backyard," Rob Milofsky said. "It's good healthy fun, and more people should take advantage of this gem."

McGeever's brother, David, his wife Carol, trip organizer, and their 11-year-old daughter Aspen, rounded out the party. Aspen, a third-grade student at Miller Middle School has been skiing since she was five.

"Aspen is an easy kid and she does really well with the 'endurance thing,'" Carol said. "Last summer we did a bike trip over Cinnamon and Engineer Pass and Aspen did great there."

Ski weekends with friends and family in a remote hut can be lots of fun, but there are still chores to do and hungry appetites that must be satisfied.

"We all took turns making dinner and washing the dishes," Carol said.

The Milofsky's menu included pesto walnut tortellini, homemade pizza and a good bottle of wine. Robert cooked elk stir fry.

David and Karen Dow own both the Mountain Belle and the Addie S. David designed the Mountain Belle and finished it in January 2000.

"I originally built the Addie S for my family to use, because I loved skiing in the area," David said.

"I have been skiing up there since 1982 and when I learned there was other private property in the area I decided to build the Mountain Belle."

Because he can't use two places at once and he doesn't live there, Dow decided to rent out the structures.

"It is a lot of work sometimes, but I do love being up there, so, yes, it is a labor of love," Dow said.

For reservations or more information on the huts, call 970-257-0787 or visit www.skihuts.com.

Reach Marc Witkes at 247-3116.

Romantic getaways in the Four Corners

2005-03-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

What are you and your sweetheart doing for Valentine's Day? How about something new that will be sure to put a smile on your significant other's face and will score some points when you leave the toilet seat up later on in the month or don’t clean up after yourself? Here are some suggestions for places to go, overnight accommodations, activities and a romantic meal. Most of these picks are very reasonable and there are a few where it's nice to splurge.

You don't have to travel far for some great getaways. People travel hundreds or even thousands of miles searching for the perfect new adventure but we are all very fortunate to live in the Four Corners region where there are so many diverse places right under our noses. We need only to open our eyes and minds, be creative and look around a little.

AZTEC
Downtown Aztec has some great things to offer. John and Gail Aspromonte have owned Miss Gail's Inn (505-334-3452) since 1992. Miss Gail's is a state registered historic landmark hotel and is a delightful bed and breakfast. There are four guestrooms and four efficiency apartments. "Each room is different," John said.

Hard Backs Books and Art espresso (200 S. Main) has thousands of high-quality used books and an extensive selection of local authors. Where else could you find a copy of History of San Juan County Post Office or Bighorns in the Desert? Nikki and Jim Rubow serve baked goods, display local artisans and hold frequent book signings. I picked up three first edition hardbacks for $4 each.

Rubio's (116 S. Main St.) offers fine Mexican dining. John Winkley, a schoolteacher in Bloomfield, NM, likes spinach enchiladas while his girlfriend Mary Donnelly, a draftsperson, doesn't remember what she ate because she was too busy gazing into Winkley's eyes.

David Albright runs the fascinating UFO Information Center (505-334-9890) where you can buy extraterrestrials in all shapes and sizes and pick up a copy of William Steinman's extensively researched, UFO Crash at Aztec. Just 20 minutes northwest of Aztec is the supposed flying saucer crash site (aztecufo.com) where you can bike or run the alien loop.

The 320-acre Aztec Ruins National Monument is three quarters of a mile north of Highway 516. Walk the trails and see the "great houses," small residential pueblos, tri-wall kivas and earthworks. Many folks don't even know this place exists but the ruins are significant. One wall is longer than a football field. Make sure to duck while going underneath the unique T-shaped doorways that connect rooms directly to the central plaza.

OURAY

Ouray is home to some of the best ice climbing in the world. The Ouray Ice Park (ourayicepark.com) in the Uncompahgre Gorge was opened in 1995 and offers free ice climbing. Getting cold feet here about popping the question is only natural.

The Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings (wiesbadenhotsprings.com) was built in 1879. Besides offering accommodations with a European flair, the Weisbaden has a hot springs vapor cave underneath the building, a private outdoor spa and soaking pool. The Spa offers a full range of treatments including massage and La Stone therapy. You and your date will be pampered here.

Dine at the Bon Ton Restaurant in the St. Elmo Hotel (426 Main Street) and feast on Tortellini Carbonara, Scampi Bon Ton and Black Nasty (chocolate fudge pie with graham cracker crust) for dessert.

DURANGO

Durango boasts so many fine places to stay and eat that it is pretty difficult to pick only a few. The Strater Hotel (699 Main Avenue) is right in the heart of the historic district. Hand-screened wallpapers, antique furniture and lots of crystal and lace make for a romantic setting even before you enter one of the 93 Victorian rooms.

"We've had lots of people get married in the lobby and rooms," Renate Widder, rooms revenue manager, said. "We also offer turn-down service, roses and chocolate for special occasions."

Ken and Sue's Place is right across the street for dinner. You and your date can sit by the window and watch the people stroll downtown. "Cilantro Crusted Halibut and Chocolate Molten Cake are some of the favorites here," manager Sara Parish said. "We have an intimate setting with nice booths. The 100-year-old wooden bar here is from Chicago and was also in Silverton for a while. Everybody asks us about it."

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (durangotrain.com) offers excursions halfway to Silverton and stops at Cascade for a snack stop all winter long. The setting is peaceful, quiet and spectacular.

MONTICELLO

Monticello is the "Heart of the Colorado Plateau" and gateway to Canyonlands. The Grist Mill Inn (www.gristmillinn.com) produced flour for the community until the mid-1960s but has been restored as a bed and breakfast with seven guestrooms. You can still see the huge mill when you walk into the lobby. There is a sitting room with fireplace on the main level, a television area with VCR on the second floor and a library with lots of classic literary selections on the third floor.

The Utah Ghost Hunters Society held a convention at the Inn in October 2003 to do some investigating. If you think you see some apparitions or strange happenings, you had just better hold on tighter to your lover.

The Joint Trail in Canyonlands (www.nps.gov/cany) is one of my favorites. Walk through a huge rock that has been split. Inside the fracture, high walls tower on both sides and there is not even an arm's length across. Maybe sneak a kiss since it's dark and there is so little sunlight that peeks into the fissure.

PAGOSA SPRINGS

The Pinewood Inn in Pagosa Springs (157 Pagosa Street) is centrally located near the hot springs and the rooms are simple, clean and cozy. There's plenty of coffee and pastry in the morning.

Ron Bubb, Switchback Sporting Goods store owner and his wife, Ann, like JJ's Upstream Restaurant (356 E. Hwy 160). "It’s got a great atmosphere and you can look out at the river," Bubb said. Dinner is served nightly from 4-9 p.m. and there is a Sunday Brunch too.

Traditional activities in Pagosa are the Hot Springs (pagosaspringsresort.com) and skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area (wolfcreekski.com). There are 17 hot mineral soaking pools at the Springs and 45% of the trails at Wolf Creek are expert or advanced terrain.

SILVERTON

The Inn of the Rockies at the historic Alma House in Silverton was built in 1898. Afternoon tea, feather mattresses and fresh baked goods are all nice touches. Breakfast is served in the waiting room on the first floor and consists of a scrumptious New Orleans style feast. Rich, creamy yogurt mixed with granola and fruit was my favorite.

Silverton Mountain, the area's newest skiing mecca, was ranked #1 in steeps and #1 in powder in the USA by Skiing Magazine. "Skiing together is a bonding experience," co-founder Jenny Ader-Brill said. "We’ve had wedding ceremonies and champagne toasts high on top of Silverton Mountain. Jenny and Aaron Brill used to ski together a lot before they started the ski area.

"We already had it this year but we hold a ‘He said, she said’ ski camp with pros Wendy Fisher and Chris Anthony," Jenny added. "It’s great for couples."

Pasta la Vista (970-387-5352), one of the few restaurants that is open year-round, is one of Jenny’s favorites. "They have nightly specials ranging from calzones to pork tenderloin," she said.

I don’t indulge too often but my girlfriend Cathy and I feasted on delicious tera misu one night in Silverton before running 20 miles the following day.

TELLURIDE

Telluride is a winter Disneyland. The Hotel Telluride (thehoteltelluride.com), opened September 21, 2001, has 54 luxurious rooms and four suites, each with its own climate control. There are comfortable leather couches in the lobby along with a chessboard in case you want some cerebral stimulation. It's only a few blocks to the gondola downtown and there is even a shuttle service in case you have too much equipment and gear in hand.

"We have marble bathrooms and we offer Aveda product for in-room amenities," guest services represenative Jackie Witter said. "There's a spa on premises, outdoor hot tub, steam shower and we put out complimentary apres-ski hors d'oevres."

The gondola offers free public transportation between the Mountain Village and downtown. Use the gondola to access 1,700 acres of skiable terrain or ride it at night to view the city lights and eat at Allred's (970-728-7474,Gondola Station, St. Sophia). Allred’s is perched high along the gondola's route at 10,551 feet. Enjoy Asian Spiced Muscovy Duck or Passion Fruit Smoked Salmon. The views are spectacular and the catch phrase here is, "it’s okay to eat with your eyes full."

Besides downhill skiing, there is ice skating in the Town Park and Mountain Village. Carrie Mock of Telluride Snowmobile Adventures said, "The Dunton Hot Springs tour, lunch and soak is romantic."

RIDGWAY

Stay at the Orvis Hot Springs (orvishotsprings.com) in Ridgway. There are no telephones or televisions in the guestrooms as these accommodations are strictly for relaxation. Guests in the lodge have access to the hot springs 24-hours a day. "There is nude soaking under the stars," Manager Terese Gibson said. "We've had people get engaged, married, conceive children and celebrate anniversaries here."

Sara Ballantyne, professional mountain biker and adventure racer, also works as a massage therapist at Orvis. She and husband Chris Haaland frequent The Adobe Inn (970-626-5939) Mexican restaurant. "They have fabulous margaritas and local cuisine and it is a nice way to end a weekend of backcountry skiing on nearby Red Mountain Pass or cross country skiing out our back door in Ridgway," Ballantyne said.

DOLORES

Cloud Nine (www.2cloud9.com), a rustic log style Bed and Breakfast, sits on 30 acres three miles up on Rd. 31 on the Granath Mesa in Dolores. Proprietors Ray Simanson, Leslie Judice and their dog Hanu, wake up every morning to spectacular sunrises, go to sleep with blazing orange and red sunsets and spot magnificent views of the La Plata Mountains all day long.

The Great Room has a stone fireplace and hign vaulted wooden ceilings supported by thick, exposed beams. "We do lots of weddings here," Simanson said. There's a bar, billiards table, yoga center and gift shop on the premises.

Eat and drink at the Dolores River Brewery (100 South Fourth Street). Jimmy and Wendy Mimiaga love the E.S.B. ("If you have to ask, you’ll never know," Dolores resident, Matt Robinson said.) The Campagna pizza has mounds of pesto, caramelized sweet onions, crimini mushrooms and prosciutto Italian ham. I enjoyed the sausage tortellini soup. "The Brewery has really changed the dynamics in town in a positive way and has been a catalyst for community involvement," Jimmy said. "And what better place to bring a date when there is free music like the Lawn Chair Kings?"

The Anasazi Heritage Center (www.co.blm.gov/ahc) is a museum of the Ancestral Puebloan (or Anasazi) culture and other Native cultures in the Four Corners region. There are permanent exhibits on archaeology, local history, and a research collection of over 3 million artifacts. Learn about the former town of McPhee that is now submerged beneath the reservoir.

MANCOS

The Absolute Bakery and Cafe (292 East 1st St.) in downtown Mancos is open for breakfast and lunch and serves fresh baked muffins, banana bread and homemade granola. Owners Sean McCall and Carly Borelli are proud to serve fair trade coffee. "It's straight from a farmer in Nicaragua," Borelli said. "A former employee, Megan Duty, was there for six months and she set the whole thing up for us." The walls are filled with works from local artists like wood sculptor, David Sipe. You can also buy stunning local photo cards here from David Baker or pick up a copy of "Culinary Colorado".

The Bauer House Bed and Breakfast (bauer-house.com) is included in the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. "It was built in 1896 by the town founder, George Bauer, who used it as his family's home," hostess Bobbi Black said. "Later when it was a hospital, there were lots of babies delivered there." The Bauer house has received "Best Customer Service" marks three years in a row from the prestigious Arrington's Inn Traveler quarterly magazine.

If it’s a sunny day (and there are plenty of those even in winter) Highway 184 between Mancos and Dolores is one of my favorite stretches for road bicycling. It's not very hilly and you can get great views of Sleeping Ute (www.homestead.com/deewebs/ute). There is a nice, wide breakdown lane and there isn't much traffic.

FARMINGTON

The Adobe Bed and Breakfast and Silver River Spa Retreat (www.silveradobe.com) is tucked away in the southwest corner of Farmington, NM, on the cliffside bank of the San Juan River. "We serve Peach Clafouti French pudding, grind our own oats for oatmeal waffles and have fresh Farmington apples for breakfast," co-owner Diana Ohlson said. "The place is like a nature preserve and we have eagles, birds, foxes, Peregrine falcon, raccoons and deer on the property."

The adobe structure is a mixture of mud, dirt, clay and straw and there are massive wooden timbers. "We feel very happy to offer people a place with traditional northwestern New Mexico architecture," Ohlson added. David Beers, Ohlson's husband, is an anthropologist and between the two of them, they serve as a mini Chamber of Commerce and local historians for the area.

Johnny Carino's (505-325-0081) serves bread and oil with every meal. I've had the lasagna several times and I'm still trying to count the number of layers. Carino's also offers fast and convenient pick-up service. Call ahead, drive your car up to the entrance and a waiter greets you and runs back in to bring out your order.
Mountain bike on the Kinsey Trail (www.roadapplerally.com/trailmap). This trail stays dry all year-round. Access is the end of Foothills Drive.

Valentine's Day is a great occasion to try out some of these places but I recommend that you have more than one weekend away each year. You’ll be in big trouble if you save romantic surprises only for Valentine's Day.

Marc Witkes, Durango writer, is trying a new romantic getaway this month. He's trailrunning, bicycling, swimming and honeymooning with Cathy Tibbetts in Honolulu.

2005-03-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Marc at start of Triple Ironman

With the Mush, Mancos really goes to the dogs

2005-03-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

The dogs are coming! The dogs are coming and the mushers, too! The Mancos Mush, Colorado's premier sled dog race, will be in Mancos Feb. 12 and 13.

Besides Alaskan and Canadian entrants, several locals will also be clicking off "Gee" and "Haw" to their sled dog teams to make them turn right and left.

Gregg Dubit, 41, and his wife, Gretchen, have owned the Durango Dog Ranch in La Plata Canyon for eight years. The Dog Ranch offers rides and tours during the winter months.

"Dogs, for me, are like dairy farming," Greg explained. "Twice a day, 365 days a year, I scoop poop and give them water. Some days are better than others."

Gregg is excited for the race in his home court, but he'll also be a little happy when the race is over. For organizers and participants, preparations can be daunting.

"I've been doing speed and endurance training with the dogs for quite a while," he said. "I'll be glad to get some sleep when it's over and spend more time with Lydia, our 13-month-old daughter, and Gretchen."

Gordon Ninde, 35, has been running dogs for four years. Ninde, a 1997 Durango High School graduate, is also a paraplegic. He has use of his upper body, but he is paralyzed below the waist. Ninde took a fall while rock climbing at East Animas in 1992, and did not recover the use of his legs.

"The hardest thing for me is maintaining my balance, turning, and getting off the sled to sort through tangles and break up dog fights," Ninde said. "It's also a challenge staying warm because I can't move around much."

Hercules, a Siberian Husky, Zenith, an Alaskan Husky, and Becky, a Siberian and English Pointer mix, are Ninde's favorite dogs. Becky, especially, is an exceptional puller.

"She's small but strong," Ninde said.

Tyler Hackett, 28, lives at the Dog Ranch and helps Gregg guide commercial trips and attend to the dogs. Hackett is also a Fort Lewis College student majoring in art history. This is his first race.

"Yes, I'm excited and a little nervous but not scared," Hackett explained. "I live here year-round and the dogs are interwoven into every aspect of my life. I feel comfortable with dogs and mushing."

Hackett is looking forward to taking all of the skills he has learned and putting them together in a celebration of the spirit of working with the dogs on the trial.

"Dog racing is a unique sport that doesn't get much exposure," Hackett said. "I've learned so much about humanity and society through the dogs."

Mark Wood, 42, owns the Winter Moon Kennels in Placerville and will be competing in the 100-mile event in Mancos. Wood loves the lifestyle that owning running dogs brings.

"It's a different way of life," Wood said. "I'm a bit of a hermit, and I don't have any neighbors. If I didn't run dogs, I'd just be like everyone else."

Wood probably enjoys the company of dogs more than people. After all, dogs love their job (pulling), they scream to go to work and they can't get enough of it.

Wood and his team have run many races, including Beargrease and the Dog Derby in Ashton, Idaho, the oldest dog race in the lower 48.

Someday, perhaps, Wood would like to race in the Super Bowl of dogsledding, the Iditarod.

"That's a full-time job; you need to forget about everything else and you need to have 110 percent commitment." Wood said.

It also costs around $30,000 after all the logistics of bringing sleds and dogs to Alaska are added up.

For more information about the Mancos Mush or about the Durango Dog Ranch, call the Dubits at 259-0694 or see www.sanjuanstagestop.com.

Reach Marc Witkes at 247-3116.

Nordic Center Hosts JO Qualifier

2005-03-03T01:18:00.000-07:00

Nordic Center hosts JO qualifier
By Marc Witkes
Special to the Herald

Rain in town on Friday night meant several inches of fresh powder at the Nordic Center at Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) on Saturday where 150 Colorado athletes raced in the final Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) race of the season.

At stake were several slots for the Junior Olympic (JO) team that will compete at Lake Tahoe, Calif., on March 7-12.

The Durango "World Class Stadium," so designated by Durango Nordic volunteer Mike Elliott, offered spectators a perfect venue for watching the start, finish and transition areas. Elliott said DMR was instrumental in setting everything up.

Using a World Cup format, racers skied the first half of the race using classic technique, entered the transition area, changed skis and skied freestyle for the second half of the race.

Racers lined up in several rows for a mass start within each age division.

Tad Elliott, Mike's 16-year-old son who previously qualified for JOs, relaxed and listened to a rap music mix on headphones while he patiently awaited his 9 a.m. start time.
Tad is one of 12 kids from Durango to be named to the 2005 RMD Junior Olympic Team. One year after qualifying 11 locals, Durango topped itself by sending 10 racers and two alternates.

Jason Cork, Durango Nordic Ski coach, busily waxed skis before sending his record bunch off to compete.

"Tiffan (Wannamaker), you didn't wax your skis last night?" Cork joked.

Dan Weiland, 29, Vail coach, also waxed his team's skis. After testing structures and snow patterns, Weiland decided to use HF10 and V8 wax on the skate skis.

"I'm not sure yet what we'll use on classic skis." Weiland said.

Weiland was excited to be in Durango again after having competed here several years ago when he was a junior racer.

MOJ and J1 (ages 16-17) skiers started at 9:10 for a 15-kilometer race. Elliott, and Marty Smith from Steamboat Springs, went out fast and put a 12-second lead on the second pack of skiers. Elliott finished in 41 minutes and 36 seconds and Smith was second in 42:17. Last week at the Crested Butte Alley Challenge, Smith finished first while Elliott finished second.

"I felt good (Saturday) even though I was a little tired this week," Elliott said. "I'm stoked."
Elliott did a face plant on the second lap but was able to recover quickly.

"The snow got clogged up in my poles." Elliott explained. "Marty is fun to compete with and the groomers did a great job out here."

Evan Elliott, Tad's brother, finished in 44:46. Evan was selected to be an alternate on this year's JO team.

Joe Schneider, 16, also from Durango, finished in 48:25 and was hoping to improve and earn a spot for JOs next year.

The next race was FOJ and FJ1 (ages 16-17). Brittany Perkins, from Summit, won the 10-kilometer event in 27:12. Durangoans Maggie Casey and Caitlin Cassidy finished virtually together in second and third place respectively with times of 28:22 and 28:23.

Local Junior Olympic Qualifiers
2005 Rocky Mountain Division Team

Durango representatives
OJ Girls (18-19) - Tiffan Wannamaker, Krysia Crabtree
J1 Boys (16-17) - Tad Elliott, Evan Elliott (alternate)
J1 Girls - Maggie Casey, Caitlin Cassidy
J2 Boys (14-15) - John Gerstenberger
J2 Girls - Ryne Olson, Erin Casey, Katie McLean,Holland Breed, Hillary Leroux (alternate)

Casey and Cassidy, who had both previously qualified for JOs, enjoyed racing together and pushing each other on the course.

"Caitlin has made me a better athlete," Casey said. "She's got grit."
This will be Casey's fourth trip to JOs.

Erin Casey finished in 15:14 in the 5-kilometer FJ2 (ages 14-15) race.

"I had a problem with my bindings during the skate section, but other than that everything went really well," said Erin, who had also previously qualified for JOs.

All of the Durango teammates supported each other, offered hugs and kind words.

Joe Casey, 12, finished in second place in MJ3 (ages 12-13).

"Evan and Tad Elliott inspired me to go as fast as I could," Casey said. "I've been skiing since I was seven years old."

Coming into Saturday's race, Durango's Hilary Leroux was right on the edge in the points total to qualify for JOs.

"I'm just a little nervous," Hilary said. "I just need to have a good race and not kill myself on the first hill."

Meanwhile, Terryl, Hilary's mother, paced nervously.

Hilary, with her hair dyed red, streaked to a 16:09 in the FJ2 race and qualified for her first trip to JOs.

Midge Wannamaker, Tiffan's mother, rang a cowbell and cheered her daughter to a 29:19 finish in the 10K, FJ1 race and a spot on the JO team.

Following a long day of ski-racing fun, the Bistro in downtown Durango hosted a banquet for skiers, parents, friends and coaches.

Always-animated Tour de France commentator Bob Roll, master of ceremonies, held the crowd in his hands while he passed out awards. Random draw prizes and a sweepstakes, which included a first-prize trip to Belize, also were presented.

Closing the evening's celebration, Roll used his hands and voice to announce this year's complete JO team.

With all of the pressure off to qualify for the JOs racers continued their Nordic celebration on Sunday with a series of sprint relay races.

Durango will represent 20 percent of the 50-person Rocky Mountain Division team that will travel to the 2005 Junior Olympics.

Now Is The Time To Begin Training For Iron Horse

2005-03-03T01:09:00.000-07:00

The 34th annual Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (IHBC) is 99 days away and if Ed Zink and Kendra Holmes have anything to say about it, no one will have a valid excuse not to give it a try this year.

Zink, Mountain Bike Specialist owner and Holmes, IHBC director, and the Durango Community Recreation Center have teamed up to put together the first Iron Horse training program.

Zink, 57, new owner of Durango Mountain Bike Camp, is dedicated to helping people have a more enjoyable experience on a bicycle.

"I think that a lot of people would like to ride the IHBC but they are just a little intimidated," Zink said. "I put this program together so that people wouldn't be scared of riding to Silverton and maybe they'd be a little healthier."

For 14 weeks, class participants will ride three times per week on indoor bicycles at the recreation center, get instruction on riding technique and nutrition and ride outside when the weather improves.

Lindsey Johnson, 26, has lived in Durango for three years and has never done the ride to Silverton. Johnson was pregnant in 2004.

"I enjoy being with a group and having some help with motivation," Johnson said. "I just bought a nice silver LeMond bicycle and I need to get in shape after having Nola last August."

Claire Ninde, 40, works with Johnson at Mercury Payment Systems and they decided to sign up for the class together.

"I'm a complete beginner but so far the class has been really good," Ninde said. "I've learned a lot about my heart rate, training and bicycle technique."

Last Thursday, Patti Glover, a spinning instructor from Farmington, led one of the indoor bicycling sessions. Glover arranged everyone in a circle, started the class with some stretching, encouraged the cyclists to keep a water bottle nearby, and cranked up the Beatles. The class pedaled furiously, jumped, stood and adjusted the tension on their spinner bikes.

"Keep drinking, no bouncing and round pedal strokes," Glover directed.

Class ended after one hour and Glover encouraged her class to lift weights and be consistent with workouts.

"I get so many calls about training for IHBC," said Holmes, who is also taking the class. "This program should not intimidate people and will help build some confidence."

Holmes also hopes that some camaraderie will develop among the people who are taking the class.

"We're going to have guest speakers and different instructors so that the class can benefit from more than one opinion about training," Holmes said.

"After all, one size doesn't fit all."

Patti Zink, 48, Ed's wife, is enjoying the classes.

"I wanted to train with a group of people who just wanted to make the ride to Silverton and who did not have any time goals," Patti said. "I've helped Ed for six years but this is my first time training for anything."

With Memorial Day weekend still three months away, it's not too late to sign up for the class. Visit the Durango Community Recreation Center for more information.

Reach Marc Witkes at 247-3116.

Scene Riders

2005-02-25T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Four Corners’ region is a perfect place for road biking. With many small towns, moderate climate, and less traffic and fewer people than in many other areas of the country, road bikers often enjoy endless miles of safe, enjoyable riding.

While the rewards of riding in the Four Corners region are seemingly unrestricted, so, it appears, is the company of people seeking those rewards.

"We’re seeing a resurgence in road biking," said John Glover, store manager of Mountain Bike Specialists in Durango, where on display is Lance Armstrong’s 1993 UCI World Road Champion jersey.

Armstrong, America’s tour de force rider with five impressive Tour de France victories, may have done more in recent times to pique interest in road cycling than the invention of the bicycle.

Cyclists like Armstrong and events like the Tour de France cast our imaginations into situations where we believe we can go to share the glory, which may be part of the allure of road biking.
A strong indicator of road-biking growth, cycling clubs have never been more popular. Many people join clubs in order to share experiences, training methods and the benefits of riding in a group.

Throughout the region, biking enthusiasts are busy promoting and enjoying road biking in a variety of ways.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: For Whom The Bell Clangs

Bill McLain, president of the New Mexico Velosport Cycling Team, has been organizing rides and Tuesday-night criteriums in Albuquerque for 12 years. A criterium is a dramatic multi-lap bicycle race where cyclists race in tight groups. Many criteriums take place in downtown urban areas where hay bales are set up at corners to minimize crashes. Bells often clang during races to spurn racers on, whereas "premes," cash or other prizes, are offered for additional incentives for leaders of the race.

"We’re also seeing 50 to 60 regulars for our group road rides," McLain said, adding that "there are over 100 road-racing dates in New Mexico this year."

In New Mexico, racing is just part of a road-riding scene capturing the interest of a growing population of casual and touring cyclists. McClain said that many cyclists who hopped aboard the popular mountain bike train in the ’80s and ’90s are now switching to road bikes because they are lighter, faster and less cumbersome.

Taos, New Mexico: Getting To Know You

The Taos Cycle Club (www.taoscycleclub.com) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the American Cycling Association. "I love the camaraderie of the group rides," said Rose Bauhs, secretary of the club now in its second year. "We had 125 people in the club last year and we expect at least that amount again this year."

Flagstaff, Arizona: Real Nice

Jeff Dillon, the co-founder of Flag Velo, Inc. (www.flagvelo.com), a club dedicated to supporting cycling in Flagstaff sponsors 13 elite riders in addition to more than 100 other members. "We put on lots of races including the Summit Center Classic Stage Race (May 29-31) which is the longest stage race in Arizona," Dillon said. "We do a Saturday group ride all year long and we also have Wednesday night group rides in the summer."

Absolute Bikes’ (www.absolutebikes.net) manager, Anthony Quintile, said, "There may not be a lot of road riding in Flagstaff but what there is is real nice. Sunset Crater Wupatki National Monument, up-and-back on Sunbowl Road to the ski resort and the Lake Mary and Mormon Lake loop are my favorites. It’s a real active community here and we have many cyclists involved with safe kids’ programs and forest service projects."

Grand Junction, Colorado: Heart Meets Road

The Red Rock Riders in Grand Junction (www.redrockriders.com) boasts 350 members on its roster. Davis Findley, owner of the Board and Buckle ski and bike shop, has been riding for 20 years. "Road biking is fun," said the enthusiastic Findley, whose only complaint these days is that he can’t ride as often as he’d like because he’s too busy with customers.

Findley, like all Grand Junction riders, enjoy the Tour of the Valley Century Bike Ride. This year’s ride will be held August 29. Findley’s shop is one of the sponsors. Last year, 2,000 cyclists rode in the event. "It starts and finishes at the Adams Mark Hotel," Findley said. "The tour is for all ages, it’s fully supported and it goes through the spectacular Colorado National Monument."

Grand Junction is one special place where road biking receives support from the entire community. Brown Cycles, owned by Chris Brown, was recently awarded Business of the Year Award by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Southwest Colorado: A Happening Place

Ned Overend, 48, three-time winner of the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic (IHBC) and owner of many world and national titles in both road and mountain biking, works in product development and promotion for Specialized. Overend recalls the road-riding scene in Durango in the ’80s."It was a small, tight-knit group of riders," Overend said. "There were stage races in Telluride, Grand Junction, Pagosa Springs and Moab."

Overend, who also placed first in the 1998 and 1999 XTerra Triathlon Championships, continues to participate in the Tuesday night "World Championship" rides in Durango. These popular rides include dozens of college hot-shots, recreational riders, potential superstars and whoever else shows up. "Road biking is making a comeback," Overend said. "There are at least three groups of riders on Tuesdays and there can be up to 50 people in each group." Overend says that the IHBC (ironhorsebicycleclassic.com), now in its 33rd year, helps to fuel that enthusiasm. Area road cyclists ride all winter as the weather permits and they crank up the training in the spring as the Memorial Day weekend Iron Horse gets closer.

Ivan Unkovskoy, 41, is the "unofficial organize" of the Tuesday rides. "Some rides we’ve had only a few people but now the rides are more popular than ever," he said. "With Rob Roll working as a Tour de France color commentator for the Outdoor Life Network and with interest at an all-time high, we’d love to try and get a stage race together in Durango, maybe in the fall of 2005." Roll was a member of the famed 7-11 bicycling team that was the first American team to compete in the Tour in 1986.

The Durango Wheel Club www.durangowheelclub.com) (DWC) was started originally in 1895 to advocate better roads. Horses and wagons dominated the dry, dusty roads and the routes were not well designed for safe bicycle riding.

Like any organization that has stood the test of time, the DWC has had its share of ups and downs. With local athletes such as Overend and Roll hitting their stride on an international level in the 1980s, the DWC enjoyed immense popularity. But with every wave there is a crest and a trough, and the DWC sat dormant in the trough for many years.
Kendra Holmes, race director for IHBC and a volunteer for DWC, is dedicated to rejuvenating the Wheel Club. Under Holme’s leadership and guidance, 101 members were recruited in 2003. "We’re one of the largest clubs in Colorado," Holmes said. "The Wheel Club isn’t just for racers and we encourage all levels to participate."

Over the hill from Durango in Cortez, Johnny Shepherd (970-564-5908), 60, has recently started the Four Corners Cycling Club. "Biking is a way of life for me," Shepherd said. "Cycling is a year-round activity and there is no need to put away your bike if the weather gets bad." Shepherd, who owned two bicycle shops in California in the 1980s, is optimistic that his club’s activities will catch on.

Racing’s Up-and-Comers: To Name Just A Few

Rick Crawford, Fort Lewis College (FLC) cycling coach and director of the Endurance Training Network (www.endurancenetwork.com), has been busy for three years building a national class collegiate cycling team. FLC was already an established power-house in mountain biking before Crawford appeared on the scene, but with a second place finish at the Collegiate National Championship in 2003, FLC is taking powerful strides in that direction as well.

Tom Danielson, a Durango rider who recently signed on to ride with top Italian Team, Fasa Bortolo, rode with Crawford at FLC for three years. He won the 2001 Collegiate Mountain Bike Championship in short track. "Tom’s incredibly gifted and in a league of his own," Crawford said. After leaving Fort Lewis College, Danielson turned his focus to road biking. While riding for Team Saturn, Danielson shattered records on the Mt. Washington Hill Climb in New Hampshire and the IHBC in Durango.

Kristin Johnson, Danielson’s fianc`E9e, is also a Durango rider who is riding on an international level. Johnson rides for Team Basis and will be competing at the Giro d’Italia Femminile (www.girorosa.it) this July. "I wanted to ride in one European race this season," Johnson said.

"It’s important to me because I want to race more over there next year and I’d like to get a taste of European racing under my belt."

Johnson is truly an inspiration. She started riding a bicycle only four years ago. "I always liked sports but I’ve never been on a team before," Johnson said. "I was definitely influenced by all the sports in Durango." After a summer of racing, Johnson will return to Fort Lewis College in the fall for one more semester before graduation.

Chrissy Ruiter, 24, is Johnson’s teammate on Basis. "I love riding on a professional team and having people to ride with," Ruiter said. "I’m hoping for a top-ten finish at the national time trials in Redland, California, in June." In only her second year of riding, Ruiter is also hoping to gain more experience this year. "I love the biking community in Durango, the mountains and all of the other outdoor activities."

With his recent third-place finish overall at Valley of the Sun, Feb. 13-15, Albuquerque racer, Ryan Blickem, riding for Aida’s Bail Bonds in El Paso, was off to a good start on the racing season. Blickem shares the dilemma of many young racers.

"It is hard for an individual like myself who only works part-time to be able to afford all of the travel and entry fees associated with bike racing. I work for a friend of mine in Albuquerque who owns a tree-trimming service. It allows me the flexibility to travel to the races without being tied down to a regular nine-to-five job," Blickem said.

Javier Saucedo, Blickem’s teammate, is a Category 4 rider. "I had planned to start the season with Valley of the Sun but I came down with a sinus infection and that put an end to that race," Saucedo said.

Riders to the Mark

The racing scene is not just for the elite riders, with many racing events open to the general public. If you are fit and ready to prove it, there is probably no better way to test your maximum heart rate than in a race. There are fewer races in the Four Corners region than the ’70s and ’80s but what remains are outstanding. Besides the IHBC, other races include the Tour of the Gila (www.tourofthegila.com) outside Silver City, N.M., April 28-May 2, the Elam Classic downtown criterium in Grand Junction, May 22, and the Tour de Los Alamos in Los Alamos, N.M., July 3-5.

Jack Brennan, one of the race directors for the Tour of the Gila, has big plans for this year’s race. "This is the first year that we have gotten a large corporate title sponsor — the National Geographic Adventure Magazine," he said. "We have also increased the prize money for the Men Professional Category 1 and the Women Pro 1. Last year we paid the Men Pro 1 $8,000, and this year we are paying $15,000. Last year the Women Pro 1 were paid $6,000, and this year $10,000. We expect a total of 500 racers for this year’s race."

Although many of the racing opportunities in Utah are in the area of Salt Lake City, finding race information in Utah has never been easier than at www.cyclingutah.com.

Now Touring

If you’d rather ride for pleasure than race, bicycle tours are an increasingly popular way for individuals to see and explore new areas.

The Ride the Rockies tour (RTR) (www.ridetherockies.com) is in its 19th year. Each year a new route is planned that highlights the best of Colorado. The annual list of applicants averages around 4,000 riders, informs Traci McBee, Tour Assistant. "We select riders through a lottery system and with budgeting for cancellations we are actually able to select about two out of every three riders."

This year’s RTR route will include Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Frisco and Idaho Springs but the ride has also come through southwest Colorado many times.Many riders in New Mexico and in the Taos Cycle Club will be riding in the New Mexico Road Race Series (www.nmcycling.org) this summer. A popular ride in Taos is the Alpine Classic (www.alpineclassic.org) in August. "It’s a fun family weekend," reports Bauhs. "We invite people to bring their spouses and children and enjoy the cool mountain climate of Taos when it is hot everywhere else."

Elsewhere in New Mexico, the Santa Fe Century (www.santafecentury.com) and the Enchanted Circle Century (EC) (800-348-6444) attract hundreds of cyclists each year. Starting and finishing in Red River, the EC rambles through Taos, Angel Fire and Eagle Nest.

For other upcoming tours, Pedal the Peaks (www.pedalthepeaks.com) and the Bicycle Tour of Colorado (www.bicycletourcolo.com) are popular touring events in Colorado. Cycle America (www.cycleamerica.com) offers several tours throughout Arizona and Utah including Bryce and Zion National Parks.

Marc Witkes saved his paper-route money to buy his first Bianchi Sport SX in 1984. After four successful, 226-mile Durango Death rides, he finally entered modern times and switched to clipless pedals.

VeloNews Feature: T-Mobile's newest recruit has Much to offer

2005-02-25T03:48:00.000-07:00

It's not an overstatement to say that Rebecca Much is something of a hot commodity these days.

Special to Velo News
by Marc Witkes

In October, Much earned a silver medal in the time trial at the 2004 World Championships in Bardolino, Italy. In December, she finished up her racing season with an under-23 victory at the U.S. National Cyclocross Championships in Portland. And with the ink just drying on a new contract to race for the T-Mobile women's professional cycling team next year, Much seems poised for even greater success in cycling.

No bad for 18, eh?

Much dabbed in triathlons while still in high school in Chicago but soon discovered that her real passion was racing bicycles. After a short stint as a bicycle sandwich delivery gal, Much entered a few bicycle messenger races. By the time she got involved with a Chicago bicycle advocacy group, Much was making biking a large part of her life and raced with XXX Racing Team and was sponsored by YoJimbo's Garage.

This year, Much moved to Durango, Colorado, to start school at Fort Lewis College. With 350 days of sunshine each year, Durango is a long ways from the cold of the Windy City. Much received some financial help from FLC and the newly established Tom Danielson Scholarship Foundation. An FLC alum, Danielson helped start the fund that has handed out six scholarships to the school.

Much is enjoying school, racing and training in Durango and now considers it home.

"Durango is so pretty and it's such a great bicycle racing community," said Much, from her cell phone while she was en route to Costa Rica.

She was getting ready to enjoy a sunny family gathering and was looking forward to some rest and relaxation while on winter break between semesters.

"I'll take the week off from cycling and maybe I'll just run a little and do some swimming," Much said.

When she returns to FLC in January, Coach Rick Crawford will put her on an intense base-building program. By the end of February, she'll be riding 30 hours per week.

Click image to enlarge
by Graham Watson

The silver was 'total shock,' says Much.

Much said her silver medal in Italy came as "a shock."

"I had no expectations," Much said. "I was just over there getting to know the USA team and finding my way around Italy."

While in Italy, Mike Engleman, then manager for T-Mobile, approached her and helped her get started towards her first professional contract. Engleman, a former pro, lives near Durango in the small town of Hesperus.

Though devoted to riding, Much maintains a full class schedule at FLC.

"I wake up in the morning and do a core workout and some strength work before class," Much said. "I try to schedule all of my classes before 12 so I can ride in the afternoon. I catch up on homework on the weekends."

Sometimes it's a challenging schedule but Much talks to her teachers all of the time and keeps them informed of her racing days.

"Luckily, all of my teachers are pretty cool," Much explained.

Since FLC's cycling program is only club level, Much will be riding with the collegiate team this spring while she is also part of T-Mobile.

"We have a training camp in February and I'm a little nervous," Much confessed. "The people I'll be riding with are amazing."

Fellow Durangoan Brooke Ourada is also part of T-Mobile.

After training camp, Much will be focused on the collegiate road nationals in New Haven, Connecticut May 13-15.

When she's not traveling with T-Mobile this summer, Much will have an opportunity to participate in the Tuesday night Durango Wheel Club "World Championship" road bike rides. Joining Much will be the likes of Todd Wells, Ned Overend and her roommate downhiller Leanna Gerada.

"I did one club ride and those are fun and hard," Much said. "It's crazy riding with all of the pros but I'm getting used to it. I'm excited to learn more but I really have to concentrate and keep focused."

Wells, who finished third in the Men's Elite Division in Portland says that Much is "phenomenal talent."

"Her results speak for themselves," Wells said.

If a professional cycling career for Much doesn't work out, it won't be that bad. She'd like to work as an outdoors guide or in the restaurant business.

"I'm thinking about a pancake house," Much mused.

Apparently there is life besides cycling.

Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run 2001 Race Report

2005-02-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run
July 13-15, 2001
by Marc Witkes

This year's Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run weekend was a special one, indeed. On July 13-15, 110 runners from 25 states and 4 foreign countries gathered in Silverton to experience what is arguably one of the most beautiful and difficult 100-mile runs in the world. Handies Peak, Bear Creek, Engineer Mountain and Oscar's Pass are just a handful of the locales that runners can set their sights upon during the contest.

After all of the streams and rivers had been crosed, the peaks had been scaled and the knees had been scraped on the wicked, steep descents, Karl Metlzer of Utah and Betsy Kalmeyer of Colorado claimed victories.

But this event is not just about the fastest runners. It is about 65-year old John DeWalt and his fifth HardRock finish. It is about the hundreds of volunteers, families and friends, medical personnel, radio and communications technicians who all share a love for the mountains and the outdoors.

Race entrant Dr. Tyler Curiel, from Dallas, Texas brought his family and stayed in Silverton for several days before the race just enjoying the hospitality of the area. Scott Eppleman brought fiance Kelly to share the experience and to make sure that she knows what she is getting involved with. Ultrarunners are quite the eccentrics. Former Motorola Marathon Race Director

Joe Prusaitis visited local runner and former Austin running club peer, Sheena Carswell, while in Durango for the HardRock.

Finishing within the 48-hour time limit is a nice touch for any participant but, this is not what the event is about either. It is about the joy of training, giving one's best effort and breaking down the barriers and fears that prevent each one of us from achieving our goals whether they be athletic ones or otherwise.

With an average finishing time of around 40 hours, each run participant saw at least two sunrises and one sunset against the backdrop of some of the area's most spectacular scenery.
Besides being a great forum for ultra-distane runners worldwide to test their mettle, this contest is also a shot in the arm for the town of Silverton which so heavily relies upon tourism for its survival. Part of the proceeds are put into a fund for scholarships for Silverton High School students who wish to attend college.

In this, my second atempt at HardRock, I was one of the lucky ones. With six cans of Ensure, four turkey and cheese sandwiches, three peanut butter and jelly ones, a dozen oreo cookies, a few banannas, a couple of gallons of water and physical therapist, pacer and close friend John McAward by my side for some 30 hours and 50 miles, I was able to complete this year's adventure in 45 hours and 15 minutes.

When contemplating this story during the run, I initially believed that I would write an extensive thank-you note with a laundry list of the people who made this event happen and gave me the inspiration to complete it. That, I decided would be well-beyond the scope of 450 words. Simply put, thank-you.

How do I as a participant and a writer convey the excitement of this wonderful contest between man and mountains to you, the reader? How does a sighted person describe color to a blind individual? Both tasks are nearly impossible. Perhaps a lover in love comes the closest in understanding the beauty of the run and the beauty of color.

Back to the Hardrock Hundred Homepage

Long before Lance, cycling had another "Major" hero

2005-02-25T03:28:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2004
The Durango Herald
Off and Running

Long before Lance, cycling had another "Major" hero
By Marc Witkes

The Tour de France begins in Liege, Belgium, on Saturday. While Lance Armstrong is attempting to ride into history with a sixth consecutive tour victory, it might be interesting to look at a forgotten cycling hero.

Marshall "Major" Taylor was a world-champion cyclist in 1899 in the one-mile event. And he was black, only the second black person after boxer George Dixon to win a world championship. The "Worcester Whirlwind" raced all over the world in events ranging from one-quarter mile sprints to Six-Days. Taylor fought against prejudice and discrimination 50 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in Major League Baseball.

I first became acquainted with Major Taylor while visiting my hometown of Worcester, Mass., which became his adopted hometown. I saw posters, pictures and memorabilia at a local sports hero's display at an Applebee's restaurant.

When I returned to Durango after my visit, I went to the public library in search of more information about Taylor. Chap, a librarian, and I struck up a conversation. Chap, like me, was a bike fanatic, and he knew all about Taylor.

"Yes, I can get his book, The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer, for you through a library interloan," Chap said.

Three weeks later, the book arrived and I read it with fascination and admiration. I've been a Major Taylor fan since.

Lynne Tolman, a Worcester journalist, is involved with the Major Taylor Association and a fund-raising effort to build a statue in Taylor's honor to be erected in front of the Worcester Public Library.

Recently, Tolman wrote me about the George Street Bike Challenge in Worcester on July 25. It's a fund-raiser where racers of all ages climb a disgusting grade of 18 percent on the same road where Taylor used to train.

Bridging history, I noticed that current Tour de France rider Tyler Hamilton was listed on the entry form as a donor and sponsor.

"Part of the Tyler Hamilton Foundation's (THF) mission is to provide opportunity and access to aspiring young cyclists, so the George Street Bike Challenge for Major

Taylor is a natural fit," Tolman said. "In addition to THF's financial contribution to the Major Taylor Association, THF has donated a George Street raffle prize - a Pedal for Progress bike jersey."

Watching Hamilton win a Tour de France stage and finish the race last year after suffering a broken collar bone was a heart-warming experience.

"One hundred years ago, Major Taylor, too, was a worldwide inspiration by virtue of his remarkable strengths - both strength of character and physical prowess," Tolman said. "An American in the European hotbed of bike racing at the dawn of the 20th century faced different challenges than the ones faced by an American cyclist in Europe at the dawn of the 21st century. But the inner strength required is the same: Determination and perseverance in honing one's physical talent and proving oneself where the rubber meets the road.

"Comparing Tyler Hamilton and Major Taylor is apt, and we're delighted and proud to list THF among the Friends of Major Taylor," she added.

"THF believes in supporting junior cycling and the George Street Challenge is a great race for all, not to mention that Major Taylor is a local hero and keeping his spirit alive is important to Tyler," said Deidre Moynihan, executive director of the THF.

Hamilton will be in Denver as part of his Pedal for Progress Colorado on October 22-23.

Marc Witkes is president of Durango Motorless Transit. He writes a bi-weekly running and outdoors adventures column and can be reached at (970) 247-3116.

Imogene Race Pass Run Training Program

2005-02-25T03:24:00.000-07:00

Training guide
courtesy of Marc Witkes

The Imogene Pass Run is a great event, if you are well-prepared. I have five Imogene Pass finishes since 1992 with times ranging from 3:05 to 4:30. I have also run 25 marathons and 25 ultras including Double and Triple Ironmen and Sri Chinmoy 700-mile run.

IPR, for most people, is more of an endurance event than a race. Only the top finishers run the entire course. Most participants use a combination of power hiking and running to reach the summit and then run the downhill sections. Since your training should follow closely to your racing, a combination of several things should be used in preparation.

First, if you are a marathon runner, you can expect your IPR time to approximate your marathon time. If you are an exceptionally strong uphill or downhill runner, you may be able to run a faster time at IPR than you can at a marathon.

IPR training is not much different from marathon training but there are a few special considerations. Get used to training on long uphill sections. It doesn't matter if you run or power hike but do understand that most people will be climbing at IPR from 1 1/2 to 4 hours.

If you can train in high-altitude conditions, this will always help. Everybody reacts to altitude differently but training at higher altitudes will always minimize possible negative effects.

Plan on drinking lots of water during the run and get used to eating during running as well. There are adequate water and food stops along the run but do consider carrying your own water bottle and snacks if you are prone to dehydration or low energy levels. Make sure food is easily digestible.

One progressively longer run each week during the 6 months prior to Imogene will help considerably. Start at you current longest run and add 1 or 2 miles each week until two or three weeks before when you should reach a maximum of 20 or 22 miles.

One speedwork session per week of repeated halves, three-quarters or miles will help you in running each mile slightly faster than you could without speedwork. Hill repeats can be substituted for track intervals. Pick out a steep hill section and run various repeats. Run hard uphill and jog easily downhill.

For beginners, first-time participants and those just wanting to finish Imogene, 25 - 35 miles per week should suffice. For those interested in running faster, more competitive times, weekly training mileage should be between 50 and 75 miles.

Besides long one log run and one speedwork session each week, do two or three runs of between 4 and 8 miles. Do take at least one rest day or cross-training session per week. This will help that you get to the start line injury-free.

Signing up for the race is 25% of the effort, training adequately is 25%, getting to the start line healthy is 25% and the race itself is another 25% of the effort.

Take several long hikes with a backpack, if you want to. This will build strength and endurance.

Bicycling makes great cross-training for a run like Imogene. It prevents injuries, maintains necessary balance between quadriceps and hamstring muscles and also builds muscled required for long, sustained climbs. Cross-country skiing in the winter is also good base training.

Practice running downhill. Stay loose and run a little lower to the ground. Swing your arms for balance. Get used to rocky conditions. Be careful not to use your legs as breaks every time you stride downhill. There are several treacherous sections at Imogene. Be comfortable with your own pace. If you get passed by a few mountain goats on the downhill sections, this is OK. At least you didn't trip and fall like the person who just passed you!

I am not a big believer in weight training but if this is something that you enjoy, do several sets per week of leg extensions, hamstring curls and calf raises. This will build muscle for withstanding the long uphill and downhill.

Eat a healthy meal the night before the run along with a good protein source. Skip the coffee in the morning; this dehydrates you and will force you to urinate early in the race. Instead, drink water or juice and eat something easily digestible in the morning. A bagel and peanut butter is great.

Most important, have fun at Imogene. Set a reasonable goal and if you don't make it, you'll have something to shoot fop next year.

Good luck.

Marc Witkes
Durango Motorless Transit Running Club President

Boure Bike Fest

2005-02-25T03:15:00.000-07:00

Off and Running
by Marc Witkes

Second Bike Fest delivers fast, fun rides Durango HeraldSeptember 17, 2004

It was a little like adult baseball fantasy camp on bicycles.

The second annual Ned Overend & Boure Bike Fest has been taking place all week and continues through Saturday. With a different group ride scheduled every day and the chance to meet some of the area's top cyclists, many riders have joined in the fun and camaraderie for as many days as they could safely play hooky from work and family responsibilities.

Wednesday's ride traveled U.S. Highway 160 West to Mancos, Colorado Highway 184 to Dolores and returned along the same route. Twenty people gathered at the Kennebec Cafe, 1,500-feet above Durango at the mouth of La Plata Canyon for the 9:30 a.m. to 10ish start time.

Fashionably late and "Durango time" rules were obviously in effect. Some riders warmed up with a climb on Hesperus Hill while others opted to drive and meet for breakfast at the cafe.

Total mileage for the day ranged from 70 to 95 miles.

Wade Moore, Boure sportswear employee who does everything except make clothes was, in his words, the designated "ride follower."

Guy Nethery, from a small bike club in Austin, the Texas Cyclones, came with his friend, Joe Udell. It was a good opportunity to get away from the oil fields for a week, see some new scenery, and get in some good riding. Nethery and Udell heard about the rides in one of the e-mail newsletters from Boure.

Pulling out of the cafe after breakfast of Canadian bacon, scrambled eggs, fruit, toast, black beans and Coca-Cola, cyclists seemed to have enough calories and caffeine to make it through the day. The pace while passing the Hesperus Ski area was pedestrian-like, but that didn't last long.

Olympian Todd Wells and perennial favorite and homegrown Durango High School graduate Frank Mapel pulled riders through the Mancos Valley and past Summit Lake. Everybody drafted on the wheels of these giants, but they still gasped for breath in the oxygen-deprived mountain air. Wells and Mapel pedaled with brutal efficiency in perfect circles. Both athletes are preparing for the Mammoth Mountain U.S. Mountain Bike National Championship, Thursday- Sept. 26 in California.

Like a child waiting for Christmas, Wells talked about the upcoming cyclocross season. "My buddy Matt Shriver is putting together a cyclocross race series at Fort Lewis College this winter," Wells said. "There used to be just a couple of guys doing cyclocross in Durango, but now there's quite a few, and we get together to practice once a week during the season." For a schedule of races and more information, see www.mattshriver.com.

Drew Bourey, owner of Boure, wore his factory clothing. The red, green and yellow colors on his shirt matched his helmet, bicycle, socks and shoes. "How do I get to a color coordinated outfit?", I asked. "All you need to do is spend a little money," Bourey quipped. "Maybe next year Miguel Indurain will join us on one of these rides."

Darlene Hogue, graciously drove a support vehicle for wayward, or otherwise, lost cyclists.
Tom Hoefer and Tracy Wilde, Mountain Bike Specialists employees, benefited from a day off from work.

3D bicycle manufacturer Chris Herting had a fast custom-bike to enjoy his ride.
All of the cyclists regrouped and caught their breath at the Dolores Grocery Store. Tradition dictated the rules, so Mapel treated riders to a box of Little Debbie Moon Pies. "If this ride gets much bigger, Frank will have to buy two boxes of those," someone said.

Craig Campbell, a Hassle Free wrench, and I left a few minutes before the rest of the group. We soft pedaled the back road up to the graveyard on Highway 184. The conversation had just turned from various bike lubes to past Death Rides when Wells, Mapel and company whizzed past.

Campbell caught on the train and just before I got dropped, hard, Mapel and I shared a few words. "Are you getting in a good workout?" I asked. "Any kind of riding you can do this late in the season and have some fun is good," Mapel said. "It's been a long year of racing."

It was a lonely 30-mile ride back to Durango for me. Automobile drivers don't pay much attention to elevation changes on the road, but the stretch between Mancos and Hesperus is not flat.

Meet today at Oscar's in the Town Plaza today and Bread Bakery at 9:30 a.m. Saturday Durango time for rides up Coal Bank Hill and through the Animas Valley to Baker's Bridge.
Missed out on the rides this year? Don't worry, you have another year to get in shape and lose that beer belly for Bike Fest 2005.

Marc Witkes is president of Durango Motorless Transit. He writes a bi-weekly column on outdoors adventure and running.He can be reached at 970-247-3116.

Trail Running in Durango

2005-02-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Trail Running in Durango Marc Witkes
Issue 9 (Jan 2005) Colorado Runner

Durango is a trail runner's paradise. Located in the high mountain desert in the Four Corners Region near the common corner boundary of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona, Durango residents see the sun shine about 330 days a year. On the few days when running might be problematic, there is probably fresh snow on the trails that would also make for great snowshoeing.

Will Rogers says, "Durango is pretty far out of the way,,, and glad of it." The lycra-bound athletes are especially smitten that in the late 1980's, USA Today named Durango the worst dressed town in America. However, that's another story; this one is about soft, dirt trails, spectacular vistas and all of those poorly dressed runners who frequent the Colorado Trail, Sale Barn and Crites.

Founded in 1881 by William Palmer, he envisioned Durango as an important smelter site to process ore that was to be delivered by the Narrow Gauge railroad from nearby Silverton.

Times have changed and now the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad hauls little of anything except for thousand of tourists.

Trails2000 is a local group that maintains, builds, and plans trails which provides for multiple uses, including running. Trails2000 was founded in 1990 in conjunction with the World Mountain Bike Championship that was being held in Durango that year.

Bill Manning, happily unemployed, was walking down a street in historic downtown Durango in 1993 when a friend tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Manning, there is this new trails group in town and they could really use your help." Manning thought that becoming involved would be a neat little hobby so he decided to sign up. That was 10 years ago and Manning is now full-time director of a group that has put more trails in Durango than developers have put in new subdivisions.

"It's all about legitimacy and trust and bringing partners together," Manning said. "We now have a huge network of Western Trails. We already had a large system of trails and old roads as part of our heritage but Trails2000 has successfully brought many partners together from different jurisdictions to improve all of the areas."

Those areas are plentiful. Trails2000 has had a part in improving and maintaining trails on Animas City Mountain, in the West Side Mountain Park, Horse Gulch and on the Fort Lewis College Campus.

Local resident and avid trail runner, Deborah Van Winegarden loves the Animas City Mountain trail system. She says, "Given its ready access, sterling views, and nice little uphill, the Animas City Mountain 6.5 mile loop trail is a local favorite. Allow one to two hours - one if you are really fast and two if you are really slow (no offense)."

I have a special place in my heart for the trails within the West Side Mountain Park. One access on Avenida del Sol is right across the street from my residence. Once in this area, you can explore some of the easier rolling trails or if you are really daring, you can tackle the "Hogsback." Following a steep, exposed naked ridge, the top of Hogsback offers a spectacular view of the city below and challenges the fittest of runners. Only the strongest can run this baby. Most runners will be reduced to a thigh shivering power hike.

Horse Gulch, which contains the Telegraph trail system, is accessible from the eastern intersection of 3rd St. and 8th Ave. There are 30-plus miles of trails within this area. With names like Cuchillo, Sidewinder and Cowboy, these trails are almost as fun writing and reading about as they are running.

Regina Fallace, who moved to the area three years ago, says, "The Telegraph Trail provides the runner a glimpse of the expansive, beautiful wilderness that surrounds Durango. Running this trail, on a non-race day, allows you to enjoy the solitude, trees and rock formations."

Besides the plethora of opportunities for runners to go out any day of the week to nearby trailheads and prance about the wilderness, Durango and the surrounding area is also a hotbed of racing activity.

In addition to the Telegraph 10K on Mother's Day and Animas Mountain Mug Run on the last Saturday in October, the Durango area boasts enough races to keep any competitor busy.

The Kennebec Challenge in August takes place in La Plata Canyon. Just to start the race, a 10-mile drive over a rocky road is mandated. Notice all of the abandoned mining history that engulfs you. Thirteen miles through the "Notch" and a seated slide down the steep snow-covered slope on the other side, is required to get through this adventure run. With views of the Lewis Mine and Snowstorm Peak, this race is as much of a sightseeing outing as it is a trail race.
Nearby Silverton hosts the Hard Rock 100-mile Endurance Run during the second weekend in July and Kendall Mountain Run, also in Silverton, is one week after that.

Durango Motorless Transit (DMT), the area's running club, boasts nearly 300 members. Two years ago, Runner's World mentioned DMT as best club name. Founded in the early 1970's, DMT has had its share of good times and bad times. Recently, however, DMT has seen tremendous growing participation in all of its activities including the famous "Thursday night group trail runs."

It started out simply in 1999 with the notion that anybody who wanted to come along for an early evening 6 p.m. trail run would meet at the Colorado Trailhead, at the end of 25th St. on Thursday nights. The route was always the same; out and back along Junction Creek with a steep ascent to Gudy's rest and the easy run back down the switchbacks. Incidentally, the Colorado Trail traverses 14 National Forest areas and 25 peaks while winding its way 480 miles all the way to Denver.

That routine stayed intact for the first year. On a good night, participation exceeded a dozen but on a poor night, attendance might be only two or three. Towards the end of the first year, people were generally happy with an opportunity to get in a good run with friends, do a little socializing and maybe have a beer in town at Storyville or Steamworks before retiring for the evening.
During the next year, Nick Nichols and Vic Rudolph did some serious thinking and decided that it would be more fun to meet in a new place every week. They made a schedule, posted it around town at a few key locations and also put it up on the running club's website, http://www.go-dmt.org/.

The success was immediate and dramatic. Participation escalated with as many as 20 fit Durangoans and folks from the surrounding towns participating in the runs. I wouldn't say that A Star Was Born, but a Durango tradition was well on its way. Robin Favreau, frequent trailrunner and also an avid cyclist loves the Thursday night trail runs. "I started doing the group trail runs and found out how much fun it was and I also made many new friends."
Pack your bags and come to Durango for a day, a weekend or a lifetime. I'm glad that I did.
Marc Witkes is a free-lance writer and has lived in Durango for 13 years. Always looking for new adventures, Marc is currently busy training for Ironman Arizona this spring.

2005-02-03T02:36:00.000-07:00

A Lifelong Fan Receives His SalvationMarc Witkes - Durango Herald (CO)October 28, 2004

After 86 years of heartache, frustration and brutal near misses, the Boston Red Sox closed a chapter in their history book with a 3-0 win and World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. In two previous World Series, 1946 and 1967, the Red Sox lost in seven games to the Redbirds.

I have been a die-hard Red Sox fan for as long as I can remember. Most of my family are Red Sox fanatics, except for the traitors who have since moved to New Jersey.

I'm not a skier and I don't care much for snow, but it will be a much shorter winter now that the Red Sox have finally delivered their promises made to three generations of Hub of the Universe fans. The great St. Louis Cardinals infielder Rogers Hornsby once said, "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do, I stare out the window and wait for spring."

My feelings exactly.

When the former batting champion and All-Star Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Chicago Cubs in June in a blockbuster deal that included Doug Mientkiewicz and Orlando Cabrera, Sox fans questioned General Manager Theo Epstein's wisdom. By his own admission, Epstein was a lonely man that week. But now the Cubs are stuck with the new Nomar Curse, and they sat home and watched television during October.

Watching savior Curt Schilling pitch in pain in Game 2, with his ankle held together by stitches and guts, was inspirational.

I've only been married since January and already my wife, Cathy, was nearly at her wits end with my true passion fully exposed. But in the end, I successfully converted her to be one of the "Fenway Faithful."

Robert Milofsky, a chemistry professor at Fort Lewis College who grew up down the street from Fenway Park, attended Game 2 in Boston with his mother, who just celebrated her 69th birthday.

"I made a promise to my wife and my students and colleagues at Fort Lewis that I was Boston-bound when the Sox beat the Yankees," Milofsky said. "Our tickets, which cost $890 plus $88 in processing fees plus $20 for FedEx, were worth every penny - no, make that every Schilling."
Fans in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, set up their own fan club.

"We are America's team," says Peter Roberts, a Red Sox fan in Anchorage, Alaska.

Even the world's oldest man, Fred Hale Sr., 113, was rooting for the Sox. On game nights, Hale sat with his 84-year-old son, Fred Jr., to watch the first few innings of each World Series game before going to bed. Both live at The Nottingham, a senior residence center in Syracuse, NY.
When I think about this year's championship, I think about my deceased grandfather who also wanted it. Grandpa and I watched many a Saturday afternoon game together on WSBK, channel 38.

Watching the Red Sox this year gave me more of a reason to keep in touch with my family in Massachusetts. Conversations usually began with, "Did you see the game last night?" Even my 68-year-old father, who has never been a sports fan, took to cheering the Sox.

WCVB's TheBostonChannel.com reported that Brigham's Ice Cream had recently come out with a special flavor designed to help reverse the Sox's fortunes. It worked.

"This is the best ice cream we've ever had. It's gotten the biggest response. It's moved the fastest. We've had to kick up production to handle the demand," Brigham's Ice Cream spokeswoman Jessica Olson said.

The Red Sox have had a long history of charitable donations with the Jimmy Fund, an organization that treats children with cancer. This year the Make a Wish Foundation and Major League Baseball helped several youngsters see a dream come true and attend a World Series game.

So, now what else do I have to live for? The demons have been exorcised and the Curse is a long-distant memory. If I die tomorrow, I'll leave this Earth a happy man and join my grandfather who is smiling today.

Marc Witkes, born and bred in Worcester, Mass, writes a column on running for the Herald in Durango, Colorado. He assures me that his good feeling about the 2004 Red Sox should last through the long Colorado winter, and maybe....through a lifetime.

2004-03-04T05:35:00.000-07:00

Summer is heating up in Durango, and like a Nike racing flat hitting the warm asphalt, there is much action on the local running scene.

Raegan Robb continued to squash the local competition with an inspiring win two weeks ago at the Steamworks Half-Marathon. At around the 8 1/2 mile mark, Robb turned to eventual runner-up and Fort Lewis College cross country Coach Ken Flint and pleaded with him to keep the pace. "I don't want to do this thing alone!" said CSU senior and history major Robb. Well, it certainly is lonely at the top. Neither Flint nor anyone else, was able to hang with Robb. "It was a great day and a very well-organized race. My parents and I enjoyed the barbecue provided by Steamworks."

On the women's side, Pagosa Springs newcomer Katie Gengler outlasted Durango's Sheena Carswell for the win. Gengler claimed that she hasn't done anything fast for a while and rather has been instead focusing on the long, slow, ultra venues. But with her decisive victory, nobody was quite buying that explanation.

Kathy Pierson and Jim Flint won in the Men's and Women's 40 and over divisions.

*****

Local runner Chris Nute, his wife Jodie, Silvertonian Carolyn Erdman and HardRock 100 Race Director Dale Garland are all featured in an interesting story in July's issue of Outside Magazine. Good luck to locals Nute, Mike Luther and Brad Hatten as they once again brave the elements and the misery of this upcoming, premier, 100-mile race in the rugged San Juans. I am entered as well, but I can't quite get the idea of pulmonary edema or the thought of going blind in one eye out of my head. Above all, this race is supposed to be fun.

*****

Just how popular is running in Durango? There are more than 110 households that are now part of the Durango Motorless Transit Running Club. There were 175 runners in the Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K runs this year in May and 95 competitors in the recent half-marathon. Speedwork on Tuesday mornings at the indecent hour of 6:30 a.m. frequently attracts fifteen diehards. Six p.m. trail runs led by the smiling firefighter, Drew Laufer, draws another dozen runners of all abilities. And, there are many more runners who do not compete or run in groups who are out enjoying themselves on the roads and trails every day.

Durango is not one to follow trends. But the second running boom is now alive and well right here in our own backyard. David Patt, CEO for the 7,600 member Chicago Area Runner's Association, would agree. "There are more runners than ever. The generation of people under 35 has grown up with a more positive fitness experience than have older generations. Women, in particular, have opportunities to participate in sports they didn't have 20 to 30 years ago."

*****
Eighteen year-old South Lakes High School senior Alan Webb from Reston, Va., recently broke Jim Ryun's 36 year old national high school record by running a 3:53.43 mlle at the Prefontaine Classic on Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Webb may or may not be the savior of American running, but he sure is providing some much needed excitement in a sport that has been slightly ignored by American media. Webb is riding the wave of popularity and recently appeared on David Letterman.

July 4 saw the annual running of the Blue Ribbon 10K Fun Run in Silverton. Many from Durango participated and watched David Emory win on the men's side while Sheena Carswell won for the women. Following the race was the parade, water fight and rhubarb festival. Vanilla ice cream on a piece of strawbery rhubarb pie is a nice treat after pushing hard for 6.2 miles.

2004-03-04T03:02:00.001-07:00

Raegan Robb took a look at the course of the Narrow Gauge 10 mile run and cringed. "Maybe I ought to run the 5K instead."

But the risk paid off for Robb as he pulled away from the field after making the turn onto 32nd Street and never looked back. Robb pushed the hills hard and finished the run in 57:54 for first place. Lead bicyclist Paul Rogers exchanged niceties with Robb as he was being passed by the young, fit runner.

Robb is no stranger to local competition as he has fond memories of running for Coach Keller at Durango High School just a couple of years ago. "He (Coach Keller) prepared me well physically and mentally for the 80 mile training weeks at CSU."

This past fall season was a memorable one for Robb as he helped CSU attend cross country nationals for the first time since 1979. Despite being hindered by an annoying achilles heel injury and missing the indoor seasons, Robb started serious training again in March.

"I'm looking forward to enjoying some longer runs and races in the Four Corners especially the Steamworks Half-Marathon (scheduled for June 23). Robb will return to CSU in the Fall as a Junior History major.

Kari Distefano, 41, from Telluride, and mother of three, took a very different path to her 1:04.23 victory in the 10 mile competition. "My husband was riding in the Iron Horse and playing in a golf tournament and I figured I ought to do something as well". Distefano ran the Big Sur Marathon just three weeks ago and wasn't sure if she had recovered enough. "But since having children I've learned to train smarter with more quality workouts as I just don't have the time that I used to", said Distefano.

Kellie Kidd's husband also raced the train in the Iron horse and she figured she would jump into the 5K during her first visit to Durango. "I ran in college and I've been doing about 40 miles a week in preparation for the Tinman Triathlon in Longmont in three weeks". That was enough preparation for Kidd as she cruised to victory in 21:40.

On the men's side, Branden Rakita, continued his winning ways by flying through the slightly lengthened 5K course in 18:34.

*****

From a race director's standpoint, a few interesting stories also bear retelling here:

One specially made XXL T-shirt for a gentleman who pre-registered
last week and I couldn't find it. "Does anybody know where it is?"

"Yeah, its right here," said race announcer Dale Garland as he rummaged through an enormous pile of race registration forms, gift certificates, cups, medium T-shirts, race results, and other assorted race paraphernalia.

*****

I thought that thirty pounds of flour and numerous wood arrows would be enough to mark the course for all of the out-of towners who didn't quite know their way around Durango but apparently, we'll still have to do a better job next year. I received an e-mail from a woman on the front range who apparently got separated from the pack and nearly wandered off course into oblivion never to be heard from again.

*****

7:30 a.m. and everything seemed under control. The finish line was set
up and Tom Burnett already had the clock recharged and mounted on
the fragile stand with some nails. (The regular pins were, again, missing.) John McAward's Seiko Timer had a brand new roll of tape in it and I thought that Vic Rudolph had escorted the Durango High School football team members to the three water aid stations on the course. "But, do they have enough cups and water?"

All hell broke loose at 7:30 when seventy people charged the doors
at Park Elementary ready to cut my jugular vein if they didn't get their
proper sized t-shirt.

"This race will start on schedule at 8 a.m. because the train
departs at 8:15 and we have to beat it across the tracks in two
different places!"

Five minutes before race time and it appeared that the calm
arrived after the storm as everyone was peacefully lined up at the
start ready to attack the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge.

A police escort through downtown Durango helped runners navigate
congested Memorial Day traffic. After crossing Camino del Rio and
the Ninth Avenue Bridge, former Bank of Colorado President, Steve Parker was poised firmly at the one-mile mark calling out split times.

*****

While compiling results, it was apparent that some of the pull-tags had the racer's ages snipped off inadvertantly. Where is computer extraordinaire registration expert Karen Randolph? Of course she was out bicycling, training for an Ironman distance race in California later this summer.

Superman volunteer and Race Director for the Steamworks
Half-Marathon, Matt Kelly, led 5K runners on his bicycle,
controlled 15th street traffic for them and still made it to the final 10 mile crossing for more traffic control duty. "I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals that they may have thought were not possible." We really could use a dozen or more volunteers just like him.

Sincere thanks to all of the great sponsors and dozens of
volunteers who helped make this race a successful one. $300 was
raised for the High School in its efforts to install lights for
Friday night football and other events.

We will be back for the silver anniversary race next year on Sunday,
May 26, 2002.

2004-03-04T03:02:00.000-07:00

I am navigationally chalenged. But I have lived in Durango for a few years and I have run many of the trails and routes around town. I am also proud to say that I have never gotten myself or anybody with me permanently lost. Last year with a group of six on Jones-Hermosa Creek loop, my record was nearly tarnished. But with a little creative bushwhacking and a conference among friends, we escaped Search and Rescue's assistance.

Let's start off with an easy one and go from there.

Follow 25th street west from Main Ave. all the way to the Colorado Trailhead. This trail follows beside Junction Creek for around two miles before heading up a series of switchbacks. Kennebec Race Director Vic Rudolph said at the beginning of last week's Durango Motorless Transit Thursday night group trail run, "It's definitely eight switchbacks if you count the first two quick ones."

My favorite accesses to the Durango Mountain Park are from the western edge of Avenida del Sol. This trail running and mountain biking mecca skirts the graveyard, BLM land, Hogsback and Perrins Peak State Wildlife area.

Animas City Mountain, on the north side of town across from City Market, provides for a challenging, 6.6-mile loop when starting from the historical former schoolhouse, now museum, on West Second and 30th. Just try beating an hour on this one as the winners of the Mug Run do. This year's event will take place October 27.

Horse Gulch and the Telegraph Trail system lie next to Sonic Drive-In on East Eighth Ave. and 3rd Street. Stacy's, Meadow and Mike's Loop, Anasazi Descent, Suicide, Carbon Junction, Cuchillo and Sidewinder are just a few of the thrills contained in this area. If you include the adjacent Grandview Ridge Trails just to the south, there are probably at least 20 miles of excitement for runners and mountain bikers alike.

While I am on the subject of trails, I must give credit to the incredible work of Trails 2000 and Bill Manning, who have worked tirelessly to provide an extensive system unrivaled by any community near or far. Recently, Trails 2000 has worked on some newly acquired city property along the base of Animas City Mountain off of Birket Drive.

Besides all of the dusty, soft, dirt paths in Durango, let's not forget those who also love to pound the pavement. This may sound like torture to trail lovers but road runs are usually a little bit faster and more accessible. With a good pair of running shoes, these runs do not neccessarily wreak havoc on the knees.

The ultimate road run in town consists of the Narrow Gauge 10-mile route. Everything else in town is just practice.

A few weeks ago, I was introduced to a heinous (translation: one notch below regurgitation pace) Thursday tempo run. This one starts in front of the La Plata County Courthouse, heads north on Florida before turning left on Riverview to East 29th to East Third, climbs 32nd to north City Market, turns right for one block on Main Avenue, swings left on West 33rd, cranks up the lower section of Animas City Mountain, screams down past the water tank, Junction Street to Clovis, out and back through the Rockridge neighborhood, and returns downtown. I enjoy this one because it offers a little of everything including steep climbs, nice residential neighborhoods and varied terrain.

Share with me your favorite road or trail run and I'll try to include it in a later column.

2004-03-04T03:01:00.000-07:00

The Animas Valley Half Marathon makes it's triumphant return to Durango on June 23. Directed by Matt Kelly of the Durango Motorless Transit running club and sponsored by Steamworks Brewing Company, this run will feature a fast, scenic course along East Animas Rd. It will also feature a post race party at the Durango Sports Club complete with plenty of burgers, bratwurst and beer.

The forerunner of this event took place way back in 1978 when David Rakita decided to provide local runners with a tune-up for a big winter marathon. The course started at the former Wood'n Apple Cafe. "We used to run to Sweeneys along 203 and return to the Hermosa Mac's Market on Highway 550".

Sixty-three runners including husband and wife winners, Steve and Cheryl Flanagan, finished the fall classic that first year. The Flanagan's were managers of the Frank Shorter running store that once did a brisk business on College Ave. in the Sunshine Building.

Dale Garland remembers a virtual "migration" of local runners including Ned (Overend), for the warmth of Scottsdale and the Fiesta Bowl Marathon in December. "But, there is a renaissance of running in Durango today that we haven't seen since the 80's. There is lots of energy and excitement." Garland has run the race two or three times but will be on the other side of the race director's podium with music and entertainment at this year's edition.

A marathoner himself, Steamworks manager Kris Oyler, decided to get involved because "some guy twisted my arm while running along Junction Creek last Fall. I like to stand by the community that we live in and make a difference. Running has some great momentum right now and I want to help that along." Other beneficiaries of Oyler's generosity have recently included La Plata County Search and Rescue, Volunteers of America, the Buzz Bus and Durango Nature Studies.

Operation Healthy Communities, a non-profit organization, will receive part of the proceeds from this year's run. "OHC mobilizes people and resources to improve the social, economic and environmental health of southwestern Colorado" according to Race Director Matt Kelly.

Recent around the world bicycle tourist, Art Rohr, and later Ed Deason directed the race for several years but the event has not been run since 1991. Enthusiasm and sponsorship dwindled until the race was eventually shelved.

Recent Narrow Gauge 10-mile Men's winner, Durango High School graduate, and CSU standout, Raegan Robb, expects to run this year's race. Normally accustomed to shorter distances, Robb has recently been stepping up to some of the longer distances this summer.

Matt Kelly has been busy recruiting the many volunteers that will help him make this a successful event. It has been a challenging task but Kelly's enthusiasm and perseverance is undaunted. "We've received inquiries from Tucson, Denver and Albuquerque. I'm hoping to bring a full marathon to Durango in the Fall of 2002."

For more information, please contact Kelly at 375-2413 or visit Brown's Sport Shoe and Quality Photo for race applications.

2004-03-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

I adore first-time marathoners.

Becky Heitzman completed her first Whiskey Row in Prescott, Arizona, on May 6 in 4:14. A successful running adventure from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back up to the South Rim and some encouragement from a friend were enough to give Heitzman the inspiration to run the 26.2 mile beast. Thankfully, she didn't come across any unwelcome rattle snakes that she heard were to be expected along the hilly, dusty course which climbs some 1800 feet.

Finishing 11th in the overall women's division and 5th in her age bracket only shows a tip of the iceberg. Still recovering from a blood clot diagnosed in Dec. 1999, Heitzman recently received a clean bill of health during her latest doctor's visit. Still, she'll keep on running and taking an aspirin a day to maintain her good health.

Philosopher and runner George Sheehan takes marathoners efforts to heart as well. "We are here to be heroes. The marathon is the one way we prove it to ourselves...The marathon is a theater for heroism, the common man and the uncommon challenge. {It shows} the extraordinary powers of ordinary people."

Congratulations, Becky.

*****

On May 6, Run for the Zoo 5K and 10K, took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joe Grindstaff, Keith Paris, Tom Burnett and I all attended this fast road course which attracted some 6,000 athletes. The busy downtown streets were all closed for this race and it was delightful to run down the middle of the roads through the residential neighborhoods similar to our Third Avenue Boulevard.

While visiting Albuquerque, I also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Road Runner's Club of America national convention. The RRCA is the non-profit parent running club for some 675 smaller groups throughout the United States and is the largest organization in the country dedicated to long-distance grass roots running. There are 190,000 individual members in the RRCA. Children's and women's running, safety issues, and the Road Scholars fund for post-collegiate athletes, are just a few of the programs that are supported and promoted by the RRCA.

Consider for a moment a nation of runners. Better health and fitness, reduced medical and insurance costs, less automobile congestion, less pollution and better, more rewarding relationships with neighbors and members of the community, are all desirable results. The RRCA is made up of such individuals who are making positive choices in their lives and who will certainly live happier and longer.

*****

David and Branden Rakita must be one of Durango's fittest father and son combinations. Both recently attended St. George Triathlon with Branden winning the event in 1:05.40 and David finishing in seventh place not too far behind. The elder Rakita has already qualified for the World Championship race to be held in Edmonton, Alberta, and the younger is hoping to qualify with a good performance in Lake Placid, NY, later this summer

The one-year absent Shiprock Marathon on May 6 saw good attendance and several relay teams from the area. Lenny Esson, Branden and fellow Fort Lewis College students, Susan Sagle and Kyle Ellis, ran the relay division and turned in respectable 2:55.

Sagle is a former Durango High School standout who will enter her senior year this fall as an English education major. Of course she'll also run for Ken Flint and the Fort Lewis cross country team. With a 5:18 mile and 2:22 half-mile state championship performances, Sagle has demonstrated considerable speed at the middle distances. Not one to rest on past performances, she will again test a longer course with the 13-mile Kendall Mtn.. run in Silverton in July.

Sagle is convinced that running has enhanced every aspect of her life. "My friendships are more meaningful and I do better in school academically when I am training".

The first annual Telegraph 10K trail run took place on May 13 under the direction of Rick Callies, recreation specialist for the city of Durango . Former professional mountain bike racer Sara Ballantyne won the women's division in 52:25 while Eric Pierson took top honors for the men in a lightening quick 45:12. What started out to be a bleak, rainy, Mother's Day early in the morning, turned into a bright, sunny backdrop by the 10 a.m. race start. Callies hopes to turn this run into an annual celebration. About 40 individuals attended the inaugural race. After folks finished throwing up their breakfast, all confessed that they had a great time on the brutal course that included Telegraph, Anasazi, Stacie's and the Sport Loop. As a special treat, mothers were also feted with treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

May 27 will bring the 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10 mile and 5K races. Age group medals, train tickets and Duke City Marathon entries are just a few of the goodies that await peaked and ready to race runners at this festive happening. Durango High School football, track and cross country teams will attend the water stations this year and they have promised to be helpful and encouraging to all spent participants.

2004-03-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so you didn't register in time for Moab and you weren't quite up to 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill (yes, it's only a hill!) and Molas Pass for Wiggy's Fun Run. But now, you are running out of excuses.

First, the question remains, "Why race?" Racing is a pretty scary proposition. Competing against others in what, for the moment, is a monumental struggle, brings infinite possibilities and emotions that may not be possible in every-day living. I race because it demonstrates the best of my abilities, although there is always a possibility that my results will fall far short of my expectations. Racing teaches us to live with humility and our limited abilities. As the body is so unneccessarily taxed, the mind is forced to be in the present moment.

In 1992, I won a small 5 mile race put on by the Southern Ute Indians at the fairgrounds in Ignacio. In 1984 in my first marathon, Finger Lakes, in Ithaca, NY, I finished in last place. The time span between the second to last competitor and myself was so great that only the official timer remained by my arrival. Most of my races I have finished somewhere undistinguised in the middle of the pack but, each one has been another learning experience and a test of courage and patience. And, regardless of my place, I hope that I have left each event a little bit wiser for the experience and quite a bit more humble. Still, I will forever seek the perfect race.

I have been writing this column for about a year. While writing and racing may seem unrelated, I have heard both activities compared to sticking a needle in one's arm and watching it bleed. Its probably not quite as bad as that but, my heart is on my sleeve in both instances.

*****

The 7th annual Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile run/walks took place last Saturday in Cortez. Locals Eric Walecki and Sheena Carswell won the overall men's and women's eleven milers. Many others from Durango also took home age bracket awards.

Shiprock hosts the area's closest marathon, relays and half-marathon walk on May 6 at 7 A.M. Commemorative long-sleeve T-shirts will be given to all entrants and finishers will receive a special award. Age-group winners will be treated to handcrafted pottery of southwestern Native American design. Contact Cindy Bates at 505-368-3523 or see toohnii.ncc.cc.nm.us on the internet for more information.

Directed by Rick Callies and sponsored by the City of Durango Recreation Department, the new Telegraph 10-K is scheduled for Mother's Day, May 13. Beginning in Horse Gulch, winding through the meadow to the top of Telegraph Hill and back down the Anasazi Descent, this race is destined to become a must-do on every local runner's calendar. T-shirts will be given to the first 30 people who register and a special gift for Moms will be presented.

The 24th Annual Narrow Gauge 10-mile and 5K run/walk, the gem of the summer racing schedule, will start at Park Elementary School, 623 East 5th St., at 8 A.M. on Sunday May 27. Following a jaunt through historic downtown, North College and Rim Drives are included in the long course and are guaranteed to inspire some rapid heart rates and heavy breathing. Morehart Chevrolet, Brown's Sport Shoe and the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are just a few of the many sponsors that make this race possible. Part of the proceeds from this year's event will go towards the fund-raising efforts to install lights at the Durango High School football field.

The Durango Relay for Life takes over the Escalante Middle School track on June 8-9 as runners and walkers raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. In a celebration of the human spirit, teams and individuals run and walk as many miles as they can in 12 hours.

The Durango Mountain Resort's Father's Day 5K trail run on June 17 promises fun for Dad and the whole family. A ride down the mountain on the Alpine Slide will certainly complete a wonderful day.

On June 23, the reincarnated Steamworks Half-Marathon will begin near Baker's Bridge and follow East Animas Road to the Durango Sports Club. With a post-race party, great prizes and a scenic course, this run should please all area distance runners looking for a fast 13.1 miles. Race Director Matt Kelly can be reached at 375-2413 or mkelly@rmi.net

Silverton is the place to be for area runners on July 4 for the Blue-Ribbon 10K fun run/walk. At 9,000 feet elevation on a course that winds, climbs, twists and dips, this event is followed by the annual parade and water fight. This race had nearly 100 participants last year and was attended by several Durangoans.

On three Thursday summer evenings, July 12, Aug. 2 and Aug. 23, the Quality Photo Sprint Series 5,000-meter, one-mile and 800-meter races will challenge Durango's fastest. Keith and Linda Paris have included separate divisions for children that will make this one of the best family running events in Durango this year.

Dale Garland continues his direction of the HardRock 100-mile race on July 13-15. Volunteers and pacers are always needed and this is nearly as much fun as being in the race itself.

Kendall Mountain lies dormant 364 days a year but on July 21, race-day excitement fills the air. Runners and walkers alike pant, groan, curse and pray for forgiveness as this 13,000-foot monster consumes their soles. Early registration is recommended and this year, Durango Motorless Transit members will receive a discounted entry fee.

With a new permit in place, Michael Aronson will direct the Kennebec Challenge on Aug. 4. The views are incredible, and if you've been in town for a while and haven't visited the Notch or the Chimney, isn't it about time?

Fall brings the Journey of Hope 5K on Oct. 13 and Animas City Mountain Mug Run on Oct. 27. After a successful Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day last year, this event continues the new Durango tradition on Nov. 22. With a one mile fun run as well as the five, this Fort Lewis College happening is popular with children as well.

Entry forms for all of these races and others will be available at Brown's Sport Shoe. For more information, also visit the website of Durango Motorless Transit at go-dmt.org.

I hope to see everyone at many of the races this year and I challenge those who are hearty enough to attend every single event. Who will be this year's king and queen of Durango running?

There are always a few very fast individuals at each event but most of the participants are there just to challenge themselves and enjoy a great community activity that makes for yet another reason for living in this beautiful area.

*****

In this column three weeks ago, I stated that Johnny J. Kelley was the son of John A. Kelley. The two Boston Marathon winners were good friends, but not related.

2004-03-04T02:52:00.001-07:00

Monday will be the 105th consecutive running of the fabled Boston Marathon. When Tom Burke drew a line in the dirt with the heel of his boot in Hopkinton in 1897 and said, "go", 18 runners dashed off and history was in the making. Even with today's prestigious events such as New York, London and Chicago, many athletes worldwide still regard this Patriot's Day Classic as the mecca of marathoning. Throughout the years, many Durangoans have attended this special event.

Dr. Barry Hillmer was only 29 when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 1968. Living in Hartford, Conn. at the time, Dr. Hillmer fondly remembers the experience and fitting jogging into a busy lifestyle that included medical school and residency. "I didn't train that well. Maybe a little basketball and some running. It took me 2 hours for the first 16 miles and another 2 1/2 hours for the last 6.2 miles." Like any dedicated runner, Dr. Hillmer still treasures his old log books and upon doing a little research, he remembers that the weather was cloudy and drizzly with temps. in the 41-45 degree range. "I ran along the curbs passing people and maybe I would have done a little better had I run in the middle of the street with the rest of the crowds."

Tom Maynard first ran Boston in 1971 and passed legend John Kelly, Sr. at about the half-way mark. By 1979, Maynard had been able to improve his time by around half an hour to a quite respectable 2:44. "During the race I caught an occasional glimpse of the eventual women's winner, Joan Benoit, and upon nearing the finish I found myself in the middle of a crowd outside Fenway Park as fans crossed the race course to get to the stadium." No doubt that Red Sox baseball legends, stalwart Carl Yastrzemski and the mystical Luis Tiant, were about to take the field.

Also in 1979, Drs. David Bishop, Hillmer, and young Physical Therapist David Rakita, made the trek to Boston. The weather was again cold and rainy and Dr. Bishop recalls all of the tattered clothing strewn along the street as the runners discarded their unneccessary garments once they got warmed up. Like many a marathoner, Dr. Bishop remembers starting out unneccessarily fast with the early downhills but, he did perk up nicely when he ran by the screaming Wellesley College girls.

Rakita has a special memory of Boston. "All of a sudden at mile 10, a college friend of mine who I had not seen for eight years runs up alongside me. He was living in Atlanta at the time."

Gail Ladage ran her first Boston in 1981 and then returned again in 1984 hoping to run a qualifying time for the first women's Olympic Trials. "I narrowly missed the qualifying standard but I loved the energy there and the girls at Wellsley College who went crazy for women runners passing."

In 1982, Dale Garland, now a teacher at Durango High School, made the journey to Boston with then, newcomer, Tom Burnett. Garland remembers the incredible crowd participation well. "I had never been at a run where it was like a giant street party. Every mile I ran was full of cheering crowds, people barbecuing and having a great time being a vicarious part of the actual marathon."

Boston is a reunion of friends and family and an event that spans generations. John A. Kelley won the Boston Marathon in 1935 and 1945. His son, John J. Kelley, wore the victor's laurel wreath in 1957. In the early days before Boston became very crowded with up to 20,000 participants, many competitors new each other and were quite content to be back among old acquaintances.

Karen Rudolph watched husband Vic at the 100th anniversary in 1996 and vowed that someday she too would be a participant rather than a spectator. Boston Marathon 2000, Karen toed the line with Vic, and began the first downhill stretch out of Hopkinton. "At the half way point, my legs were dead tired and I didn't think that I would be able to finish but I just kept on putting one foot in front of the other. The hills really took me by surprise."

Eric Pierson gave himself a 40th birthday present last year, and ran a Boston reunion with former Durango resident and friend, Pat Hickey. "It's the one marathon that every long-distance runner should aspire to to run at least once. It's like running a marathon down Main Avenue during the Snowdown Parade, but the crowds cheer for you for a full 26.2 miles."

Many others, including Matt Kelley and Sheena Carswell, are also part of the Boston-Durango connection.

Bill Rodgers, four-time winner, says, "It's a narcotic. Boston is so exciting, so powerful. It's almost like your life ends; it's the only thing you can think about."

On pondering the next 100 years, legendary John J. Kelley has said, "If people continue to believe in magic, the Boston Marathon will go on forever."

******

Pueblo-To-Pueblo 11-mile and 2-mile runs will take place April 28 in Cortez, CO. For more information, contact Ann Chamber at 970-565-1151. Also, the area's closest marathon and relays, Shiprock, will take place on May 6. Call Bertha Matchers at 505-368-3518 for more information on this one.

Note: Eric Porte and Marc Witkes will continue the Durango tradition when they run this year's Boston Marathon.

2004-03-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Ned Overend doesn't look 45 years old. His eyes still shine brightly with a serious but somewhat childhood wonder and there is little evidence of grey hair. With his victory at the National Winter Triathlon Championship in Wiks ago competing against people half his age, it is obvious that this man is still a phenomenal athlete who goes well beyond the traditional aging process.

After moving to Durango in 1980 with wife Pam, Ned began his meteoric career quite auspiciously working as a mechanic at the now-defunct Precision Imports. With some early success in mountain biking, Ned saw an opportunity that he wished to take to another level. He found a job with John Glover and Ed Zink at the Outdoorsman, now Mountain Bike Specialists, which enabled the aspiring athlete to race on weekends and wrench his own and other mountain bikes for a paltry salary.

Surprisingly, what drives Ned today are the same things that drove him 20 years ago. "I just want to push my limits and challenge myself. The racing competitions have simply been the goal behind all the intense preparation and the ultimate test".

Officially retired from competitive mountain bike racing in 1996 after gaining the alternate slot on the Atlanta-bound Olympic Team, Ned has seen his exercise routine change pretty dramatically. Now, preferring to cross-train to avoid injury, Ned takes advantage of all the wonderful fitness opportunities and venues in Durango. " I run speedwork on Tuesdays with Durango Motorless Transit and swim three days a week with some folks that meet at Fort Lewis College". The social aspects of training with a group has been a lot of fun for Ned and has greatly contributed to his ability to always enjoy himself and stay on top of the competition. "Mentally, it is also a lot easier to push with the support of a group rather than going at it alone".

With an impressive resume that includes a 1990 World Mountain Biking Championship held in our hometown Durango and 6 National Titles, Ned is not one to rest on his laurels or dwell on the past. "I'm always looking to the future".

Some advice for younger atlhletes? "Try a variety of sports and most importantly always have fun at what you are doing." It's OK to be competitive and push hard but the enjoyment of the activity is still paramount to any eventual successs that one may achieve. "Get ivolved in a group like the Nordic Ski Club".

What's in the future for Overend? For this year, Ned has his eyes on the x-Terra Race Series. This popular event consists of swimming, mountain biking and trail running. A trip to Maui for the World Chmpionship would seem an appropriate finish for yet another, hopefully, incredible season. "And, around Thanksgiving, there's a great muti-day endurance race in Costa Rica..."

And, further into the future? "Well, I like kayaking and I will always be fit even at 70 year's old".

Still, Ned is a dedicated family man. His wife and two young children are increasingly part of the race plans. "I like to minimize my time away from home and often we'll plan an event around a family vacation. Europe is nice but the traveling gets hectic and Durango is blessed with some of the nicest Mountain biking trails in the world" Actively involved in Trails 2000, this group has greatly contributed to the dearth of opportunities for outdoor fitness in Durango. "I help with the trails but there is always more to do and like everybody else, I probably don't do enough"

2004-03-04T02:47:00.000-07:00

"Hot soup?" "Aspirin?" "Need some ice for that knee?" "Here, take a seat and let me help you."

These were some of the words spoken by a 100 or so volunteers as they coaxed, encouraged and inspired participants in the Ninth Annual Rocky Raccoon 100-mile Trail Run held this past weekend in Huntsville State Park in near Houston.

I once read of a woman who described her care at one of these ultra running events second only to the child-birthing experience. After all, there are few other venues where people all around are wanting to help and to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you travel the long road of agony and ecstasy. I can not say enough about the debt of gratitude that we runners owe to all of the volunteers who pass out water, bandage our feet and keep time and checkpoints for this and many other running events.

Several Durangoans traveled to Las Vegas for the marathon and half this past weekend. Tom Burnett took top honors for the second year in a row in the 50-54 age group with a 1:14.20 finish. Others from Durango included 6th Street Liquor owner, John Munn, who ran a very respectable 1:32.06 half-marathon PR and Robin Favreau who finished her 3rd marathon in 8 months.

The Snowshoe Shuffle 5K at Hillcrest was well-attended with 22 finishers. Phenom Brandon Rakita, 19, won the Men's Division while Gail LaDage, 54, led the Women's field. Other finishers included two gentleman, Warren Eaton and Walt Axthelm, who are well into their 60's. Snow shoeing is definitely for the young and the young at heart!

Feb. 25, road racing returns to Durango in a long way with the Fifth Annual Wiggy's Fun Run. This "macabre" competition begins at 10 A.M. at Cascade Village and follows Highway 550 for 18 miles over Coal Bank Hill and Molas Pass to the Visitor Center in Silverton. This event is informal and has a "no fee, no aid, no wimps" format. But, for anyone who possesses a little bit of a crazy streak, this run is a great way to test one's early season fitness, mettle and sanity.

Local runners Dale Garland, Eric Pierson, David Rakita, Ken Flint and Peter Schertz were all quoted in the March issue of Runner's World. Doug Rennie, travel editor for RW, has written a fine piece describing Durango as a running mecca and vacation destination especially for those with an interest in the Wild West and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Check out the magazine at Magpies Newsstand Cafe or either of the City Markets.

Downhill, cross country skiing and snow shoeing are still on the minds of most Durango runners. With all of the weekend events in Silverton today and tomorrow as part of the Snowscape Festival, local aerobic animals will not be disappointed. High Altitude 5K and 10K Snowshoe Races begin at 10 A.M. on Saturday and the Bluebird Alley Challenge 3K and 7K Cross-Country Ski Races begin at 10 A.M. on Sunday. For more information, contact Kelly at 387-5522 or e-mail silverton@frontier.net.

With a little luck and hard work, it looks as if Durango will get two additional races this summer with the city-sponsored Telegraph 10K on May 13 and the Steamworks Half-Marathon on June 23. Race Directors Rick Calais ((385-2950) and Matt Kelly (375-2413) can use all the help they can get in producing these two events; the first is brand new and the second is the return of a classic.

Its less than four months until the Narrow Gauge 5K and 10-mile runs and Iron Horse Weekend. Are you riding your wind trainer every day?

2004-03-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

New Year's has passed, resolutions have come and gone.

But, remember, you did promise to start a running program in the spring. You are now four days late. Don't let another one pass by without lacing up those old running shoes and getting out for some fresh air, clean scents and mountain scenery. Better yet, run down to Brown's Sport Shoe with your DMT membership card for a discount on a new pair of Nikes or Sauconys.

Run by yourself for some quiet, reflective thinking. Am I reaching forward with my goals or has my progress slowed like the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Run with a friend or two for some good, deep conversation. Are my relationships all that I want them to be or can I make them richer and more rewarding?

Today, at 8:30 a.m., Fort Lewis College continues the Hozhoni Days celebration with the Second Annual 5-K trail run. Sounds like a short distance, only 3.1 miles but, this one is a heartbreaker. Weather and trail conditions permitting, this race begins on campus and winds around Rim Drive to the Lion's Den. It's downhill from here along the switchbacks near Chapman Hill. Enjoy these few minutes at a lowered heart rate because the return trip back up is not so pleasant. I promise, you will be gasping for breath by the time you reach the FLC chapel. Stop over if you like and say a prayer of thanks that the race is nearly over. But there will be a steady stream of runners coming up from behind.

John Gilbert, Branden Rakita and Rick Callies represented Durango well on March 10 while claiming the first three places at the 16th Annual Blue Mountain/Canyonlands Triathlon in Monticello, Utah. There were 169 participants who skied 4 miles, ran 6 and bicycled 30. It was Gilbert's seventh victory.

Canyonlands half-marathon and five-mile road races were held on March 17 under mostly sunny skies. Durangoans traveling into Moab the night before were greeted with snow, rain and sleet during the drive but, fortunately, the weather cleared off nicely by race time. Thirty-six local athletes completed the two events and there were many notable finishers. Keith Paris (1:31.47, half-marathon, age 50-55), Sampson Sage (1:15.54, half-marathon, age 16-19) Joseph Grindstaff (1:16.37, half-marathon, age 20-24) and Reynaldo Yazzie (27:37, 5 miles, age 20-24) all claimed beautiful handcrafted mugs for first prizes in their respective age brackets. Andrew Scarborough, age 16, posted a 2:29.06 in the half-marathon and it is very nice to also see some of Durango's younger runners begin to step up to distance running events. Eric Walecki, Vic Rudolph, Cindy Dunbar, Lera Main, Sheena Carswell, Terryl Leroux, Lavar Curley, Branden Rakita, Joe Mock, Dave Peters, Kevin Deighan and Walter Jackson also claimed top-ten age group finishes.

The award ceremony was a bit drawn out but, it was sure nice to see nine local athletes go to the stage to claim top-five age-group awards. Complete race results are available on the Internet and can be accessed under the Moab Half-Marathon events heading on the newly revised Durango Motorless Transit Website at go-dmt.org.

The Moab races attracted some 3,000 participants and a newspaper article published the day before the event stated that another 3,000 were turned away for lack of space on the narrow, winding road that makes up the marginally downhill race course. With the potentially unstable muddy March Durango weather, this race has become a classic with more and more local residents flocking to the potential sunshine that frequently embraces the Slickrock of Moab.

Many area participants looked sharp in their new purple and yellow Durango Motorless Transit singlets and shorts. Those interested in purchasing this apparel should contact Keith Paris at Quality Photo, 1101 Main Avenue.

Unfortunately, the very successful Fort Lewis College trathlon, "Tri-the-Rim" scheduled for April 14, has been cancelled this year. Hopefully, this event will make a return to the racing calendar next season.

Narrow Gauge is 64 days away and Iron Horse Race Director Ed Zink has been busy making plans and keeping track with frequent ads in the Durango Herald. Memorial Day Weekend is a cardiovascular frenzied one for area athletes with several running, bicycling and swimming events planned.

2004-03-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

2004-03-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

2004-03-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's the third week in January and most folks are either giving up on their New Year's Resolutions or are, more hopefully, fighting to keep this year's health and fitness goals. In the world of running, nothing motivates Joe the weekend athlete or a consummate running aficionado like signing up for a race and putting that goal deep in their mind.

In January, my mind drifts towards the upcoming race entry game, and my it is a complicated one that becomes more challenging every year. Certain races fill up immediately and others have strict entry requirements.

I have never been able to get into Moab/Canyonlands Half-Marathon but, this year I am determined. I am envious that local writer John Peel attends every time so last April, I began checking Moab 1/2's web site faithfully to figure out my entry strategy. By December, according to their web site, entries could be downloaded on or around the 30the and mailed immediately after the New Year's Holiday. On Jan. 1, I e-mailed word to area runners that applications were finally available and encouraged folks to get them in early. Several people in Durango answered the call and registered. Moab Half-Marathon has always been the harbinger of spring running for faithful non-skiing Durangoans.

Certainly the hardest entry game this year was HardRock. This race, 100 miles long, takes place July 13-15. The extremely difficult route with an average elevation of more than 2 miles above sea level traverses the wilderness areas that surround Silverton, Ouray, Lake City and Telluride. Dale Garland, Race Director extraordinaire, has seen demand steadily grow for his race since 1993. A new policy was instituted this year and November 1, "Day of the Dead", became the first day that entries could be postmarked and submitted. By November 2, 110 entries were screened and accepted and a wait list with over 50 names was readily established. Besides the critical postmark date, potential entrants are grilled with questions like, are you absolutely sure that you are capable of running, walking or crawling the equivalent distance of sea level to Mt. Everest and back in a mere 48 hours? And are you confident that your spouse or significant other fully understands that you will now be away training and racing every single weekend until July? Do you have any history of emotional disturbances and mental illness? YES? You are accepted and welcome.

On the milder side, for those a little less depraved, Imogene Pass beckons September 15. In the old days just after Rick Trujillo made the run more than just a solo hapless encounter, one could easily sign up the night before for this 18-mile classic from Ouray to Telluride. Now, entries mailed any later than February are likely to be returned to sender unopened, with the words, "Sorry, not a chance", stamped across the front. One could always beg the race director the evening before to buy a no-show race entry and pay the $10.00 name transfer fee so that John Fastrunner doesn't get listed in the race results as Mildred Fatface. (No resemblance to actual persons is even remotely suggested here.)

And then of course there are lesser known races like Eight is Enough in Montrose on March 3 where it is possible to jump into the race at the last minute and pay after you finish. With this suggestion, some high- altitude Durangoan is likely to attend this year and gather first-place honors and the new Mercedes Benz that goes to the winner. (Only kidding!)

***

Good luck to those Durangoans including Tom Burnett, Robin Favreau, Ed Stricki and Mary Wehe who have faithfully trained through the winter and will be in Las Vegas in two weeks working their way through this year's International Half and Marathon. Does attendance in this race have anything to do with the glorious $8 buffet that awaits tired runners in Mesquite on the way back home to Durango on Monday morning?

2004-03-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Year 2000, so anticipated and so hyped, turned into a non event. We all watched on TV as other parts of the world flawlessly made the transition. Regardless, even if all the computers in the world crashed and natural disaster struck, I sincerely believe that there still would be runners getting out on the streets and trails for their daily endorphin fix. As we move into 2001 with much anticipation and excitement, I have a few thoughts and a wish list:

1. I'd love to break the three-hour mark in the marathon.
2. Just once, I want to lead Ned, Mark, Eric, Tom, Ed and all the rest of the boys and girls through every single interval at the Tuesday track/Cemetary Hill session.
3. I want to show Branden Rakita that "old" guys can still run and glance back over my shoulder as he finishes runner-up to me at the Narrow Gauge 5-K.
4. I want to be a spectator as Ron Keller's Demons and Ken Flint's Skyhawks both win their respective national championships.
5. I'd love to see a tremendous earthquake rock the area and reduce the size and steepness of the race courses at Animas City Mountain, Kendall, Kennebec and Imogene.

*****

The Durango Motorless Transit Running Club is finishing up an immensely successsful year. We have had tremenous participation in many area races and successfully raised more than $200 for the Alice McLean Memoral Foundation with the new Quality Photo Finish Mile. Look for this event to expand into a three night track series in summer 2001. Events will include 5000 meter, mile and 800. Group trail runs on Junction Creek and Tuesday speed sessions were also well-attended.

Increasingly, I am asked where membership dues and race entry fees go . First, we are a nonprofit corporation. Our national parent organization, the Road Runners Clubs of America, takes $200 from us each year that pays for race insurance and Footnotes magazine. Race permits are costly and T-shirts, prizes, equipment storage, refreshments and administrative costs such as postage and stationery all add up pretty quickly.

Still, considering the shoestring budget, DMT is a successful organization that provides its members and the community a wonderful fitness venue that encourages health, fitness and motorless transportation. In 2001, we will administer at least four races and we'll help in several others. Don't forget to look to the March issue of Runner's World for a feature story on Durango and the running scene.

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The DMT annual meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Steamworks Brewing Company. New schedules, board of directors slate/election and other upcoming plans all will be discussed.

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Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the roads and trails soon! Check out our updated website at go-DMT.org. Thank-you to Geoff Ames for web production, and Matt Kelly and Brainstorm Industries for graciously hosting us.

2004-03-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Most folks learned at least a little something in school about the Pilgrims, their ship the Mayflower, Samoset, and the first Thanksgiving on Nov. 29, 1623. What you probably didn't know is that after Gov. William Bradford declared the festival later known as Thanksgiving, Indian Chief Massasoit, 90 braves and some 40 Pilgrims, celebrated by feasting, marching, playing drums and running the first "Turkey Trot" in the New World.

Celebrating the plentiful harvest of corn, fruits and vegetables, peace with the Abnaki Indians, and abundant maple syrup sapped from trees for pancakes, the Pilgrims had much to be thankful for. Squanto promptly put a little damper on the celebration as he took home the first-place pumpkin pie by winning the 5-mile race in 26:13.

Thanksgiving and the Turkey Trot have come a long way. Today, we have the Macy's Parade in New York City, football on television, brunch at the Doubletree Hotel and the start of the holiday gift shopping frenzy at Gardenswartz. But the Turkey Trot lives on in much of the same traditional fashion. Yeah, we now have Champion Chip timing, prize money and the Kenyans, but the 103rd Annual Turkey Trot in Buffalo, N.Y., which attracts some 4,500 runners, is still hotly contested as one of the nation's oldest foot races.

Coloradans and Texans are rivals in many areas but it's Dallas, not Denver that boasts the nation's largest Turkey Trot with some 20,000 participants panting heavily over the 8-mile downtown course. Denver's 27th Annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot does expect some 10,000 runners this year and all of the proceeds are pledged to help the city's homeless. This Washington Park event raised some $135,000 last year. Also, participants are urged to bring non-perishable food items for donation in the city's Food Bank.

If you happen to be visiting Southern California relatives you left behind when you moved to Durango, the 24th Annual Ocean Spray Dana Point 5 and 10-K Turkey Trot will be the place to be. Run along the Pacific Ocean, this race boasts striking rugged cliffs, cool ocean breezes and generous helpings of warmth and sunshine. To demonstrate the Thanksgiving feeling of togetherness, the perennially fast local Burnett family consisting of Tom, Marna, Matt and Nicole will be hand to celebrate this event. In case you forgot, Matt still holds the longstanding 800 yard record at Miller Middle School.

And, for those Durangoans visiting East Coast friends, Slattery's 5-mile race in Fitchburgh, Mass. on Thanksgiving Day, boasts free beer, lots of prizes and huge portions of food. Rumor has it that this writer once broke 35:00 on the hilly course!

Closer to home, Pagosa Springs held its Annual 10-K Turkey Trot last Saturday to benefit the local library. The early morning snow and rain did litle to damper the spirits of the Leroux Family. Teryl (Mom) ran while daughters Hilary and Jocelyn cheered her on. After the race, Teryl held fast to an earlier promise and took the children to soak in the Hot Springs. But the area's biggest event is still yet to come!

On Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 A.M., Peter Schertz and the Durango Motorless Transit, gladly present their very own 20-something Annual Five and One-Mile Turkey Trot at Fort Lewis College! There were over 120 participants last year and with new advance registration and discounts, this race is sure to remain one of Durango's largest annual running gatherings. Race applications are available at Brown's sport Shoe, Maria's Bookshop and Quality Photo.

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This holiday season, we all have so very much to be thankful for: friends, family, health, beautiful mountains, fresh snow, a new six-pack chairlift at Durango Mountain Resort and the upcoming Tuscon Marathon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2004-03-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

If you happen to see Hallie Whitney teaching her students at the Community of Learners, you probably won't realize that she is a runner and as of Monday, she will enter the awesome ranks of first-time marathoners. Hallie has been very busy this summer and Fall training and raising money, $5000, to be exact, as a participant of the Team in Training Program that benefits the the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.

In between her training, fund raising, teaching, and family activities, I had the opportunity to meet with this whirlwind of activity at Carver's for some coffee, juice, and a nice conversation.

Hallie has dabbled in and out of running for some time now but, has never considered herself a real runner who could actually complete the goal of running a 26.2 mile marathon. In fact, after tackling the Moab Half-marathon a short time ago, Hallie even further fretted that she could never be a "real" distance runner.

Trying to be a good role model for her students sparked Hallie to reach beyond her limits and consider the marathon. After finding Runner's World Hal Higdon's internet marathon training site, Halie became further intrigued with the possibiliy. In joining with Team in Training, Hallie found that she could support a cause and set-up a good win-win situation for herself, her students, her community, and the 107,900 Americans that are struck with leukemia, lymphoma, and related cancers each year.

As a participant in the program, Hallie has received periodic training advice from Coach Jim. She has also been frequently in touch with Charlene Coit, a 35-year old Grand Junction resident afflicted with chronic myelogenous lukemia whom Hallie is running for her benefit.

Hallie has also used her experiences in the classroom to teach her students about cancer and has allowed and encouraged them to e-mail Charlene.

The training has been difficult, but Hallie has had her sister in Vermont who is also going to Dublin with her for the race, to encourage and support her efforts. Having a definite goal in mind has also allowed Hallie the ability to remain consistent in her once-sporadic training

Like all of us, the 41-year-old Whitney is not getting any younger and she has already seen the results of inactivity with an ever-increasingly slower metabolism. And, if overcoming her non-traditional runer's body type has not been enough of an uphill battle, Hallie must also deal with a torn meniscus from her dancing and soccer-playing days.

$5,000 is no small task and Hallie has received generous help from the Community Fund, which is a coalliton of local banks, her dentist, and numerous friends and family.

Further donations my be sent in Hallie's name to The Leukemia & Lymphoma society at 6 Automation Lane, Albany , New York, 12205., 518-438-3583.

CONGRATULATIONS, Hallie, on your best eforts!

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If you wake up early today, there still might be time to catch Animas City Mountain Mug Run II starting at 9:00. The Rim Rock 22.9 miler through the Colorado National Monument takes place on the 11th. There were over 200 participants at the Journey of Hope. Could this have been the largest running event in Durango, ever?