August 19 is the date for DINO's second triathlon of the year, located east of Indianapolis at New Castle's Westwood Park. Part of the Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series, many athletes will compete in an attempt to qualify for the National Championship in Lake Tahoe, and ultimately the Nissan Xterra World Championship in Maui. Others will simply savor the challenge of finishing this three-sport race.

Singletrack lovers, rejoice! Westwood Park offers some of the region's best mountain bike trails. Camping and fishing is available on-site for additional recreation.

A pleasant swim course of 1/2 mile begins from the boat ramp. Next, and the highlight of the race, is a single-lap, 10 mile mountain bike ride around the lake. Numerous bridges and lake vistas highlight the ride. Constant short ups, downs, and turns will keep you plenty busy. The 4-mile run course shares a portion of the bike trail and includes several climbs and more views of the lake.

Entry is $55 (Just $46 for USA Triathlon members!). This fee includes a t-shirt; a post race meal; chances to win great door prizes; a cool DINO swim cap; a goodie bag; and of course a fun, challenging, and professionally managed race.

Pre-riding of the course is welcome and encouraged; the mountain bike course is easy to follow any time, but it should be preliminarily marked by Wednesday August 16 and final marked by afternoon of Friday August 18. A gate fee of $2.50 is charged to visit the park. Gate fees will be waived on race day.

Pre-register through August 13 by clicking here or print and mail an entry here.


For More information: http://www.dinoseries.com/mtb/schedule/2006/triathlon3.htm

Nearly 160 athletes finished the 5th annual DINO Triathlon Logansport despite one of the summer's hottest and muggiest days. 26 of the athletes paddled a canoe or kayak, while the rest contended for Nissan Xterra USA Championship Series points in the swim-mountain bike-run format.

The winner of the race was Kent Finley of Johnston Iowa, in 1:28:20. Finley's bike and run splits were the fastest of the day, allowing him to overcome a three-minute deficit from the swim. Peter Hanson of Minneapolis MN was next finisher at under a minute back. Third place went to Brad Myers (Salem IN), posting the second fastest bike split.

Women's division winner Beverly Enslow of Metamora IL stomped the competition at 1:46:37. Second and third were Becca Finley (Johnston IA) and Cheryl Stine (Bloomington IN). The relay team winner was Derek & Lisa.

The canoe/kayak division was topped by Matthew Tigchelaar, who used a fast paddle and run segment to his advantage. Russ Goodman finished second, and Chad Wright (with the fastest bike split in the division) just a few seconds behind for third. Billy Hubbard won the Masters' prize. Top females were Alexandra Yeung, followed by Michelle Folz, and Whitney Elliot claimed third place. The fastest canoe/kayak relay team was team Kokomo.

Post-race, athletes ate lunch provided by the Logansport Ramada, and stayed for awards and an opportunity to win numerous door prizes.

For More information: http://www.dinoseries.com/mtb/schedule/2006/triathlon4.htm