First Annual DINO Triathlon New Castle

Athletes enjoyed a spectacular mountain bike course at Westwood Park, New Castle, Indiana. The August 19 DINO Triathlon New Castle was met with excellent racing conditions despite threats of storms and rain. The word is out on this quality racing venue for XTERRA. Beverly Enslow of Metarmora IL made it a sweep of Indiana XTERRA, backing up her Logansport women's win with another first at New Castle. Her time for the 1/2 mile swim, 10 mile MTB, 4 mile trail run was 1:53:27. Cheryl Stine and Becca Finley rounded out the top three overall women. Point-seeking athletes from across the country attended the event; the six fastest solo times came from out of state. Mark Lavin of Sioux Falls South Dakota was the men's winner at 1:42:13. Second and third went to Kent Finley (Johnston IA) and Jon Nelson (Sun Prairie WI). The team of Orr and Allen from Georgetown IN took the relay title. In the canoe / kayak division, Scott Saucedo of Carmel IN passed Bob Curts on the run, finishing just 10 seconds ahead of him for the win. Women's division win went to Alexandra Yeung of Indianapolis, and relay team "The B.A.T" won their division. For More information: http://www.dinoseries.com/mtb/schedule/2006/triathlon4.htm

BrianMan Triathlon - Celebration of Indiana Trails

In the past 12 years, I have done over 100 triathlons. I am frequently asked, "Have you done an IronMan?"

I must answer no; because although I have confidence I can complete the distance, I have never actually done it. (An IronMan triathlon is 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, and 26.2 miles of running.)

I love mountain biking and trail running. My occupation is devoted to mountain biking and trail running. The idea came to me: why not make my first iron distance triathlon on the trails? Since off-road iron distance races are few and far between, I would make my own race. Hence, the BrianMan Triathlon idea was born.

Upon considering course options, I realized how very important trails are to me. I also realized how important the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association (HMBA) is to these trails. I decided to use three separate trails that were created, maintained, or in some way shaped by the HMBA and DINO. I chose Town Run Trail Park (Indianapolis), Rangeline Nature Preserve (Anderson), and Westwood Park (New Castle).

The BrianMan will be used to draw attention to an important need HMBA has at the moment. The HMBA Trail Fund is in need of donations. I ask you to please give to the HMBA Trail Fund.

The Trail Fund has both an immediate and a long-term impact. Immediately, the money will be used to implement a matching-fund RTP (Recreational Trail Project) grant that was awarded to HMBA for Brown County State Park. Without a sizeable cash reserve, HMBA's efforts in Brown County will be significantly slower. Brown County State Park is already becoming the state's prized possession for mountain biking, and it will become a regional draw via this grant. Keep in mind that all trails built by the HMBA are open to trail runners and hikers as well.

In the long term, having this capital available will make future RTP grants easy to manage, opening doors to many other properties - several of which are already in the pipeline.

All donations are tax-deductible - checks payable to HMBA and mailed c/o DINO, PO Box 36395, Indianapolis IN 46236. You may also donate at www.hmba.org - but please let me know, so that we can track the money raised via BrianMan.

If you would like to accompany me for some of the BrianMan Triathlon, please refer to my schedule - look in the forums under "Events" on www.hmba.org
You may simply show up and swim, run, or ride along with him. Keep in mind that mechanical or body problems may slow the timeline.

On Wednesday, November 8, I plan to start at 6 am in the Fishers YMCA pool. I will to ride my mountain bike (Trek Top Fuel 110) for the off-road segments (total 57 miles), and my triathlon bike (Trek Equinox 11) for the road segments (total 55 miles). The run portion will take place mostly in the dark, so I'll wear a headlamp. Thanks also to DINO Sponsors Magura (brakes and suspension), Clif Bar/ Clif Shot (keeping me fueled) and Sigma (providing my cycle-computers and lights). My goal finish time is 9 pm. On my support crew will be Kristin Boudreaux (of Chiropractic Neurology Center in Carmel), who will help keep my body working.

I will need additional support crew. My van will be equipped with bikes, tools, food, clothing changes, etc. Contact me if you'd like to drive or assist in the support van for some of the event.

Please support the HMBA Trail Fund if you are a lover of trails in Indiana.

Sincerely,
Brian Holzhausen

Brian & Amanda Holzhausen
DINO Directors
Brian06@DINOseries.com
(317) 336-7553
www.DINOseries.com