Report by Keith Hilpp

It was a hot and hilly practice session to say the least. Eleven people came out to do the full Duathlon, two more to run only, and one very competitive team showed up to split the run and bike segments. It was 91 degrees at the start, and without much shade on the course as well as a full slate of hills (both on the run and bike), this was a serious challenge to most of the competitors. This was an interesting race and provided what I hear was an exciting finish – “the kind of stuff legends are made of!” I was too far back to see how the race transpired, but from what I hear it was exciting.

Robin Ryder took a commanding lead during the run and led well into the bike segment. However, what early lead he had was erased in the bike segment by team of Joni Dunbar and Butch Sims. Butch caught Robin in the last 3 miles of the bike segment and gave Joni about a 40 second lead going into the last one mile run. Joni almost held off Robin who caught up just before the finish line to take the victory. I am utterly impressed with all involved: Robin, Joni, and Butch, for putting on such tremendous individual performances. I’ll also admit that I think anyone who was able to finish this duathlon can claim something of a victory for themselves. Personally, the first run segment drained me and I never fully recovered. I do know that I lost 3 lbs. yesterday, most of which I think evaporated from my head!

The following folks completed the full Duathlon: Robin Ryder, Team Joni Dunbar/ Butch Sims, Jim Coll, Sheryl Chatfield, Steve Phillips, Keith Hilpp, Ashley Bailey, Kim Ryder, Nestor Anzola, Kili Garcia, Vicki Copeland, and Dawn Smith. Charles Jackson and Jeff Strickland completed the run. There were a lot of impressive performances yesterday. Special thanks go out to the following: Becky and Hollie Ryder – for assisting in the practice, working the clock, escorting the course, and supporting this event. I hope everyone in the club appreciates everything Becky and Hollie do for all of us! We wouldn’t be a club without them. Deedre Coll – for helping set up, clean up, and especially for helping out with my kids! And most importantly, my wife Vicki Hilpp – for setting up the meal, organizing the meal, and putting up with all my racing activities.

Thanks again, to all who came out and contributed to the race and/or meal. I hope everyone had a good time and got in a good workout. Maybe we can do this again sometime!

© Keith Hilpp