READER FEEDBACK

You do a great job of keeping us abreast on what's happening \ results for the STL area. I make SwimBikeRun one of my visits every am while catching up on news. Keep up the good work! — scott r.

About indoor (tri) series - it all depends where it is held and what kind of bikes. The biggest problem is the bikes they use and how they determine distance, etc. The pros and cons of which bikes to use should be looked at. Needs to be fair and consistent. Sounds like a cool idea if the prices are cheap. — Stephanie

As much as I love racing, I’m spent, not just physically, but mentally as well. My winters are time to reconnect with my family and myself. My competitive juices don’t get flowing again until about March. A trail run series or maybe an off-road du series would be cool. Basically, I hate to train inside. Getting out and breathing some crisp, fresh air in the winter is what carries me through a season of humid, smog-choked summer racing. If it’s cold AND you can get on the dirt, now you’re talking! That’s my $0.02. Regards — Tim

I really enjoy the information and insight that your page swimbikerunstl provides. On Saturday October 13th I decided to make the trek down to Anna,Il for the Southern Illinois Cycling Union County Colorfest Biathlon. Being new to the sport and having participated in a hand full of races this year I thought I was just going to another race. Most races I've been to you pay your entry fee, get your shirt, race, stick around for a few raffle prizes and then wait for the awards ceremony. For the Colorfest Biathlon we did all those things, but the event was much more. From the cannon shot beginning to the cheering people at the finish I was amazed throughout. The run course looped through the town of Anna, Il and back to the transition area, and at every turn of the course there were people stopping traffic to give the runners the right of way. After the transition on the bike course I notice local police and state troupers at every intersection stopping traffic thus giving the riders the right of way. The course spilled out onto highway 51, a major truck route with a lot of traffic. As I start out on the highway I notice motorcycle escorts riding with the racers, the only thing missing were camera men on the back of the motorcycles filming the event. After turning off highway 51 I knew what I was in for 12 miles of challenging hills. This stretch provided challenging climbs, fast down hills, scenic outlooks, and of course a few curious dogs. Next I arrived at the south end of town. Ahead I notice an intersection with 6 or so cars stopped at a red light, again an extra step was taken for the riders. One lane of the road blocked with cones specifically designated for the riders. After this short stretch I end up back on highway 51 and I find myself being followed by one motorcycle escort. Upon arriving at the end of the course I find a cheering crowd rooting for each finisher. After finishing, cooling down, and cheering for the other racers I consumed the provided food and drinks. Posted at the finish is the finisher board, instantly I could find what place I was in and follow where others placed. While the crowd was lingering about Race organizer Chris Wells and his staff started the raffle. I have not been to a raffle where jerseys, water proof jackets, trek cycle computers, and videos were given away. They even gave away an autographed 1986 Greg Lemond jersey. Congrats to the overall winner Andrew Otto with a time of 1:06, and the other 150 participants. A big thanks to Chris Wells and his staff for an exceptionally well run event. Some of the sponsors were Carbondale cycle, and Bike Doctor out of South Carolina. I know you some times write pieces about various races and people who placed. I finished first in my age group 30-34 @112:46. There were a few people from Big Shark and a few from The Hub. I'm sure the results will be posted on the Southern Illinois Biathlon website soon. This race is a must for next year. Thanks again — Jim Mayer

To this year's Xterra race organizers & workers: This is just to send a 'thanks' for the really, really pleasant event you put on at Klondike park the end of August. That morning was close enough to what I expect heaven might be, that afterward I have come to feel set for the year. I dont need any more exciting venues, 'cus i had such a good experience that morning. that will rank up there perhaps as the best of all my Sunday's this year. (I'm the guy who came in from Chicago for that race; the course was fun, challenging, and beautiful. I was looking forward to it, though, and I prepared. I didnt know what to expect. The others were nice, enjoyable to talk to) — Tim Belton

I would like to thank you for everything you did with the two runs (Forest Park and Klondike) that I competed in. I haven’t felt that kind of “coziness” and plain fun in a run before, and it was a good experience. I would rate my experience as good as any that I have had in a run. — Richard Anderson