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Cool Tri Bike of the Week

Sunday, 23 May 2010 19:00

Let's hope that security was tight in the rackless, unfenced transition area at the 3rd annual Faribault Family Fun Triathlon last Saturday. The total replacement cost for this "tri equipment" would be tens of dollars. This totally cool image, provided by MTN's Darin Wieneke, reminds us is that triathlon is an individual sport and intended to be fun. This lifestyle is for everyone, goshdarnit, not just those who are deadly serious about their performance and their gear.

Here's Darin's report:

Fun In Faribault

The Family Fun Triathlon was held on Saturday in Faribault and it definitely lived up to its name. If you are looking for a fun and casual triathlon to

start your season next year, especially with a friend or relative new to the sport, this is the perfect triathlon for you. While you will find lots of smiles and joking at the start line, you will not find timing chips as the race is hand timed and recorded.

As I checked out the transition area, I found one more bike (1) with a basket and pigtails (thanks to some high school pranksters) than I found with Zipp wheels (0). Despite the lack of expensive wheels, the race was exciting and had some close finishes. Ultimately, the short course race, which featured a 200 yard swim, 5 mile bike, and 1 mile run, was won by Christopher Smith in 0:32:11 and Abby Mattson in 0:33:51. The long course, which featured a 400 yard swim, 8 mile bike, and 2 mile run, was won by John Mattson in 1:03:42 and Kelli Koehnle in 1:07:03.

Another reason to think about doing this race next year is because this event is hosted by the United States Deaf Triathlon Association and Hilltoppers Athletic Booster Club and all proceeds benefit the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Athletic Program. This is a fun event that supports a great organization. -DW