Tri Tuesdays

New thing - talk about triathlons (or tri related things) every Tuesday.  I wonder if I can pull that off and how long it'll last?  No harm in tri - ing..ha ha...get it?!

Well, first things first.  My old coach brought to my attention that Central Oregon is trying to make a bid to bring in an Ironman event.  Here's the blurb:

We are seeking the support & enthusiasm of triathletes to help us win the bid to bring a full Ironman to Oregon!

The Oregon Sports Authority and Central Oregon Visitors Association will be submitting the bid to bring the Ironman Triathlon to Central Oregon.

The bid is due at the end of January 2012. Our chances for a successful bid will be significantly enhanced if we can demonstrate strong interest and support. Please sign our petition to document your enthusiasm & support to bring a full Ironman to Central Oregon beginning in the fall of 2013.

Background & Impact

One of the most recognized endurance events in the world, the Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. Ironman's qualifying series includes 28 events throughout the world, leading up to the Ironman World Championship held every October in Kona, Hawaii.

An Ironman event could bring more than 10,000 people to Oregon over a period of several days, generating significant tourism impact for our state.

Please sign this petition today and pass it on!
 
Now I don't know exactly what town they're trying to get it to (I'm hoping for Bend, Oregon) but I do know that anywhere in Oregon would pretty much make for a killer Ironman event.  It would be incredible to have one in the Pacific Northwest and I would definitely consider it a 'must do' race.  If you all agree then go sign the petition here.  Or you can click the widget that I'll add to my right navigation.  Either way - support the Pacific Northwest!

For those that are somewhat opposed to large corporate events here are my two cents - Ironman events are well organized, have an immense amount of support, bring revenue to the communities they reside in, and in my experience have been great events (I've done Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens x2 and Ironman Canada).  Sure, there are others out there that have 'iron distance' events (140.6 miles is hard and an accomplishment any way you slice it) but the amount of support that those organizations need to pull one of these events off flawlessly seems a bit of a stretch - I don't know from experience so don't quote me on this.  I'm sure it can be done and done well but why not support something that is a known entity?