Broken bottles and bike techs
A beer bottle thrown out of a car, shattering dangerously onto the pavement at Mile 17, badly punctured the tire of full-length triathlon competitor #2023, New York-based schoolteacher Ken Buderman, who had to scratch.
Four other “ironman level” athletes, who had each paid $475 to register, experienced similar problems at the same mile mark. However, they were able to repair their wheels adequately in the field, thanks to the two teams of bike-shop technicians who had volunteered their services.
Nevertheless, Buderman – as blond and muscular as a generic Norse god – said that although the accident “was a disappointment,” he was nevertheless “very impressed” overall with the race management. Buderman said the event organizers did “everything possible. We all know these things happen, it’s just part of the sport.”
The course was swept clean as soon as the peril was discovered.
However, the famously amiable Wilson – founder of the HVTC and a popular motivational coach who lives in Bearsville – was clearly peeved. Littering in a state park was bad enough. But imperiling “his” athletes on race day? Wilson, himself a former competitor, remained calm and polite however, as his team of HITS employees and volunteers remedied the situation post-haste.
Were it not for the broken glass on the bike trail, Sunday’s race conditions might honestly be described as perfect. Even the lately too-soggy weather cooperated. While Saturday – the first day of the race series, during which the three shortest swim-bike-run races were held – experienced a brief rain shower, on Sunday, the Catskills truly dazzled.
Extra scouts to suss out trail hazards is one reason HITS would like at least 20 additional volunteers next year. This year’s volunteers said they were having such a good time that they planned to return with reinforcements next year.
“There is nothing I would rather do today than help out here along with my good friend Mia,” said Yvonne Merck, a teacher and personal fitness trainer who signed up for a shift after receiving an email appeal from The United Way. “We’re having fun, and they gave us such nice t-shirts, plus there’s water and snacks available anytime we want,” the Stone Ridge resident said.
Wilson said the high-tech synthetic race t-shirts, emblazoned with all the HITS Triathlon national dates, in the style of a band-tour vestment, were made by Sunshine Tees Shirts and Embroidery Inc.. The Kingston-based apparel printing company is owned by Headless Horseman founder Michael Jubie and his wife Nancy.
“Everyone who volunteers gets a t-shirt,” said Wilson. “So spread the word. We can’t have too many.”
