the M M Strider S E P T E M B E R 2017
t h e s t r i d e r
In this issue: ANNA HANTACK & DAVE YOUNGER are Desert Champions !
Jeff Friedman and Becky Kirschenmann quickest @ Turkey Flats !
M M S TRAIL-SERIES Ends soon !
James Roche wins (& sets (w)record) Grand Mesa Ultra 55k !
Thanks to all Striders who have helped with local “trail-building/maintenance” !
What does “coming soon – CC @ w/s” mean? and what does “the leap-frogging stopped” mean? (mysteries of the MMS Board (or bored?) Directors meetings …)
Thanks Tom Ela, Karla Nephew, Corey Hinman, Gerhard Rill (Foot Support Group), and Paul Wubben for contributions to the NL
Next issue: We would have reported on this, but as of “press time” the results are either “not there” (or “difficult to find”) à Mary’s Loop/Kokopelli Classic)
On July 29 Saturday, and, for some, Sunday – were held the Grand Mesa Ultra Runs! 16 hardy souls (does that translate to 32 calloused soles?) finished the 100 miles; 17 negotiated the 50-mile; 47 runners survived the 55k; while 59 men and women settled for the short event of the weekend, a brisk (yeah, right …) but still scenic 30k. All the races traversed and zig-zagged over the top and sides of the G.M., with the Mesa-top Trailhead as the start/finish. Mark Marzen (30, from Denver) won the LONG RUN, in 22 hours, 40 minutes and some seconds. 2nd was 50-years-young Scott Buser (from Kentucky), 23 hours, 42 min. 4th and 5th were Grand Junction runners Andre Michaud and Jeff Friedman, 27:34 and 27:44. In 13th was winning lady Melissa Pizarro (31) from Jamestown (CO), 32:48. The half-century’s fastests were Gordon Gianniny (20, from Durango), whose 7:42:13 gave him a 2.5-hour margin over runner-up; and Christi Haswell (4th over-all, 41-years-young, from Sheridan (WY)) – 10:21:18.
JAMES ROCHE (30, lists the Happy Valley as his home address) was over-all winner in the 55k (a bit over 34 miles). His 5:09:36 is the course record? (probably). 2nd was Caleb Palmer from Littleton, 5:27:38. Two places later was Palisade’s Ben Hauschulz (32) with 6:23:05. Next (5th) was women’s winner Jennifer Russell (38, from Fraser), 6:41:23. Greg Hewitt was 18th (7:49:22) and was first over 50 (he’s 61). Laura Venner was 7th female – 7:53:46 in 20th place. Other Grand Valley finishers included Brad Rugel, Kate Avery, Penny Vercelline, Jim McLaughlin, Karla Nephew, and Chris Pack.
Jess Palmer (36, from Parker) and Laura Cook (29, also Parker) were first man and woman in the 30k. Jess had 2:45:00 of scenery enjoyment (or not) and Laura had 3:24:02 of fun. Donnie Tietsema was 6th over-all (3:23:11) and Jeremy Gerlach 11th (3:31:44). Ernie Langelier trotted in 15th and his 3:43:53 was good for second-master! (He’s 65). Rochelle Kriegshauser was next (16th), 3:49:48 and this half-century-years-young lady was 3rd over-all and first master! Matthews Koch and Udovitsch (yes, Mr. K and U are both “Matt”) were 18th and 21st finishers in this race. There were several more Grand Valley residents who participated – read all about it at www.grandmesaultras.com
The Aug. 5, DESERT CHAMPIONSHIPS, 3-DAM(n) Course
This year we saw 13 runners. Participation numbers have varied widely over the years, some with more than double this year’s attendance, and a few with less. “Ya’ never know …”
The Race Director summarizes: “(Weather was ) cool, dry, winds from S & SE. No flags pulled out and (hence) no-one lost! Two GPS’s were 4.9. Previously, there was one at 5.5 (& 5.7!) – so henceforth we’ll call the race distance 5 miles.
It is a very interesting course but might be better-attended if longer.
Decades ago we had a run to the “Flat-Top” which is west* of the old “Triple Jump” – it was listed at 7 miles. If there is enough interest, we can do it next year.
Tom Ela checked the flags Friday evening and picked them up on his mountain bike on Saturday. I really appreciated this!
*Dr. W wrote “east” for Flat-Top direction from old “Triple Jump” course. Editor may be wrong, but I think he meant the big flat-top feature to the northwest.
3-Dam 5-mile Desert-Run finishers: 1. DAVE YOUNGER, 38:52 2. Bryan Baroffio, 42:16
3. ANNA HANTACK, 43:18 4. Joe Schwarz, 44:27 5. Ernie Langelier, 47:54
6. Andy Winnefeld, 49:52 7. Tom Ela, 50:17 8. Laura Venner, 51:30 9. Karla Nephew, 51:30 10. Kristin Coakley, 56:59 11. Liz Norris, 61:34 12. Conrad Cole, 70:04 and winner of the category of “most time spent enjoying the course” – Paul Wubben, 1:40:47
MMS Directors meeting --> August 1: Conrad and Tom volunteered to meet with the BLM – “our (MMS) annual deal” – MMS pays $100 for permission/blessing/acknowledgement for all or our events on BLM land in a given year. The meeting occurred Aug. 9 – hope to have a report next NL issue. Conrad may purchase a quieter new generator for powering whatever (especially the computer and printer, and finish-line arch) – for the MMS “timing crew”. Our present one is “noisy.” Also to be purchased is a “groover” tent for the occasional porta-potty BLM requirement. We would then $ell our old generator.
A “new run” was introduced: Oct. 8 (Sunday) at the Old Spanish Trail (Whitewater parking lot) – a 5-mile CCW loop with Corey Hinman as race director. Tentatively this race will be a trial/test of the “new” chip-timing system. Also mentioned was the ¿last-minute scheduled? PALISADE FESTIVAL RACE which occurred August 19. Sorry, the Editor did not know of this event until the Aug. 1 meeting. Karla N talked of the Grand Mesa Ultra races – she ran 55 k and had 8 hours of enjoying the scenery, whereas James Roche set the 55k course record in a bit over 5 hours.
A proposal was made to acquire more MMS racing singlets – and hats, as almost all of those have been sold. The editor had a note “coming soon à CC @ W/S” the meaning of which has vanished from his mind as of this summarizing MMS Board meeting minutes.
We discussed the new timing system which the Editor surmises hasn’t been “officially” used yet. (It was used at the Orchard Mesa Lincoln 5k last April). There are some conveniences with this, and a possible inconvenience might be race-bib costs which incorporate the chip.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED on September 30 – the MMS gets a generous donation from the organizers of the annual bicycle TOUR OF THE MOON. We act as “sag-wagons” – drive our trucks or vans on the course to render assistance, much of which might be emotional/psychological affirmation, help with minor bike repairs (?), give rides to people who have already ridden enough even there are miles yet to go …
We deviated slightly from normal (?) running business. “Speaking of the Monument” – Conrad (and Sunday a.m. BushWhackers) sometimes go into the Monument after a vehicle has crashed off of the road above to see what they can find. “… lots of quarters. Jumper cables.” (Karla egged him on: “it’s like Christmas for Conrad …”) What’s at the bottom of Cold Shivers? “Lots of golf balls.” The Editor’s notes also include “The leap-frogging stopped …” (I’ve also forgotten what that’s about.) Speaking of trash-collecting, in 1971 Mr. Ela was a Garbage Man for Summit County. He recounted going up (old) Loveland Pass to pick-up after a moving van went off the road. Conrad, also a garbage collector at about that time, talked of being at the (actual historical) WOODSTOCK but didn’t pick up any garbage. (must have been on day’s off).
The M M S Directors, currently, are:
SHERYL DOUGLAS -- President (& Keeper of the Keys). ANDY WINNEFELD – Vice-President.
TOM ELA – Membership (and much more!). CONRAD COLE – Treasurer.
ROSCO BETUNADA -- Secretary, Newsletter, has a “2.62” bumper sticker on his car.
RANDEE BERGEN -- Web Site, and FaceBook.
LARRY INGRAM -- Calendar, Race Director Consultant, Timing.
Also assisting the MMS in various ways: COREY HINMAN (GVTA Liason), JULIE MALINGOWSKI (resident meteorologist), KARLA NEPHEW (trail-race series honcho, or honchess)
& a Director (“2 hats”. No, not J.R.) who wishes to remain Anonymous.
Deadline for submissions for next newsletter is about September 23.
Email articles to or ‘regular’ mail to
MMS, c/o Betunada, 230 Sunset Hills, Grand Jct., CO 81503
*** -è MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER <-- ***
Send your payment of $20 for individuals, $25 for a same-address family (of 2 or more)
Mesa-Monument STRIDERS / Attn: Tom Ela / Membership
P.O. Box 3685 Grand Junction, CO 81502
MMS members get reduced rates at all the low-key local events. And reduced entries at many not-so-low-key events. You also receive the monthly email or paper newsletter usually with race entry forms and such delivered right to either your door or email-box. AND -- you get COLORADO RUNNER magazine 4 times a year!
At the Leadville Trail Marathon (June 17) MARTIN WIESIOLEK won the 50+ age group with 4:58:54 of fun (this time would have been 5th over-all in the female category, and there were 546 total finishers!). In the accompanying 15-mile run, ERNIE LANGELIER was 2nd for the 60+ runners (3:17:33). His time was also 4th for all runners 50 and over – there were 615 finishers in the 15-mile.
September (& later) C A L E N D A R
Note: all phone numbers “970” unless indicated otherwise
Sept. 2, Sat., the SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT 5K has been cancelled for this year.
Sunday, September 3, 8 AM Garfield Grumble 5ish-Mile Extreme Trail Run
Palisade side Mt Garfield Trailhead Sign up on race day only Conrad 245-4243
Note: there (allegedly) will be new buns @ the Grumble!)
Sept. 9, Sat., 9 a.m. The Spirit of the Valley 5k – Run, Walk, ‘n Roll. St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 3888 27 ½ Road. 242-3293 or 773-6889, Rebecca Vroman, Race Coodinator. Registration for the 1k and 5k race begins at 8 a.m. Both races start at 9 a.m. The 1k is great for racers who have children! Kids 12 and under are free. TheSpirit of the Valley 5k- Run, Walk, ‘n Rollbrings together able-bodied and disabled racers of all ages and abilities for fellowship, competition, and fun. This year's net proceeds will benefit local disabled veterans, and SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders). Our website isspiritofthevalley5k.org
Sept. 9, 8 a.m. the IMOGENE PASS RUN undoubtedly is “filled up”. Either you’re “in” or have to wait ‘til next year. www.imogenerun.com
Saturday-Sunday, September 9-10 Desert Edge Triathlons
Highline Lake State Park, Loma Xterra off-road Tri om Sat, choice of Olympic or Sprint on Sun http://303triathlon.com/event/deserts-edge-triathlon-festival/
September 18, Monday, at Pollock Bench Trail. This is one race you will not want to miss!
FINAL event of 2017 MMS Trail-Race series ! even if you have NOT participated or even have participated but think you might not “win” in regards points – just consider the “door prize” list ~
This year, we were fortunate to have some great prizes donated to the race series that we will raffle off after the final race. (must be present to participate). Everyone that participated in a race throughout the series will get one ticket per race they participated in. Top three males and females will get an additional one, two, or three tickets. The overall winners of the series will get an additional ticket. Tickets will be placed in the “bucket” of the item that you would like to win. You can place all your tickets in one raffle or try your hand at winning multiple items.
Items in the bucket raffle: Two passes to Iron Mountain Hot Springs
Two passes to Glenwood Adventure Park Beats wireless headphones
Serac hammock and tree straps DrinkTank Tumbler with hot and cold lids
Mountain Smith Cooler Tube + beer New Glarus Serendipity Fruit Beer and bottle jacket
Dog Lovers gift basket Nathan hydration belt Striders custom made BOCO Hat
(if race-helpers (not actual entrants) can enter one ticket – I’d go for the Iron Mountain Hot Springs!)
Sept. 23, Sat., 8:30 a.m. Golden Leaf half-Marathon, Snowmass to Aspen (trails) www.goldenleafrace.com NOTE: this event is “SOLD OUT” !
September 26, Tues, 7 p.m. Monthly MMS Directors meeting: Call 270-0109 for location & etc.
Sept. 30, Saturday – if you’re not riding in the annual Tour of the Moon bicycle tour – volunteers are needed for the MMS “Sag-Wagon” contingent. The club gets a generous donation for providing this!
Oct. 7, Sat., 8 a.m. 9th annual Cedaredge Applefest 5k www.active.com or
OCT. 8, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – Old Spanish-Trail 5-mile desert run. Whitewater Parking Lot. Corey Hinman, R.D. More details next issue. In collaboration with the Old Spanish Trails Association, the Striders will be hosting a 5-mile race at the Old Spanish Trails/Gunnison Bluffs area on Sunday, October 8th. Race starts at 9:30am at the Whitewater Old Spanish Trailhead. This free race will be timed using our new Jaguar timing system. Come out to enjoy a fall run on this historic trail!
Oct. 14, Sat. 10 a.m.? We have reason to believe that this fun and scenic event is not being held this year. The à North Rim 20k & 8k, North Rim of Black Canyon – under the auspices of the SJMR. Readers, please advise if you hear otherwise.
Oct. 21, Saturday, 9 a.m. MMStrider’s Trail Work day! Meet at main parking lot at Devil’s Canyon off of Kingsview Road (south of CO River and then west from Fruita). See GVTA and Trail work notes elsewhere in this issue.
Oct. 22, Sunday, 8:30 a.m. Run to Whitewater – 18 mile point-to-point trail experience.
Conrad, 245-4243
Join us for any of the 3 weekly training sessions: anyone (that is: come one, come all). NOTE: you DO NOT "HAVE TO" RUN -- show up and walk, even!