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Route Description Triathlon course for those participating as a team: Bike, Hike, Bike, Swim, Hike, Swim and Bike You will have green colored numbers. The support vehicles will also be marked in green, make sure you put your gear in this vehicle. Transportation will be provided for hikers and swimmers to reach their destination points if desired. Transportation will be required from the McKay mountain road due to parking space. For those who are competing in the race as a team you will begin on August 9, 2008 at 8:00 A.M. at the Chamber of Commerce in Libby. Be at least 30 minutes early to get your racing number written on your arm. The bullets below list the elevation gains and losses in the order of the race.
Leg 1: Biker: The race will begin at the Chamber where you will ride your bike south on Hwy 2 for about 8 miles. (This is a paved highway) Riders will turn west onto Bear Cr. Rd. and continue on this road for 8 miles. (This road is paved and graveled) At the 8 mile marker riders will make another right hand turn and descend two miles to the McKay Mountain trailhead. This turn will be clearly marked, and the road is gravel. Leg 2: Hiker: You will climb up the McKay Mountain Trail. This trail is very steep. It gains 2,500 vertical feet in less than a mile. This is a good trail nothing technical about it just good strong legs. At the top of McKay the view is breath taking – as is the climb! You will have a great view of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. There will be a person at the top to check in with. After checking in, participants will head back down to the trailhead. Editors note: This Mountain will make or break you - it will wear your legs out. So race smart and be careful. Leg 3: Biker: Down at the trailhead, you will get back on your bike and ride to Howard Lake. This leg is all on a gravel road with about a 750’ vertical gain. There will be markers to guide your route to Howard Lake. This leg is approximately 13 miles long. There will be a water/fluid station here as well. Leg 4: Swimmer: At Howard Lake you will be swimming 1,000 meters. (Your support vehicle will be there with your personal gear.) A wet suit will probably be required, depending upon the temperature of the water. Check website a day or two before the race for requirements on what to wear. A swim cap will be required and will be issued at race time. Leg 5: Hiker: You will be taking another trail to the top of Great Northern Mountain. This trail is a little over 3 miles for a total of 6 miles hiked. The climb is another 2,500 vertical feet. This hike will not be very steep at the beginning and you will be doing most of the climbing toward the end. The view up here is amazing. You could have the opportunity to see all kinds of wildlife as well as historical mine sights. There will be volunteers at the top of this mountain to check in with before you head back down. Once at the bottom, be sure to visit the water/fluid station before beginning the final leg of the race. Leg 6: Swimmer: You will need to complete another 1,000 meter course on Howard Lake. Leg 7: Biker: Jump on your bike and ride back to the chamber of commerce. This course will take you down Libby Creek Road (14 miles) until you hit Highway 2 where you will take a left-hand turn. You will ride approximately 12 miles back to the chamber. |