Rene TCSD Events TCSD Contacts Board Members
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
March 2015
TRIATHLON CLUB OF SAN DIEGO
I MARCH CLUB TRIATHLON Sunday March 15 Start Time: 7am Show up between 5:30am and 6:30am to help set up and/or get your warm up in before the start. Format: 750y/12mi/4mi
MARCH CLUB DUATHLON Date: Saturday, March 7 Location: South Bay Check the Club’s website, Facebook page and/or Yahoo group forum for the most up to date activity details.
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Member Profile 4 Weekly Workout Calendar 5 TCSD Conversation 7 TCSD’s Pannikin Ride 14
It’s The Law BOWS New Members Firday Fist Light Swim
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TriNews
saiah packed his gear to leave the triathlon wondering if he’d return next year. Did he need a new kind of challenge? He was lost in his thoughts when he looked up and saw a man hobbling toward him on crutches. “Hi, I’m Rene Farallon,” the man said, extending his hand with a business card. “You look like the kind of guy I’d like to invite for a g o o d w i l l triathlon tour next year. I’ll give a short presentation about it in the clubhouse in thirty minutes.” He pointed to the park building. “Please come and listen.” Isaiah shrugged. Why not? He wasn’t in a hurry, and he was looking for a something different. He went to the meeting with about twenty other triathletes. “I was born in a copper mining town in Mexico, but I grew up in the US,” Rene told the group. “We always gave back to our hometown with goodwill projects, but now I want to go global through sport. I was planning a solo international tour as a triathlete last year to gather information and contacts when I caught a virus that almost killed me. After weeks in the hospital and months in a wheelchair, I’m able to walk again, but I don’t know if and when I’ll get well enough to return to triathlon, let alone
travel the world. Seeing scores of Santas just before Christmas gave me an idea. What if there were lots of similar Rene Farallon’s, and they visited different places at the same time? “I invited each of you here because we’re triathletes who resemble each other—six feet tall, about thirty years old, slim, dark hair and dark eyes. We have a year to plan your visits to an under-developed country for three weeks. You will promote triathlon as a sport and bring goodwill. There is no religious, government, or commercial sponsorship. You’ll simply be Rene Farallon. You will take a companion who will video the trip. I will post daily highlights on our website while you are overseas. Hopefully it will go viral.” Rene spoke for ten more minutes and answered questions. Isaiah was sold on the idea and signed up. “Welcome aboard,” Rene said as he handed him a team shirt and cap, both colored turquoise like copper oxide with coppercolored letters. Over the following months Isaiah met two other Rene’s who lived near him, and they trained, planned, and schemed together. They continued on page 20
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MARCH TCSD MEETINGS, CLINICS, RACES & RIDES*
CONTACTS Triathlon Club of San Diego P.O. Box 504366 San Diego, CA 92150-4366 www.triclubsandiego.org Send correspondence to the address above or contact President, Stephen Banister. Membership & Renewal $75/year, $60 active military (w/active ID). Additional years available at discount. TCSD membership (online) at http://tiny.cc/v3xypw TCSD e-lists Subscribe to the TCSD e-mailing list by sending a blank email with your name in the body to: TCSD-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
NEWSLETTER STAFF AND INFORMATION Publisher & Design/Production Sprague Design, Dean Sprague myhideano@hotmail.com (858) 270-1605
TRI 101
INTRO TO TCSD AND FRIENDS
REAL BEGINNERS’ BIKE RIDE
Tuesday March 10th, 6pm
Tuesday March 18th, 6pm
Saturday March 14th, 8:30am
The monthly talk is specifically designed to get you started in the sport of triathlon, and our goal is to de-mystify triathlon, and remove the ‘intimidation factor.’ All questions fair game and NON-MEMBERS WELCOME! Bring that friend or relative! HOW DO I GET STARTED? How fit do I have to be? How long do I have to train? What equipment do I need? What do I wear? Do I need a wetsuit? What kind of bike do I need? Can I do one on my mountain bike? How do I get started with my swim training What are good first time races? How can the Club help me? Get the answers to these questions and more at the monthly TCSD Tri 101!
Please join us to hear about the latest and greatest on all things TCSD. This is a great opportunity to hear about all the Club has to offer, learn the basics about the sport of triathlon, and meet training partners. If you are new to the sport, or just new to the Club, this meeting is for you! NON-MEMBERS ARE WELCOME! are welcome (bring a friend!), no RSVP necessary. Food and drinks will be available (pizza and soda.)
The TCSD Real Beginners’ Bike Ride takes on the 56 bike path and is a club ride where nobody gets left behind. If you can ride comfortably for at least 60 minutes without stopping (total ride time 90-minutes) then this ride is for you. Be ready for a few moderate climbs on the first half of the ride; beginners need hills too! Total distance for the ride is 18 miles. Hybrids and Mt. Bikes will go half the distance. James will be your leader and is promising a fun-filled morning. Non-members are ALWAYS welcome. Helmets are MANDATORY.
Contact: Paula Munoz, pmariemunoz@gmail.com
Editor Alexis Barnes asdbarnes@yahoo.com (718) 216-8555 Newsletter Articles and Ideas Please send to Dean Sprague at dsprague@triclubsandiego.org and/or Alexis Barnes at asdbarnes@yahoo.com Contributing Writers: Janis Intoy, Barbara Javor, Mark Kenny, and Craig Zelent
Location: Nytro Multisport 940 S. Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 632-0006 map: http://tiny.cc/6o8t3
Location: Hi-Tech Bikes 7638 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111 map: http://tiny.cc/am6ea Contact: Questions or comments can be sent to your beginner coaches at coaches@triclubsandiego.org.
Option: 5K run after the ride. Bring your run gear if you plan to join. Schedule of Events: 8:30am Bike Q&A 9:00am Wheels Roll NEW Meet up Location: PARK & RIDE Location 12791 Sorrento Valley Road Del Mar, CA 92121 map: http://tiny.cc/f0j8cx Contact: Please contact James Ismailoglu at james@triclubsandiego.org with any questions/comments.
ALWAYS REFER TO THE TRI CLUB’S WEBSITE AND CALENDAR FOR THE LATEST EVENTS, UPDATES AND DETAILS. DATES, LOCATIONS, EVENTS, GUESTS. ALL EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
All dates and events subject to change. * Refer to the Club’s website/calendar for additional workouts and latest information.
WWW.TRICLUBSANDIEGO.ORG 3
TCSD BOARD MEMBERS
MEMBER PROFILE AMY BLACK, soon to be changed to Amy Berry as soon as all the wedding paperwork goes through. Nickname: AmyBlack, one word. My closest friends and husband call me by my first and last name. It’s just one of those names that flows together. Member since: 2010.
President
Mike Plumb
president@triclubsandiego.org
Vice President
Deborah Jones
vicepresident@triclubsandiego.org
Treasurer
Al Allison
Secretary
Paula Munoz
secretary@triclubsandiego.org
Program and Events Officer
Jay Lewis
eventsdirector@triclubsandiego.org
Marketing Office
Tassia Bezdeka
marketing@triclubsandiego.org
TCSD Board of Directors
bod@triclubsandiego.org
TCSD VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE MEMBERS Apparel: Zoca Gear Beginner Coaches
Hank Montrose
hamontrose@gmail.com
James Ismailoglu
james@triclubsandiego.org
Dean Rosenberg
coaches@triclubsandiego.org
Steve Tally
coaches@triclubsandiego.org
Bike Case Rentals
Bob Rosen
brosen@triclubsandiego.org
Club Historian
Ian Kelly
ikelly@triclubsandiego.org
Creative Team
Arch & Christy Fuston fuston@triclubsandiego.org
(908) 247-1145
Expo Director
Age Group: F 30-34 Status: Married as of September 20, 2014. Although it’s more fitting to describe my current life status as “Training.” With a spring Ironman on the horizon, there is little to no time to go on dates or even really see my husband. Occupation: Train dolphins and sea lions for the US Navy Marine Mammal Program. Favorite local restaurant: Hamilton's Tavern in South Park or Monkey Paw in East Village. When not training, I enjoy: Paddleboarding with my dog, camping and climbing 14'ers with my husband, and recently rock climbing. Before I became a triathlete I was: A Division 3 college ice hockey player (St. Mary’s University of MN) turned recreational marathoner. Who or what inspired you to start triathlons? When I moved to SD in 2010, I was looking for a new sport and challenge. A dear
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Ironman Coaches
Craig Zelent
tricraigz@yahoo.com
Membership Director
James Ismailoglu
james@triclubsandiego.org
Newsletter Editor
Alexis Barnes
asdbarnes@yahoo.com
(718) 216-8555
Newsletter Publisher
Dean Sprague
dsprague@triclubsandiego.org
(858) 270-1605
Race Director, Aquathlon
Kai Nakamura
Race Director, Duathlon
Jay Weber
Race Director, Run and Triathlon Jim Johnson
(760) 214-0055
jameslj01@gmail.com
Social Directors Social Media Manager Sponsorship Director
Kat Gunsur
kgunsur@ccfa.org
Swim Director
Chris Costales
tcsdswim@gmail.com
Swim Director, Open Water
Trevor King
trevor@EnergyLabTraining.com
TCSD Cares
Steve Tally
stally@triclubsandiego.org
(858) 717-1114
Track Coach, UTC (Spring/Summer) Bill Gleason
gleasoncoaching@gmail.com
Track Coach, North County
Mike Plumb
mplumb@triclubsandiego.org
Volunteer Director
Dawn Copenhaver
dcopenhaver@triclubsandiego.com (619) 867-2784
John Hill
jhill@triclubsandiego.org
Richard Reilly
rereillyii@gmail.com
Youth Team Coach Web Administrators
Roger Leszczynski
RUN
BIKE
SWIM
TCSD OFFICIAL WEEKLY WORKOUT SPRING CALENDAR
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF OFFICIAL CLUB WORKOUTS, REVIEW THE WORKOUT SCHEDULE ON THE CLUB’S WEBSITE.
friend of mine, Jackie Stuart, who I've always looked up to as an athlete, animal trainer, and all around mentor, really inspired me to give triathlon a try. She completed four Ironmans, and I aspire to push myself to a new level as she had done. My first triathlon: 2003 Imperial Beach Surf Town Triathlon- I swam in a sweet neon green and purple SCUBA diving wetsuit.
6:00 PM
Ocean Swim in Carlsbad
•
Location: Tamarack Beach.
Pre and/or Post event ritual: Pre- A good luck pet from Suya, my dog. Post- Picking my next race.
5:30 PM
Ocean Swim in La Jolla
•
Location: La Jolla Shores. (Starts March 21st)
Favorite event/tri: 70.3 Oceanside.
Monday 6:00 AM Ocean Swim, advanced/expert swimmers
•
Location: La Jolla Cove.
Tuesday 6:00 AM Pannikin Bike Ride
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Location: Pannikin - 7467 Girard Ave., La Jolla.
6:00 AM Ocean Swim in Carlsbad
•
Location: Tamarack Beach.
6:30 AM Bike Workout in Point Loma, Group ride
•
Location: Moment Cycle Sport, Liberty Station.
6:30 PM
Run Workout in Carlsbad/North County, Coached session
8:00PM
LJHS Swim Workout (Coggan Family Aquatic Complex)
•
Location: Starts at the Bike Trail
that runs between Carlsbad Village and Tamarack Ave. parallel to the Coaster tracks. •
Location: 800 Nautilus St., La Jolla.
Wednesday 6:00 AM Ocean Swim, advanced/expert swimmers 6:00 PM
Ocean Swim in Carlsbad
•
•
PR/Best race (or any split time): 12:46 Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2013.
Location: La Jolla Cove.
Location: Tamarack Beach.
This year’s athletic goal: PR at IM New Zealand in March.
Thursday 6:00 AM Ocean Swim in Carlsbad 6:15 AM Pannikin Bike Ride
•
•
Location: Tamarack Beach.
Location: Pannikin - 7467 Girard Ave., La Jolla.
6:30 AM Bike Workout in Point Loma, Group ride 8:00PM
•
Location: Moment Cycle Sport, Liberty Station.
LJHS Swim Workout (Coggan Family Aquatic Complex)
•
Location: 800 Nautilus St., La Jolla.
Friday 6:30 AM First light ocean Swim 5:30 PM
Favorite segment (swim, bike or run): I really like the swim, and I feel like I’m fairly strong on the bike, but I hate the run! In the future, if the triathlon governing body decides to substitute the run for a sport like curling, bean-bag toss, or beer drinking, I’d be all for it
•
Ocean Swim in La Jolla
Location: La Jolla Cove.
•
Location: La Jolla Cove. (Starts March 20th)
Saturday 8:00 AM Bike Workout, Group Ride
•
Location: Meet at Starbucks in Del Mar, Hwy. 101 & 15th St.
8:00 AM Bike Workout, Group Ride
•
Location: Nytro Multisport, Encinitas.
SHOW OFF YOUR TCSD
Spirit!
What is Spirit?
Any TCSD branded item shown in a unique location, setting or way. Send your “TCSD Spirit” image(s) to dsprague@triclubsandiego.org to be considered for the club’s website and/or newsletter. OR post on TCSD Facbook page
* Refer to the Club’s website/calendar for additional workouts and latest information.
Can’t race without: Packing and repacking my gear, then un-packing and re-packing it all a few more times. In reality I can’t race without the fear that I'm going to forget something getting to the start line Most embarrassing or disastrous moment: I was a featured contestant on ABC’s Wipeout (season 6, episode 6, Brains vs. Brawns, 2013). Unfortunately the episode still shows up on reruns. It was highly embarrassing for many reasons: my nickname“Fish for Brains,” the excessive dolphin calls that I squealed out and flopping around like a dolphin that I did (thinking that would maximize my air timewhich it definitely did), and not to mention the countless hits I took and the many times I flew through the air like a rag doll! continued on page 22
WWW.TRICLUBSANDIEGO.ORG
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Check Facebook page for the latest http://tiny.cc/y1xiux
SPONSORS OF TCSD MULTISPORT
A Celebration of a Life Well Lived. A Tribute to J.J. EVENT #1 When: 2pm, March 7, 2015 Where: De Anza Cove, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
BikeBling.com 333 East Grand Avenue Escondido, Ca 92025 1 (800) BikePro www.bikebling.com Discount: 10% off parts and accessories.
This event is for all ages and there is no cost. If you would like to speak at this event, please private message Daniel Edward Powell on FaceBook. After a Tribute to Jonathan, some of us will be ”swimming out” into De Anza Cove. Steven Tally is in charge of the swim out portion of the program.
EVENT #2
Endurance House-Oceanside 401 N. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054 (760) 978-6422 http://endurancehouseoceanside.com Discount: 10% off to TCSD members.
HERevolution 235 S Highway 101 Solana Beach CA 92075 www.hertrishop.com (760) 560-7077 Discount: 10% off.
A FUN Party, to continue the Celebration of a Life Well Lived, and to raise money for Marilou to retire some recently acquired debt. Remember 75% of FUND is F U N! When: 7pm-11:59pm (or later), March 7, 2015. This is event is for adults, 21 and over. Where: Elbowroom Bar and Restaurant, 5225 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA. 92123. The entire restaurant is reserved exclusively for our party. Elbowroom is providing a buffet and your first drink as well as a live band Private Domain. They play Classic Rock, Blues, Reggae, Motown/Soul. They will play from 7:30-11;30pm. Cost: Only a minimum $35 donation (larger donations are gladly accepted) for food, first drink, live band and a parting party gift. This event is expected to sell out rapidly (capacity of only 189 revelers), so buying tickets immediately is encouraged. The party will have a Sweet Silent Auction that include itmes such as: VIP entry to EVERY Koz event (triathlon and run) in 2015 n A week timeshare at the destination of your choice n J.J.’s own bicycles (Brand NEW) n Any Humphreys Concert in 2015 for two people (Two chances to win this prize) n Ability to wear the SpongeBob Elvis outfit at local events/races n
HT Bikes 7638 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 715-1517 Discount: 10% bikes, wheels, and accessories.
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Weekend use of a cabin (sleeps ten) one mile from The Pine Valley Duathlon Start Line. n
Note: Ramada Inn, Residence Inn by Marriott and Hampton Inn are all within walking distance of Elbowroom. Stay overnight, use Uber, but please do not drive after drinking. Book a room. Feel free to pass along this information to friends. This will be a FUN party and celebration of a Life Well Lived. Two ways to pay. PayPal or checks: By PayPal: 1. Go to PayPal>on the top of page>choose ”Send” and enter email: mydolley@att.net. 2. Enter amount 3. Choose “friends/family” to avoid fees. 4. Please post on this page how many party tickets you are buying. or mail a check to: Marilou Jefferson c/o Paula Munoz PO Box 91291 San Diego, CA 92169 Note: Write a note with your check indicating how many Fundraiser Party tickets you are buying.
It
is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of our good friend and long-time TCSD member Jonathan Jefferson after a gallant battle with cancer. JJ was the ultimate volunteer, as he was always willing to lend a hand. JJ gave so much to so many. With great joy, we are so pleased to announce that the TRI-Palooza Endurance Sports Awards honored JJ by renaming the Tri Club Member of the year award the Jonathan Jefferson Tri Club Member of the Year Award. The TCSD recipient was John Hill. The LA Tri Club recipient was William Robinson.The Orange County Tri Club recipient was Amanda Barth. The
California Triathlon recipient was Harrison Shao. There are going to be a couple of special JJ’s Celebration of Life events in March, see article on prevoius page. A special fund has been set up to help the Jefferson’s offset some of the medical costs. If you would like to assist, donations in the form of a check to help can be sent to Marilou Jefferson c/o Paula Munoz, PO Box 91291, San Diego, CA 92169. Or via PayPal to account/emil mydolley@att.net. Enter amount you wish to donate and cselectthe option ”friends/family” to avoid fees.
TCSD CONVERSATION WITH: By Craig Zelent
“
”
Jonathan Jefferson
REPRINT. Original publication date: February 2012 I had the chance to talk triathlon recently with the Tri Club’s Jonathan Jefferson. JJ’s most visible position with
SPONSORS OF TCSD
Moment Cycle Sport Contact: JT Lyons 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 135 San Diego, CA 92106 (619) 523-BIKE www.momentcyclesport.com Discount: 10% off product, labor excluded.
Nytro Multisport 940 S. Coast Highway 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 (800) 697-8007 www.Nytro.com Discount: 10% everything but service.
Revolution Bike Shop 235 S Highway 101 Solana Beach CA 92075 revolutionbikeshop.com (858) 222-2453 Discount: 10% off parts and accessories
the TCSD was as our beginner open water swim coach, but he represents the true spirit of the TCSD as he always seems to be there doing the “heavy lifting” as a volun- Paula wit h coach Chris Cotales of th e inaugural Te am Solana. teer whenever needed. Please join me as we get to know this great guy. Craig: What was your athletic background before you got involved in triathlon? JJ: I started swimming on a team at the age of
the summer. Mom would bribe me to get to a 7am swim practice with a chocolate covered donut. My brothers both wanted to play Little
six... spent most of my time on the pool deck in
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The Triathlete Store 14037 Midland Rd. Poway, CA 92064 www.TheTriathleteStore.com (858) 842-4664 Discount: 10% off CODE: Available on TCSD Member Discount web page. continued on page 8
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CONVERSATION, continued SPONSORS OF TCSD APPAREL & EQUIPMENT
Aqua Sphere www.AquaSphereSwim.com Discount: Products sold through local retailers with TCSD discount.
League baseball and my parents made me play, fifth grade through high school. I loved to play. too. They would pull me out of the pool and But like swimming... I was passionate about the take me to baseball practice. I would be the sport, but not the best at it. That didn’t matter only DORK there in shorts... just in time for though. I was on the team and loved it. By the sliding practice. I thought every pitcher was end of high school I had become a lifeguard at hurling the ball right at my head. They managed a local reservoir. Fellow TCSD member, Shawn to hit it several times too! Not a good experi- Moran used to swim there as a kid... while I was ence. lifeguarding there! We would not meet for Growing up I would ride my red ten-speed another 25 years. I probably had to yell at him bike everywhere. When I was old enough I a few times... I’m sure. My lifeguarding experiwould ride it ten miles to the pool... do swim ence culminated with a stint as a pool managpractice... then run around all day. I was a little er/lifeguard at a country club. Let’s just say the triathlete in the making. I was on my commu- pool area at this country club was “big cat nity pool swim team for 11 years. My only team country“... cougars around every corner. A sport was lacrosse. I ho. 19 or 20 year old college student/pool JJ with JP Ke started playing in manager didn’t have a chance. I survived.
What memories do you have of your first triathlon? JJ: The Major Walter Murphy Memorial
Garmin www.garmin.com
Triathlon on Staten Island held in 1984 was my first triathlon. I trained pretty hard for the race. I was always swimming and running with guys that were faster than I was... and still riding my bike to work every day. When I told them I was hoping to get in the top ten at the race they gave me a quick nod and a good luck but didn’t mean it. Even my father... in the kitchen of our house on race day said to me, “are you sure you are ready for this?” I said, “Dad... if that was your pep talk, thanks... now let’s get to the race.” The swim was held
NormaTec - Recovery Systems www.normatecrecovery.com Support@NormaTecRecovery.com (866) 658-5896 Discount: 10% discount
Oasis One-Twelve www.OasisOne-Twelve.com Discount: 10% discount
TCSD BIKE & WHEEL CASE RENTAL PROGRAM TCSD has traveling bike and wheel cases for rent! We have hard-shell single and double bike cases, and wheel cases that will hold three wheels. Road Runner Sports 5553 Copley Dr. San Diego, CA 92111 (858) 974-4455
The single cases are shippable by UPS and FedEx. Rates per week: Single case $25 Double case $40 Wheel case $25
continued on page 11
Deduct $10 if renting both a bike case and a wheel case. To reserve a case or if you have any questions, contact Bob Rosen at brosen@triclubsandiego.org
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in Great Kills Harbor and if you think you have swam in dirty water... the water you were swimming in was Perrier compared to this stuff. Engine oil on the surface... chopped up fish and jelly fish floating everywhere... and other things... don’t ask. The first time I actually got any in my mouth I dry heaved. I was second or third out of the water... fifth or sixth on the bike... and tenth overall. Back then the song Eye of the Tiger was new and they played the heck out of it. All through the run people were playing it on their boom boxes thinking it would help us run faster. I ran faster just to get out of ear shot of the song. I’ve got to admit... I like hearing it from time to time today. After the race everyone was congratulating me and I found my way to the beer garden. Bud Light taps coming right out of the side of the Bud Light beer truck. Triathlons were going to be OK in my book, forever!
I know you’ve been racing forever and have done everything from 50k running races to half ironmans, but what race result are you the most proud of and why? JJ: I have done many races between 1984 and today, but none really stand out as best races. I always trained and raced with guys... and girls that were faster than me. As a result I was always finishing behind them. I was seldom very pleased with my results. I brought home some hardware (awards) from Bud Light USTS and other races here and there. But nothing memorable in my book. My first triathlon is up there and the 50k I did. It was all trails and through streams. Tough race. My time for that race is faster than the last few marathons I have done! I would have liked to have been on Wide World of Sports’ Survival of the Fittest competition. Scott Tinley mentioned doing that when he was at one of our meetings. I always thought I would have done well there. The only race result I will consider notable will be completing the Hawaiian Ironman. No ETA on that one.
What is the dumbest thing you’ve ever done as a triathlete? JJ: Back in the day... ‘90 or ‘91 me and a few other guys were going up to a run-bike-run race in LA. There was one guy with us who would not... or could not shut up. Good guy... and a strong runner and biker... but talk talk talk. We were in the line of traffic waiting to get on to some military base. The race was held on an air strip. I could not take the talking any longer and decided to get out of the car and do a little warm up run. I would hook back up with them and get my bike after they parked the car. Well, I found the guys and they pointed in the direction where the car was so I could get my bike and helmet. There was a sea of cars, I could not find it. Running around the parking lot I finally found the car... ripped my bike out of the back and ran to the transition area to rack it. I forgot my helmet. By this time my heat start was just minutes away and I could see them all waiting behind the current heat being sent off. I was a hundred yards from where I needed to start and had no helmet. A speccontinued on page 10
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CONVERSATION, continued tator was standing behind the fence... with a helmet in hand. I took the helmet, yelled out my race number and thanked him for letting me use his fine helmet. Then... the nightmare we have all had... seeing your heat start and you are running to catch them because you are late. DUMB!
What was your experience as the TCSD’s Beginner Open Water Swim Coach? JJ: Like joining the club in the first place... coaching beginner triathletes how to conquer their fear of swimming in open water just felt right. I had just joined the club and was sitting next to the then current coach Steve Koci at a club meeting... I think it was the last meeting Jim McCann presided over... and Steve stood up and asked for some help with the beginner swim. I knew I had to step up. As it turns out... Steve had a pretty busy schedule that year training for an Ironman and traveling so I ended up running many of the sessions in the latter part of that season. The next year he decided to let me take over as coach. I enjoyed many fun filled workouts with fledgling triathletes... many of whom are coaches for the club today. But what makes my day/year/life is when someone comes up to me and thanks me and tells a friend
how much I helped them get over the fear of open water and made them a better swimmer. What a great reward for doing something you love to do anyway! I get back to those workouts when I can.
You have been very involved in fundraising efforts for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. How did you get started with that and what have you done to raise money for the CAF? JJ: CAF is one of the main beneficiaries of our club members’ fund raising efforts... and for good reason. They help change the lives of so many people who are faced with physical barriers to sports. I got involved after attending CAF fund raising events held by other club members over the years. At those events I met fellow supporters of CAF as well as the beneficiaries of those efforts. These athletes who get the equipment needed in order to have the freedom of going on a bike ride, or run... or play basketball... or ski are so very gracious and thankful. They work harder than any one of us...they have to learn to use their new leg or arm or chair. In return, many have become the ambassadors we meet today at our meetings and at races... everywhere. They are always donating their time and leading by example. There are endless stories of inspiration among the athletes of CAF. Raising funds for CAF can happen in many ways... sending requests to friends and family, fun events, raffles. I have never considered myself a good fundraiser. But what takes my mind off of the task at hand... getting cash from others for a great cause... is the notion that in talking to the greatest number of people about a worthy organization I am possibly giving someone else the motivation to continue our effort.
What was your experience like doing the 2011 CAF Million Dollar Challenge? JJ: The Million Dollar Challenge is a cycling event held each year where 100 people pledge to raise a minimum of $10,000 each. The fund raising effort culminates with a seven day bike tour through our state’s most scenic roads from San Francisco to San Diego. The ride is 620 miles. I actually GAINED weight on this ride! You are treated like a king... or queen for this week. The best hotels, food and support like you have never had on any ride in your life. We rode with many of the challenged athletes that have benefited from our efforts. You get to know their stories and learn more about them outside of just riding or running. What got me going on the idea of joining this effort was watching John Skoglund, one of my spin class buddies, experience the joy of raising funds via parties, mailings to friends and family, “selling some stuff” as he put it, and finally reaching his goal. I actually gave John a donation after he had already made his goal of $10,000 and I could almost see tears in his eyes. John was moved by the generosity of others. John did the ride in 2010. He trained hard and was in the best
MARCH 2015 10
putting on a safari hat filled with bees for everyone to see. I had more hair back then and the bees would get tangled in it every year. This past June while dad was visiting from good old NJ I got to talking with him about bee keeping. I said I have always wanted to get back in to it. We went out and got everything we needed to get started... except for the bees. Had the hive, the bee suit, gloves... everything... except bees. I looked on Craig: What is your new Sleeves.” 70.3, “Damn Craig’s List and business venture and how Swim exit at 2011 CA soon found someone with a colony of do you hope to incorporate bees they needed taken out from under their that into the TCSD? shed. I went out to get them (thanks to Bob JJ: I recently got back in to a hobby from my Cunningham for helping out... look for that childhood. Back in the woods of New Jersey one on video soon) and had my first bee hive... where I grew up we lived on a small farm. My have not stopped growing my hive numbers dad was an attorney but had this farm also. We since. I now have 20 bee hives. My plan is to had pigs, chickens, an occasional veal calf, a become a sponsor of the Club! With 20 hives I huge garden...and bees. The bees were my interwill have roughly 2,000 pounds of locally harest. We had seven bee hives. I would bring our vested, raw, unfiltered honey... as healthy as chickens eggs and our bee’s honey to church to you can get. A dollar of every pound of honey I sell each Sunday. When the county fair came to sell to club members will be given to our club town every summer I would go with my 4H bee continued on page 22 keeping club and be the crazy... or stupid guy shape of his life. Shortly after the ride, John discovered he had a battle of his own to fight. After a long battle with cancer John passed away. I told John that he motivated me to join the Million Dollar Challenge so in a big way he helped CAF through my efforts. When someone invites you to an event benefiting the Challenged Athlete Foundation... GO... and bring some cash! You are guaranteed to have fun and feel really, really good knowing you are helping a great organization and others in need.
W
e are always looking for race reports. Share your latest experience, your first or 500th
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event. No two races are the same. Stories need not be just about triathlon, they can include running, cycling, tri
Share your race report other club members may find interestor adventure. ing. Without content, this newsletter will end up being just travels… etc., whatever you think
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continued on page 12
include photos whenever possible. Any questions on the submission process, please contact the publisher or editor for complete details. See page 3 for contact info.
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CONVERSATION, continued SPONSORS OF TCSD
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MARCH 2015 12
charity, TCSD Cares. I still make my living as a getting elected President of the TCSD. financial advisor but plan on having a lot of fun What did you learn from that experience? with my new small business. JJ: What a whirlwind that was! It was Friday Marilou, my girlfriend, is my JJ with the infa evening and a bunch of mous C AF raffle partner in this venture and us were at Jose’s having prize. we will be heading out to some dinner and “refarmers markets as well. hydrating” after a Cove Some of the honey harvestswim when the topic of ed will even come from club president came up. I our own Daniel Powell’s rattled off the obvious back yard... which happicks, Don Lopez, Brian pens to be San Elijo Wrona, and you! A very lagoon. Look for a attractive friend leaned dark amber wildflower across the table and said to honey from this locame “what about Jon tion... yum. I have Jefferson?” This really knocked long term visions of me off my barstool. I had given owning one to it some thought, but felt I had two hundred hives not been in the club long and getting enough. She gave me the push I involved with the needed to run. I finished in the almond pollination top two... of two. I would consider in central California. One third it a privilege to help lead the greatof all the food we consume each year comes est triathlon club on the planet and from crops that need pollination from bees. would consider running again sometime, but Without bees we would be in a serious food starting a small business combined with my shortage. current full time profession as a financial advisor and training for a few races each year really eats up a lot of time. Thomas has done an amazing job over the past few years as did Brian that stands out for me is the endLong... each with less opportunities to meet great the quiet strength people. Not just at races, workouts and help of John and club meetings, which are aweHill and an army of some. What I also enjoy is going to us as volunteers. plays, dinners at people’s homes, But the job of wine tasting trips... we even had the President, it has start of a book club. We all read been said by Steinbeck’s Tortilla Flat and got many, is like a full together for the book review. I missed time job without the book review but read the book only pay! We are over 70.3. because we had decided to read it big hill at CA st fir e th 3,000 members ng together. There is such a rich mix of Cresti strong and have a huge budget. There are people to experience and get to know. so many events to coordinate and people to A couple of years ago you came close to contact. Hats off to all you presidents out
I can’t wait for the honey to be ready, but I’ll leave that work to the professionals like you to harvest. What is your favorite part of membership in the TCSD? JJ: The part of membership in TCSD
there... past and present. I would be honored to join your ranks some day. We have an election coming up this year... I think. I cannot wait to see who is willing to step up and take the position. One request for all club members... get out to vote! When I ran there were only 300 or so votes cast out of 2,500 members! Whoever gets elected, they can count on me to help them out any way I can.
What are your future goals in triathlon? JJ: IRONMAN. But only one. Hawaii. This may anger some of the Ironman purists, but I will be happy to accept a lottery slot for the race... or a fund raising entry if I ever was awarded one. When you have you, Dean Sprague, Steve Tally... and many other fast guys in your age group getting a qualifying slot is like finding the golden ticket in Willie Wonka. Ever since I picked up the first issue of Triathlon magazine, with Dave Scott crossing the finish line at dusk, I wanted to do that race. The race has a certain destiny to it. I will be there. The day will play out however it plays out, but I will finish that goal and be very sad when it is over. In the mean time I plan on volunteering with fellow club members, doing a few club events... some involving triathlons and heading to a few destination type races like Wildflower.
Craig: JJ, thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s just a matter of time before you cross that Hawaiian Ironman finish line. Good luck with all you do! Craig Zelent is a USA Triathlon Level 1 Certified Coach. Craig can be reached at (760) 214-0055 or tricraigz@yahoo.com.
Club Triathlons, Race Discounts, Store Discounts, New Friends, Beginner Races, New Training Partners, Food, Group Rides, La Jolla Cove, Fiesta Island, Classified Ads, Club Aquathlons, Beginner Friendly, Youth Program, Family Membership, Club Duathlons, Monthly
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SPONSORS OF TCSD
TCSD’S The Pannikin Ride By Janis Intoy
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MARCH 2015 14
The Pannikin Ride is TCSD’s social ride - available to any triathlete who can ride a bike and is ready for a climb up Soledad. At only 16 miles and 1100 feet of climbing through La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and up Mt. Soledad, this ride is the perfect recovery spin for veteran athletes and a great climbing workout for new riders (and veteran riders if you do repeats)! Just remember - the ride doesn’t count if you don’t take a photo at the top! Follow the ride up with coffee and breakfast, and it is a perfect Tuesday or Thursday morning for anyone. Ride details are below. Now that the warm weather and race season are bringing triathletes out of hiding, we at the Pannikin Ride have been adding optional “Pannikin Specials” to the workout just for the extra miles. So far these specials include an alternative climb up Pacifica Drive, doing a repeat up Muirlands Vista to La Jolla Scenic, and running around the Village after the ride. We’re looking forward to other specials in the future, including doing the reverse route to climb up via Nautilus first thing in the morning, racing the Crown Point sprint, and maybe even running to the top of Soledad. Recently we had a
slew of firsts on the ride many of the group tackled Pacifica Drive, which averages a 12% grade and is as steep as 18% in some places, for the first time. Congratulations to Doug, Steve, Brian, Deborah, Glenn, and Jack on conquering Pacifica! At the same time, new rider Debbie summited Mt. Soledad for the first time via Mount Soledad Road on her second bike ride ever - congratula-
tions to Debbie also! We are always excited to have new people on the ride - whether you are a target to chase on the climb or a new rider in need of advice and cheerleading on the hill. So set your alarm clocks and come ride with us!
Ride Details: Meet up: Pannikin, 7467 Girard Ave, La Jolla Date/Times: Tuesday and Thursday, rolling at 6:15AM. Route: 16miles, can be found at http://tiny.cc/kl3hux. Watch the TCSD message boards or http://www.facebook.com/thepannikinride for time changes and weather updates.
Whether you have a work injury, personal injury or sports injury,
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Management Accounting Group Contact: David McMahon, CMA, EA Certified Management Accountant Office: (619) 333-0719
Richard Duquette, Bicycle Injury Lawyer Contact: Richard L. Duquette rduquette@911law.com (760) 730-0500 or (800) 464-4123 www.911law.com Discount: Refer to TCSD Member Discount web page. continued on page 16
WWW.TRICLUBSANDIEGO.ORG 15
SPONSORS OF TCSD
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The Economics of Justice in a
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WELLNESS
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MARCH 2015 16
Small Bicycle Injury Case It’s
common to obtain phone calls seeking legal representation for “small” bicycle injury cases. My intent in this article is to give you a realistic perspective, so you can decide how to proceed in small injury or damaged bicycle cases. Let’s start with a historical view. Looking back over thirty years of handling bicycle injury cases, I can tell you the legal playing field has tilted in favor of the big insurance corporations. In the early 80’s even “small” cases could be fairly settled out of court, for three times the medical bills. This gave the victims money for pain and suffering on top of attorney fees and medical costs. So, a case with $1,000.00 in medical bills would settle for $3,000.00. As the insurance industry pumped millions of dollars into tort reform via advertising and politics, life changed for consumers, including bicycle crash victims. Currently, it’s commonplace to see a settlement offer of only $1,000.00 on a $3,000.00 case, with an offer to pay only your medical bills. Of course, this is a hypothetical, but you get the point. Attorney fees and victim pain and suffering have taken a big hit. So, what’s a small case? Generally, a small case is where there is proof of clear liability or fault, but limited damages. I’m referring to bicycle damage or temporary injuries like a sprain, strain, whiplash, abrasions
and contusions. Even small non-displaced fractures fall into the “small” case category, because they are not permanent, nor do they generate a lot of medical costs, or lost wages. By no means am I minimizing the trauma, fright and change of lifestyle of such an injury; including bicycle damage losses. Whereas, a large case involves serious injuries, broken bones, displaced fractures, head injuries and even death. Most serious cases require surgery, and permanent disability. Enter the computer era. When I first started practicing law in 1983, I typed on an IBM typewriter. With computers, the insurance industry got clever, and generated litigation programs to standardize the claims negotiation process. That’s right, a computer called “Colossus” may now handle your case. Allstate is famous for this. In many companies, the hands of the front line claims adjusters are tied. Their discretion is limited. Then came the appointment of judges and politicians who developed anti -consumer laws and decisions. Such punitive laws factor into whether a lawyer will take your “small” case. Let me show you how. One law that has been abolished is what’s known as the collateral source rule (Howell v. Hamilton Meats case). Historically, when you pay for health insurance, the law for decades was pro
consumer. It rewarded citizens who invested their hard earned money into paying premiums and obtaining healthcare. They were able to claim the full medical bill in court, not the HMO/PPO reduced or discounted rate. Insurance reductions or deductions per the HMO/PPO plans were irrelevant. For example, a $100.00 medical bill was just that. Now you only get to submit $50.00 (the discounted rate) to a claims adjuster or jury. In effect, your case has been devaluated. This misleads the jury because they will never see the true correlation between the medical costs and harm. Then came new case law from the United States Supreme Court in the area of Erisa, (U.S. Airways v. McCutchen case). In many instances, now your work self-funded HMO/PPO medical plans require you pay them back at 100% for any bills they paid if you recover from a negligent motorist. That’s right, you pay premiums, and your health plan only ‘loans” money to you, in a sense, by paying your bills. This is called reimbursement or subrogation. So, your health benefits are illusory to a degree. Luckily, I’ve studied this area of law for years, and know most of the exceptions to the reimbursement laws. This means that the $1,000.00 offer to settle your “small” case, has to be paid back to United Health Care, Kaiser, and Blue Cross etc. Which means you get a zero net settlement. To top it off, if you’re Medicare qualified, that’s another reimbursement maze lasting at least six months to get a final amount certain so you can negotiate a settlement. Uncle Sam is now involved in your case. Then, the insurance “bad faith” laws were overturned. In a third party bad faith claim, an insurance company cannot be sued for delay or unfair business tactics. This was made famous in the Moradi-Shalal v. Fireman’s Fund Ins. Co. case. So, insurers have little legal incentive to act fairly. They can’t be sued. Throw in the down turn in the economy, which has caused budget cuts in our court system. Now, the courts close at 3 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 12:00 on Friday. Courtrooms are closing and many civil cases are now only heard in San Diego Central. The South Bay and El Cajon civil cases have been transferred to central. This has translated into a drop in civil filings. In 2013 there were 61,465, and in 2014
57,442, a drop of 6.5%. It’s uneconomical to litigate small cases with all the delays. Access to justice is limited. Of course, there are the costs of litigation that have to be factored into fighting the case. Depositions, investigation etc. Hopefully, the client can weather all the system’s hurdles. Remember, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency no win, no recovery basis. It’s a risky commission structure where we fund the case. Without a prompt and generous recovery, we are unable to pursue justice in the “small” cases. Understandably, the economic incentive is low in small cases. This leaves you, the bicycle injury victim without a lawyer in many small cases. Sure, you can go to small claims court, without representation, with a cap of $10k. Nevertheless, I often meet for free to help TCSD members and other bicyclists prove their cases on their own. Alternatively, as warranted, you can pay an attorney a flat reasonable onetime fee to help investigate, document, and prepare a competent settlement demand letter which empowers you to negotiate on our own with the insurance companies. Then settle, if you are satisfied without having to pay out a percentage of your recovery to a lawyer. Hopefully, this article helps you understand how many lawyers view the “small” case and fight the insurance Industry giants. I’ve been doing it for over 30 years. Last point, please buy strong (500k) under/uninsured motorist coverage on your car, backed up by an underinsured/uninsured motorist umbrella rider of two million. If you or your loved one is seriously injured or killed, at least there will be compensation over and above payment of your medical bills and lost earnings. As you know, auto insurance will in most cases cover you on a bicycle. (See my article “Bicyclists Need Appropriate Insurance Coverage” – http://tinyurl.com/http-911law-com) A list of companies and their rates is found at http://tinyurl.com/911law. (We did the research for you.) Check with your own company to see if they offer the suggested coverage. Many similar self-help articles can be found on my web site to help you win. —Ride Safe, Ride Strong! continued on page 22
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BOWS: Beginners Open Water Swim
Road Mountain TT Triathlon
MARCH 2015 18
When: Every Thursday. March 19 to mid-October Coaches: Bob Cunningham, Chip Slack and Deborah Jones Where: Mission Bay - Bonita Cove Join fellow Triclubbers and seasoned swim coaches for a weekly swim clinic at Mission Bay. The TCSD Beginners Open Water Swim clinic (BOWS) helps swimmers transition from the pool to Mission Bay and then the Pacific Ocean, and become race-ready. Clinics are held at Bonita Cove, unless otherwise posted. Coaches and swimmers start gathering around 5:30 to get suited up, hear from the coach about the workout’s focus and are “Toes in the Water” by 6pm. The workout is 30 or 40 minutes long.
What do you need to start?
What will you learn at BOWS?
Each member of our volunteer team of coaches and swim buddies share one thing in common: We remember what it is like to be a beginner! Beginners also benefit getting to meet and talk with experienced triathletes. After BOWS we generally meet at a local establishment for conversation and “rehydration and calorie replenishment”, to quote BOWS head coach Ian Kelly.
Here’s a list of highlights: First, the basics: n n
n n n n
How to choose a triathlon wetsuit How to put on and take off a triathlon wetsuit Equipment care: Wetsuit, goggles, swim cap How to float vertically in a wetsuit A simple yet very efficient open-water stroke Building swim endurance
Next, triathlon-specific swim skills: n n n n n n
n n
Sighting Buoy turns Drafting Water starts Beach starts Swimming in a crowd (remember, we’re all covered in foam rubber) Water exits Ocean work such as surf entries during the TCSD Aquathlons
Finally, putting it all together: n n n n n n
n
Transition clinic Swim start race simulations 2 time-trials Your first TCSD Aquathlon Your first Sprint distance triathlon Preparation for your first TCSD Beginner’s Race Preparation for your first local race (typically Koz)
n
n
n
You must be able to swim a full pool lap (100 yards) without touching the walls. If this is a problem, attend the JCC swims until you’re ready. If you don’t yet own a triathlon wetsuit, borrow one, or rent one via the TCSD Wetsuit Rental Program. Finally, JUST SHOW UP! Most of the folks helping with BOWS learned to swim there, and never left. We’ll be there for you.
ATTENTION BOWS GRA DUT Interested
and helpin
in giving b
ES
g out as a
ack
swim budd y? You are alw ays welcom e. By lending a hand, yo u can prep aspiring tr are iathletes on th e ir incredible journey of doing their first triathlo If you are n. interested, please ema il Ian Kelly . ikell y@triclubsa
ndiego.org
TCSD’S Friday First Light
La Jolla Cove Swim By Mark Kenny
WELCOME NEW TCSD MEMBERS Miguel Arredondo Alyssa Baldini Deborah Bank Willie Banks Rongbin Cai adrian eddins Jamie Gold Melani Gordon John Harcharik Beverly Hess Katie Hosch Justin Jablonowski Melissa Le Roux
World famou s, La Jolla Co ve.
Oscar Lee Clare LeGuyader
Summary
Type: Open water ocean swim Distance: 0.5-2.0 miles to it and back Level: Intermediate Who: IM athletes to new ocean swimmers Skills: Breathing, sighting, beach entry/exit Pace: 1:30 to 2:00 min/100 pool swimmers
Location La Jolla Cove benches by the lifeguard tower Ellen Browning Scripps Park 1137 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037
History Cami Stark and I started this swim in 2008. I couldn't get to the cove from Rancho Bernardo for the Friday evening swim and wanted to swim in the winter. We came up with the name to attract early risers who had to work and wanted to get in a morning swim. We had a small but regular group the first couple of years. Then in Summer 2011 the swim really grew with up to 60 swimmers. I think the calmer conditions and lack of traffic helped. We consistently have a large group from March to October. Winter swims have smaller groups and depend on conditions.
What to Know
Leanna Lopez
There is a quarter mile and half mile buoy most off the year. We regroup on the way out but usually swim all the way back without stopping. Don’t look for the buoys; pick a spot on the hillside above the Shores and sight off the condo building on the way back. There is usually a current so you will be slower for one leg to the swim. We are very conservative on conditions since the lifeguards are not on duty during our swim. So we will cancel for fog, rain and big waves. You should be able to swim a mile in protected open water like the bay before joining us. You should also have a wetsuit that you are comfortable in. Of course we have had many great swims but I think the natural beauty of the Cove keeps people coming back. The cove is sheltered from the South swell most of the summer making entry and exit much easier than a beach. So we get a lot of first ocean swimmers. Its a great place to build confidence. Bring a swim buddy and joins us!
Rachel Marty Kyle Meggs Dan Minteer Brian Modena Andrew Palmer Elisha Phelan Alexandra Reich Julie Robinson Stephanie Scanlan Chris Sreesangkom Carrie Turner Javier Velazquez-Muriel Nancy Vesper John Woolf Benjamin Yip
WWW.TRICLUBSANDIEGO.ORG 19
Rene, continued studied videos of Rene Farallon to practice his mannerisms. Isaiah invited his brother, who could also pass as another Rene, to be his assistant. On an autumn day, over fifty Rene’s headed for South America, Africa, and Asia. Isaiah and five other Rene’s landed at an international airport on the coast of the Indian Ocean where they split up for the next three weeks, taking trains and buses to their destinations in the region. Isaiah’s town was protected from the open ocean by a spit of land that formed a bay. The town spread out along the bay shoreline. Although beachwear was acceptable by the water, both men and women wore clothes that covered their arms and legs in the central business district. Isaiah and his brother followed suit while dining, but not during sports. After several days Isaiah learned most of the residents, including the fishermen, had only rudimentary swimming skills. Bikes were for transportation, and running was not regarded as a form of exercise except when playing soccer. Every kid seemed to own a soccer ball. Although residents were curious when Isaiah swam across the bay and ran back to the center of town along the coast road, few showed interest in joining him. Triathlon was a totally foreign concept in this corner of the world. On his fifth day, dark clouds blew in and threatened rain. Isaiah
MARCH 2015 20
decided to conduct a cardio calisthenics exhibition in the central plaza, thinking some young guys would join him. He attracted a midday crowd as a number of teens and young men partook and showed off. It was his first real success. However, Isaiah didn’t know the town’s mayor was planning to give an outdoor speech that noon across the street from the plaza. He also didn’t know the mayor was livid because the townsfolk were watching the show and not listening to the speech. As Isaiah was winding up the show, the mayor, braced by two policemen, marched into the plaza. “What is your name?” the mayor demanded. “Rene Farallon.” “You are under arrest for organizing an unauthorized assembly in the plaza and for public indecency for not wearing proper clothes in our city.” With that, the two policemen handcuffed Isaiah. “Wait a minute, there’s a misunderstanding.” But Isaiah’s protests were to no avail as the police led him to the jail a block away. “Call the embassy, call Rene,” Isaiah shouted to his brother who had videoed the incident. They placed him in a cramped, foul cell with a couple of drunks. By nightfall the rain began, and the roof leaked. Phone calls from
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the US embassy didn’t help, nor did the relentless rain and winds the next day. To Isaiah’s surprise, the other five Rene’s who had flown with him arrived in his town the next afternoon just before the roads became impassable. They also tried to negotiate Isaiah’s release without success. The torrential downpours continued during Isaiah’s second night in jail where the walls swelled and groaned. Isaiah, his brother, and the other Rene’s begged for his release before the building caved in. At dawn a loud crack echoed through the building as a gust of wind sheared off part of the roof and the walls started to slump. In the rush to safety, someone unlocked the cell. Isaiah dashed outside under a veranda where the five other Rene’s and the assistants had gathered. Numerous townsfolk had also assembled and were trying to get help for the other end of town on the opposite side of the bay. Residents there were frantically calling because the mountain behind them had slumped, and the oozing river of mud from the landslide was threatening to bury them or drive them into the bay. The road around the bay was under water. All the small fishing boats near shore were flooded or sunk. Many of the docks had been ripped from their moorings by the winds, waves, and storm surge, and were meandering in the bay. Although the winds had abated and the rain was no longer torrential, the people didn’t have many options for evacuation. The six Rene’s came up with their own plan. “If we swim across the bay about a mile through the chop, we can reach some of the Boston Whaler skiffs I saw there the other day, if we can find them,” Isaiah said. “They have double hulls, so they can’t sink. We can bail them and get them to shore over there. We’ll float the boats.” They donned their wetsuits and turquoise swim caps, waded into the roiling water, and undertook their mission along with their assistants. A teenager who had participated in the cardio calisthenics demonstration with Isaiah accompanied them on a paddleboard, carrying extra bailing buckets. Once they rescued the first skiff and paddled it to shore, fishermen replaced the flooded outboard with a dry motor and scouted the bay for other Boston Whalers to bail and tow to shore. By midday a small fleet of Boston Whalers was ferrying the trapped people around the tongue of flowing mud that had encroached on the bay. One of the problems was the residents wanted to take scores of goats on the skiffs for the quarter-mile ride to safer ground, but they were running out of time to get the people to safety. “We’ve got to float the goats and let them swim,” Isaiah told the teenager who had been helping all morning. “Ask the people to round up soccer balls and tie them in pieces of fishnet, then secure them as flotation vests on the goats.” “Good idea,” the boy said, and he set off on his task. Before long, men and boys on paddleboards led groups of goats bobbing with soccer balls and secured with lead ropes as they swam in the bay around the mudflow. The six Rene’s continued on page 22
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Rene, continued
TCSD MEMBER PROFILE, cont. My equipment: Wetsuit: Zoot Bike: Felt B2 Shoe: Zoot Equipment wish list: Aor off-season training, a 2014 Salsa Beargrease carbon fatbike. For off-season lack of training, a Stromer E-bike. Best advice: Get your mind out of your body's way. For years, there have been things that I was too afraid or didn't have the confidence to try. I'm really trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself as I get older.. Favorite Thing(s) About TCSD: The camaraderie and the group workouts, especially the swims! he meetings and the SWAG and the guest speakers and BOB (Bob Babbit)!
remained in the water to coax any tethered goats that balked at the idea. Within a few hours all the people, goats, and other pets were muddy but safe. Isaiah found the boy who had helped all day and patted him on the shoulder. “We did it.” “How did you know to make flotation jackets with soccer balls?” he asked. Isaiah shrugged. “Our sport makes us inventive, especially when we’re miles from home and something goes wrong.” “I want to be Rene Farallon too when I’m older.” Isaiah smiled. “You will be.” Fishermen returned the Rene’s to a landing near the town center where Isaiah showered, ate, and slept like a proverbial log in his hotel room. The rain and winds had stopped during the night, and he awoke to sunlight streaming between breaking clouds. The six Rene’s and their assistants decided to return to the other side of the bay to help with the clean-up efforts now that the mudflow had subsided. They wore the team’s turquoise t-shirts and caps. A stranger would have found it hard to tell them apart. After they slogged four miles on the coast road, they dug, swept, and mopped out silt and debris from shops and cafes close to the bay. While they worked, a news team in a helicopter hovered for aerial pictures before landing to take footage on the ground. Isaiah spied the teenager who had helped him the previous day. “Hey, I’ve got something for you.” He reached into his day pack, retrieved a turquoise cap with ‘Rene’ printed on it, and handed it to the boy. “I’ve got extras.” The boy beamed as he put it on. “Thanks!” Shortly after noon a truck arrived carrying two policemen and the mayor. The mayor toured the damaged properties before returning to the
truck where a crowd of about a hundred people had gathered to hear him speak. The mayor promised help to clean up the mud and prevent further mudslides. Then he stopped and scanned the faces in the crowd. “Which one of you is Rene Farallon? You are still under arrest and you need to return with me to police custody.” The six Rene’s looked at each other before simultaneously stepping forward. “I’m Rene Farallon,” they said almost in unison. The mayor glared at them. The six assistants momentarily lowered their cameras. “I’m Rene Farallon,” they each said. The mayor scanned each face, still glaring. “I’m Rene Farallon,” the teenager with the turquoise cap said. One by one, and then in groups, men and women in the crowd stepped forward, declaring, “I’m Rene Farallon.” The mayor fumed. A few mud-caked goats wandered into the crowd. When the teenager hung his cap on the horns of one of them, it bleated. “He’s Rene Farallon too,” the boy said. The crowd laughed. One of the policemen covered his mouth to hide his smile while the other averted his face so the mayor couldn’t see it. The mayor turned crimson. “You won’t get away with this,” he vowed as he stomped into the truck. Isaiah turned to his brother at the edge of the crowd to see if he had videoed the encounter. His brother gave him the thumbs-up signal and pointed to the news cameras behind the crowd that had captured the moment as well. “Rene Farallon won’t be just a legend like Santa Claus, he’ll be global in the news,” Isaiah said to the teenager. “I think he’s better than Santa,” the boy said. “He’s real.”
It’s The Law, continued Mr. Duquette has 30 years of Experience serving the Bicycling Community and has successfully settled and tried to Jury Verdict numerous cases. Visit www.911law.com for informative articles on
MARCH 2015 22
Bicyclist Rights or give him a call at (760) 7300500, as he’s always happy to discuss your case free of charge.
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Unique Summer Camp ––––––––– Limited to first 16 Lucky Kids ––––––––– Experienced,USAT certified coach ––––––––––
2015 SUMMER KIDS TRIATHLON CAMP July 21 & July 23 (8am–5:30pm) July 26 (8am–11am) USAT-sanctioned 3-day event organized by experienced USAT Certified Coach Judi Carbary. (1 day, Sunday, July 26, AM only – option for experienced youth triathletes only) Your 6-15 year old child will have a memorable summer swimming, cycling, running and having fun in beautiful South Shores Park, Mission Bay, San Diego. Open to all levels. USAT youth membership required. Register now at: www.triuscoaching.com/ triuscoaching-kids-summer-tri-camp/ for more information contact: jcarbary@gmail.com
3 Fun Days of Swimming, Cycling and Running & much more fun!
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Triathlon Club of San Diego P.O. Box 504366 San Diego, CA 92150 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED