No more summer- Kona memories

i've been back from kona for 10 days. Summer seems like it's gone for 2009. Milwaukee has been mostly grey and cool. Here's looking back a few more images from the trip.


Of course the obligatory sunset-from-the-balacony photo. Every year I post the exact same photo. That tells you something about the weather there. It's always the same for the most part. It must be boring to be the local weather man.



This year was the first time I've ridden the course up to the Havi turnaround point. No that's not my bike I'm holding. I wouldn't be riding a tri-bike. Riding the course gave us all a new perspective on the race. In a car you don't notice the undulations in the road. It's not exactly flat. This ride was one of my top 20 rides I've done. We didn't turn around in Havi but took the right which climbs and climbs and climbs and climbs. Right Keith? While it was not actually my birthday that day, I considered it my b-day ride. To me, there is no other way to celebrate a birthday than a ride with good friends. I don't really care for typical birthday celebrations. Thanks to Brett, "the Schultz", and Special K for being there with your bikes this year. We got to do it again next year in the other direction maybe.


The beach. Playing in the waves turns you into an instant 8 year old. Until that huge wave comes along to pumble you into the sand.


Would you believe this bike received a lot more attention than expected. It's a small replica of our team bikes that Mark Andrews from Trek made as a side project for his 6 year daughter. He showed me pictures of her OCLV singlespeed bike too. What a cool dad and what a cool job.


Now you must remember this is what we do for a living. I was working in Kona. For example, networking is a popular activity in our industry. It might look like an evening spent next to the ocean with an open bar and delicious finger food but its getting the job done. Are we witnessing a big deal going down here? Brian from Sugoi, Bill from WTC, and the boss from Team Sports.


See! I'm working race morning along with Chris Davidson (Zoot Sports)


Women's Champ, Chrissie Wellington, at the finish line that night greeting Ironman finishers. Some of those people were shocked to get that honor. Class act!


The Champs. Craig Alexander and Chrissie Wellington.



Timex Athletes are class act folks too.

Mahalo for reading,

DJB

Ironman Spirit

Hey,

Spending my last night in Kona. It's been a nice trip again. Sometimes I have to remind myself that even though I'm working it's not all bad. I could be sitting in an office somewhere pushing papers around. I'm pretty blessed to work with some great friends. I was going through some videos I took of the finish line and thought I'd share some with you before I left the island.

The Ironman is not like many others races. In many ways it is really much more than who won and who was the fastest. Many people have no dreams of winning but doing the best they can with what the day gives them. The whole family atmosphere is addicting. Especially the last three hours of the race.


A huge crowd assembles around the finish line to cheer on the remaining finishers that have been out there for 15, 16, and 17 hours. Its electric I tell ya!


I know of no other type of race that cheers on the last official finisher. The cutoff is 17 hours and this guy was brought home by the cheering crowd with less than a minute to spare.


While some may not make the official cutoff time, the Ironman family of finishers will still cheer for you. Wow! This guy was the winner of the "Biggest Loser" tv show and wanted to prove to himself he could do an Ironman.


Some folks push themselves to the limit just to finish. What other event are you greeted by a world champion at midnight? Craig Alexander and Chrissy Wellington were the big pro winners that day and both showed up to honor the heart and soul of the Ironman spirit. For several hours they placed finishing leis around athletes necks. It was awesome to see people's expressions as they were presented with a lei and hug from Chrissy. Many couldn't believe their eyes that she was taking the time to care about their finish. They both seem to be class acts.


The island spirit is all over the island. You can sense it all week, so it is fitting to end the race day with a prayer. Thousands of people in hushed silence and reflection on what the day has been. For the athletes it might have been about their personal race and what it took to get there. Families reflecting on loved ones support. New friendships formed in the heat of battle. It is really something that is good in the world... this Ironman stuff.


Just in case you didn't follow it race day here is Chrissie's finish line.

Alright then. Off to bed. i'll have some more Kona pictures sometime this week to post up so check back again.

Aloha! Mahalo!

Read Linsey's blog by clicking right here

Kona has been hot. You pretty much stand around in the expo hoping to catch an ocean breeze. Any sort of breeze will do.

Here is a humorous blog entry from Linsey Corbin. She and her husband Chris are some of the best people I know and she has a great perspective on being a pro triathlete. I even made her photo montage. Click on my blog entry title. Yes, the one proclaiming in green letters to click here. I couldn't figure out how to make the link work but somehow I did it so you click on the blog title.

While I'll be cheering for many people on race day, Linsey is one gal we will be rooting for to have a great day out there.

MAHALO!

DJB

KONA BOUND

Aloha! Heading off to Hawaii. Land of great sunsets and daily Lava Java Milkshakes. This will be my office view for the week.