By Mike Maltais
The second annual Methow Valley Off-Road Duathlon, a bike and run hosted by the North Cascades Mountain Hostel, will get underway at 9 a.m. on Sept. 28 at Sun Mountain.
The Duathlon includes a challenging 40-kilometer mountain bike leg followed by a 10K trail run through the aspen and pine forests above Patterson Lake, starting and ending at the Chickadee trailhead.
Racers have the option to participate as individuals for $40 or in teams of two for $75. Competitors can register online at www.databarevents.com. Registration includes prizes and an after-race party featuring free local micro-brews and gourmet foods.
Early packet/bib pickup, registration, and free spaghetti dinner will also be available from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 27 at North Cascades Mountain Hostel, 209 Castle Ave., Winthrop.
Race shirts can be purchased for an additional $15.
Race participants and their families are eligible to receive 10 percent off of their stay at North Cascades Mountain Hostel.
The Duathlon was postponed for a month last year owing to heavy smoke in the valley from nearby forest fires. When the event did take place in late October, John Spaude of Winthrop grabbed first place with a time of 3 hours, 5 minutes, 49 seconds. Casey Perry of Twisp came in second in 3:34:36.
North Cascades Mountain Hostel also hosts a spring event, the Methow Valley Winter Triathlon, comprised of a 17.2K bike race, 10.7K cross country ski, and 7.5K run.
For more information contact Paul Smotherman, race director, at (206) 940-4507 or (509) 699-0568, or email paul@ncascadesmtnhostel.com.
