Bike/Boat/Bog Triathlon 1994

A Triathlon...The Rugged Way!

by Stephen Hlawaty/Outdoor Adventure Magazine - June 1994

Maybe you thought that the uproariously funny and fast-paced antics of the racers rallying their vehicles across the wilds of Africa in Hal Needham's Cannonball Run went out with the loss of Burt Reynolds' hair, but Bill Burke, operator of 4-Wheeling America, has gathered a number of creatively resourceful and fun-loving teams from all over the United States and Canada participate in this year's second annual Colorado Superwinch Safari Triathlon to be held Friday to Sunday, June 24-26, at Horsetooth Reservoir and Roosevelt National Forest (Colorado). He based this event on his experiences from his participation in the 1991 Camel Trophy (Africa).

To simulate a real jungle safari, the competitors are required to be totally self-sufficient. All teams must carry their own food, fuel, tools, and supplies. Minimum team size is 2; maximum is 4. To foster camaraderie and sportsmanship, borrowing equipment from fellow competitors is permitted; however, outside assistance of any kind results in immediate disqualification.

Relying on their navigation and endurance skills, the teams must successfully complete each of the three unique sections of the rally: 4-wheeling, canoeing, and mountain biking.

The 4-wheeling travel covers about 200 miles of rugged, off-road and, sometimes, impassable terrain. This part of the event is divided into two stages: special and transition.

In the special stage, body and machine are put to the test by thick, stew-like mud, neck-wrenching steps, bone-chilling water, and long, obstinate logs lying across narrow trails -- "So they get confused," Bill admits laughingly. This stage will involve a night run and a closed, high-speed run.

Transition stages are conducted at low speeds, averaging 10-15 mph, and are therefore judged on the navigator's ability to go the distance within a prescribed time. Competitors must follow a set of trail instructions, with frequent checkpoints to ensure compliance.

The canoeing portion covers about 8 miles. Competitors are required to race across Horsetooth Reservoir and back. Although this part of the race is not as technical as the 4x4 travel, the waters of Horsetooth Reservoir at this time of year will be plenty cold. The entire team must fit into one canoe, and each competitor must carry his or her own flotation device. The canoe must remain with its 4x4 vehicle at all times (except when in use).

The last part of this safari adventure entails mountain biking approximately eight miles on rugged mountain terrain. This will be a team-timed event (the team score is the average time of all the members of the team). Every competitor must ride his or her own bicycle. To ensure safety, helmets are required.

The triathlon will begin with a technical inspection of all vehicles on Friday, June 24, at the Fort Collins 4x4 Performance Center, 1101 N. College Avenue from 2 to 5:30p.m. The actual event begins Saturday, June 25, at 7a.m. The competitors will kick off the rally at College and Mountain, with a staggered start at two-minute intervals.

At 8 a.m., the canoeing section begins at the north end of Horsetooth Reservoir. The canoeing includes two portages. Immediately thereafter, competitors will rally with their 4x4 vehicles on Green Ridge Trail, north of Chambers Lake off SR 14. Viewing will be along the bog areas and the upper Twin Lakes area.

After a brief dinner, the competitors will set out for their night rally at Bald Mountain; this rally is closed to viewing. With a minimal amount of sleep, the competitors will rally their vehicles east toward Red Feather, where they will mount their bicycles and set out for the 7-Mile and Swamp Creek cut-off late Sunday morning.

After the biking section, competitors will once again rally with their 4x4 vehicles along Kelly Flats Trail from Rustic to Kelly Flats Campground. The Awards Banquet will be held at the County Cork Pub & Restaurant in Fort Collins, CO. The top three teams will receive cash awards and a trophy (1st place, $1,900; 2nd place, $1,125; 3rd place, $775). A "Team Spirit Award," voted on by the competitors and the Marshals, will be presented to the team that displays the greatest camaraderie, sportsmanship, and attitude.

By strictly adhering to the guidelines set out by Tread Lightly, a non-profit organization that promotes proper trail use, Bill Burke and the 1994 Colorado Superwinch Safari Triathlon pledge a commitment to the environment.

See pictures and read more about this event at Colorado Bike Boat Bog.

Bill Burke is an internationally recognized trainer who teaches back country driving techniques, winching/extrication methods, vehicle preparation and maintenance, land navigation and woods' skills through classes, private training, trainer and trail leader courses, and back country trips to individuals, families, groups, clubs, vehicle manufacturers/dealers, tour operators, government agencies and all companies that use 4WD vehicles in their operations. Environmental awareness and trail etiquette are taught on every outing.