The biathlon range is now closed for the season. The one positive is we should be able to get it opened for summer use earlier than in the past few years.
Well, saying it’s been an interesting winter would be an understatement. While the weather was at times almost tropical (based on the Hawaiian shirts at some races), I’m thankful for the season that we did have. We raced, actually a lot, and that’s more than some of our neighboring clubs were able to do. Snow conditions, while not super smooth corduroy, were enough (I would actually say outstanding given what the grooming team had to work with) to let us come out and have some fun, and for many more dates than I would have bet possible. So thanks to everyone for making this the best racing-in-shorts, pass-the-sunscreen season possible and for going with the flow on alternate race courses, adoption of new BRS and RSO certifications, and the many twists and turns along the way.
While it was a challenging season as racers, it was even more challenging for our volunteers so give them a handshake and pat on the back for all of their hard work. In addition to the highly visible work at races, a large number of people worked behind the scenes preparing for races which ultimately were cancelled or helped to make races possible but they themselves weren’t able to come join us at all this season. So, a big thank you to everyone who helped make our season possible. Our competition and range chiefs, everyone who helped with timing, the team in our Competition Office who kept registration humming along, our snow shoveling trail angels, scoring sticker scribes, the early arrivers and late leavers who help get the range ready and put away, enthusiastic sticker runners, and anyone who answered ‘yes’ to those “hey, could you…” questions comp chiefs often ask.
With all of the craziness this winter one thing did slip through the cracks – I didn’t have time to put together an update on our Big Dig range upgrade plan to share and talk with you about at our races. Don’t worry, the dream is still alive and I plan to catch everyone up on the latest later this spring.
When I look back on this season, what I’ll remember is not the lost race dates or shortened courses, but that we rallied together and found a way to biathlon, that we cheered each other on, that many new people took on important volunteer roles, and that we had a good cohort of new biathletes joining us.
Thanks for making it a memorable season and let’s all set a calendar reminder to start our snow dances a little earlier on Labor Day this year 🙂
– Brent, Colorado Biathlon Club
