March 2021 Strider

group trail runs begin again
23 Mar, 2021

t h e   s t r i d e r

NEWS LETTER of/from The Mesa-Monument Striders

In this issue:  annual financial balance sheet(s) and other pertinent info!

Danni Holman 8th Woman at “Red Hot” 55k!  Ryan Guldan 7th over-all in “Red Hot” 33k!

R.I.P. Warren Bystedt

Please check your mailing label for your membership expiration date. If you are expired and we hope willing to renew, you can easily do so online at mesamonumentstriders.com or you can mail in a check to Striders, PO Box 3685, GJ, CO 81502

Membership is still cheap! Individual $20, Family $25.

Thanks to Conrad Cole, John Panozzo, George Salazar, Larry Ingram, Karla Nephew, and Tommy Toast for contributions to this issue

MMS Directors meetings -->  November 11, “Zoom”ed, of course.  Most Directors in (virtual) attendance.  Martin asked “will CMU install lights at the new track?”  Karla announced that the (new) T-shirts are done – and are available for $20 each.  Conjuring up a new calendar was “iffy” then (and continues to be, now, later February 2021) so, of course, do call/check with whatever race contact(s) before trying to attend an event.  Martin:  our (MMS) website is linked with GMNC and he intends to facilitate eventual online race registration (“ecommerce”).  Larry reminded us that in future newsletters and emails, mention to our membership/readership that we could use last year’s calendar as a “guide” for contacts and approximate dates.

            Martin:  the Cameo Shooting Complex might put in trails? – possibly for Biathlons.  They (the Shootin’ Complex) have built (to Olympic specs) a Biathlon Stage.  According to Mr. W, there are “a couple” Biathletes in our area involved with the Complex.  A possible Biathlon could have a mile loop adjacent to the B. Stage – run 3 times for a 5k.  Martin will continue to investigate this and report back.  He is impressed with the Complex as it is considered to be the 2nd-best shooting complex in the U.S.  Approx. $11M went into the budget for the facility.

            Corey summarizes the GVTA situation:  “we decided to pause trail work days for the remainder of the year due to COVID. We will evaluate again in the new year and can hopefully resume!”

            And … THANKS! To the MMSMembership in regards stepping up to volunteer for last fall’s High-School Cross-Country timing.

           

February 16 Meeting:  All directors (except one) were, virtually, present.  Corey had previously informed us that the GVTA (Grand Valley Trails Alliance) has, for the time being, postponed meetings and “trail work days”.  The Palisade Plunge is “done” but not “open” – but there should be an official Opening later this spring?  A “significant” number of our Members are (in the sense of up-to-date dues) “expired.”  Again, consider the ONLINE RENEWAL Option.

As you will notice elsewhere in this newsletter, we shared memories of Warren Bystedt. Possibly the only negative comment was that he was a “master of cutting corners.” (I don’t know about road races, but there are some trail-run courses one could shorten, a bunch). 

            The (Mike the) Headless 5k (and the whole festival?) has been postponed ‘til this fall.  We discussed other (tentative) races – the Grand Mesa Ultras (middle of summer) and the upcoming Widowmaker runs – of which we appreciate that Paul Wubben conducted those runs for all these years but he has just relinquished Race-Directorship -- and Tom Ela might be “the (Widowmaker) guy” for the time being.  Pi Day run? (March 14, could start @ 3:14 in the afternoon! And that day is “Leap Forward” (daylite-savings or un-savings) besides.  Director-Doctor Andy W. expressed “some” optimism that the Covid situation could “diminish” … soon.  Soon enough to re-inaugurate the thrice-weekly MMS group runs by March 15?  Tentative, but we discussed the possibility.

           

            MMS members can access the following for running-related “special deals” à

Striders special deals page: https://www.mesamonumentstriders.com/specialdeals
Password: Striders2021
     Or go to the website and look for "Special Deals" under the "Contact" menu item and login with the password. These deals are for members only so the password should not be shared.

           

The M M S Directors, currently, are:

KARLA NEPHEW – President (& Jaguar-Timing-System).

ANDY WINNEFELD – Vice-President (& frequent medical insight).

TOM ELA – Membership (among many other things).    CONRAD COLE – Treasurer.

ROSCO BETUNADA – interim temporary acting Secretary, Newsletter.

LARRY INGRAM -- Calendar, Race Director Consultant.  MARTIN WIESIOLEK -- Web Site &.

SHERYL DOUGLAS (former President).   COREY HINMAN (GVTA Liason).

K M (mystery occasional semi-secret agent), consultant on any-&-everything.

If you already haven’t, CHECK THE (still) NEW UPGRADED website !

Cover your dome with a new Striders trucker cap! Yes, you've seen them on the heads of Striders and now you can get the new updated version for only $15. Contact Tom, [email protected] or text/call 970-773-3124    

For submissions for next newsletter:  Email articles to [email protected]

Doesn’t have to be a ‘submission’!  Let me know of O-missions, etc.

or ‘regular’ mail to MMS, c/o Betunada, 230 Sunset Hills, Grand Jct., CO  81503

MESA MONUMENT STRIDERS website:  http://www.mesamonumentstriders.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Mesa-Monument-Striders/282653486288

  • Questions about Grand-Valley-Trail Alliance? Reach out to Corey at 707-933-6328 or [email protected] with trail work or GVTA-related questions or eventual trail crew leader training.

C A L E N D A R !

Note: all phone numbers “970” unless indicated otherwise

Some “local” runs which have a good chance of actually being conducted à

3/14

Pi Day Run

TBD

Who doesn’t like a reason to get together, run and eat pie?

4/3

Widowmaker 7 & 11 Mile

Little Park Rd Trailhead

Challenging self-supported single track trail run with considerable downhill in the first half that has to be regained

5/29

Garfield Grumble

Mt. Garfield Trailhead

The world famous “Summit and Plummet”

6/27

Turkey Flats

Glade Park

Run through aspen groves, lush meadows, pine forest and often a mud hole or two

7/18

Crag Crest

Grand Mesa

Scenic singletrack loop on top of Grand Mesa

The GMNC has cross-country ski events scheduled:

            Skyway Skuffle, freestyle 15K/5K, Saturday Feb 20

            Mesa Meltdown, freestyle 20K/5K, Sun Mar 21 – for both of these you can also contact Tom Ela ([email protected] or 970-773-3124   www.gmnc.org

And runs not-necessarily local which are “on” – there are entrant-limits, several events may have reached the limit so definitely call/check/ before you commit …

Just today (Feb. 16 or 17) MadMoose informed us that “Last night, Grand County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a new special events ordinance that will allow us to host additional runners at Behind the Rocks Ultra and Canyonlands Half Marathon. We have opened those spots on UltraSignup. Once these sell out, we will not allow additional runners.”  The Canyonlands is not that far in the future so anyone wanting “in” should contact them SOON.  And the Beyond the Rocks is also pretty soon.

Saturday, Mar 20, Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5-Mile
Saturday, Mar 27, Behind the Rocks Ultras, 50-Mile, 50K, 30K, 10-Mile

madmooseevents.com  Get signed up for the Amasa Back in April (OR the Gemini Adventures Fruita Trail Running Festival the same weekend)

Registration opened for the Desert Rats Trail Running Festival, April 16-18, and though the entrant limit seems to have been reached, you can still get on the “wait list”.  Distances are 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K options on our beloved Kokopelli Trail system.
***Please note that if you chose to rollover your cancelled 2020 entry you MUST still register on Ultrasignup for 2021. If the races sell out and you haven't officially registered you will miss out on the event!***   
https://geminiadventures.com/trail-running-festival/

New chance for distance running in Delta!   Saturday, April 24
Smith Mountain Ultra 20/40 Miler   Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area east of Delta

https://www.facebook.com/events/712319536309073

Good Triathlon news! Alpha Win Triathlon Series, the new name for HITS, is returning to Highline Lake on June 12 with Sprint, Olympic and 70.3 distances. It's great to have another local tri opportunity! https://alpha.win/event/grand-junction-colorado/

There are several events which are “a go” in the Steamboat Springs area (runningseries.com)

            May 1, Hayden Cog 8-mile and 5k                June 19, Howelsen Trail runs, 8- & 4-miles

July 25, Spring Creek 9.5-mile & 5k Trail runs         August 21, Continental Divide Trail (experiences): 50k, 16-mile, & 5-mile.  And that’s just until Fall.  The website lists other events in the SS area.
 

Group training run every Monday,  6 PM - Come run if you're willing to stay outside!
Copper Club, Aspen St, Fruita
Bring layers! We will be gathering outside.  We run in all conditions. Like the Thursday night group, this is casual and all abilities are welcome. We have a 5-6 mile standard loop but there are various shorter options to choose from.     Tom 970-773-3124 

Group training run every Thursday,  6 PM - Come run if you're willing to stay outside!
Handlebar on the corner of Monument Rd and Broadway.  We'll be out there rain or shine. As always, this is casual and all shapes and speeds are welcome with various routes to choose from. We'll look out for you.  Questions: Tom 970-773-3124

Group training run every Sunday,  8:30 AM - Come run if you're willing to stay outside!
TrailHead Coffee Shop on Monument Road.  Route(s) decided by group at start with trail and paved options.

      

For more info, pictures and posts:   www.mesamonumentstriders.com/
www.facebook.com/pages/Mesa-Monument-Striders/282653486288 

MORE running websites:

sjmr.club ( SJMR )    San Juan Mountain Runners, 631 S. 2nd Street, Montrose, CO  81401  

West Colorado GIRLS ON THE RUN:  gotrwesterncolorado.org 

Steamboat Springs:  www.runningseries.com – this site should show all you need to know about most (or all!) the Steamboat-area races.  Get on their e-mailing list!

   rrca.org (road runners clubs of america)  and   colorado runner:  www.coloradorunnermag.com

Support the underwriters / sponsors of the MESA-MONUMENT STRIDERS:

 

The following:  Summit Canyon Mountaineering, ALPINE AUTO-HAUS, the FOOT SUPPORT GROUP, WEBCREATE.COM, and Dr. Andy Mohler, family practice, have assisted in keeping membership costs lower than they could be. 

And:  they support running in the Grand Valley (& elsewhere).  Support them if you can!

ALPINE AUTO-HAUS, 539 BOGART LANE – (970) 248-8004

Consider this auto-repair/servicing shop – especially for your Audi or BMW or VW or MINI ~

FOOT SUPPORT GROUP  Foot/gait/orthotics/bracing/modification specialists 

“European Craftsmanship – Biomechanical Design”  3212 F Road, Clifton, CO  81520

888-242-3881     or, in the 970 area code:  434-2727  

Summit Canyon Mountaineering  461 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501   (970) 243-2847 

Dr. Andy Mohler, family practitioner – with the Primary Care Partners PC, 3150 N. 12th (G.J., 81506), 245-1220

WEBCREATE.COM – just as it appears:  need help with your website? [email protected]

If any reader (or, heck, even if YOU DON’T READ this) has somewhat pertinent photos of local or even remotely related to local-running photos, consider sending them in to website/facebook, and maybe even [email protected]

   Congratulations to everyone that went big at the Arches Ultras Saturday (Jan. 30). Kudos to Strider Tracy Thelen, first female Master in the 50K! Striders Mark Leistico, Karla Nephew and Hannah Holm also got happy(?) 50Ks completed. 

   It was an impressive day for the women. Sarah Cummings of Park City won the 50-Miler outright with a big gap.  Five of the top eight 50K finishers were women including 2nd and 3rd overall. Those 5 were a club of gazelles from San Francisco up from sea level to crush it!

               There were 4 separate races in this year’s Arches Ultras.  59 runners survived the 50-miler, paced by Ms. Cummings, 6:54:17. This time is like running 2 marathons each under 3:30. Men’s winner was almost 40 minutes back! (Matthew Meyer from Astoria, N.Y.)  The 2nd-woman was also from New York.  In 8th place was Ryan Wisler (Montrose), 8:37:14.

               The 50k was a bit more popular (101 finished), paced by Conner Cobb (age 26 from Falmouth, MA.  Neat how these races draw participants from “all over”) – 3:56:08.  Next finisher was Lizzy Gregory (28, one of “those SFCal gazzelles”), 4:07:52.  Ms. Thelen (first woman master) had 5:04:02 of fun.  Evan Rich (also from G.J.) was 45th, 5:44:47; Mark L was 52nd, Karla 26th woman and Hannah had about 8 ½ hours of … yeah, fun.

                

The MadMoose Moab “Red Hot” Ultra Trail Races were held on February 13.  125 stalwarts completed the 55k, led by Anthony Costales (SLC, age 32) in 3:40:02.  In 3rd was Gordon Gianny (Gunnison CO), 4:10:31.  Meredith Edwards (Durango age 36) was first lady, 10th over-all, 4:42:36.  DANNI HOLMAN (G.J.) was 39th and 8th female, 5:57:58; and Ann Hollis (Olathe 33) was 33rd woman with 7:43:22 of fun.  IN THE 33K (89 survivors) winning times were 2:06:03 (Josh Ebberly, Gunnison, just-turned Master – 40) and 4th-over-all Brittany Charboneau (Denver, 32) paced the women with 2:18:49.  RYAN GULDAN (G.J., 37) was 7th over-all, 2:50:53.  Other local finishers were Tara Carone (Palisade), 7th woman (22nd over-all) in 3:10:52; and Kayla Blackmer (G.J.) 22nd female, 4:03:22.

Having both survived this year's Bang’s Canyon 30K, two Striders doubled down and completed the Black Canyon 60K in Black Canyon City, Arizona on Valentine's Day – in 117th place, Sean Cotter 8:17:44 and in 170th place (66th female) Nicci Sturrock 9:28:58 66

            Fantastic work, Nicci and Sean!!!

WARREN BYSTEDT

Striders have lost one of our beloved old-timers, Warren Bystedt.

Looking back on the memories of Warren, I can only remember a man who loved to run. He shared his love of the endeavor at every event he ran with an infectious smile that could not be denied. 

Long may you run, Warren.   - Bernie Boettcher , email 2/12/2021

While stuffing my face [following the 2011 Mike the Headless Chicken 5K] I listened to the 81 year old Warren talking. He was excited and enthused about life in general although he wasn’t trying to impress anyone. He was just talking. Unknowingly he was offering a lesson of hope for all who happened to listen.  - Liz Norris from the July 2011 Strider Newsletter

I found in the April 2013 Strider Newsletter that Warren, paired with Paul Hughes and Conrad Cole, comprised the First Place team in the Tortoise and Hare 6-Mile Relay On that day Larry noted that Warren was coming back from injury and had also run the 2013 Valentines Massacre 5K. I didn’t have time to research further, but the 82-year old Warren at that time had been fighting injuries, maybe broken bones. It was sometime after that on the same course, likely that same year but maybe later, that Warren was just running along and one of his brittle leg bones just snapped. We had to go rescue him and whisk him off to the hospital. I believe that was Warren’s last race. He was amazingly tough but his doctor insisted that he give it up. Worried about his fragility, I know in the Winter when there was snow and ice, Warren was known to run laps around the inside of his garage. That was tough and dedicated!

Back when I was running well and Warren was running well, I often found to my dismay that I was dueling with a runner 20 years my senior in various races. He was always near the top of his age group usually first. I found in the all-time Bolder Boulder 10K results that Warren is in the top ten of Age Groups 71-77 as follows: 6th (71), 4th (72), 3rd (73), 2nd (74), 2nd (75). 6th (76) and 3rd (77). During that stretch, his best time was 47:11 at age 72. Impressive!

Yes, Warren was talented, tenacious and competitive but always gracious, encouraging and enthusiastic. Yes, Warren, we have missed you since you disappeared from running. Yes, Warren, long may you run!

  • Tom Ela

Warren was an all-around great guy and indeed a good, fast runner! Many years ago when Warren had just moved to GJ and I, as a member of The Strider News Letter staff, was given the assignment to interview this exceptional runner and new member of the club. He was always winning his age group and would be in the top 10 of the over-all finishers with ease even though he was not familiar with running in altitude! The problem was that I could not keep up with Warren on his 'cool down run' after competing in a race to do the interview, he was just too fast!

            I did beat Warren once when he got a little lost in a darkened New Years Eve race here in town. He actually recovered from his missed turns and was about to pass me near the finish line when he stopped and directed me to cross the finish line before he did ! He said that if he hadn't spotted me he would have never found the finish line! 

            Warren always had a smile on his face (except when talking politics) and was a very thoughtful person that you loved to be around! He once gave me a pair of running shoes because he told me that my pair had too many miles on them and were all wore out! 

            Rest In Peace Warren, we all are going to miss you very much!  -- John P 

Warren was quite the competitor.  He moved here in 1990 from Davenport, IA and we met up later at the annual Gould Gallup10k in 1991.  Warren was 61 at that time and it took me at least another 4 or 5 years before I could beat him.  From there on out it was whoever was having the better day would win the next race.  One of the more memorable times I almost beat him was at Canyonlands 1/2 Marathon.  I was leading the whole way until we reached US Highway 91 two miles from the finish line when Warren caught me - asking while he passed, "YOU'RE NOT GONNA LET AN OLD FART BEAT YA, ARE YOU?"  I had nothing left, he beat me, again!!  He taught me a lot about running, one and probably the most important advice was pacing myself throughout the race, especially at the start.

            Another race Warren invited me to was the BIX7 in Davenport, IA.  There I got to see the best, like Bill Rodgers and Meb Keflezighi and yes, Warren Bystedt.  Warren won his age group and was the guy to beat in the citizen's race, always being invited back with the race entry fee waived.  And, I will remember yet another amazing race Warren ran every year, the Bolder Boulder 10k.  I remember the first year I ran we were both in group A when Warren won his age group.  It was quite often, at any race, that he would be the one to beat in his age group.

            After completing a race or training run, we would celebrate the workout with breakfast.  It's hard to believe he's gone, but the memories will remain.  He will be missed!  RIP Warren!

(Thanks, George S., for this remembrance)

Just in one race alone (Valentine’s “Massacre” Beverage-Prediction 3-mile) – Warren set the 60-64 age group record in 1991 (19:21); the 70+ age group record in 2002 (21:54) and the 80+ in 2011 (27:56).  He also had a perfect 0-seconds spot on prediction win in 2001.  This may have happened more than once, but he won the 60-69 age group OUTRIGHT in the Bolder-Boulder one year.

Strider Rhonda Jones is running a fascinating race at the end of September, the Grand Circle Trailfest. It includes 3 straight days of trail running in 3 National Parks, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Horseshoe Bend. It looks fabulous! Rhonda is trying to raise $$ for her entry. If you'd like to help her out, follow this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/38514/Donate/xRLALo0AuJ2hhwEp
You can click through that link to find race details as well.

Karla N reports on the “Unofficial 2021 Bang’s Canyon World Championships 30k and/or 60k:  Sean, Nikki, Andrey and I set out on our attempt at the "2021 Unofficial Bangs Canyon World Championships" with smiles, laughs, and a pledge to stick together throughout the day to ensure everyone returned safely.  Making a wrong turn almost immediately from the start, we earned an extra credit mile, but as luck would have it, the course was nearly snow free, making it slightly less of sufferfest despite the initial wrong turn. A few miles in, we came upon Sheryl and Conrad doing their own loop from Bang's Canyon to Third Flats road.  We shared hellos and carried on.  Getting to the river is always the easier part.  We were slightly concerned about the mud situation down at the river, but again, the trail was great!  Snow or no snow, Windmill Hill is always a challenge. We ran when we could, walked when we had to, and made a great morning of it! We all finished, slightly less smiley, but glad to have taken on the challenge! 

Treasurer’s Blurb -- Year Ending 12/31/2020

When the Pandemic first arrived in the United States, it seemed like a disaster for the Club from a financial standpoint. We had become accustomed during the past decade making our money by timing races. The price of memberships had not gone up for many years. They also didn’t quite cover producing a newsletter and our membership in the RRCA which also provides liability insurance.

So, what were we going to do with no races to time during the Stay-at-Home Order from the state?  It was the courageous attitude and diligent work of our President Karla Nephew and Membership Director Tom Ela who landed the contract to time the High School Cross Country Meets that saved the year! We must also thank Robb Reece, cross country coach at Palisade High School for making the connection to District 51.

As it were, we brought in $2,941.12 more than we spent in 2020. Not spending much wasn’t that hard since we only produced three newsletters last year. After Bang’s, Appleton and Valentine Massacre, only four low key races were held: Turkey Flats, Crag Crest, Breaking Bad, and Run to Whitewater.

Among our expenses was the implementation of our new website. Many thanks to Martin W. for a super professional job and discounting the cost a great deal. New and renewing members can sign up anytime day or night.

Thanks to the volunteers who plugged in to make the above things happen. It is certainly expected that with the vaccine out, that we will be able to resume normal activities once again. And, membership should increase once we are able to get together and chat things up.

Conrad

MESA-MONUMENT STRIDERS INC – BALANCE SHEET

As of January 2, 2021

ASSETS – Current Assets – Checking/Savings – Mesa-Monument Striders Inc.            $7,558.06

            Total Checking/Savings = Total Current Assets = $7,558.06

            Fixed Assets – Furniture & Equipment =$19,463.01

            Total Fixed Assets =$19,463.01

TOTAL ASSETS = $27,021.07

LIABILITIES & EQUITY – Equity – Opening Balance Equity = $4,616.94

            Retained Earnings = $22,404.13

            Total Equity = $27,021.07

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY = $27,021.07

MESA-MONUMENT STRIDERS, INC.

PROFIT & LOSS

January through December 2020

Ordinary Income/Expense --  Income – Jaguar CT Income = $50.00

            Chip Timing Income – Other = $4,836.00

Total Chip Timing Income = $4886.00

Donations = $144.35              Equipment Rental = $50.00

Hat Sales = $434.59               Memberships = $2,787.64

Race Income – R2W Income = $30.00 = Total Race Income

Shirt Sales = $200.00             Sponsorships = $400.00

TOTAL INCOME = $8,932.58

EXPENSE – Annual SOS Filing = $10.00                Bank Expense = $30.30

                        Chip Timing Expense = $1,384.52     DonorBox Expense = $9.06

                        Facilities & Equipment = $460.02     Hat Expense = $665.50

                        Operations – Postage, Mailing Service = $252.80

                                                Printing & Copying = $791.97

TOTAL OPERATIONS = $1014.77

                        P.O. Box Rent = $92.00                     Race Expense – R2W Expense = $43.35

Total Race Expense = $43.35

            RRCA = $756.57                    Shirt Expense = $492.00                    Trailer Expense = $43.37

            Website Development = $750.00                   Website Hosting = $240.00

TOTAL EXPENSE = $5,991.46

NET ORDINARY INCOME = $2,941.12 = NET INCOME