Description

Fat Bike

Distance - Unknown

The famous Triple D Winter Race (since 2007), OH what fun we've had!

Registration is now open for the Triple D Winter Race

What is Triple D?
The Triple D Winter race is a winter endurance trail event that traverses Dubuque County Iowa in the dead of winter by bike, ski or foot.

What makes this race different from other marathon and ultra-marathon distance races? Well, it’s in the WINTER for one! Winter racing isn’t about being fast or in shape; it’s about mental toughness and fortitude. Your number one goal is to simply finish! If you approach Triple D with that in mind it is an incredibly fun event.

Who participates in Triple D? The race draws over 170 competitors representing a complete cross-section of individuals from current and pro racers (even a former Tour de France bike racer), top US cross country skiers to local recreational enthusiasts and top ultra-marathon runners. There are even a couple former Iditarod trail racers who compete in Triple D. The race has drawn racers from all over including Florida, New York, Kentucky, Missouri, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

Is the race supported? NO! While we have lots of volunteers helping and monitoring the race, all racers are to be SELF supported and are not allowed to receive outside help (other than verbal encouragement). Racers will need to carry any extra clothing, food, hydration, etc. that will allow them to finish the event. Racers are allowed to purchase items along the race at local establishments (nearest are about a mile off the trail). We have a number of Sag Vehicles to retrieve racers if they cannot continue. Racers may receive help from other racers. The Marathon and Ultramarathon racers have their one and only heated and supported food and fluid station at mile 22.

Is the race difficult? YES!!! However, typically ALL the runners and skiers finish the race. 2009 was the most difficult year for runners due to the 9" of fresh snow that caused issues with wet feet; however they still had a 90% finish rate. The bike division is another story... In the first four years of Triple D, only 30 bikers have finished. YES riding a bike on snow is not easy, but it can be done. Triple D made national FOX news and local TV news for the bike division due to how difficult the event is and the rapidly growing popularly of the sport.

How long does the race take? Is there a time cut off? Review the times from prior years... we recommend that racers either finish or sag so that they are back at the event center by 10 pm (12 hours of racing). The top runners and skiers will finish the Marathon distance in about 3.5 hours! The record bike time is right at 6 hours, with most (75%) bikers failing to make the recommended 12 hour cut off (but that doesn't mean they don't have fun!)

What are the distances? The runners and skiers will compete for overall placement in on of the 3 distances (Half Marathon, Full Marathon and a 50km Ultra Marathon). The only distance option for the bikers is an incredibly challenging ultra-marathon ride/slog of +100km (65 horrific miles). Bikers remember, even though you know you (and possibly everyone) may not finish, ultimate overall placement is determined by who traveled the furthest distance on the official race route (with credit given for those who self-sag back to either the Durando bar [free food and beer] or the event headquarters).

What is the weather like in Dubuque in Jan? Your guess is as good as ours or even the weatherman’s... the first year of Triple D we had -20dF air temp (-30dF wind-chill), in 2009 we had sweltering temps of +15dF, 2010 the temp was a mild +10dF to -5dF and in 2011 the conditions were nearly perfect for a winter race.

I want to find out more where should I go? Read the posts and links on this blog and our Facebook page,

Route

Where does the race take place? The runners and skiers are bused in style to their start in Dyersville and finish at the Handlebar in Durango Iowa (new for 2012 is a half Marathon distance that starts near Farley). Their entire race is downhill on the groomed Heritage Trail (Rails to Trails system). The bikers start their doomed journey from historic downtown Dubuque and travel on public and private snow mobile trails to the historic railroad town of Graf where they then travel on Heritage trail to Dyersville the halfway check-point then turn back towards Durango for the finish. The bike route is altered slightly every year due to trail conditions and weather.

Registration

$60. Register online or by Mail... Check out the Registration link below.

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