Pushing the limit
Des Moines Dirty Duathlon pushes
athletes to edge
By Matt “It’s MillerTime” Miller
The state of Iowa has a number of signature sporting events like the Hy-Vee Triathlon, the Des Moines Marathon and RAGBRAI. And while these competitions draw thousands to the Hawkeye State annually, a group of volunteers who make up the Central Iowa Trails Association (CITA) hope the annual Des Moines Dirty Duathlon becomes just as big. Volunteers will have another chance to add to the “Du’s” nostalgia this weekend at Greenwood Park.
“Believe it or not, there is actually a mountain bike race scene here in Iowa,” said Ryan Hasner, president of CITA. “It’s a small grassroots organization, but we thought why not have an annual event that brings bikers and runner together and supports a good cause?”
The fourth annual Des Moines Dirty Duathlon takes place on Sunday, Nov. 15 beginning at 10 a.m. with registration. This year’s event will feature a beginner race, kid’s race, and an open/relay race as well. Officials are expecting near 100 participants to conquer the 10-mile course. A few years ago, Hanser and other avid cyclists and runners created the event after CITA approached the Striders Association. Both have benefited greatly since its inception.
To date, CITA has raised approximately $3,000 (about $1,000 each year) to improve and share the trails around central Iowa. With an active membership of 50 individuals, CITA has helped build a 7-mile dirt trail system in Des Moines’ Greenwood and Ashworth Parks, build the 7.5-mile Sycamore Trail on the west side of the Des Moines River and Summerset State Park between Indianola and Des Moines. The association plans on completing some design and construction, as well as expanding the Sycamore Trail. It also is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on the technical features of Summerset Trail. The association plays a part in buying material, bridges and signage for the trails.
“Most people don’t understand everything that goes into keeping the trails looking nice,” Hasner said. “The amount of work is phenomenal.”
Hasner says volunteers put in about 350 hours annually to keeping the dirt trail system in Des Moines’ Greenwood and Ashworth Parks in tip-top shape.
“When everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot,” he said. “We always have the opportunity to do more, and we want to, but unless we have more volunteers our work is limited.”
The popularity of mountain biking grew in the mid-1990s, spreading from the coasts to the Midwest. While Iowa may not seem like a mountain biking paradise, Hanser says those looking for a physical and mental challenge won’t have to look far to be pushed to the limit. The trail’s average grade is 10 percent, while some sections boast upwards of 20 percent. The trail is very narrow as it covers roots, creeks and rock beds.
“You won’t find a straight line on the trail,” Hanser said. “It might come as a surprise to some, but the trail is hilly and twisty with plenty of uneven surfaces.”
Those involved with CITA say the race is one of the association’s largest revenue builders, which in turn has lightened the burden from the government to fund similar projects.
“If we didn’t have a good relationship with other organizations and volunteers, these trails wouldn’t exist,” Hanser said. “People should care about trails because it’s another recreational opportunity that this area has to offer.”
No matter the amount of bumps and bruises one may receive this weekend, Hanser says it’ll be worth it.
“People like competition, and this event has plenty of that,” he said. “The Midwest doesn’t have many duathlons, and this is a great one to schedule at the end of the year.” CV
Caption: The Des Moines Dirty Duathlon will take place on Sunday, Nov. 15 to raise money to improve central Iowa trails. Photo courtesy of Justin Bruce
