Happy training for the week of 2/18.

2013 Launch Party:  CTC’s 4th Annual Launch Party will kick off Tuesday February 26^th at 6:30 PM  at Fleet Feet, 241 Main Street.  All current and prospective members are invited to attend.  Come meet the board and other club members in an informal setting and learn about the club's plans for 2013.  You'll hear firsthand stories from two members who recently took up the sport and now want to share their experiences with others.  We'll have announcements about training, races, uniforms, and future club functions.  There will be raffle give-a-ways along with snacks and drinks provided by Fleet Feet.  So please plan to attend and feel free to invite anyone who might be interested in learning more about the great sport of triathlon.  Please RSVP to membership@chicotriathlonclub.com if you plan to attend.

Squad Programs:  CTC board member Justin Waller would still like to hear from anyone who may be interested group training activities via our new squad and mentoring program.  Groups are forming for those targeting sprint, middle, and long distance races, so any and all abilities are welcome.  Justin will have more information about the program at the Launch Party, but feel free to contact him directly at jcwaller900 at yahoo dot com if you haven't already.

Chico Kidney Biathlon:  There's a new multi-sport race in town.  The first annual Chico Kidney Biathlon will take place  Saturday, March 23 at 8:00 AM at the Hooker Oak Recreation Area.  The event consists of a 5k Run followed by a 10k Bike and has individual and team categories.  I'm sure that the club will be well represented at this new event.

TRI-Shasta Sprint Triathlon: Unfortunately, the sprint triathlon scheduled for May in Cottonwood has been postponed until 2014.  Those that raced in 2012 said it was a great local event, and we look forward to its return in 2014.

Jonathan's Bike Shop - Vineman Monte Rio: Another new multi-sport event has appeared on the Northern California triathlon schedule.  Vineman events has added the June 2nd Olympic distance Jonathan's Bike Shop Triathlon in Monte Rio.

Happy training for the week of 1/28.

Frost or Fog: The race season got underway recently for several CTCers at the first club race of the year, the chilly Frost or Fog.  Volunteers and/or participants included  Nancy B., Jim H., Mitch H., Shawn H.,  Joanne G.,  Lynn S., Laura V., Justin W., Tammie W., and Greg W. (thanks to Shawn and Jason for providing the heat).  Pictures from the event have been posted to the Gallery page of the website (thanks, Laura for taking them).

Habitat Home Run 5k:  CTC is once again supporting the Habitat Home Run 5k race which takes place on Saturday February 16th 2013 in Lower Bidwell Park.  This year, CTC is covering the entry fee for any current member that wants to participate.  In order to race for free, CTC members must register online and enter a special code that will allow registration without payment.  The code is only active during the early registration period which closes on February 3rd.  So if you are interested in racing, contact president@chicotriathlonclub.com to request the code.  The code will only be given to current club members and cannot be shared.

Green Layer Clothing Order Closes Soon: The first order window for CTC Gear from Green Layer has been extended to January 31st.  Stop by North Rim (178 E. 2nd St.) to place your order for some great gear that will be embroidered with the CTC Logo.  Items available this time around include gender specific sizes of Evolution short sleeve ($20) and long sleeve ($25) Tees, Twilight short sleeve ($25) and long sleeve ($27) Tees, Twilight half-zip tops ($30), and the Ozone Jacket ($45).  Order forms are available at North Rim, along with Fit Samples so you can try on the exact item to ensure a great fit.  These items are offered at near cost as a service to CTC members.  All orders must be pre-paid through North Rim.  Please direct any clothing related questions to Susan Marshall (marshallsm at yahoo dot com).

CTC Discounts for UTS Events:  Under the Sun Events has offered CTC members a 10% discount for the Trail Less Traveled 5K and Quarter Marathon on 04/07/2013 and the Rad Rockin’ Eve Run on 12/31/2013 (never too early to start planning ).   Contact president@chicotriathlonclub.com to request the discount code.

CTC Discount for the Wildflower Triathlons:  For those that may be interested in racing one of the premier California events, the Wildflower Triathlon Festival takes place May 4-5 2013 at Lake San Antonio.  CTC is a recognized club for the event, and current members can receive a $25 discount on registration.  Contact president@chicotriathlonclub.com to request the discount code.  Note: this discount does not apply to the Chico Wildflower Century Ride which takes place on Sunday April 28.

Nearby Race Sells Out:  The HITS Napa Valley Triathlon, which takes place April 13-14 at Lake Berryessa and offers five race distances, has only four distances still open, since the Olympic distance race has sold out.   Prices on the remaining events go up March 9.

2013 Launch Party:  CTC will be holding its 4th Annual Launch Party in late February at Fleet Feet.  More details to follow.

Winter Bike Workouts:  Coach Mike Trowbridge has invited CTC members to two weekly bike workouts held during the winter months.  Tuesday Night Trainer Parties are held at Ryan and Stephanie's house,  810 El Monte Ave.  Warm ups begin at 6:15 PM and the workout starts promptly at 6:30 and lasts for about an hour.  Bring a bike, trainer (or rollers), a front wheel block, a hand towel, a water bottle and a positive attitude.  Wednesday Night's Cal Park Hills ride departs from North Rim at 6:00 PM, weather permitting.  Lights are required, and the ride regroups after all segments, so all levels are welcome.

CTC Training Camp at Lake Almanor: For those gearing up for Ironman Lake Tahoe, or for those that simply would like a change of scenery, CTC is hosting its first training camp this summer at Lake Almanor.  Some very gracious people have offered the club use of their lakefront home for the week of August 4 through 11.  Training activities in all three sports will be planned throughout the week for athletes of all abilities.  More details will be provided as they become available.  For now, please contact me (president@chicotriathlonclub.com) if you think you may be interested in attending for all or part of the time.

Happy New Year from CTC.

Polar Bear Swim: Several CTC members were among the throngs that turned out for Chico's Polar Bear swim on New Year's Day.  A good time was had by all who braved the cold water for the dash across One Mile.  Club members participating included Eric Ayars,  Tom Embree,  Karen English, Tony English, Mitch Harrell,  Forough Molina, Katie Nyby, Matt Nyby, Dina Rabo, Josh Rowe, Laura Van Dervoort, David Watkins, Tammie Watkins, Greg Watkins, and Justin Waller (hope I didn't miss anyone).  Pictures have been posted to the Gallery page of the website (thanks, Laura for taking them).

Frost or Fog this Saturday: CTC's first club race of the year happens this Saturday 1/12.  The Frost or Fog has three race distances; 10-Mile, Quarter Marathon and 5K.  All CTC members are encouraged to either participate or volunteer, so come on out this Saturday and support a great local event.  The organizers have specifically asked CTC for volunteer help, including bike leads.  Please send a message or text to Sara at 530-591-4161 or send an email to volunteer@underthesunevents.org if you're available to help out.  If you're planning to race, be aware that there is no Race Day Registration; the last day to register is Friday, January 11 at Fleet Feet.  CTC members have been offered a 10% discount for the race.  Contact president@chicotriathlonclub.com for the code to use when registering.

Green Layer Clothing Order Closes Soon: The first order window for CTC Gear from Green Layer closes January 13th.  Stop by North Rim (178 E. 2nd St.) to place your order for some great gear that will be embroidered with the CTC Logo.  Items available this time around include gender specific sizes of Evolution short sleeve ($20) and long sleeve ($25) Tees, Twilight short sleeve ($25) and long sleeve ($27) Tees, Twilight half-zip tops ($30), and the Ozone Jacket ($45).  Order forms are available at North Rim, along with Fit Samples so you can try on the exact item to ensure a great fit.  These items are offered at near cost as a service to CTC members.  All orders must be pre-paid through North Rim.  Please direct any clothing related questions to Susan Marshall (marshallsm@yahoo.com).

Winter Bike Workouts:  Coach Mike Trowbridge has invited CTC members to two weekly bike workouts held during the winter months.  Tuesday Night Trainer Parties are held at Ryan and Stephanie's house,  810 El Monte Ave.  Warm ups begin at 6:15 PM and the workout starts promptly at 6:30 and lasts for about an hour.  Bring a bike, trainer (or rollers), a front wheel block, a hand towel, a water bottle and a positive attitude.  Wednesday Night's Cal Park Hills ride departs from North Rim at 6:00 PM, weather permitting.  Lights are required, and the ride regroups after all segments, so all levels are welcome.

Habitat Home Run 5k:  CTC is once again supporting the Habitat Home Run 5k race which takes place on Saturday February 16th 2013 in Lower Bidwell Park.  This year, CTC is covering the entry fee for any current member that wants to participate.  Registration for club members will be via hardcopy registration form, not online through their website.  Details will be provided soon.

2013 Launch Party:  While you have your calendar out, please note that CTC will hold its 4th Annual Launch Party on Thursday, February 28 at Fleet Feet.  More details to follow.

CTC Training Camp at Lake Almanor: For those gearing up for Ironman Lake Tahoe, or for those that simply would like a change of scenery, CTC is hosting its first training camp this summer at Lake Almanor.  Some very gracious people have offered the club use of their lakefront home for the week of August 4 through 11.  Training activities in all three sports will be planned throughout the week for athletes of all abilities.  More details will be provided as they become available.  For now, please contact me (president@chicotriathlonclub.com) if you think you may be interested in attending for all or part of the time.

Greg Watkins

President, Chico Triathlon Club