This is your opportunity to try out three exciting Winter Olympic Sports (luge, ice speedskating and cross country skiing) in a family friendly competition smack in the heart of “Pure West Michigan.”  The event is geared toward those that have never done at least one of these sports.  There are no big awards.  There is no pressure to win.  We want you to simply have fun doing a sport you would not normally think about trying.  It will be a fun competition.  Serious competitors are allowed to participate (because we need your money to pay the bills) but our main focus is to introduce you to a new sport that you have never tried before.  We will teach you everything you need to know to get through this competition in continuous 20 minute clinics at each venue.  We give you the basics and hope you will have so much fun that you will want to come back for more serious lessons and competitions.  There are age divisions for everyone.  The entire family is encouraged to participate in this unique winter adventure in the snow-covered dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Don’t worry, you will finish in time to catch the Super Bowl.   Why not make a mini-vacation by coming Friday evening?  There are plenty of hotel and motel rooms available.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

10 AM-11:30 AM  Check in and registration in the tent nest to the lodge.  YOU MUST HAVE PROOF OF HEALTH CARE INSURANCE!
                              NO DAY OF RACE SIGN UPS AFTER 11:30 AM!
10:30 AM–Clinics held for beginners at the ski and skating venues.  Luge clinic and competition begins at 11:30 AM.  ***(20 minute continuous sessions)  For safety reasons, it is mandatory that everyone attend a luge clinic.  You do not have to attend the ski or skate clinics unless you want extra training.
**Because of the additional time needed to give instruction for the luge competition and the fact we can only do one competitor at a time on the track, we are starting the luge competition as soon as 11:30 AM in order to be done by 2:30 PM, so please go directly to the luge track for that training and competition at 11:30 AM.  After you post your luge times, you may train on the speedskating oval and the cross country ski course.
NOON-2:30 PM  Begin the skating competition.  You must complete your speedskating times before the start of the ski race.  That goes off at 3:00 PM sharp whether you are finished or not at the other two venues!
3 PM–Cross country ski race begins
4 PM–Awards presented

ENTRY FEE:  $30 Ages 12 and under
$35 Ages 13 and over
$70 Family rate (mom/dad and children living in the same house)

STATE PARK ENTRY FEE:  This is a state park.  You must have a parking passport sticker on your license plate or purchase one at the sports complex to park legally!

SCORING:  Athletes score points at each sport by placing in the top 4 places for your age division.  First place receives 7 points, second receives 5 points, third gets 4 points and fourth receives 3 points.  All FINISHERS get at minimum one point for trying so it is important that you try all events and finish them to at least score one point even if you finish last in the event.  Total points determines final placement.  Awards to the top 3 per division.  *Note that in the event of a tie in total points, the higher placement will be awarded to the participant that did better in the cross country ski portion of the triathlon!

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:  LUGE–Helmet and sled provided.  Elbow pads are recommended.  Wear old clothing as brushing against the wall will “burn” a hole in the fabric!  SPEEDSKATING–A limited number of true speedskates are available for free use, but you may race in your own hockey or figure skates if you are more comfortable.  CROSS COUNTRY SKI–*You must bring your own skis or you may RENT them in the lodge for an additional fee.

AGE DIVISIONS:  9 & under, 10-12, 13-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+  Separate awards for male and female

MAIL TO:  MUSKEGON SPORTS COUNCIL                CHECKS TO:  WMSC
2179 LAKE AVE
TWIN LAKE, MI.  49457

QUESTIONS:  Regarding the race–MadMarkJ@aol.com 231-828-4627
Regarding snow or ice conditions–231-744-9629 or at the web site:  www.msports.org

DIRECTIONS:  FROM GRAND RAPIDS–96W toward Muskegon.  When you get on the outskirts of Muskegon, take the US 31 NORTH (Ludington) turn off.  Go 3 miles to the FREMONT exit #118 then turn left onto M-120.  Go a half mile past the Meijer store and turn right on GILES ROAD.  Take that road all the way to the end (6.5 miles) and turn left onto SCENIC DRIVE.  Stay on the road for 1.8 miles to the three flag poles on the left that mark the entrance to the Winter Sports Complex lodge.
FROM THE EAST (DETROIT/LANSING)–96W toward Grand Rapids/Muskegon.  When you get on the outskirts of Grand Rapids watch for the MUSKEGON turnoff.  This is still 96W but this will keep you out of downtown Grand Rapids traffic!  As you approach Muskegon, take the US 31 NORTH (Ludington exit).  Go 3 miles to the FREMONT exit #118 onto M-120 and turn left.  Go 1.2 miles to GILES ROAD and turn right.  Take GILES ROAD 6.5 miles all the way to the end and turn left on SCENIC DRIVE.  Stay on that road for 1.8 miles to the three flag poles on the left that mark the entrance to the Winter Sports Complex lodge.
FROM ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN:  Take 94N which becomes 196.  At HOLLAND take 31 NORTH through GRAND HAVEN and the outskirts of Muskegon.  Stay on 31NORTH and do not take Business 31.  Just keep going straight to the FREMONT exit #118.  Turn left on M-120.  Go 1.2 miles and turn right on GILES ROAD.  Take that 6.5 miles to the end and turn left on SCENIC DRIVE.  Go another 1.8 miles to the three flag poles on the left that mark the entrance to the Winter Sports Complex lodge.

WAIVER FOR MICHIGAN WINTER TRY-ATHLON
In consideration of the acceptance of my entry in the above event, I hereby waive, release and discharge any and all claims for damages or death, personal injury or property damage which may have or which any hereafter occur to me as a result of my participation in said event.  This release is intended to discharge in advance the promoters, the sponsors, DNR, Muskegon Sports Council, West Michigan Speedskating Club, and the  Muskegon Luge Club from and against any and all liability arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in said event even though the liability arises out of negligence on the part of the person or entities mentioned above.  It is further understood and agreed that this waiver, release and assumptions of risk is to be binding on my heirs and assigns.  I further agree to wear approved equipment consisting of protective head hear and gloves on the luge.

ATHLETE SIGNATURE:______________________________________________________

PARENT  OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE IF ATHLETE IS UNDER AGE 18:________________________________________________________

DATE:___________________________________
***NOTE–YOU MUST SHOW PROOF OF HEALTH INSURANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS COMPETITION! (HEALTH INSURANCE CARD)

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AGE GROUP:  (circle)  9 & UNDER     10-12       13-16       17-19      20-29      30-39      40-49      50-59       60+

PRINT NAME:____________________________________________MALE_________FEMALE____________

ADDRESS:___________________________________________________

____________________________________ZIP_____________________

IF YOU WANT MEET RESULTS E-MAILED, PLEASE PROVIDE ACCURATE E-MAIL ADDRESS:_________________________________________________

FEE ENCLOSED:____________________________

LATE FEE IS $5 FOR DAY OF RACE ENTRY!  FULL REFUND FOR PHONED IN ABSENCES SO NO NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER!

MAIL TO:  MUSKEGON SPORTS COUNCIL             CHECK TO:  WMSC
2179 LAKE AVE
TWIN LAKE, MI.  49457
Conditions and tutorials on each sport go to:  www.msports.org