New York Triathlon Club - NYTC

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Dear Dan and NYTC:.

Thanks again for another great (2008) BRONX BIATHLON which has become the traditional start of the biathlon racing season for me. This was my 15th year in a row of participating in the Orchard Beach event. As in previous years, the volunteers and staff of the New York Triathlon Club, along with New Yorks Finest were in force to make sure the event was well organized, safe and secure. I have done biathlons with many different race organizers but none approach a NYTC event for an overall positive experience

As a light rain was falling this year, the biking conditions were slippery. With the pre-race instructions, we were well warned about the conditions and I took some air out of my tires to gain some extra traction. I especially appreciate the warnings by several NYTC volunteers while approaching the drawbridge on the Hutchinson Parkway, the road flares and the signs warning of the brodge grating, and took a bit more time to cross the span than normal. I released one foot and I was fine. Some of the top competitors even walked their bikes across the bridge without losing much time.

With a wide open bike course on the Hutchinson River Parkway and a fast, flat, scenic run course on the Orchard Beach promenade, in adition to easy parking and superb overall race organization, the BRONX BIATHLON is my favorite race of the season.

Best Regards,
Paul Greenberg
Westport, CT

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To Dan and NYTC:

I have raced the BRONX BIATHLON many times and keep coming back for several reasons.

The course itself is great! I enjoy the run through Orchard Beach (actually I didn't realize the Bronx had a 'real beach' until I did this race my first time!

It is fantastic to ride on the Hutchinson River Parkway. Every year I enjoy the race more and more. The race director (Dan "The Man" Honig), the New York Triathlon staff, the New York Police Department, and numerous volunteers always make it a great and safe event.

This year, the 22nd Annual BRONX BIATHLON, (4/23/06) was no exception! The pouring rain made the race a little more challenging but it really was an incredible experience for me.

The Race Director made the decision to make the bike course one loop instead of two to ensure the safety of the competitors. The flares and "Slow- Bridge Slippery" signs before the bridge were a great warning for riding over the bridge.

Honestly, though the conditions were tough, I cherish this race experience and in retrospect, I am glad the conditions were hard because now I have more confidence if it rains during any other biathlons or triathlons.

Thanks again to Dan, his crew, the volunteers, and the NYPD for putting on another fabulous, safe race.

I'll be back next year, RAIN, SHINE, or even SNOW (well maybe not snow!!) :-)

Donna McMahon
Overall Female Winner
Farmingdale, NY

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Dan and NYTC:

All I can say is WOW!

I didnt know that the Bronx Biathlon (4/23/06) this year would turn into a challenging triathlon with the torrential rains, high winds and flooding that we had during the event. But as I drove down from Connecticut this morning, I knew that the New York Triathlon Club (staff and volunteers) along with the New York Police Department would be at Orchard Beach to put on a safe, if soaking, event for the devoted biathletes such as myself.

I have not missed the Bronx Biathlon in 13 years and this year was not going to be the first time. Not surprisingly, it looked like close to 100 fellow competitors showed up despite the inclement weather conditions.

The professional but helpful attitude of everyone involved in the running the event rubs off on the participants, with fellow competitors encouraging each other to do battle with Mother Nature. This will be a race that many of us will talk about in years to come.

The best testament to the excellence of the Bronx Biathlon is the number of people like me and the number of volunteers who continue to return year after year. The Big Apple Biathlon Series is the gold standard to which I measure other multi-sport events.

Thanks again!

Best Regards,
Paul Greenberg
Westport, Connecticut

I want to congratulate you on beginning the year with another great 21st Annual Bronx

It is always amazing how in New York City, our club manages to secure the Hutchinson River parkway for the bike segment of this event.

As usual the combined efforts of the NYPD (lead by Lt Robert Doviken and Captain James Alles) and the cooperation of the NYC Parks Department (Leroy Temple-Park manager) helped make this event very special.

As we discussed after the race, the one flaw in this years event was the surprising number of "drafters (cheaters). I know that most of the people involved are honest athletes trying to do their best. I suspect very few, if any of them would cut the run course, or do only one bike loop i(nstead of two) in order to win a small wooden plaque.

But, as I said after the race, we are not he pros, there are many beginners, young people, and honest people out there on the course- to whom it is annoying to see competitors in the lead cheating

. Maybe next year you could ask those interested in drafting to start 10 minutes early and let them have their own race. Hopefully there will be no "takers", but it will serve as a reminder that part of the fun is playing by the rules.

Dear NYT:
I write this letter to thank you for another great biathlon event at Orchard Beach on April 27, 2003.
As you know, I've done NYT races practically from the beginning of the sport some twenty years ago and they've been getting better year after year in keeping with increasing participation. Much of the merit for this achievement goes no doubt to you for the perseverance with which you have promoted muti-sport events that have inspired thousands of people of all ages and sex to be fit and compete and, consequently, adopt a healthy lifestyle.
All this, however, would not have been possible without the cooperation of the NY Police Department and the NYC Parks Department. To Lt. Peter Curtin and to Eileen Boyle, representing the former and the latter respectively, go the heartfelt thanks of 285 athletes for the fantastic job they have done placing at our disposal a parkway smooth of pavement and free of cars and one of the finest parks in New York City. Sometimes you see quality in the details and I was not the only one to marvel at the sanitation trucks drying up flooded areas of the parking lot to make it safe for both runners and bikers.
Again, to all concerned, including the many volunteers and athletes, many thanks for your contribution to a fine race in safe and beautiful surroundings.
Frank Grasso, Hartsdale, NY

Dear NYT:
Nearly 300 racers (209 male, 76 female) competed in the 19th Annual Bronx Biathlon on April 27, 2003 at Orchard Beach with the greatest weather one can remember for this event.
This is undoubtedly the best biathlon of the Big Apple Biathlon Series with the fantastic support of the New York City Parks Department and the New York Police Department.
The Hutchinson River Parkway is closed northbound (from the Bruckner Expressway Interchange to the New England Thruway) for a flat and fast 20 mile bike course while the 2.9 mile run is done on the paved boardwalk along the edge of Orchard Beach.
New racers and veterans alike feel equally confident participating in the Big Apple Biathlon Series thanks to the safe and efficient manner Dan Honig and the NYTC Race Management Team conduct the event.
Racers of all ages feel welcome. Twenty year olds race alongside those in their 70's! In fact Al Puma (73) and Harold Beal (74) were the oldest males competing while Eileen Holzman (59) was the oldest female.
Frank Grasso (66) dominated the 65-69 age group besides beating a lot of younger men!
Newcomer Mary Jane Coltellino (48) had been somewhat apprehensive prior to the start of the race but had a big smile afterwards and can't wait for the next biathlon in Queens.
Eileen Holzman
Airmont, NY

Dear NYT:
Thank you for running a memorable (epic was more like it!) and SAFE race at the 2002 Bronx Biathlon.
I also greatly appreciate your forwarding my age group award since I was frozen stiff after the finish and had to drive home to thaw out!!
Keep up the great work! We need you!
Dr. David Mayer
Lloyd Harbor, NY

Dear NYT
I woke up early last Sunday morning- ready to head to the Bronx Biathlon- always one of my favorite races. It was pouring. I headed up to the Bronx figuring I would be one of 4 or 5 crazy people there. Much to my surprise, over a hundred and tweny racers were ready to go.
Despite the wind, cold and rain - the NYTCwith the, as always excellent help of the New York City Park's Department and the New York Police Department, pulled off a GREAT race. The roads were clear of vehicles, all the turns and intersections were covered, even the slippery metal bridge had at least 4-5 people on each side warning bikers to slow down and to keep a straight line.
People sometimes think of New york City as a large, impersonal place. Anyone seeing the effort put out by our volunteers, NYPD (under command of Lt. Peter Curtin from Bronx Borough Command) and Parks Department personnel would certainly understand that the City and its workers "have a heart".
It makes me proud to ba a New Yorker!
Please pass on my thanks to all that were involved in organizing the 18th Annual Bronx Biathlon....despite the horrendous weather conditions that prevailed.
Anthony Squire, MD.
New York, NY

Dear NYT:
This past weekend I competed in the 18th Annual Bronx Biathlon. In my 15+ years of racing, those were the worst weather conditions I have ever raced in. I would like to thank you, the NYPD, and the Parks Dept. for a well staffed event. Every turn on the run and bike course had someone making sure we stayed on course. I lost an age group award once in a similar race put on by another race director in Port Jefferson, because his staff did not show up because of the rain and I went off course. It certainly pays to have professionals working the course. I have competed in events ranging from the NYC Marathon, Boston Marathon, and the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon, and can certainly say that your events are as well organized, both on and off the race course. Thank you.