This is a update to a recent message that we sent out about the XTERRA Wild Ride Triathlon.The challenging 19.6 mile loop on the mountain bike leg of the Wild Ride is ready to go and way better than the torn-up mess from last year. Again, we remain committed to making this event a total winner. Please read below for more and for those who haven't been to McCall, it is absolutely gorgeous.

Venue: The picnic area within Ponderosa State Park is where the race begins and ends. This heavily-wooded peninsula is 3 miles long and 1 mile wide and juts out into Payette Lake. It is covered with rolling hills, and an assortment of dirt roads and trails. It is the site of the 2008 World Masters Nordic Ski Championships and is also perfect for an XTERRA event!Last years comments included one that compared this course with other National calibur XTERRA events!! The entire event starts and finishes in the same spot which makes things nice for spectators and athletes alike.

Flying to the Race: A few have asked about flying to the venue. Boise is the closest major airport and is located 120 miles from McCall.

Renting A Bike: Some have asked about renting mountain bikes. This is not a problem at all and bikes can be rented from all of the bike shops in town as well as the Brundage Mountain Ski Resort located nearby. Here is a list of phone numbers for shops that rent mountain bikes in or near McCall:

Awards: Three deep, plus cash for the top Pro men and women. .

Post-Event Food: Yes, at the finish, PASTA, bread and other stuff. Free to racers and available to others for a fee to be posted shortly.

Swim: The swim leg is 3/4 of a mile and is a one-lap, loop that goes out into the crystal-clear, 300-foot deep, Payette Lake. Water temps will be in the upper 50's. Using a wet suit on this one is a tough call. Depending on your constitution, you could probably go without one.....or maybe not. It is warm near the shore, but not so warm farther out. If in doubt, bring the suit.

Bike: FLASH - BIG NEWS HERE!!!!! As stated above, we ARE going to run the 19.6 Crestline Trail Loop. VIEW THE TOPO MAP ONLINE!! It consists of rolling paved and dirt roads and sweet, single track trails and has 1,800 feet of climbing and descending. It will be awesome for a intermediate and up level rider and challenging (but doable for a FIT beginning mountain biker. There will be numerous aid stations and people up there to assist you, so prepare to experience a Wild Ride. This course is the real deal and be prepared for more than an hour and half bike leg. Period.

Run: The run course will be one, 6-mile loop and will go deep into the heart of the park through some really tight, cool, green trails.Rocky stair cases and bridge crossings are abundant, so watch your step!

Timing/Scoring: We have a signed contract with Spondoro.com. They chip time everything and deliver world-class speed and accuracy. They will record splits for all three legs as well as transitions too. There will be no problems on this part. You can view your results online the very next day!!Oh isn't technology great?

USA Triathlon Licensing: Can be done at the event. The cost is $30 for an annual license or $10 for a 1-day and each flavor of license can be purchased at the race.

Learn More:

Course Maps: There is now a bike loop map posted here on the site. view current map

Listen up: Nearby Brundage MTN. Resort and Tamarack Resort have lifts running in the summer with awesome biking and hiking. Would be a great way to warm-up for the event and not wear yourself out the day before the event!!! Check them out at www.tamarackidaho.com or www.brundage.com

Lodging: 1800-844-3246 or www.inidaho.com, they can direct you to numerous other establishments in town.

Camping: Numerous campgrounds abound in the area including limited camping in Ponderosa State Park. Reserve your space now!.

Other Stuff to Do: Horseback riding, hiking, multiple hot springing adventures, sailing and jet-skiing are but a portion of the things to do in and around McCall.