Got the Nerve? 2006

For the 3rd straight year we have managed to get a beautiful sunny day that provided for a picturesque backdrop to this year's race. Before race day 570 individuals and 29 teams had signed up to make this year the biggest turnout yet. People from 15 states and Canada made up the field of competitors for what turned out to be an interesting and enjoyable day.

The beginning of the race began without incident on a packed beach where the 10 waves began their first leg of Got the Nerve? 2006. As the director, I enjoy this part the most and feel the excitement of months of planning finally coming to fruition. Right about the start of the 4th wave I was approached by EMS who told me we had an accident at around mile 12 on the bike route that involved downed power lines that would restrict any riders from continuing on. With the tremendous help of Mastersonville Fire Police, Lawn EMS, Lebanon Auxiliary and my bike coordinator, Christian Mongrain, we were able to reroute the course, man the intersections, spray paint the roads and get all bikers except for two on an alternate course that would avoid the accident scene and bring them back to Mt. Gretna adding approx 2.7 miles. Without the help of all involved the outcome would have been much worse.

After the reroute, the race went about its normal progression and despite some road rash and scrapes tended by Lawn EMS the race ended without incident. The day ended with fundraiser recognition, motivating words from US Marine Colonel Frank Ryan and the awards presentations for all the top finishers.

This year our fundraising campaign allowed for individuals to set up personal fundraising pages that boosted our donation amount to over $21,000. This amount included the generous donations of all my corporate sponsors. With donations still coming in at the time of this review, we will surpass our goal of $25,000 and stand to donate well over $30,000 to the Myelin Project, which may equal what was raised in the 1st and 2nd years combined!! My thanks to all who made the 3rd Annual a memorable one and I look forward to 2007.

Chris Kaag/Director

"Well, I have to say that this saturday's triathlon was one of the best I have ever done. Besides the beautiful weather, the courses were awesome, you did a fabulous job. I especially liked the longer bike course, very challenging!"

"I've now got 8 tri's under my belt in 2 years....having started in 2004 (at the age of 46). You run a great event, in a lovely area with terrific support. CONGRATS! I highly recommend it particularly for the first timers."

"I thought the event was fantastic. From where I was standing (or swimming, biking and running), it ran smoothly and was well-organized. I felt safe at all times on the course, which sadly is not always the case at races. Thank you for organizing it and helping us support a good cause while having a good time!"