Billings Gazette 1
02/15
CYAN
red lodge Red lodge
MAG
YEL
BLAK
Sunday, February 15, 2015
1
1
Explore
FEBRUARY 2015 (Top) Ski-Joring at the Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds Courtesy of Merv Coleman
Inside Red Lodge Clay Center: Things are heating up at the Clay Center this spring with several exhibits and classes on the docket. Page 3 Ski-Joring: Winter fun meets western style on March 13-15 at the National SkiJoring competition. Page 3 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 4 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette
General Manager Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Scott Director of Major Accounts, Classified & Digital Sales Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Content Editors Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas Section Designer Christine Cleveland Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections
Peaks to Prairie: The tradition continues By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com Successful events weather the test of time. With a 37-year-strong history, the annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race no doubt lands squarely in the “proven” category. Now embarking on year 38, the race has evolved a bit, melding to the helpful suggestions of participants, volunteers and sponsors. Four years ago the race course was modified, ending at Special K Ranch near Columbus. The “new” course has been well-received, noted race director, Kendra Baker-Keener. In fact, she is considering incorporating the course into the 2015 T-shirt’s design. Covering 68.3 miles via running, bicycling and kayaking, including 1,480 feet of ascent, Peaks to Prairie is an ambitious season “opener” for serious athletes. Competitors can participate as a team or “solo.” In addition, some chose just the first two legs for the “dual” while others complete all three legs of the triathlon. Forecast: Perfect! Although the race organization and volunteers are of the highest caliber, one parameter that cannot be completely controlled is the weather, noted Baker-Keener. “The weather is the unpredictable factor, but the participants love it,” she noted. “It makes each race unique and exhilarating.” The start of the 2014 race was delayed by 30 minutes because it took that long for crews to clear the course of wet, heavy snow. “That isn’t really something you can train for,” Baker-Keener said,” but the sun came out and dried up the road by the time the cyclists started. It was great!” Since last year’s race, she has been pondering the start time, and this year the race will intentionally start 30 minutes later. The triathletes’ gun goes off at 8 a.m. with the dual-athletes starting at 8:30 a.m.
HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff Bicyclists work their way uphill on Hwy 78 during the 2014 Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race.
Finish it The final leg arrives to a celebration at Special K Ranch, near Columbus. There volunteers, including the developmentally disabled adult residents, offer helping hands wherever they are able, from directing parking, to helping pull out and re-load boats, to giving tours of the greenhouse. “It is so fun to see the residents out helping and having fun,” noted Baker-Keener of the new venue. “They dance with the band and give hay rides. It’s a great experience for everyone—participants, spectators and volunteers.”
Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race: April 26, 2015 • Starts: Beartooth Pass, above Red Lodge • Run: 9.3 miles into Red Lodge • Bike: 49 miles along Highway 78, to Itch-Kep Pe Park • Boat: 10 miles to finish line at Special K Ranch, near Columbus
Great Food & Wine
For more information, to register or to volunteer, see www.peakstoprairie.org or call (406) 591-7002.
resort k e e r c k c ro ide Escape Your Creeks
pure & simple
Lodging Distinctive ing Fine Din
190 Startingt inclaudte $ tax) (does no
Benefitting 66 local charities please mark your calendar
September 1, 2015 Red Lodge, Montana
r two, deluxe room fo , old PIney dell tIfIcate to er c er n In d f wIne a Bottle o chocolates & /15)
Includes
5/ 31 (Valid through
at: packages see us r ou on ils ta de For com r e s o rt . ckcreek www.ro
10K & 5K Fun Run 5K & 2 Mile Fun Walk no ent ry fee. donations encouraged.
Where FUN benefits Everyone!
Downtown Red Lodge EatFoodDrinkWine.com (406) 446-9900
Learn how you can help at:
www.RedLodgeFunRun.org email: funrun@rlacf.org The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068
www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org
CYAN
MAG
YELO
BLAK
Lodge, MT s South of Red Located 5 Mile 19
1 (800) 667-1 1 406-446-111