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DRUMS — When Dave Bass founded the Strive Olympic Triathlon three summers ago at Beech Mountain Lake, he wanted all the proceeds to benefit a worthy cause.
The only problem was, there were no proceeds.
“The first year, we broke even. We didn’t quite get there,” Bass admitted cheerfully.
Then last year, the second Strive Olympic Triathlon brought in $4,500, which race organizers donated to the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association, which maintains the Back Mountain Trail.
“A lot of our members are from the Wyoming Valley, and they run there,” Bass said. “The triathlon might not be around in 10 or 20 years, but the trail will be here for a long time, maybe into the lives of our children and grandchildren.”
Then this year’s Strive Olympic Triathlon brought in nearly double the proceeds of the previous year, and the committee was able to donate $7,000 for the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association, plus an additional $500 to the YMCA’s Livestrong Fund in honor of Tom Jones, the late co-owner of Around Town Bicycles in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
During his battle with cancer Jones, who had long been an advocate for the cycling and triathlon communities, participated in the Livestrong program, which offers cancer patients and survivors a place to work out and support each other.
“He raved about the program,” Bass said. “We feel he’s looking down now and approving (of the donation).”
The 2018 triathlon included 150 athletes from eight states who signed up to take part in a 1,500-meter swim, 22.5-mile bike race and 6.2 mile run in and around the Beech Mountain Lakes community in Drums.
“People are already signing up for the 2019 race,” Bass said, noting it will take place July 28. “The Empire Tri Club (from New York State) is talking about bringing a large contingent, so we’re getting noticed outside the area.”
“We have a really nice setting because the lake is private and there are no gasoline-powered boats, which makes the water very clean. The bike course goes through Nescopeck State Park, so it’s very scenic. We try to make it fun, convenient and fast for the athlete.” .
The Strive Olympic Triathlon board members include Shaun Daney, John McGurk, Molly Wright, Kim Seward, Jill Snowden, Ann Krupa, Brian Linder, Jim Bobeck, Jamie Barker, Michael Steinberg, Ken Wall, Wendy Guzenski, Bob Guzenski, Paul Lumia, and race director David Bass.
For more information about the triathlon, see strivetri.com
