Ukiah triathlon to wind through fire reminders

Participants in the South Ukiah Rotary Club’s Race for Recovery triathlon on Sept. 9 will cycle through a stark reminder of the October wildfires and their destructive potential.

But they will also see the inevitable signs of renewal - new growth and rebuilding of structures burned in the devastating firestorm.

Registration fees and sponsorships will fund the annual tri, from which a portion of proceeds will go to help victims in need.

The race, all within the Lake Mendocino Recreation Area, starts with a half-mile open-water swim in Lake Mendocino, followed by a 20.5-mile loop bike ride on quiet rural roads next to the lake and finishes with a 3.1-mile run.

The course is the same as 2017, with a single transition area and a bluff-top finish with expansive views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

While some years the water in Lake Mendocino has been low, Rotary member Carol Myer said there is plenty of water this year. Smoke from the nearby fires has dissipated and isn’t expected to be a problem.

Part of the bicycle path will be on roads through the Redwood Valley, which was hard hit by the fires, Myer said. Some regrowth and new buildings are rising from the rubble.

As many as 300 participants are expected to compete in the race, which race director Lisa Bates said is great for first-time triathletes.

This year, the pre-race party for athletes to pick up their race packets will be held at Rivino Winery from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday. There will be music, wine tasting and appetizers.

Athletes also will be entered into a raffle for a free a weekend stay at the Jax House at Jaxon Keys Winery in Ukiah. Perched on a hill above the winery on 1,250 acres of vineyard and oak trees, the three-bedroom, two-bath house sleeps six.

To register as an individual or relay team, or for more information, visit ukiahtriathlon.com.

You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 707-521-5470 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @loriacarter.