Event ticklers
Lieto is “Iron Man!”
June Lake Triathlon said earlier this week that Chris Lieto, the fastest American Ironman Triathlete, will appear at the event and fire the starting gun at the 2010 June Lake Triathlon Saturday, July 10, at 8 a.m.
Lieto is training in Mammoth this summer for his second season in preparation for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii in October. He visited the area last July to investigate the Eastern Sierra as a spot to train at high altitude. His interest was piqued after he learned that world class, Olympic-distance runners were living and training in Mammoth Lakes. Subsequently, Chris decided to return for a three-week visit last August/September.
After training here, Chris finished 2nd in the 2009 Hawaii World Championships, his best finish ever. Media coverage during the race repeatedly talked about his new training strategy of high altitude training in Mammoth. The coverage mentioned Mammoth Track Club team members several times, and included an interview with Ryan Hall. Since the 2009 race, during interviews, Lieto’s consistently asked about his Mammoth training experience.
“With such high profile sponsors as Trek, K-Swiss, Power Bar and XTerra Wetsuits, Chris’ training in the Eastside again this summer is surely a great addition to the growing fame for the area as a high altitude training Mecca,” said Race Director Alana Levin. “We are grateful for the incredible support from Snowcreek Resort. as well to Snowcreek Athletic Club, as well as the Westin Monache and Double Eagle Resort, and additional support from Horizon Air, Mammoth Hospital and Mammoth Mountain.”
In addition to starting the Saturday race, Chris will sign autographs on Friday, July 9, at 3 p.m. at the June Lake Triathlon Expo located on the June Lake swim beach at the Mammoth Hospital High Altitude Booth. He will also speak during the pre-race dinner at the June Mountain Ski Chalet, which starts at 5 p.m. More info: alana@highsierratri.org.
“Mono Basin & Beyond”
Join the Mono Lake Committee and friends on Saturday, July 10, from 2–5 p.m. for an artist reception for photographer Robb Hirsch and his exhibit, “Mono Basin & Beyond: Sublime Moments in Nature,” which is now on display in the Mono Lake Committee gallery.
Trained academically as a biologist and natural historian, Hirsch traveled through Africa, Central America and the western U.S. He established a career as a field biologist, working for United States Geological Survey, California State Parks.
He has also given slide shows to a wide variety of groups, using his photography as an educational tool.
Hirsch says he prefers to photograph away from the crowds, often backpacking or skiing long distances to previously scouted locations.
More info: call 760.647.6595.
Happy birthday, #9!
The LAWS Railroad Museum in Bishop presents “Happy Birthday Engine #9” on July 18, at the Museum. Engine #9 turns 100 this year. What makes a steam engine run? Find out and view lots of other old stuff that runs, which will also be operating and on display.
More info: 760.873.5950 or visit www.lawsmuseum.org.
FOOD PANTRY OPEN
The Salvation Army and Church on the Mountain have opened a food pantry in Mammoth to serve those in need of food assistance. The food pantry has a well-stocked facility at 220 Sierra Manor Rd., adjacent to Higerd Plumbing, to provide assistance and accept food and cash donations. Hours of operation: Monday/Wednesday 2-5 p.m. and Saturday noon-4 p.m.
