I'm looking at trying to hitch a ride before I shell out for a plane
ticket. I'm a good passenger and I pay all gas.

Drop me a line off-list: gahlord(at)mac.com if you have a ride.

Thanks,
g

Dear Biathlon Clubs & Athletes,
 
We are excited to announce the 11th Annual West Yellowstone Ski Education
Foundation's Summer Biathlon on Saturday July 12, 2008.  Please join us at the
Rendezvous Ski Trails for both Match and Sport class  men's & women's races. 
Registration is available online at active.com by searching for events in West
Yellowstone, MT 59758 or directly at
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1588880&assetId=a11988e4-e\
988-4dcd-a92a-ca93b231f619
 
All participants are encouraged to attend.  We will offer a safety clinic for
first timers and rifles and ammunition will be available for those who do not
have their own.  Match class participants must have their own equipment and have
raced in at least one Match Class event in the last 3 years.
 
Please help support the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation and experience
our championship quality biathlon range.
For more information, please go to http://rendezvousskitrails.com/biath.html or
contact WYSEF Director, Sara Hoovler at 406-599-4465
info@...
 
Make it a weekend and head to Bozeman on Sunday for their summer biathlon event.
 
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on the trails this season.
Sara Hoovler
WYSEF Director




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Some of you might have received this from Doug Hoover. Here is a copy
of what I sent him. First the promotional bit. If your in the New
England area for vacation and want to get in a race or two, please
consider the events at Pemi and HSC. These two clubs do a great job
promoting the sports and have introduced many people to biathlon. What
they need are more experienced competitors. Please spread the word to
help the clubs that put on events. Now the basic report:

Today the Pemigiwasette F&G Club held the first biathlon of the '08
season. Temps were mid 50 in the morning quickly rising to mid 90's
during the race. This was the hottest day in NH since August of last
summer and quite a shock to everyone involved. The Match race format
was a mass start with 5 laps of 800 meters each. The 10 point range
was fantastic. Last year the Pemi club received an NRA grant to buy 10
of the Devin BT-200 practice targets. The targets were set up on top
of purpose built stands and a Pemi designed back ground was placed
behind the targets to help the athletes see the hits. The BT-200 is a
over/under offhand/prone door target. A hit is signaled by the door
flapping open and automatically reset. Spotters help the athlete
record misses and spotting, while not expected of competitors, was a
job traded around.

There were 11 participants. 4 in Match class and 7 in the Novice
class. There were classes set-up for athletes 12 and under, 13-16,
17-21, 22-34, and 35+. In the novice class the participants were
expected to be safe and have a fun and enjoyable introduction to
biathlon. There is a walker class and lap lengths ranging from 300
meters to the full 800. Novice shoots prone at the offhand targets.
Pemi has loaner rifles available. Novices can also receive coaching
during the race and help on the range if they feel they need it. With
11 participants everyone pretty much won their class.

In the 12U class, two athletes (ages 4 and 7) shot off a rest with
adult coaching. This was modeled after the kid races run by the
Saratoga Biathlon Club. The 7 year old went clean twice and had three
misses total. The 4 year old was all donuts but had a great time
racing his sister around the P-loop they used for their lap. He wanted
to know when the next race is. Out of the 11 participants 8 were first
timers. Two of the athletes in Match class were experienced runners
and shooters and this was the first time they tried biathlon.  The
winning time in Match class was 28:02 with 2, 4, 2, 2 shooting.

This club puts in a huge effort to support biathlon. They construct a
range, P-loop, find volunteers (more helpers than athletes so far),
supply water, rifles, ammo, coaching and a very safe and fun
environment. This race is part of an 8 race series hosted between 2
clubs; Pemi and Harvard Sportsman's Club near Boston. Its an interclub
league open to anyone. There are 9 races between the two clubs.
Harvard just purchased 4 regulation resettable targets to put up when
they host events. A big investment for organizations that promote
biathlon as part of a summer shooting experience.  The races are well
run, safe and fun.

www.pemi.org and www.harvardsportsmansclub.com for more info or ask here.

--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "gahlord" <gahlord@...> wrote:
> What did they change?

Looks to me like mostly a modified stock. They have added spacers under the
trigger
guard for shooting in the standing position. Also incorporated the magazine
holder into
the stock instead of a bolt on plastic holder. Appears to be a new lever by the
magazine
slot to make it easier to eject the empty magazines.

This is the first I have seen or heard of this new model. I'm suprised, usually
it is
something you would see on the World Cup level prior to releasing it to the
general public,
but I don't recall seeing it on any images or video from this past season.
Anyway, I'm
assuming it was just recently released and will likely be a few months before it
shows up
here in North America.

Champion Shooters Supply in Ohio.
   http://www.championshooters.com/index-ssl.html

edkubicz <edkubicz@...> wrote:
           This is part of what Anschutz says about the new model:

Stock:
The new ANSCHÜTZ biathlon stock fulfils all requirements of a modern
biathlon competition rifle with regard to ergonomics and aerodynamic.
Shortened 5-shot magazines were laterally incorporated into the stock
to reduce the surface on which the wind can act. In addition non-slip
magazine bottoms make the handling of the loading process easier. An
additional magazine release lever on the side makes an even faster
exchange of the magazines possible. To speed the reloading process the
extra cartridge box for 6 cartridges has been placed at an
ergonomically especially favourable position in the stock. The height
of the forend can be adjusted to the individual shooter by two forend
raiser blocks to the maximum length of 12 cm allowed by the IBU. A
clamping piece in addition makes an individual length adjustment of the
harness sling possible.

I have not been able to find a dealer in the U.S. that currently sells
this model. Has anyone else in this group found the U.S. price/Dealer?

Ed







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

This is part of what Anschutz says about the new model:

Stock:
The new ANSCHÜTZ biathlon stock fulfils all requirements of a modern
biathlon competition rifle with regard to ergonomics and aerodynamic.
Shortened 5-shot magazines were laterally incorporated into the stock
to reduce the surface on which the wind can act. In addition non-slip
magazine bottoms make the handling of the loading process easier. An
additional magazine release lever on the side makes an even faster
exchange of the magazines possible. To speed the reloading process the
extra cartridge box for 6 cartridges has been placed at an
ergonomically especially favourable position in the stock. The height
of the forend can be adjusted to the individual shooter by two forend
raiser blocks to the maximum length of 12 cm allowed by the IBU. A
clamping piece in addition makes an individual length adjustment of the
harness sling possible.

I have not been able to find a dealer in the U.S. that currently sells
this model. Has anyone else in this group found the U.S. price/Dealer?

Ed

Hey Ed,

What did they change?

Is there a price on the new one?
I had trouble using the "find a dealer" tool. Looks like it is only available in
Germany?

--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "edkubicz" <edkubicz@...> wrote:
>
> Please check out the new 1827 Anschutz Fortner biathlon rifle.
>
> http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=99&sprache=1
>
>
> Regards;
>
> Ed
>

Hey Ed,

What did they change?

Is there a price on the new one?
I had trouble using the "find a dealer" tool. Looks like it is only available in
Germany?

--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "edkubicz" <edkubicz@...> wrote:
>
> Please check out the new 1827 Anschutz Fortner biathlon rifle.
>
> http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=99&sprache=1
>
>
> Regards;
>
> Ed
>

Please check out the new 1827 Anschutz Fortner biathlon rifle.

http://jga.anschuetz-sport.com/index.php5?menu=99&sprache=1


Regards;

Ed

Maybe we should just have some fun biathlon event there on the day it
was supposed to be World Cup? Not the same and not to be competitive
with the IBU, of course, but it might be good for the community. I
hear Fort Kent is also experiencing some heavy flooding right now. Bad
news loves company I guess.

I knew the World Cup was going to be there and was excited because it
would be within driving distance. Didn't hear about it until it was
posted here. I'm bummed about it, yeah.

I agree that maybe they should have realized the scheduling conflict
before announcing it and getting people to devote time/resources to
making it happen.

Hey Jay,



sorry...I thought you guys would know about it. Here in Europe there's big
talk about it.

Yes, there was a World Cup scheduled for Fort Kent. I guess since two years
or sth. it was said that there would be a stop in FK because it would just
make sense, since they are already in North America. So they worked hard in
Maine to get everything ready. And now the IBU just kicked the World Cup
out. Of course it would have been hard on the athletes to have ten events
throughout the whole winter BUT it would have made more sense to cancel
Norway or Russia. But no, they have their lobby, so they're still in the
program.



Now the athletes just travel to Vancouver after the World Champs in Korea
and after Vancouver they go to Trondheim. 1st of all it's a lot of
travelling and 2nd of all: Why the heck couldn't they decide that earlier? I
saw it in Presque Isle to the Junior WCHs how the people up there put their
heart and soul into those events . and now, with most of the preparation
already done, there will be no World Cup.



Well.that's the situation.. ;o) Now you know it



Viktoria



From: biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Jay Bender
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 6:31 PM
To: biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Biathlon North America - World Cup Fort Kent



Hi Viktoria,
You say that "they just kicked the World Cup in Fort Kent out of the
program". Do you mean that a World Cup event was scheduled for Fort Kent
next season, and now it has been moved somewhere else? If so, when was it to
have been, and where did they move it? (I assume the "they" is the IBU,
yes?)
I know there will be a World Cup race on the opposite end of this continent
at the new Olympic Venue (Whistler Olympic Park, north of Vancouver BC) next
March. It would seem that it is logical to have several World Cup races over
in North America, rather than just one, since the teams have traveled over
here already.
Can you give us a little more information on what you are talking about,
please?
Jay
in Washington State
----- Original Message -----
From: Lotterhose
To: biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:biathlonnorthamerica%40yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:09 AM
Subject: Biathlon North America - World Cup Fort Kent

Hey guys,

I'm doing the German biathlon website <http://www.biathlon-online.de>
www.biathlon-online.de

After one year that I spent in Boston two years ago, I'm quite into the US
biathlon as well. Now they just kicked the World Cup in Fort Kent out of the
program without any notice. The planning was already 80% done and now???....

Since I'm working on a piece about that right now I just wanted to ask for
your opinions concerning that matter. (If you have an opinion on that.haha)

Viktoria

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Viktoria,
    You say that "they just kicked the World Cup in Fort Kent out of the
program".  Do you mean that a World Cup event was scheduled for Fort Kent next
season, and now it has been moved somewhere else?  If so, when was it to have
been, and where did they move it?  (I assume the "they" is the IBU, yes?)
     I know there will be a World Cup race on the opposite end of this continent
at the new Olympic Venue (Whistler Olympic Park, north of Vancouver BC) next
March.  It would seem that it is logical to have several World Cup races over in
North America, rather than just one, since the teams have traveled over here
already.
     Can you give us a little more information on what you are talking about,
please?
Jay
in Washington State
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Lotterhose
   To: biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 9:09 AM
   Subject: Biathlon North America - World Cup Fort Kent


   Hey guys,

   I'm doing the German biathlon website <http://www.biathlon-online.de>
   www.biathlon-online.de

   After one year that I spent in Boston two years ago, I'm quite into the US
   biathlon as well. Now they just kicked the World Cup in Fort Kent out of the
   program without any notice. The planning was already 80% done and now???....

   Since I'm working on a piece about that right now I just wanted to ask for
   your opinions concerning that matter. (If you have an opinion on that.haha)

   Viktoria

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey guys,



I'm doing the German biathlon website  <http://www.biathlon-online.de>
www.biathlon-online.de

After one year that I spent in Boston two years ago, I'm quite into the US
biathlon as well. Now they just kicked the World Cup in Fort Kent out of the
program without any notice. The planning was already 80% done and now???....



Since I'm working on a piece about that right now I just wanted to ask for
your opinions concerning that matter. (If you have an opinion on that.haha)



Viktoria





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Weight issue- it doesn't meet winter biathlon standards... not sure
about what the limits (if any) for summer biathlon... particularly
for beginner/novice competitors.  I've seen a wide range of
boltaction rimfire hardware at summer biathlon.

The AccuTrigger will proabably ensure that you meet any trigger pull
requirements.

--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "jonm21225"
<jonm21225@...> wrote:
>
> Under $500 for summer biathlon?
>
> A Savage Mark II FVT has much of the hardware (action, sights)
> associated the old Lakefield 90B and the old Savage 900B biathlon
> rifles.  The stock leaves something to be desired.  The Savage BVTS
> has a better stock but lacks the "out of the box" Lyman(I think)
> sights that the FVT has.
>
> The FVT might be suitable for summer biathlon.  A  holder for the 5
> round magazines is needed.  You can order from Dick's or Bass Pro
Shop
>
>
>
> --- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, Robert Sherer
> <riflesafety@> wrote:
> >
> > A fast search of the internet brought bach this one.
> >   http://www.gunsamerica.com/955809148/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-
> Auctions/Rifles/C-Misc-
> Rifles/CBC_Linha_Impala_Model_422_Biathlon_Rifle_22LR.htm
> >
> >   It is a bolt action, if I dig around a little bit, I think I
even
> have the owners manual in pdf.
> >   Biathlon rifles are hard to find in that price range, I found
my
> IZH 7-4  in an out of the way gun shop for $600.00, it only had 100
> rounds fired through it. Look hard and long, biathlon rifles are
not
> that common an item.
> >
> > davidx300 <DGreenb300@> wrote:
> >           I'm looking for a used biathlon rifle - something at
the
> lower end
> > <$500 would be fine. Does anyone have any tips on where to look
for
> one?
> > Are there any brands to look for or avoid? It would be for summer
> > biathlon so I don't need much. I'm in New York City.
> >
> > FYI I've done a couple of the New Jersey summer biathlons and
have
> been
> > very impressed by their organization and the good vibe at the
> races.
> > I'd encourage anyone in the Northeast to think about making the
> trip.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Under $500 for summer biathlon?

A Savage Mark II FVT has much of the hardware (action, sights)
associated the old Lakefield 90B and the old Savage 900B biathlon
rifles.  The stock leaves something to be desired.  The Savage BVTS
has a better stock but lacks the "out of the box" Lyman(I think)
sights that the FVT has.

The FVT might be suitable for summer biathlon.  A  holder for the 5
round magazines is needed.  You can order from Dick's or Bass Pro Shop



--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, Robert Sherer
<riflesafety@...> wrote:
>
> A fast search of the internet brought bach this one.
>   http://www.gunsamerica.com/955809148/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-
Auctions/Rifles/C-Misc-
Rifles/CBC_Linha_Impala_Model_422_Biathlon_Rifle_22LR.htm
>
>   It is a bolt action, if I dig around a little bit, I think I even
have the owners manual in pdf.
>   Biathlon rifles are hard to find in that price range, I found my
IZH 7-4  in an out of the way gun shop for $600.00, it only had 100
rounds fired through it. Look hard and long, biathlon rifles are not
that common an item.
>
> davidx300 <DGreenb300@...> wrote:
>           I'm looking for a used biathlon rifle - something at the
lower end
> <$500 would be fine. Does anyone have any tips on where to look for
one?
> Are there any brands to look for or avoid? It would be for summer
> biathlon so I don't need much. I'm in New York City.
>
> FYI I've done a couple of the New Jersey summer biathlons and have
been
> very impressed by their organization and the good vibe at the
races.
> I'd encourage anyone in the Northeast to think about making the
trip.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

A fast search of the internet brought bach this one.
  
http://www.gunsamerica.com/955809148/Guns-For-Sale/Gun-Auctions/Rifles/C-Misc-Ri\
fles/CBC_Linha_Impala_Model_422_Biathlon_Rifle_22LR.htm

   It is a bolt action, if I dig around a little bit, I think I even have the
owners manual in pdf.
   Biathlon rifles are hard to find in that price range, I found my IZH 7-4  in
an out of the way gun shop for $600.00, it only had 100 rounds fired through it.
Look hard and long, biathlon rifles are not that common an item.

davidx300 <DGreenb300@...> wrote:
           I'm looking for a used biathlon rifle - something at the lower end
<$500 would be fine. Does anyone have any tips on where to look for one?
Are there any brands to look for or avoid? It would be for summer
biathlon so I don't need much. I'm in New York City.

FYI I've done a couple of the New Jersey summer biathlons and have been
very impressed by their organization and the good vibe at the races.
I'd encourage anyone in the Northeast to think about making the trip.







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Guys,
You might try to find a Marlin 2000 (the blue stocked rifle you might
have used) on the used market. I don't know too much about these
rifles so ask around. The Izhmash 7-4 is a great buy and is a full
season biathlon rifle. Mine has been fantastic during the summer and
winter in temps to -20F. A 7-4 will be tough to find for under $500.
The 7-4 shoots better than I do. For summer only use you might try the
Savage FVT. Bust out retail is $375.

http://www.savagearms.com/markiifvt.htm .

Its an entry level target rifle. It has an adjustable trigger and you
would need a few extra mags and a way to store them on the rifle. It
might be too light to meet IBU rules. Best advice is find a purpose
built biathlon rifle. They do a good job of holding value especially
if you snag one on the used market. Good luck, Kevin





--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "jerryoaks" <groaks@...>
wrote:
>
> I'm glad you asked this question, because I've been in the market for
> something similar myself.  I've done a lot of internet research, and I
> think I'll have better luck when I learn to speak/read Russian!  Good
> look with your search, and I would love to hear what you end up with.
>

I'm glad you asked this question, because I've been in the market for
something similar myself.  I've done a lot of internet research, and I
think I'll have better luck when I learn to speak/read Russian!  Good
look with your search, and I would love to hear what you end up with.

I'm looking for a used biathlon rifle - something at the lower end
<$500 would be fine. Does anyone have any tips on where to look for one?
Are there any brands to look for or avoid? It would be for summer
biathlon so I don't need much. I'm in New York City.

FYI I've done a couple of the New Jersey summer biathlons and have been
very impressed by their organization and the good vibe at the races.
I'd encourage anyone in the Northeast to think about making the trip.

If anyone is going to these races and passing near Burlington VT, I'll pay for
the gas if I
can catch a ride. Feel free to email me off list: gahlord mac.com

If I get my own rifle in time, same offer will stand for Nationals in PA (and I
know the way
there even).

Hope everyone is doing well and not missing snow as much as I do,

Gahlord

Hey Jay,

Thanks for the heads up about the race in PA. I rented a car and went
down. Had an absolute blast. Race organizers are real sweethearts and
the scene was a lot of fun.

Can't wait to do my next one (and get a gun and practice so I can I
don't have to run so many penalty loops...).

Take care,
g

--- In biathlonnorthamerica@yahoogroups.com, "Jay Bender" <jay@...> wrote:
>
> I'll throw my two cents in here
>
> Kevin is right.  Find yourself a club and start going to summer
races.  There is a whole schedule of summer races, many are probably
near you.  Check out the listing here:
> http://www.wabiathlon.org/schedules/2008-summer-nationals.htm  (this
is really just a listing of where and when summer races are in the US
this season)
> There is a race next weekend,  probably near you.... April 19th..
info here:
> http://www.pabiathlon.org/Test.site/Current%20Pages/Events.htm
>
>    Biathlon is perfect for you.... as it is a very techy sport.
Lots of things to think about, fiddle with, track, etc.  One thing to
remember...it is a race.  Whether you race competitively or
recreationally (just for fun), the idea is to have a good time.  For
some that just means being out there doing it and interacting with a
bunch of great people.  For others it means improving steadily and
moving up the finish order (in addition to interacting with great
people).  To do well in winter, you really need to do it in summer,
too.  Keep stats on your workouts, and your shooting practice
sessions.   Get in shape, if you're not now.  You will find, summer or
winter, it takes a good bit of cardiovascular fitness.  The fitter you
are, the easier you can run/ski and stay in the lead.... coming in to
shoot while still in control.  My problem has always been that I have
to run as hard as I can to stay with the front guys, and my shooting
would suffer as a result.  If I'd been in better shape, I'd be able to
stay with them without taking my heart rate into the stratosphere.
>
>     So, crank up your heart rate monitor, download your workouts to
your computer, set yourself up a training plan (short answer: do
70-80% of your workouts at BE "Basic Endurance", which means lots of
long, slow distance.  The remaining 20-30% can be tempo and
speed-work.)  If those terms don't mean much to you, subscribe to
Runner's World magazine, or you can read a bunch on the web about
training.
>
> Jay
> in WA State
> (Everyone,  it is always good to identify WHERE you are when you
post here.  People will be in a much better position to answer your
questions or direct you to events, etc.)
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

rite you r Joe'
>

He may have just combined two items for a new sport, boomerangs and skiing.

   Could be fun!



Joseph Goldberg <tenaciousjoe@...> wrote:
           I think you mean http://usbiathlon.org :)

Joe

On Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:09 PM, dustm440 <dustm440@...> wrote:

> I suggest to plan for attending some local winter biathlon races in
> your area next season. Many of these events will have reps from the
> local clubs w/thier own coaches that can help you get started, and or,
> decide if its for you, or not.
> check out usba.org for a listing. Also look at the the noram cup events.
> laters'
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





  between 0000-00-00 and 9999-99-99

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think you mean http://usbiathlon.org  :)

Joe

On Mon, Apr 14, 2008 at 8:09 PM, dustm440 <dustm440@...> wrote:

> I suggest to plan for attending some local winter biathlon races in
> your area next season. Many of these events will have reps from the
> local clubs w/thier own coaches that can help you get started, and or,
> decide if its for you, or not.
> check out usba.org for a listing. Also look at the the noram cup events.
>  laters'
> >
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I suggest to plan for attending some local winter biathlon races in
your area next season. Many of these events will have reps from the
local clubs w/thier own coaches that can help you get started, and or,
decide if its for you, or not.
check out usba.org for a listing. Also look at the the noram cup events.
   laters'
>

Hi All,
I posted a link to an article I wrote about getting started in
biathlon here in VT. Just in case you need a biathlon fix during the
summer. Thanks, Kevin

Thanks for the great and swift replies!

I'm in Burlington, Vermont. I joined EABC half-way through the winter
and got a couple sessions in with Patrick Coffey before the season
wore out. Anyone who's into pictures might enjoy my photos of Nor Am
#4 in Jericho
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gahlord/sets/72157603901061919/ (I have
higher res images if someone is pictured and wants a good version of a
shot).

The reason for my initial question is more about how to plan my
training for the 2008/2009 season; especially what to including in the
training. For me the fun is doing the work and tracking it and seeing
how/if it has any effect on race performance.

I agree that biathlon is definitely up my alley with multiple things
to track/consider (physical exertion vs mental concentration... you
just can't beat that--immovable object vs the unstoppable force).

Thanks for the great thoughts and I'll let you all know how it goes. I
hope to see you all this summer and next winter!

Gahlord

Oh yeah and Kevin Brooker: I had already decided to try biathlon when
I stumbled on your articles. I'm trying to pre-emptively prevent
slug-body. ;)

I'll throw my two cents in here

Kevin is right.  Find yourself a club and start going to summer races.  There is
a whole schedule of summer races, many are probably near you.  Check out the
listing here:
http://www.wabiathlon.org/schedules/2008-summer-nationals.htm  (this is really
just a listing of where and when summer races are in the US this season)
There is a race next weekend,  probably near you.... April 19th.. info here:
http://www.pabiathlon.org/Test.site/Current%20Pages/Events.htm

    Biathlon is perfect for you.... as it is a very techy sport.  Lots of things
to think about, fiddle with, track, etc.  One thing to remember...it is a race. 
Whether you race competitively or recreationally (just for fun), the idea is to
have a good time.  For some that just means being out there doing it and
interacting with a bunch of great people.  For others it means improving
steadily and moving up the finish order (in addition to interacting with great
people).  To do well in winter, you really need to do it in summer, too.  Keep
stats on your workouts, and your shooting practice sessions.   Get in shape, if
you're not now.  You will find, summer or winter, it takes a good bit of
cardiovascular fitness.  The fitter you are, the easier you can run/ski and stay
in the lead.... coming in to shoot while still in control.  My problem has
always been that I have to run as hard as I can to stay with the front guys, and
my shooting would suffer as a result.  If I'd been in better shape, I'd be able
to stay with them without taking my heart rate into the stratosphere.

     So, crank up your heart rate monitor, download your workouts to your
computer, set yourself up a training plan (short answer: do 70-80% of your
workouts at BE "Basic Endurance", which means lots of long, slow distance.  The
remaining 20-30% can be tempo and speed-work.)  If those terms don't mean much
to you, subscribe to Runner's World magazine, or you can read a bunch on the web
about training.

Jay
in WA State
(Everyone,  it is always good to identify WHERE you are when you post here. 
People will be in a much better position to answer your questions or direct you
to events, etc.)

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Gahlord,
You mention skiing at Craftsbury, VT; where is home? Finding a club or
people to train with will be easier if the group knows where you live.

I started biathlon when I was 41 and made it a point to race a lot
during the summer. I believe this made the transition to winter races
much simpler as I had a good handle on what to expect and how I
reacted to race stresses. Much easier in warm temps compared to -10F
and windy.

Biathlon training info is available but scattered all over the web.
I'd suggest finding a club and attend training sessions and races. As
for the metrics you ask for I'm not too sure what's available. Take
care, Kevin




>
> Hey everyone,
>
> I'm an aspiring "recreational" biathlete and looking for training
> information. I'm very into data-driven performance in other aspects of
> my life (i.e. my day job--I'm in  my low-thirties).
>
> I'm very new to biathlon and XC as well. This was my first full winter
> doing XC and I loved--and tracked--every minute of it. I've tried to
> make sense of some of the NENSA resources available on their site but
> I'm not certain of the meanings of L1 L2 etc. And then an interesting
> article in Master Skier about looking at A1 A2 etc seemed another
> interesting and not mutually-exclusive angle.
>
> What metrics do biathlon coaches use to help improve the quality of
> their trainees (there seems to be some resources I could cobble
> together for skiing, but what about marksmanship and the transition
> zone from skiing to marksmanship and of course general focus training)?
>
> Are there any resources on biathlon-specific training or is it a
> simple "join a club, shoot, ski and have a good time" sort of approach.
>
> All feedback welcome, links very much encouraged.
>
> Also, to the previous poster in this group: I did Craftsbury VT last
> weekend and it was great fun even if I had to work to go downhill. I
> think that was the last time out on snow for me until next snowfall.
> Had I brought a rifle I might have been able to join a rabbit-hunting
> troupe out near Duck Pond (who probably needed it, judging by the 8 to
> 12 shots between silence).
>
> Take care,
> Gahlord
>

There is a Wisconsin Biathlon Club up by Kettle Morraine, Wisc.  Their website
is www.wisconsinbiathlon.com.  They may have trainig during the off season.  G

gahlord <gahlord@...> wrote:          Hey everyone,

I'm an aspiring "recreational" biathlete and looking for training
information. I'm very into data-driven performance in other aspects of
my life (i.e. my day job--I'm in my low-thirties).

I'm very new to biathlon and XC as well. This was my first full winter
doing XC and I loved--and tracked--every minute of it. I've tried to
make sense of some of the NENSA resources available on their site but
I'm not certain of the meanings of L1 L2 etc. And then an interesting
article in Master Skier about looking at A1 A2 etc seemed another
interesting and not mutually-exclusive angle.

What metrics do biathlon coaches use to help improve the quality of
their trainees (there seems to be some resources I could cobble
together for skiing, but what about marksmanship and the transition
zone from skiing to marksmanship and of course general focus training)?

Are there any resources on biathlon-specific training or is it a
simple "join a club, shoot, ski and have a good time" sort of approach.

All feedback welcome, links very much encouraged.

Also, to the previous poster in this group: I did Craftsbury VT last
weekend and it was great fun even if I had to work to go downhill. I
think that was the last time out on snow for me until next snowfall.
Had I brought a rifle I might have been able to join a rabbit-hunting
troupe out near Duck Pond (who probably needed it, judging by the 8 to
12 shots between silence).

Take care,
Gahlord






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]