After all the challenges of qualifying for a worlds this year…there still is a simple way. Just you and a great course. Good result and you go. The Sept 17 Grand Columbian Iron and Half Iron are the PNW USAT Long Course and Ultra Regional championships. Besides being a great race on a great course, both races are direct qualifiers for Team USA to the 2006 ITU Long Course Worlds in Canberra Australia. Only 70 slots left for the half iron and 200 for the Iron. www.thegrandcolumbian.com
Great Course: 45-50 mph cross winds, sand storms, 90-100F, rough roads, 700’ climb in first 2 miles, 25/12 rear cog required, moonlike landscape…but you do get to pay the highest price for a 1/2 IM in the US (RD needs a new Porsche)
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Dude, you havn’t priced 1/2 IM entry fees lately. For example, Ralph’s entry fee for 2006 is $200, plus whatever active.com will jack you for.
Great Course: 45-50 mph cross winds, sand storms, 90-100F, rough roads, 700’ climb in first 2 miles, 25/12 rear cog required, moonlike landscape…but you do get to pay the highest price for a 1/2 IM in the US (RD needs a new Porsche)
I raced last year (it’s first year). Great race. Cool location. Loved the bike course.
The winds were peaking at something more like 25 mph,
I never saw a sand storm,
It certainly wasn’t even 75F,
Yes, the roads were a bit rough on the climb but mostly fine.
What, you afraid of a little climb? but, yes a 25/12 would help,
I don’t think the moon has any wheat fields,
Given the going rate for 1/2 IM’s now days $165 doesn’t seem high for a well run race. I felt I more than got my money’s worth.
Check out the race day weather last year at:
A few bike course photos:
Mile 30:
Top of the Almira Grade climb looking back, Mile 5 of 1/2 IM course
OK I’ll bite 
$165 for the half which includes the $9.00 one-day fee (rebate if you show your card from USAT. TriBC, Alberta Tri), No on-line registration fees (included in the price) Post race food including Salmon, fresh local fruit, tons of schwag, pancake breakfast, Brooks technical T, coolmax running cap. Yeh, you’re right You are on to me – of course I am more keen towards an Ecape Hybrid these days. :-)…Given the USAT rebate and online I’m not even the most expensive in the Northwest.