Ski, Bike, and Run at the Second Gaylord Tri45 Winter Triathlon

There’s no swimming, we promise.

By Deb Dent | Feb. 18, 2023

The Gaylord Tri45 Winter Triathlon, aptly named because the town sits on the 45th parallel, includes a 5K cross-country ski, a 10K fat tire bike ride and a 5K run, and is set to take place on the grounds of Treetops Resort in Gaylord on March 4.

It’s Michigan’s first ever winter triathlon and only the fourth in the United States.

Race director Meagan Rinck grew up in northern Michigan and has always had a passion for triathlons. She has competed in several over the years, including the Cheaha Extreme Triathlon in Delta, Alabama, and the half IRONMAN triathlon in Traverse City. She even placed first in her age group in Middleville’s Dirty Mitten Gravel Triathlon in 2021. And although she admits to not liking being cold, she enjoys being active with her two children—who have also both competed in triathlons—and staying fit all year long.

Rinck says that she had the idea for the winter event after missing summer triathlons and not wanting to take any down time away from the sport in the colder months. She shared the idea with her friend, Paul Beachnau from the Gaylord Tourism Bureau, and it wasn’t long before the ball was rolling. Treetops Resort was more than willing to add something new and exciting to their existing roster of winter activities. So, in 2022, the inaugural race was born.

Last year the event attracted 33 competitors, and Rinck fully expects that number to continue to grow with each year. And although most of the racers were relatively new to the sport, she says they did have a couple fierce competitors.

“This race proved to be exactly what they needed for a good challenge to get them through till summer triathlons started,” Rinck says. She adds that this is the perfect race for anyone who considers themselves a winter enthusiast and wants to push themselves and try something different…or for someone who just enjoys triathlons in general and is looking for a new challenge.

“Since a winter triathlon is a fairly new thing for the area, people have a hard time realizing what it is and think there is a swim involved, and that scares people away,” she explains. “I have to do a lot of reassuring that no swimming is involved.”

When asked what her opinion was on the most competitive piece of the race, Rinck says, “From my perspective, the bike is the most competitive. The cross-country ski people are setting their tone for the race and finding their pace. They are warming up and getting into it. The bike, you can really make up some time during this part and really separate yourself from the crowd. When the run comes, you know your pace, you are warmed up, and you are hopefully set apart and able to finish strong.”

Alison Sklarczyk was one of the participants in the inaugural triathlon last year. Up until the event, she had never even ridden a fat tire bike before but knew it would be a great experience and was up to the challenge. She enjoyed the fun and supportive atmosphere of the race and is looking forward to competing again this year.

Sklarczyk says of the experience, “It is truly an event for everyone, regardless of ability, strength, or speed. It was a great excuse to get outside, breathe some fresh air, and try something new, and I would encourage anyone that’s thinking about it, to sign up and join everyone. There was no shortage of laughter last year!”

Due to the fickle nature of a northern Michigan winter, Rinck says there always needs to be a Plan B in place for poor weather conditions—whether that means too much snow or not enough. She says that the race has back-up options if the weather decides it doesn’t want to cooperate with the event. In case of a big snowstorm, they would consider postponing. And if there is warmer weather causing a big melt, they would probably remove the cross-country ski part of the race.

As far as race swag goes this year, all participants will receive a ski boot bag. The top finishers will also get awards, with the overall first-place male and female receiving a trophy stein.

Rinck says that she is also including something that she experienced while participating in a race in Alaska: “One thing that was fun from last year that I am bringing back is the Hot Gatorade. Everyone was really skeptical about it and rightfully so. I tried it and it was perfect for the cold temps. However, I won’t be using yellow Gatorade this year,” she jokes.

Learn more, view race maps, and register at gaylordalloutdoorswintertriathlon.com.

Photos by Danielle Vuke