Olympic Support for 2009 M-22 Challenge Champion J. Kuck
Funny video made in support of the 2009 M-22 Challenge Mens Winner Jonathan Kuck and his debut at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Good Luck Jonathan!!
1st Annual M-22 Challenge Final Press Release
For Immediate Release
Congratulations, the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge was a Success!
Top athletes travelled from the midwest to participate in the first ever bike-run-paddle event held in Glen Arbor, MI and hundreds of volunteers and spectators gathered in support.
Glen Arbor, Michigan June 20th, 2009 – Nineteen year old speed ice skater, Jonathan Kuck, of Champaign, IL took home first place in the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge with a time of 1:09:32 in the bike-run-paddle event. “The hardest part was running the sand dune!” Kuck remarked after finishing the triathlon race.
Less than a minute behind at 1:10:06, second place finisher Mark Durno from Fariveiw Park, OH said, “I went as hard as I could. The climb on the bike was the hardest event but the sand dune was the most painful. It was worth it coming from Ohio!”
One-hundred and twenty-two athletes participated in today’s exciting and challenging event which was comprised of a 17 mile bike ride around Big and Little Glen Lake, a 2 mile run including dune climb, and 1 mile out and back paddle in Little Glen Lake. In addition, at least three-hundred volunteers and spectators gathered for the event. “When I saw competitors coming through the finish line saying ‘that was so much fun’ – I knew it was a success,” stated Matt Myers Jr., organizer and co-owner of M-22 with his brother Keegan Myers.
“I’m doing it again! I’m coming back next year and bringing friends!” First time tri-athlete Kelly Taylor of Belmont, MI exclaimed as she finished the race. Taylor, a former Traverse City resident, drove up just for the day.
The M-22 Challenge hosted many first time tri-athletes as well seasoned Traverse City racers like Steve Andriese of the Hagerty Cycling Team who placed third at 1:11:09. Andriese was the leader in bike event and held a strong lead through the run. Andriese’s wife, Mary, also competed and took forth in the women’s overall.
Keri Pawielski of St. Joesph, MI was the women’s overall winner with a time of 1:15:48. Stephanie Frye of Traverse City took second coming in at 1:26:42 and Sue Burns of Leland, MI placed third with a time of 1:28:25.
Debra Smith of Traverse City, MI just started running this June for the event and says she’s absolutely coming back next year. “It didn’t matter if you were an uber athlete or just someone trying their best and just finishing it; seeing all of the people and encouragement was the best part.” She admitted after her finish.
“This was my first multi-disciple event and now I can’t wait to do more!” shouted Christine Watts of Interlochen, MI after her finish.
Matt Myers Sr., Event Coordinator, can’t wait to get going on plans for next year. “Were aiming for over 500 participants next summer,” he smiled during the awards ceremony. Thanks to volunteers, and sponsors like Michael Reese, Pangea’s, Signplicity, Sock’s Construction, and many more, the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge was an incredible event that is sure to continue on for years.
About the M-22 Challenge:
The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.
Additional information and course maps are available at www.m22challenge.com.
About M-22:
Founded by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves, M-22 was created to express the common passion for Northern Michigan. M-22 is not just a road; it’s a way of life. Its bays, beaches and bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, friends and family. It is the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would rather be.
Press Contact:
Stephanie Zalucha, Media Director
stephanie.zalucha@gmail.com
M-22 Challenge
www.m22challenge.com
1st Annual M-22 Challenge- Update 3
This Saturday: The First Annual M-22 Challenge
Inaugural multi-discipline event, to take place this weekend on June 20th, 2009 in Glen Arbor, invites spectators and athletes to enjoy the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and compete in the bike-run-paddle challenge.
Traverse City, Michigan June 17th, 2009 – M-109 near Glen Lake will be closed this Saturday beginning at 8:45am in order for the shot gun start of the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge. At 9:00am, event participants will cross the start line on M-109 near the event site, Little Glen Lake Picnic Area, on bikes escorted by the Leelanau County Sheriffs Department. And so begins M-22 Challenge!
After a 17 mile cycle up to Inspiration Point and around picturesque Big and Little Glen Lake, participants will transition to the running event and sprint to the base of the Sleeping Bear Dunes “Dune Climb” to summit the sandy slope. The male and female participant with the fastest dune climb time will be named the first-ever, “King and Queen of the Dune” and receive granite mounted trophies by TC Mirror.
At the top of the dune, athletes will catch their breath and take in the view of the National Lakeshore before sprinting down the dune and back to the transition area for the last and most exciting event: The paddle race.
Lined up on the shore of Little Glen Lake, kayaks and stand up paddle-boards will await participants to race out and back on crystal clear Little Glen Lake. With the finish line in the water built by Sox Construction, it’s an exciting, can’t miss finish. Awards will take place around12:00pm near national sponsor Red Bull’s tent with trophies for the top athletes and even an “I finished the M-22 Challenge” trophy for the last finisher.
Spectators will be able to witness the entire event from the Little Glen Lake Picnic Area and cheer participants on as they start the weekend in one of Michigan’s most beautiful areas. Additionally, The National Lakeshore will be offering free parking all weekend.
Are you up for the Challenge? Registration is still open and kayak rentals are available at the event site. Don’t let the dune climb scare you away and don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the first ever M-22 Challenge.
Online registration at www.m22challenge.com will be open until 5pm on Thursday, June 18th. Or, Register in person from 5-7pm in the downtown Traverse City M-22 Store. Event check-in is also possible at this time and location. At check-in participants will receive their race packets, shirts, and a 22% discount on M-22 gear. Late registration and an alternative check-in takes place 5-9pm on Friday, June 19th at the event site. Bikes and watercraft may also be dropped off at this time.
About the M-22 Challenge:
The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.
Additional information and course maps are available at www.m22challenge.com.
About M-22:
Founded by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves, M-22 was created to express the common passion for Northern Michigan. M-22 is not just a road; it’s a way of life. Its bays, beaches and bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, friends and family. It is the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would rather be.
Press Contact:
Stephanie Zalucha, Media Director
stephanie.zalucha@gmail.com
M-22 Challenge
www.m22challenge.com
1st Annual M-22 Challenge- Update 4
Registration Update:
The first registration will take place at the M22 store in downtown Traverse City from 5-7pm on Thursday June 18th. If you are under 18 please bring a parent or guardian. During the registration time everyone will receive a 22% discount on all products at the M22 Store! New registrations are welcome at no additional charge!
Second registration will be from 5-9pm on Friday June 19th at the event site. At this time you will be able to setup your bike and kayak placement. There will be a $25 additional fee if you are not pre-registered.
Late registration will take place from 7-8AM on Saturday June 20th. No registrations will be accepted after 8AM on June 20th. No refunds will be issued for any reason. There will be a $25 additional fee if you are not pre-registered.
Course Order Change: bike – run – paddle
After months of approval in our course order, a certain Leelanau County Official has insisted that we alter the arrangement of the three disciplines. The event will now commence with the bike portion, then follow into the running segment, and still finish with the paddle. For the 17-mile bike, riders will be escorted by the Leelanau County Sheriffs Department in what is called a “rolling enclosure,” meaning all riders within the leading and trailing police escorts have right-of-way to all vehicles. This is very similar to the attention to safety the Sheriffs Department gives to the Tour De Leelanau, however no drafting will be allowed.
This change will allow the roadways to clear earlier in the morning, and ensure a very safe event with the support of the Sheriffs Department. It will also create a more exciting spectator area where people will be able to witness all three portions of the event happening from the event site at one time. So be sure to encourage your friends and family to make it out to support the participants.
Timing: How the event is scored
Please remember staging is open between 7 and 8:30am on Saturday morning. The event will begin at 9am in the northbound lane of M-109 by a “shotgun start.” Participants are allowed to line up behind the start line at 8:45am with their bikes, we ask that the more advanced athletes line up first. At 9am we will signal the start of the race and all athletes will ride through the start line following the police escort.
King and Queen of the Dune will be scored separate from race order, but individually for the time it takes to make it from the bottom of the dune to the top marker. This means the quickest one to the top wins regardless of overall placement.
Each athlete will finish the event by passing through the finish line in the water into a holding area. From there we will have assistants help file athletes into a corral to ensure proper finish order and file watercraft back into the staging area. Race results will be posted at the awards ceremony at approximately 12pm at the event site.
Watercraft Decontamination: Glen Lake Association
The Glen Lake Association has recently passed a local ordinance asking that all watercraft placed in Glen Lake is decontaminated by pressure washing. Those renting kayaks from Crystal River Outfitters will have their boats already prepared and do not need to be concerned with this matter. Those bringing their own watercraft need to have their boat rinsed off at the boat launch on Day Forest Road. The Glen Lake Association will have staff present from 5-9pm on June 19, and 6-8am on June 20. A sticker will be placed on your boat to confirm it has been properly cleaned. Please see below document for map to location.
1st Annual M-22 Challenge – Update 2
The 1st Annual M-22 Challenge is Gaining Momentum
A newly appointed team of event directors, a new website, and sponsor backing have made the M-22 Challenge an event that promises to impress while bringing the community together and spotlighting our area.
Traverse City, Michigan May 16th, 2009 – With five weeks left for athletes to train and volunteers to organize the event, the M-22 Challenge is growing in popularity and right on track for the event date of June 20th.
Among happenings, the course order has been improved. The event will now begin with the run up the Sleeping Bear “Dune Climb,” transition to the bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, and commence with the exciting paddle though Little Glen for a can’t-miss water finish.
“The change is best for the athletes and now, photographers will have an incredible opportunity to capture the mass start up the dune and the finish in the water, “said Matt Myers in comment to the event order.
The new M-22 Challenge website reflects the new order and features bigger, more detailed course maps with thorough course descriptions. Newly appointed volunteer directors have also been added to the website.
“Volunteers are critical to the success of the M-22 Challenge,” said Matt Myers Sr., Event Coordinator at last week’s volunteer meeting where the directors, including Lisa Taylor, Traverse City Central Track Coach and Tim Brick of Brick Wheels, were introduced. The next volunteer meeting is set for May 26th at the M-22 store in downtown Traverse City. Everyone is welcome to attend and may sign up to volunteer on the website.
In addition to volunteers, many local sponsors have come aboard to help support the new event including Pangea’s Pizza, Porterhouse Productions, and Signplicity. Various levels of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Jodi Soper, the Sponsor Director can be contacted at jodisoper@gmail.com
Early registration ends on June 18th so don’t miss your opportunity to compete in this inaugural event showcasing Northern Michigan’s picturesque, natural features.
About the M-22 Challenge:
The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.
Participants must register online at www.m22challenge.com to compete. Event check-in is from 5:00pm-10:00pm June 19, 2009 at the event site, Little Glen Lake Picnic Area. Please bring bikes and watercrafts during check-in to establish placement within the transition area. Limited kayak rental will be available at check-in. Additional information is available at www.m22challenge.com.
About M-22:
Founded by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves, M-22 was created to express the common passion for Northern Michigan. M-22 is not just a road; it’s a way of life. Its bays, beaches and bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, friends and family. It is the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would rather be.
Press Contact:
Stephanie Zalucha, Media Director
stephanie.zalucha@gmail.com
M-22 Challenge
Matt Myers Sr., Event Coordinator
challenge@m22online.com
M-22 Challenge
For more information or to register visit www.m22challenge.com
1st Annual M-22 Challenge – Update 1
Registration for the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge is Open!
Register for the bike, paddle, run event to be held in Northern Michigan’s Leelanau County on June 20th, 2009 presented by the Broneah brothers, M-22.
Traverse City, Michigan April 26th 2009 — Registration for the 1stth so don’t miss your opportunity to compete in this inaugural event showcasing Northern Michigan’s picturesque, natural features. Annual M-22 Challenge is open and spots are already filling up! Participants are limited and early registration ends on June 18th.
“What you’ll see and experience along the way will undoubtedly stay with you for the rest of the year,” said Anne Shoup, Leelanau Conservancy Development Director.
The M-22 Challenge is a multi-discipline event based in beautiful Leelanau County in Northern Michigan designed to challenge athletes against the natural terrain and environmental elements of the area.
Beginning with a 16 mile bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, riders will cover a stretch along M-22 and pass Inspiration Point before taking to the water. Next, participants transition to a short and exciting paddle event where kayaks, stand up paddleboards, surfski’s, or any watercraft powered only by one handheld paddle is allowed. The Challenge concludes with a 2 mile run where participants must push themselves though a Sleeping Bear Dunes climb overlooking the area.
Are you up to the Challenge?
All participants must register online at www.m22challenge.com to compete. Course maps and details are also available on the website. Event check-in is between 5:00pm and 10:00pm June 19, 2009 at Glen Arbor Township Hall. Please bring bikes and kayaks/paddleboards etc. during check-in to establish priority placement within the transition area. Limited kayak rental will be available at check-in. Late Registration will take place during check-in and is subject to charge.
1st Annual M-22 Challenge
Brothers Introduce the 1st Annual M-22 Challenge
Unique bike, paddle, run event to be held in Northern Michigan’s Leelanau County on June 20th 2009. Event showcases the area’s natural features with a bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, a paddle race, and a 2 mile run including a Sleeping Bear Dune climb.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI, April 19, 2009 – “We’re very excited to help promote the passion for Northern Michigan with the introduction of the first annual M-22 Challenge. The unparalleled scenery of Northern Michigan combined with this unique event offers the community an opportunity to compete in a challenging and breathtakingly beautiful race,” said Matt Myers of M-22. The Northern Michigan brothers and kiteboarders: Matt and Keegan Myers will be presenting the multi-discipline event on June 20th, 2009.
Designed to test athletes against Lake Michigan’s natural terrain and the area’s environmental elements, the M-22 Challenge course promises participants an unforgettable experience with a bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, an exciting paddle “anything” event on crystal clear Little Glen, and a challenging 2 mile run including dune climb overlooking Lake Michigan.
“For me, the M-22 Challenge is taking place at the best location in the world, at the best time of the year. There is no other event that utilizes the extreme uniqueness that this very location offers,” said Keegan.
After traveling the world in search of a destination full of natural scenic beauty, clean air and fresh water with sandy beaches, Matt & Keegan realized they had it all, and more, right in their Northern Michigan backyard. This passion for the area drove the development of their M-22 business and has motivated them to pioneer the M-22 Challenge which encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy the area in a clean, healthy way.
In support of the event, the brothers are proud to present the launch of M-22 Challenge website where detailed course information and event updates can be found.
Registration opens soon! For additional information on the M-22 Challenge visit www.M22challenge.com.
About M-22:
M-22 is not just a road; it is a way of life. Founded by kiteboarders in search of epic wind and waves, M-22 was created to express a common passion for Northern Michigan. However, M-22 shares this passion beyond Michigan’s borders. It is marked by the simplicity and appreciation for natural wonders such as bays, beaches and bonfires, dunes and vineyards, cottages, friends and family everywhere. M-22 is the feeling you get when you realize there is no other place you would rather be.
Press Contact:
Stephanie Zalucha, Marketing Director
stephanie.zalucha@gmail.com
M-22 Challenge
Matt Myers Sr., Event Coordinator
231-883-5935
challenge@m22online.com
M-22 Challenge
Letter from the Brothers
As I stood with my surfboard and my brother watching the sunset from the west shore of Puerto Rico, I got the same feeling I get while watching the summer sun retire over the horizon at Point Betsie, Michigan. In Tahiti, waking up on a dirty cargo ship at dawn bound for Bora Bora, I felt it. Even while inching through traffic on the freeway catching a glimps of the gods-rays from my car window, I got it.
No matter where we are, the passion Keegan and I have come to discover while growing up in Northern Michigan is always present if we are humble enough to appreciate it in the simple things around us. I have always thought that life is made of the people you surround yourself with and the environments you put yourself into, but sometimes, you don’t get to pick these things. What really defines your life is what you make out of every situation the world bestows you. That’s M-22. If you look for the simple things in any situation it is easy to find something beautiful to appreciate.
This passion M-22 symbolizes extends beyond a Northern Michigan road as we have learned in our travels. However, Keegan and I credit the development of this enthusiasm for life to our upbringing on M-22. We couldn’t be more thankful to be here now or more excited to share this brand with you.
Matt and Keegan
M-22, Inc
we donate a portion of every sale to