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THE COLORADO GOLD RUSH

The 2nd Annual Colorado Gold Rush Race held on October 15, 2005. It proved to be another successful race. Congratulations to all the winners!!
The concept of the Colorado Gold Rush Race started in 2002 when Denver hosted the AU Convention. At that time, Crazy Al Christeleit and Steve Buehler put their heads together and looked beyond the Convention to the future of pigeon flying that seems to be moving in the direction of One-Loft Races. This one-loft race also provides the added bonus of a team score. You can win additional capital at no additional cost.
Although problems with shipping prevented many from entering the race this year, we were still able to have a good mix of birds from around the country.
Our first 100-mile trainer was on September 26, 2006. We shipped 228 birds. Winds were WSW at 10-15mph. 179 birds clocked with the first showing 1288.199ypm.
Because of a cold front that moved into the area, our 200 mile trainer was delayed for a couple of days, but was finally flown on October 6, 2005 with 170 birds being shipped. 158 birds clocked with a speed of 1668.422ypm for the first.
The final 300-mile race weekend started with ship-out on October 14, 2005. The turn out of people was wonderful and along with local entrants, several out-of-towners attended. The birds looked and felt great and were ready to go. Many of the attendees commented on the health and condition of the pigeons. 169 birds were shipped.
Steve had again provided for a great meal, this year a buffet, at the hotel after ship-out and had also arranged for some prize-winning games for the crowd. After dinner, you could enjoy the indoor pool and game area or go to the hospitality room for further refreshment and a game of Texas-Hold-Em.
Race day at the loft, on October 15, 2006, started with a great barbeque lunch, some liquid refreshment and another friendly game of cards for some, while others gathered to renew old friendships and establish new ones.
The birds had been released in clear, calm 45-degree weather, but about halfway on the racecourse the winds had picked up from the SE, giving them a heavy crosswind. When it was time for the birds to arrive, the first drop of 5 came in from the South with a speed of 1450.104ypm.
At the end of daylight 58 birds had clocked and we were able to payout 56 places. Back at the hotel, the Hospitality Room was again opened and after enjoying an evening meal at one of the local restaurants, many of us gathered for a final evening of relaxation and friendship before heading home on Sunday.
The five equal winners on the drop were, in order of clocking: The Gomez Brothers from Colorado; Andy Alvarez from Colorado; Steve Dermer from Wyoming; Lucky 7 Loft from Illinois and Chris Peeman from Texas.
Our five Team Score winners were: The Gomez Brothers, CO.; Frank Locante, WI.; Jones/Christopher, UT.; Juan Sepulvada, CA. and Phil Calerich, CO.
With the help of our friends and sponsors, we once again were able to bring our entrants healthy, well-trained, ready-to-race birds. Thank you to MedPet for the excellent health program they designed for us again this year; Heritage Acres for superior seed and grain; J.E.D.D.S for the distribution of the MedPet and other products we used and to Quality Pigeon Supply.
We want to thank all of you that participated in the COLORADO GOLD RUSH RACE in 2005 and hope to see you all again in 2006. We will begin accepting birds (space available for 600) in February. This year you can send 4 birds for $1350.00. Plan for another fantastic race weekend on October 14, 2006.