Party Tour

Before we start on why Jake's make the Party Tour cut, we need to set the stage, and for that I've asked Jake's' race director, Jim Curl, to write a bit about the first Caribbean triathlon

BAHAMAS– 1983

The Bahamas Diamond Triathlon of the Stars was probably the most outrageous triathlon ever held. As a race, it was a grueling tropical Ironman course combining history, beauty and danger that was produced with only the barest of government involvement and event management. As an event, it was a carnival built on bombast, excess and downright thievery. It may have been the perfect event for the time.

In 1983, triathlon was still young and it felt like there might no limits to where it might go. Many saw triathlon as the next great international thing, maybe as big as tennis. And why not? The athletes were super-fit and good-looking and the big events took place in exotic locales. With the right sponsors, some media coverage, and acceptance by the right crowd, triathlon could be right there. Triathletes could become celebrities. The future was a dream just waiting to happen.

The Bahamas Diamond Triathlon of the Stars was really all about that dream. All the elements of the dream were there: diamonds, movie stars, fashion models, sports stars, open expense accounts, limousines, parties, a five-star resort in the Caribbean and the media. And as far as we could tell, like in a dream, it was all for free. For the first time, triathlon was part of that mix; it was a featured attraction. In fact, if you hadn’t been involved in trying to put on a triathlon during the event, you might actually be excused for thinking that the Bahamas Diamond Triathlon of the Stars was a triathlon. It wasn’t. It was a story. It was a story about the power of the dream of celebrity, and what happens in the space created by those dreams. And what happened afterwards.

Between the dream of fame and riches and the unwillingness to deal with the hardheaded work of getting it, is a certain space. It is the space where the con man operates. The promoter of the Bahamas Diamond Triathlon Of The Stars knew all about that space. He created that space for himself in the Bahamas by dangling bad diamonds, access to stars, a trendy new sport called "triathlon" and the promise of media in front of the Bahamian government. What he got in exchange was the keys to country’s newest, best and government-owned hotel, a bunch of first class airline tickets and the government’s hands-off backing on whatever he needed. As long as the stars would come and the media would follow.

As far as the triathlon went, the government paid scant attention as well, but hands-off does have certain benefits for a race director. The race painted a blue line around the entire island to mark the bike course, not only because we knew that there would be no bike monitors, but because we liked the idea of it. The race sent the runners up the 66 steep stone steps of the historic "Queen’s Staircase" at ten miles in the half marathon, not only because we hoped that someone who ran them then might remember them years later, but because men were forced as slaves to build them 200 years ago and that was as much a part of the story as anything else. And, because we couldn’t do anything else about it, we put little circle D’s on the course maps to show the bike riders where the bad dogs were (who let those dogs out!). Despite the chaos, no one died. In fact the race went pretty well: the racers, the disabled kids and the celebrities somehow coming together at the National Stadium on time and in a semblance of race order.

The Bahamas Diamond Triathlon of The Stars was partly about triathlon, a little bit about disabled kids, and of course, a whole bunch about diamonds and celebrity. But mostly, in the end, it was about wretched excess. When you mix together a corrupt and cynical promoter, adolescent misbehavior, exotic locales, celebrity extravagance, and a complete lack of responsible oversight, you have the recipe for a hell of a good party. There were seven days of open banquets, 24-hour limousines, floors of suites, bathtubs full of "Crystal" champagne, all night dancing, movie stars turning heads for and with triathletes and even stuff you don’t wanna know about. By the time they added up the tab, the Bahamian government was out $500,000; the athletes had little packages of worthless industrial diamonds, the promoter was off the island and the race director was in jail.

Triathlon should have learned a lesson about celebrity and con men, but it seemed to only wet the appetite for dreaming. Back in San Diego, J. David was starting to build a dream of a world where money was easy and triathletes would be pampered stars, and he was finding a lot of space in which to operate.

JAKE'S JAMAICAN OFF-ROAD TRIATHLON

Long ago our sport eliminated prize purses consisting of rough diamonds, but you can still find the diamond in the rough. Jake's is it. Jimmy Riccitello will be there from the 8th through the 10th giving an off-road triathlon clinic.

Jake’s Jamaican Off-Road Triathlon is an event that grew naturally out of the place and the people of Treasure Beach. Everything in the race is made locally and reflects the place: signage, refreshment, awards, music and food. The race is woven into the unspoiled hills, roads and beaches of the area. The people of Treasure Beach put it on and they line the roads to cheer and support the racers. The race benefits BREDS, the local fisherman’s charity.

In its 7th year, Jake’s Jamaican Off-Road Triathlon looks and feels like a country "Bashment" – a local party/festival. Which, of course, it is. And Treasure Beach locals still race free.

This isn't the triathlon for everyone. It's not going to have world class competition, your PR won't mean anything, you bring your mountain bike, and even if it was a road triathlon you'd still be tempted to do any Jamaican race on your mountain bike. It's rustic. All that said, perhaps you can see why it makes the Slowtwitch Party Tour. Jakes is limited to 100 International Competitors (yes, it’s true). So don’t wait too long to enter.

JIMMY RICCITELLO’S OFF-ROAD CLINIC: Ex Off-Road Triathlon World Champion Jimmy Riccitello will offer a three-day training camp & clinic in off-road racing in Treasure Beach from 5/8-5/10. Interested parties can reach Jimmy at coachjimmyr@aol.com . This will be FUN and a great training session with a really nice guy.

JAKE’S AT TREASURE BEACH: Jake’s is a gem. For those who can appreciate the beauty of a special place and the way a work of art hotel can seem to grow out of the land and yet still be very much itself, Jake’s is just right. Treasure Beach has several other wonderful little hotels in all price ranges, all very special. Call or e-mail Tanya for details.

TREASURE BEACH: Situated in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Treasure Beach is an unspoiled slice of the Jamaica that first fascinated travelers: tiny villages, soaring hills, mangrove rivers, empty beaches - wonderful.

CELEBRITY RELAY: Jake’s is a favorite of some very interesting people who will be in attendance to support the race. Interested parties can race along side them for a donation to Breds.

DATE & TIME: Saturday, May 11, 2002, 7:00am
PLACE: Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, JAMAICA W.I.
DISTANCES: (approx.) 500 M ocean swim, 25 K off-road bike, 7K country run
PARTICIPANTS: (maximum) 100 Jamaicans, 100 Internationals, 20 Relays
BENEFITS: Pre-race meal & party, post-race meal & party, race shirt, awards
WEB REG: www.jakestri.active.com
TRAVEL INFO: 876/965-3000, 876/965-0552 (fax) Tanya Parchment @ Jake’s jakes@cwjamaica.com
RACE INFO: 858/259-9595; 858/259-0352 (fax) Jim Curl @ Event Media jmcurl@cts.com