Hello Gators,PLEASE REPLY BY SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 if you are interested in participating so that we can proceed with our planning for this club event. At our annual member meeting in December we requested your interest in participating in the 2016 Lake George Triathlon Festival, which takes place in Lake George, NY over Labor Day weekend (Fri 9/2 - Mon 9/5). The event includes an Olympic triathlon on Saturday, 9/3 (plus a kids' "Splash N Dash" swim/run fun event) and a Half Ironman distance event on Sunday, 9/4. Both triathlons include options for individuals and relay teams (2 or 3 person teams). Based on the initial feedback from December, it seems that we have a fairly large group interested in attending, so I think it's a go. We're now at a point where we'd like to hone in on who is definitely in or out for the trip and we want to start assembling our teams. If you are interested in participating, here's what we'd like to know...In which events would you like to participate? Indicate "No", "Yes - individual", or "Yes - relay" (and note if you are responding for two).Olympic Tri:Half Ironman Tri:Do you have a team or are you a "free agent" open to be placed on a team? Select one of the following...I have a team. It includes...Pick me... I'm a free agent!Would you like to be considered for a block of rooms at a team hotel or look for your own reservations? If team hotel, how many nights would you plan to stay? For two, indicate which two (Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun). For three, the assumption is Fri/Sat/Sun. You can also stay longer.Team hotel or "I'll make my own reservations"?If team hotel, how many nights? As a reminder, here's who indicated interest on our first inquiry in December (even if your name is listed below, please reply to confirm your interest; if you do not reply, we'll assume your plans have changed and you cannot make it)...Maribeth BakerVince and Trevor BellinoJason BrannenEllen and Danny FriendKristin and Brian KozeraMichelle LeonardDiane LynchDon MackDean MilliganTim PflugerChris ReiterAndy RosebrookByron SolvasonSteph StranickAllison and Jon Wesler FAQs:Why did we pick the Lake George Triathlon Festival? We went there in 2013 with a group of about 30 (including kids, spouses, etc.) and entered four teams in the half Ironman relay. We had a fantastic time and thought it's about time for a return visit. The best things about it...Timing: Labor Day Weekend means most do not have to take any time off work.Venue: Lake George offers tons of things to do besides the triathlon... Lots of family fun stuff... Amusement park, restaurants, water sports, Fort William Henry, etc.Logistics: Last time we stayed at the Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center. It's within walking distance to the downtown area, the actual Lake George, the Fort, and, most importantly, the transition area for the events. We were also able to have a barbecue dinner on Sunday night on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake, which was fantastic.For more info, check out the website and/or video...Website: http://www.adkracemgmt.com/race/lake-george-triathlon-festival/#.VqIlo_krKUkVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsx9Q-AuAEAHow much does it cost? Current prices (will likely go up a bit as we get closer to the event)...Olympic Tri:Individual: $1253 person team: $210Big George Half Ironman Tri:Individual: $1753 person team: $250King George Olympic/Half combo:Individual: $2503 person team: $320Hotel: TBD... Will try to negotiate a discount based on total number (to be determined from your replies). Current pricing for a room with 2 adults and 2 kids for three nights with a 7 day advance purchase range from $175/night (standard room) to $437/night (suite) with lots of options in between. See details at the website... http://www.fortwilliamhenry.com/ Let me know if you have any questions. Don