Dano52 wrote:
Confusion over the distance of the course is caused by the previous map of the bike ride that was posted: http://ironmanhainescity.com/....3_Bike_2012_TBT.pdf
This map has since been replaced.
The early map showed a right turn at Timberlane Road and Masterpiece Road heading west up to Hwy 17(although the cue sheet correctly said left turn). This resulted in the shorter course that several people have commented on. The later map shows that you turn left onto the pot hole filled section of Masterpiece Road heading south. Masterpiece Road changes names in Lake Wales and becomes Burns Avenue (which goes past Bok Tower) heading west and ends back at Hwy 17 but approximately 2.5 miles further south than the original map did. That is the course distance discrepancy.
Like several other people, I hope the county paves that south section of Masterpiece - its a mess. Remainder of the course is pretty nice.
Tom, you asked how people liked Scenic Hwy 17 - its fun. The course is basically set up so the first 1/3 if flat, the 2nd 1/3 (which starts at Burns thru Hwy 17) has the rolling climbs and the last 1/3 is fairly flat again. On the south end of Hwy 17, there are a number of spots where the bike lane has a lot of debris. Will the entire northbound lane be closed for cyclist?