Very interesting read. I do not think Tom is saying Mad-town is blue collar, he is saying the race is blue collar (i.e., the working man's triathlon). I agree with most of what he writes. This will be my first IM, however, living in the area, I have trained on the race course many times. The bike is brutal, period. Great for a bike race, but, tough for a traithlon course. The run is, well, like Tom says, urban.
For someone like me -- TERRIFIED about my first IM race -- I think the route is perfect. I draw strength from crowds and, trust me, I am going to need all I can get on that run. (Dang it! You made me think about the race again, I just threw up in my mouth ...)
One last comment -- Tom, I expect to see you in 2007. Consider this your official Cheesehead invitation...
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers
Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR