I did it a very, very long time ago, maybe 1989?

Wow, I am old.

I'm doing it this year. Chap in my club did it a couple of years ago and was pretty ambivalent about it: like you say the rests between legs and non-competitive bits of the bike make it unique or contrived depending on whether your a glass half full or glass half empty sort of person but he also said the directions were poor and he and several others got badly lost on the bike. He told me all this after I'd signed up though so I shall be there and hope it's a great day. In it's favour - the swim is only a mile and it's with the current - apparently some people get out in around 17 mins which suits me fine!

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"Are you sure we're going fast enough?" - Emil Zatopek

A friend did it last year and said the bike was terrible - bad roads, poor directions etc. It is just about the only negative thing I've ever heard her say about anything so I believe her. Still, I've always thought about doing it too - it sounds cool and different. If you have the extra $$ and the time, I'd go for it.

I did it in 1986. I recall some nice country roads in the middle of the bike ride, but the first 35 were very industrial and rough. However, I don't think they do that leg anymore. In 1986, the bike was 100 miles, the first 35 of which was a neutral group ride, followed by an individual TT start for the remaining 65 miles where riders set off based upon their swim finish times. The swim was 1.5 miles from the Statue of Liberty to Liberty State Park. FWIW, A friend did it a few years ago and claimed it was very disorganized.

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2015 American Zofingen Du is May 17.
R.I.P. Chris Gleason

I did the lady liberty swim last year which is held in conjunction with the triathlon. I don't know about the rest of the 'race', but the swim was definately a nightmare for most of the participants. Somethign happened and the tide was brutal during the swim, in the wrong direction. THey had to pull something like 70% of the swimmers from the water.

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Jonathan Blyer,
ACME Bicycle Co., Brooklyn, NY

So that'll be my one positive then?!

Seriously has anyone had a good race here? Also for those that have done it recently what's the profile of the ride like is it hilly or flat?

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"Are you sure we're going fast enough?" - Emil Zatopek

Although I've never done it, the first half of the bike will be on roads I ride a lot. The 11 mile untimed/escorted prologue from Atlantic Highlands to Brookdale Community College is likely a little hilly/rolling, mostly uncrowded roads. The first part of the timed bike is rural road, mostly good surface (although I don't know the actual route). Mostly flat with some rollers, not much traffic, assuming they choose the roads adequately. Bike maps are here: http://www.envirosports.com/...ges/l2lbikemaps.html

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"Go yell at an M&M"

I have not done it but bike in the area of the course each year during the race. I visit my sister for Memorial day week-end after running the spring lake 5 on Saturday. Each year I see bikers lost and a bit peeved on the side of the road trying to get directions from people passing by or stopped at traffic lights. They do not look too happy but I could not tell you if they are not paying attention or the course directions / markings are inadequate. However, it happens each year so I am guessing its an area that could be improved upon.

Peace,
RF

Greg Watson told me when he did it that he and the 2nd place guy beat the support crew to Camden, so T2 wasn't even set up. He didn't like the idea of riding around Camden on a $6,000 bike.

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-----------------------------Baron Von Speedypants
-----------------------------RunTraining articles here:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...runtraining;#1612485

This race sounds like a nightmare. If you're going to have a race that requires so many logistics, at least get all the logistics right! Who are the repeat customers? There can't be a neverending supply of triathletes in the NYC area, can there?

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http://trigalwins.blogspot.com

...the only thing.

It was superflat and there really are no big hills between Philly and NY City even if the changed the course.

A couple of my swim buddies did it last year. Can't recall all of their comments but I do remember that only one finished the swim due to the conditions (current). I did ask them if they would do it again (the golden question) and they replied, no.

Holy crap, this race sounds like a disaster. I still might do it, though. it will be the farthest I've ridden on my new bike, and might be fun in a masochistic sort of way.

Thanks for all of your replies.

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Two words - Enviro Sports (event coordinators). Not known for spending much on races. Tend to be VERY low key and somewhat "self-supported" events. I've seen a little improvement in the past three years of the Napa Valley Half Iron Tri, but it still is pretty low budget.

k

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Dave Stark
dreamcatcher@astound.net
USAC & USAT level 2 certified coach