Ok so let me start by saying a) you as an athlete will not be disappointed to compete at Roth its an amazing experience b) I've raced but never competed, the logistics are quite complex even before race day, T1 is nowhere near T2 (or the finish) so even bike racking, briefing and registration require some thought.

Swim - the bridge is a good place to be, it does get a bit busy but depends are you really expecting people to pick you out on the swim or just take in the experience. Anywhere around the start area is good - bear in mind its a long leg down to the first turn, then an even longer leg back to the second turn and a short swim back to swim out. I would say just try and be somewhere near the start and take in the hype and the balloons etc

Bike - Solar hill is amazing as an experience for both athletes (confirmed) and spectators (so I'm told) although the crowds are big there you should have no problem getting to see people if you know about when they will be coming through. The crowd definitely thins out around the top and on leg 2 - unless you are super quick!

Run - with the once again changed course, the run will go through the middle of Roth 4 times, so you can get to T2 - then stay central and see the athletes multiple times and still get to the finish line

You are in for a treat. It will be my 8th time and I can't wait!!!

Early race morning there is literally a flotilla of people heading toward Solar . . . at 5 am or even earlier. My wife tried to navigate the course many years ago, but the crowds are just too big and it is too difficult to get "everywhere". So, my family gets up early, leaves before me, and heads to Solar . . . that is the greatest triathlon spot on Earth!!! My wife has spectated many, many IM races and rates the Solar experience above Hawaii Finish line, etc. The festivities at Solar are amazing and they stake out a prime spot right after the turn and at the base of the climb.

Then, they head to the landing hot spot by the canal where they see me 2 more times. After that, back into Roth and to the finish.

Swim - I'd say the bridge or the far side.

I'm dealing with some injuries so I plan on forgetting about speed and just enjoying the day. It is really special - enjoy it!!

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Thanks for the info!

What is the parking like? I think my wife will drop me off early but I don’t start until 8 so she’ll probably go back to our apartment and sleep further/bring the boys later.

Will she have trouble parking in Hilpoltstein around 7:30 or so? I doubt she’ll get close to the swim start which is fine.

What about then driving and parking in Roth in the afternoon?

Also how easy is it to drive across the bike course? Is it impossible? Just slow? Are there overpasses or underpasses that are a good way to get through?

Lastly any places you’d recommend to eat in Hilpoltstein and Roth?

I am probably getting too worked up but my wife is not nearly as familiar with driving in Germany as I am and I want to make things as simple as possible for her and my boys.

Thanks again!

And also I am injured too so it’ll be a slow day with lowered expectations, but good luck to you!!

Parking in Hilpolstein will be hard/impossible. My family borrows mountain bikes and gets around by back roads. These are really small towns hosting a gigantic event. Driving anywhere unless you REALLY know the area will be difficult on race day.

Eating - I am spoiled!! I have done the same homestay from my first time in 1989 and every time I have done the race - 8 so far. The feed us and take care of us! Lots of small places to eat and all are very welcoming to triathletes.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I spectated in 2015 and raced in 2016. You can get a brochure at the village that lays out "your day" plans for spectators. Parking is not easy and I would recommend once your wife is at the swim start, she stays there. Traffic will be crazy and by the time she drops you off and gets back to where you're staying it will be time to turn around and go back. I'm just looking in my brochure from 2016 and it says that the parking field in Hilpoltstein is only accessible until 6:30am, and you can't exit it until after 11am. The parking in Heuberg is available for in and out all day I believe, but this is on the other side of the swim start from Hilpoltstein and would be a pain to get in and out of from Hilpoltstein (you have to access it via Allersberg so it would be quite an ordeal). Also have spare change handy as some of the parking fields have attendants charging 2 euros to park for the day. We arrived at the swim start at about 4am and traffic was thick even then.

In 2015 I went to the start with my husband and then got a spectating spot on the bridge. As I said, I was there at about 4am though. If you aren't starting until 8am and even got there by 6am or so your wife and kids should be able to get a spot to spectate. The music and hot air balloons and atmosphere is amazing. The cyclists will go right past on the bridge so you can watch the swim and then the start of the bike. After seeing my husband start the bike I followed the crowds to the base of Solar Hill. Even if you don't know where you're going, just follow the throngs and you will get there. Have a flag or something to wave. My husband was able to pick me out and wave as he went by. If not at the base of the hill I'd go to the top of the hill, after the huge crowds.

Once I saw him go by at Solar I walked back to my car (I parked in Heuberg) and programmed the GPS to take me to near the school center (Brentwoodstrasse). I got there no problem and I was freaked out to drive alone on race day in a foreign country. Was able to find a parking spot fairly easily and walked through the forest to the expo area. Hung out there and eventually walked to T2 and saw him at the start of the run. The run course has changed sine 2015 so I can't comment as to spectating for that. But I think now it goes through Roth more than once so spectating should be fun.

Race day is an experience, even for spectators. It's so much fun. Your family will walk ALOT though. I think I probably walked a half marathon easily when I spectated! (come to think of it I probably walked the equivalent of a half marathon the time I RACED it too lol!)

Enjoy it. Most amazing race ever. We are going back again in 2019.

Just got my slot for 2019, so will keep this thread open for a while.

How far away do you stay? What's the longest feasible drive in the morning of the race?

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

You must have mixed up something. Most people head towards the swim start early morning and will walk to Solarer Berg (Solar Hill) after the pro's are on the bike course (~8am), at latest in time to see pro's fly up Solar Hill first time around 9am. It is a 2km walk from the swim start to Solar Hill with some possibilities to get a coffee.

Parking at the swim start is typically ok. Check out the official brochure that explains when/how/where you can leave which parking spot. But expect that you will not get easily from Hilpoltstein to Roth by car. Ideally, spectators get on a bike. I assume there are also shuttle buses from Hilpoltstein to Roth. Check out the official program.

Watching the race is easy on/under the bridge. It is crowded, but you find a spot to squeeze in. Same at Solar Hill. When the Pro's go by, it gets very crowded, but loosens when age groupers ride their way up (still, it is thrilling for anyone who goes up).

Runners go only twice through Roth city center this time, not four time. If not on a bike, go to the first corner shortly after T2. And later on towards city center or finish line arena.

Tracking works quite well. facebook updates work nicely (update every time you cross a timing matt) or the standard tracker even offers expected time at certain timing location if I am not wrong. No need to have any doubts about anything. It is just awesome! Enjoy!

All said so far. Since Roth allows (if I remember correctly) to run with Earphones you can be tracked via the friends app on the iPhone but I would hate carry one during the race but that’s just me.
Enjoy!

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-shoki

"You must have mixed up something."
------------
No, not at all. My family heads straight to Solar, along with many thousands of others, when I head to the swim start. In the old days they tried to do both but have found it much more enjoyable to enjoy the festivities at Solar.

Sure, you can go to the swim start then walk to Solar. Parking can be had at the swim but you are fairly struck there for a good part of the race. Getting around by bike is certainly the easiest way if you want to spectate at multiple points.

What ever they do, they will certainly be back in Roth for the run/end of the race.

---

David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Swim: my friends spotted me because of my watch and I guess special swimming style and were able to follow me the whole time on the other side of the canal. They walked along and when we passed the bridge they went up the bridge to cheer at the swim exit. Then back on the bridge for the first bike pass.

I told them to go to Solar hill but they didn't and stayed at the bridge. But if I was spectating I'd go to solar hill anyway. Gotta have that pro bike crowded feeling over there :)

Can anyone give me a clue about where they stay? As in the town? Or distance away?

I'm looking at a 30min drive on race morning - is that about right?

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

Probably yes cause hotels near by are usually booked a year in advance.

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-shoki

this year?
best bet would be Nuremberg 45min drive

Next year. I've booked a place 25mins away, which seems about right. I assume the only places in Hipolstein are homestays?

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

According to the website The Shuttle Bus doesn't go from the Swim Start. It goes from Buchenbach to Roth and back. Buchenbach is to the North West of Roth. Whereas the Swim Start is to the South East in Hilpolstein. It's essentially a "park and ride" from the car park.

There IS a athlete transfer from Roth to Swim Start in the morning. But nothing for spectators at that hour! Which rules out parking in Roth and then using the shuttles




It's my first time at Roth this year.

My "rough" plan is to park near the Swim Start. My spectator will watch the start and T1, then walk the 2k to Solar Hill. Watch myself come through there at least once. Possibly if they feel up to it, try and catch other parts of the course in the immediate vicinity.

Then they will drive from the start area car park to a car park near the finish. Either Roth or Buchenbach (and then get the shuttle into Roth itself) If anyone is familiar with the area on race day. Are there road closures on race day. Or will it be relatively straightforward to drive?


Not sure how we're getting back to T1 to collect my wetsuit/goggles bag. Either it's a drive back to T1 after the race, or do they do a bag collection and bring them to T2?


Similarly if I drop my T1 bag somewhere on Saturday will they take it to the race start overnight?

Talk on the website of transport back to the swim start. But that doesn't say athletes/spectators or whether you can take a bike on the transport



Everyone talks about German efficiency, but their website is horrible to navigate! And the info is spread out al over the place.

Should be 1 "Race Guide" PDF to download that tells you everything, gives you maps, talks about spectators etc etc.

And another "Rules" PDF for everything else

What others had said. Roth is the the most amazing event, and what I miss most in terms of traveling to races. Bikes are the easiest method to get around and higher up on the Solarer Berg usually offers more space.

Have your family and friends stay in downtown Roth for the run and try as much food as possible.

There is more to be had than just Schnitzel. :-)

You are coming from hilpoltstein into Roth via eckertsmühlen and hofstetten by bike, so this road is closed for traffic. Just asked my wife...she parked the car on the opposite site and across from t, from there she drove directly to Roth and found parking space am Brühl (the street where the main entrance to the expo is). And she could even see me coming out of t2 (still don’t know how she made that)

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-shoki

I, too will be "racing" this year. I've rented my husband a bike...can anyone give me info regarding best routes if he parks in Roth and bikes down to Solar Berg? I'm assuming most roads will be closed for the race.

Thanks for the information.

Further question if you don't mind

As you have done the race, did you need to go back to the swim start area to get your T1 bag? Or do they bring them all to the finish area for athletes?

Ah, forgot to answer that....don’t worry. When you changed into your wetsuit you give away the first bag, after the swim you just pack and hand the other bag....these two you’ll receive at t2 when you pick up your bike.
Works easy,don’t worry.

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-shoki

Thanks again!

I hoped it would be something like that.

Here's what I did last year

1. Got up uber-early -- Crazy early -- in my Nuremburg Motel.
2. Drove my rental to Hipoltstein. Literally to here:
3. See that grassy area on the left? That's a parking lot on race day. We parked there. It was still dark out when we got there.
4. Did the race. It starts in the canal about 1000 meters north of the point I linked to in step 2
5. Afterwards, we walked a short walk to pick up my bike and wait for the shuttle. It was a bit of a wait but I wasn't going anywhere. The bus let us off near the start at the bus stop you see just north of the canal
6. Walked back to my car and drove off.

Probably not the best plan but it worked. But we had to get there Early with a capital "E"

I plan to get to Roth around 4am or so. (check the bike) Then Hilpolstein hopefully around 5-530.

Thanks for the great info. It all helps with formulating a plan

Some questions if you don't mind.

You didn't check your bike in the morning? You just went to the Swim Start? (my mild OCD wouldn't allow that!!!)
Did your companion(s) travel to the finish area whilst you were racing?

"I plan to get to Roth around 4am or so. (check the bike) Then Hilpolstein hopefully around 5-530. "
----------------------
Either I don't understand what you are talking about or this doesn't make any sense. You enter and exit the swim at the same place so you can check your bike right there at T1 before going to the swim start. What wave are you in? Why in the world would you get there at 4:00? Or, perhaps I just don't understand what you are asking.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

You're absolutely right! I'm going crazy!!! Not helped by a shocking ride this morning where I felt like I was made of Lead!

I've been massively over thinking all this, since I've never done split transitions before and I'm making it into "a thing" and getting muddled which is stupid since its not my first race by any means! (My Dad has been on calming duty for a couple days!)

Apologies!

My wave is 0755. But everyone talks about the roads being snarled up with traffic given how many competitors there are so people talk about getting there as early as possible. I hate being "late" or rushed, but tbh I could be over thinking this as well!

I actually go as late as I can . . . it drives my homestay family crazy. After the pro start you still have almost 1.5 hours in transition before your start. That is plenty of time to care of everything.

RELAX! The race goes off with German precision. This will be my 8th time and I have never had an issue.

Best wishes, and I hope we cross paths. I'm 2308.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I'm trying. :- )



Thanks. I'm 3218.

I am exactly the same way. That's why I got to the lot (that I linked to) uber early. Just sat in my car for a couple of hours, then strolled over to the swim start/T1 area, checked my bike to make sure it was OK, and then did the race

Sorry one more Q - have you thought about how you actually get back from the finish line back to the swim start after finishing (where most likely we will have parked our cars?) Guess it will be dark by then but we'll have our bike (+ bags) as the only option correct? Unless one parks in Roth in the morning and then takes the shuttle bus which makes it an even earlier wake up time (hope not).

I am flying the next morning on Monday so I don't see how i can do all this, watch some of the finish line party and drive back to Nueremberg...may have to miss all the fireworks and stuff :-(

David:

This discussion has been helpful. I am also doing the race- here from California. Thanks for the info. I am #3239 and in the 7:55am wave. How late is it reasonable to get there to load my bike with water bottles and get to the start for my wave? Will there still be spots to park?

-Tim

I'm not sure about parking . . . I just get dropped off on the road 1/2 mile away or so.

I always have to negotiate with my homestay hosts on time - They don't speak English and I don't speak German :-)! I usually get there as late as I can before the pro race, which means getting dropped out at about 5:45. As I recall there are still parking places.

It is a fabulous experience!!

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

#1224...flying in next Wednesday morning...staying in Nuremberg. Ride a pink/camo QR...hard to miss. I'm ready to get excited!!

There is a shuttle bus with a trailer for bikes that leaves the T2 area on a regular basis until just after midnight. It will take you back to the bridge at T1 and drop you off and from there you walk to wherever you parked your car at the swim start. So this can be a bit of a walk depending which lot you parked in. A suggestion...it's really dark when they drop you off and you will be tired and cranky. I recommend a headlamp or flashlight to help you navigate the field to find your car in the dark.

I finished my race about 2 hours slower than planned. Then I watched the finish for an hour or so. Then strolled over to the buses, waited maybe 30-45 minutes to get on one and got dropped off at the start with my car. It was still light out when I got dropped out. Just around dusk.

As far as the party afterwards, I skipped all that. I was so completely drained, like never before at any IM, that I just wanted to get in bed.

Cool! Thanks for the info.

My options are then to leave my bike in T2 after the race, go and collect the car from near the start then come back to Roth and load up.
OR
If they permit it, take my bike and 1 relative on the shuttle bus back to the Swim Start. And load up there, but as people have said, you miss the finish line atmosphere and part of me really wants to experience that at least once if possible.

Wondering how the day went, if the logistics worked out, and how was the new run course?

Well, I will prefix this by saying. I had a terrible week before hand and the day wasn't how I hoped either. So it may colour my opinions slightly!


In terms of the race, I swam very well (1h15) great by my standards! The bike was OK but as a Brit abroad it was only a matter of time before I got monumentally sun burnt! (despite sunscreen) I would suggest temps were high 20s / low 30s. There was a breeze, but nothing too bad, I think I got dehydrated on the bike, so when I tried to force down my 4th (of a planned 5) energy bars it was hard work. Of course when you are dehydrated that food doesn't digest either. It just sits in your stomach in a lump! So my Run was just awful! I'm no runner at the best of times, I was hoping for 4h30ish run. But ended up walk/running in 6h! I beat my previous IM PB by 40odd minutes. But overall, I'm very disappointed with how the day panned out.

Race Logistics. So, I had a hire car but the car parks listed on the Roth website in Roth itself are simply inadequate for 4K people plus spectators! This is regardless of Friday, Saturday or Sunday.They are all relatively small, say 50 cars! So get full really quickly. As do all the side streets that have parking options. The swim start parking is a bit better. We left our hotel in Nuremberg at 420ish and were in a field parked up 30mins later. I have read of others who got stuck in terrible traffic. So early is the key for anyone doing this race next year. It's not the most organised of races. Forget what people tell you about "German efficiency" All it needs is more signage. It took me 20 mins to find registration tent. The pasta loading party was on Friday not Saturday??? Post Race, I asked 6 volunteers before I found one who knew where our Bike and Run bags were post race (with the bikes in T2 as it turns out! Yet the "post race" green bags were in the cool down tent) A guy in bike pick up had been there for 2 HOURS! and Challenge couldn't find his bike! Yet they had made a big thing about how it was very secure, "we have people with guns and Dogs" which is a little worrying!

The shuttle buses need to be overhauled/changed imo. If you park in Buchen-Bach (park n ride system) and get the coach into Roth on race day. It's another coach from Roth to Hilpolstein for Swim Start. Of course the latter is for athletes only. So spectators are kind of forced to drive to Swim Start anyway if they want to see it. So why would anyone use it at all? (On a side note you cant see your athletes go off from the canal bank with T1 in. You need to be on the other side of the canal!) At the end of the day the coach was going Roth to Swim Start and had a trailer on for bikes. If I was to repeat the race, it's what I would use. Leave the car in the car park at swim start, any spectators can get a cab to Roth (or ride a bike) then go and collect the car at the end of the day.

Also like Zurich they need a shuttle bus between Swim Start and Solar Hill IMO


Run Course. I didn't like the course AT ALL! There was NO atmosphere and hardly any spectators on most of the run course. (those that were there, were trying hard, as were the volunteers, and I really appreciated their efforts) The drag up and down the canal is half the marathon. And is mind crushingly dull. (Probably why they allow MP3 players on the run!) Apparently previous events had MORE time on the canal path! A multi lap course round the town would be far preferable. Also I'm obviously in the last 1/3rd of athletes. But I find it unacceptable that some of the aid stations were packing up at around 8pm! Or had run out of products.

I will repeat that the Volunteers and Spectators are enthusiastic and really get into it. They are the best asset the race has! It's more some organisational niggles that bother me the most. Challenge have sent me a post race questionnaire that I will fill in accordingly. I fear that because the race sells out so quickly, they have rested on their laurels a little. It's one of the reasons I wasn't back in the village the next morning to get a guaranteed place for 2019.

You must have done a different race than me. Did you read the pre race athlete guide and all of the information that was e-mailed? Every single thing that you appear not to have known about was clearly indicated and communicated in advance and on site. I didn't experience a single one of your problems AND I thought the new run course was great - lots of hot spots with large crowds at many point on the course including along the canal, market place, landing, Buchenbach, etc. I have now done that race 8 times over the last 29 years and it appears to me they went back and improved, if even just slightly, every aspect of the race which was already the best in the world.

Why did you have a terrible week before hand and why was everything so bad? I was just grateful to still have the opportunity and ability to do that great event.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I agree you need to read all the documentation. Only thing I also find mind boring is the 25k up and down the canal. This is not really my thing also, rather have 2-4 loops.

The only things I really struggled with was finding the registration tent. A sign with an arrow and just saying "over the bridge" would have sufficed. Maybe there was one I didn't see. A large Map with a "you are here" would have been helpful too. It's not the end of the world, but I was already running 2 hours late at that point so what I needed was simplicity! haha

Re: the bag pick up, I forgot. The fact that very few of the volunteers weren't armed with this info is odd.

I don't know where you parked your car. Car parking on the map turned out to be insufficient imo. I parked in side roads at least 15 min walk away. Friday and Saturday.

Large Crowds? On the Run course? Past 8pm? I don't think so. And the various others out there would potentially agree! .

I can't speak for others. I didn't hate it, just bits griped. The run course being the main reason I wouldn't rush back. And for reasons I wont go into, I was far from fully relaxed and tapered, going into the race which may have explained why I didn't perform as well as I wanted. Which again may affect my overall opinion of the last week.

You obviously enjoyed it. But then perhaps having done the race numerous times previously will give you a different opinion. The lines about "improved every aspect slightly" and "best in the world" smack of hyperbole to me though...

Funny , I look for races without loops. Liked the Roth course in 16, and was glad to hear they went almost back to it this year.

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-shoki

Perhaps a bit of hyperbole . . . I'll plead guilty - I tend to see the biggest and best of things. I consider myself very lucky to have done a LOT of races around the US and around the world. I've done numerous "world championship" races and US championship races. If I put on my critical eye I could certainly critique ALL of them. I am also a fan of the other race producers and actually think our little niche sport is lucky to have such good producers. In my opinion on the totality Roth is perhaps the best of them all. It certainly had larger crowds in all three aspects of the race than any of the WCs I have done.

No, I wasn't on the course past 8:00 pm. That is the +/- with all the waves is that the pros and early waves are off the course way earlier (comparatively) than in some races. I thought the crowds on the run were pretty good even on the canal compared to any other triathlon. Much, much, much larger crowds everywhere than in races such as Hawaii, or anywhere else in the US. BTW, after 8:00 in Hawaii and in other IM races there is almost NO spectator support after 8:00. Now, if you compare it to the London or New York marathons then that really wouldn't be fair . . . but for a triathlon the crowds were the best I have seen. The only place where they were less than before was in Eckersmuhle, but that may be because the "fever" was lower because the run no longer goes through there.

I was amongst the first at the registration tent. I walked over there from the other side of town not knowing where it was other than at the expo but was able to walk right to it no problem (I don't speak German). The fact that you couldn't find registration in the expo certainly points out that the expo is huge and is the best triathlon expo I have seen. Where else is the expo so big that you can't find registration in it :-). Yes parking is tough, but Roth is small and this is a huge event . . . that is just part of it. We stayed in town and my family rode bikes to the various venues.

I sure hope you enjoyed Solar. If not, then this just isn't the race for you, which is fair.

Obviously I don't know why you were "far from fully relaxed" but didn't you have a large PR? If so, it sounds like you had a great performance. Best wishes,

EDIT: I just realized that you were the guy all worried about logistics before the race including how to get your stuff from the swim start to T1 . . . I think you need to relax a bit - as I recall your dad was telling you that too. How old are you?

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Let's see the lock broke on my Nuremberg rental apartment leaving me stuck outside for 2 hours with my bike but my passport, clothes and wallet were in the apartment; there was no transponder in my registration packet; our original rental bike fell thru on Friday afternoon.....but ROTH was the most amazing race experience!!


I have to agree with David....we completed different races. I will agree with the lack of signage ....I think they could use a little bit of improvement on that....I went to the Expo on Thursday.....walked around, couldn't find registration so just asked someone and they pointed me in the right direction....easiest 140.6 registration I've ever gone through.

Other than that I was "concerned" about where to park for the open swim (previous IMs include IMMT which does not happen at the exact swim start for the course)...but I just figured I'd go to TI and sure enough there everybody was....glad I got there early...that parking was ridiculous!! And having parking attendants yelling at us in German was a bit much on race morning as we were looking for the Drop Off zone. I think its more the shear amount of people that makes the post-race area tough....it's small for that many athletes ....but most of the volunteers seemed to know where to go.

Roth is a small town....after Thursday--I started using the train more...I also stayed in Nuremberg and found it much easier to use the train and walk to/from. Also I would advise anyone who is spectating the race to rent a bike....so much easier for the husband to get around...he had a better day than I did....was able to get a place on the bridge and across the canal during the swim, toured around Hilpostein and then found a place on Solar Hill then hung out at the beer garden in Roth until I started the run....caught me on the canal and again in the city.

I LOVED the run....I would do this run over and over again. I wish there was more canal....I found it so peaceful and relaxed...even with the amount of spectators. I couldn't get over the amount of spectators on the run course....honestly, it was hard going through Roth with everyone cheering with beers in their hands....motivated me to finish and grab one!

Sorry you didn't have the best experience but this was an unbelievable race!

Sorry to hear about your race! I had a completely different point of view- started at 7:55am and finished a bit before 10:00pm. I had no problem asking about and finding registration- and there was no line at all on Thursday morning. I found some side streets with parking to go to the expo and only had to walk about 200-300 yards. The expo was the bigeest I have seen. All the pre-race events were well done. The instructions and pre-race meeting was thorough. The drive to the parking at the canal on race day was fine. I left the Hilton in Nurnberg at 4:30am and was parked by 5:00am, with time to rest before going to transition. The swim was fine, with only a little bit of a swimmer log jam in the first 500 yards. The bike course was nice, not too warm, but a bit of a wind on the 2nd loop. The run course was fine by me, just a bit long into the woods before the turn-around. The atmosphere, spectators, and volunteers were amazing. Perhaps a few more signs would have helped here and there (e.g., a cyclist zipped by me early on then ran into the sign showing "go left" for the 2 loops of the bike course versus right to the finish). This was a well-run race, 1st class in my book. There are little things I might change, but no serious complaints! Challenge Roth is a excellent operation! I would recommend this race to anyone. I hope others enjoyed this race as much as I did. It took longer than I would have liked, but I would not significantly change the operation or course. Well done- to the Challenge Family!

-Tim

"I LOVED the run....I would do this run over and over again. I wish there was more canal....I found it so peaceful and relaxed...even with the amount of spectators. I couldn't get over the amount of spectators on the run course....honestly, it was hard going through Roth with everyone cheering with beers in their hands....motivated me to finish and grab one! "
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Yeah, it was so packed and so loud that my host family was there screaming for me and I never ever saw them! I had to make it up later :-)!

Glad you had such a great experience.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Looking through some of the 2019 info and this caught my eye:

''Attention: Please bring your identity card, your own chip, start pass of your national federation and your start number when collecting your start documents.''

From this I read I need to bring my ID (passport), my own timing chip (odd), BTF card (why?), and my race number (imagine emailed out before race).

passport - no issue
timing chip - really? that seems really strange, where does one obtain a stand-alone chip?
national federation card - I wasn't planning on BTF membership this year, as my scheduled races are Roth and Kona so a BTF membership isn't going to get me very far. needed?
race number - no issue

I can get the BTF membership if this is going to save me a load of hassle... otherwise i'd think a race day membership (as with Kona) or any other race would suffice... as for the chip i have no idea and assume I'm misreading something.

Any corrections/advice is appreciated.

Thank you

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Taylor Rogers

2024: IM Hamburg

When going to registration you need ID, USA Triathlon Card, and look up and know your race number. IF you have your own chip that you are using bring it and they will program it - never a worry for me. I believe getting a USAT card is cheaper than joining the German organization; but, yes you need an organization card.

BTW - I found this NO hassle at all. On site packet pick up/check in is about as easy as anywhere I have ever been.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Thanks! Assumed the check in was pretty straight forward but always best to ask the stupid questions and be prepared.

Well if it makes sense I’ll re-up on my BTF membership (don’t live in the USA) . Thanks for the info that it’s not required to bring a chip and they will provide one.

Thanks again for the info!! Really Appreciated!

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________________________________________________________
Taylor Rogers

2024: IM Hamburg

Note - I am assuming your home federation is reciprocal . . . I have never looked into anything other than USAT. Let me know if you need anything else. You will love it and I think things are actually pretty easy.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Roth Bike question for you Roth people...

My first Roth this year. Excited but nervous with the logistics.

I've done two IMs before, and feel that this might be my last full distance. I'm a 12-13 hour finisher. Previous IMs (approx 1200m total elevation) have been on my Tri-Bike, (2013 Slice), which has served me well, but I'm always nervous about getting a mechanical that I can't fix.

My main goal for Roth is to finish and enjoy the whole experience. That being said, should I just bring my trusty Road-Bike, which I train on and am less nervous about? Just get some aero-bars and use my race wheels? Elevation would point more towards the Road Bike?

Thanks all...

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

I can’t speak to your nerves but I did Roth on my tri bike and I don’t remember seeing any road bikes there. There must have been some but I didn’t notice any.

There are a couple of steep climbs and a surprisingly lot of climbing for a relatively fast race. But I also spent a lot of time on the aero bars so I think there’s def a benefit to that.

I’d say it can’t hurt (much) being on a road bike esp with clip-ons and if it’s important to you then by all means use the road bike. I think you’d have to give up some time but if you only care about finishing then do whatever makes it the most fun.

Thanks for that and I think I should lean back towards the Tri-Bike then. It's served me well, so I should trust it more.

Race-day logistics always worry me, but I'll just try and go with the flow. Drive to swim start early and worry about the rest later.

Anyone now when race numbers are released?

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

Roth is CLEARLY a race to use the tri bike.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

Thanks guys, much appreciated and tri-bike it is then!

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

Hey maybe this isn't the right place to ask but I am debating with using a disc wheel vs 80mm for Roth, would you guys recommend it ? I know pros and elites always run disc at Roth....
I've only done 1 IM - IM France where disc wasn't even a question with the climbing involved there.
BBS estimate with my numbers are around 5h20 if that helps to answer.

If you have it, absolutely. Although, keep in mind if you haven't been there before, it is a bit hillier than most people think.

FYI - I biked 5.24 there last year.

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.

I would absolutely ride a tri-bike. Last year was somewhat windy and being in an aero position was much better. Some hills, but definitely as race for a tri bike!

Race numbers are out! This thing's getting real...

I'm a late starter at 7:55am, which kind of sucks but never mind.

Info pack says everyone to arrive at swim start by 4:50am - that's a long wait.

But...

I could plan to get the last Shuttle Bus from Roth to swim start at 5:40am, which probably means only two hours of prep/waiting around.

I could drive in, but in order to get parked, I'd probably have to get to swim start even earlier, so even more waiting around.

Or I could get dropped off as close as possible, but would roads be messed up towards 6am?

Also, can't see what time Transition closes on race morning - anyone know?

Thanks all...

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

slightly off topic, A buddy of mine and I will be flying in through Frankfurt and staying in Nuremberg. Looking to take a DB Ice train from FRA airport to Nuremburgh. Looked online but didnt find anything definitive. Does anyone know if the train would be able to accommodate our two bike cases and two large luggages?

There is plenty of parking at the swim start. If you get there at 5:30ish there would be no issue at all parking and walking over to transition.

They charge for parking though, I think it was 5eu. But I don't remember exactly

Thanks for that, I'll probably just drive to swim start then.

Anyone know what time transition closes on race morning?

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My race site: https://racesandplaces.wixsite.com/racesandplaces

Two questions, both low priority:

- can one partake in the friday swim BEFORE registering? I get in thursday evening and I'm closer to the swim start than registration it would be nice to get the swim in that morning and before going to Roth and registering. Not a big deal if I cant get the swim in Friday morning, just curious.
- can one take their bike on the S-Bahn between Roth and Hipolstein? I am aware there is a shuttle between Roth and the swim start after the race, but my Airbnb is very, very close to the train station in Hipolstein so it would be great to not have to mess with the shuttle and give space to those who may need it more than I post race


Thanks!

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________________________________________________________
Taylor Rogers

2024: IM Hamburg

1. Yes. Get there early and parking is easy . . . later on it is quite busy.
2. I think so, but not sure.

It is a wonderful event - enjoy!

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David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.