Sounds like an awesome opportunity. How fast are the rides advertised to be? Also would you want to spend that nuch time in the saddle so soon after IMAZ? Early May or late may?

14-19 of may. This is with the ART group, I don't think all the riders are racers. I think they are fit but not like race fit. I guess it's an excuse to go to europe:-)

From what you have posted it seems like a great opportunity. I do not know why Dr. Sousa would have any problems with it?????

It definitley seems like a road bike would be much better than a tri bike.

It could be a great opportunity to get some miles in the legs before your 2nd race in Kona next year ;-)

If you can afford the time away and the $$$, then this is not even a question...although if I was in Europe, I can think of a whack of more exciting places to ride than Florence to Rome (not that it ain't nice, there are just much nicer places to ride)...then again, Riding with Cannibal...you gotta do it.

>> Riding with Cannibal...you gotta do it.<<

No kidding! I wouldn't think twice. My flight would already be booked.

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

hey let's not jump the bridge too quick with me going to kona. It is not easy to qualify!!! dr paulo , with reason, thinks that with my fear of downhills, it may be a problem. he thinks i need to be able to handle 20K dowhills with switchbacks, which, huh, well.... plus I need my tri bike which is prob a no no. But I am thinking about it if I can afford it. the plane ticket is 900$

After a trip like that you would never be scared of a downhill in a US triathlon again.

BTw why do you "need" your tri-bike? It is an awesome bike, but IF you decide to do this the 20 k downhills would be much more comfortable on a road bike.

because i don't like going downhill on a road bike. I am much more secure on my tri bike for some weird reason. It is all in my head.

Marisol, I know you...think you'd enjoy it, chance to network as well. Go, and maybe you don't have to do all of the rides if you don't want, who cares, just go. Would certainly be a nice vacation, and something to work hard for (at work).

(like me, I have a pic of a woman in a red bikini...floating on a pool raft in Barbados. That's what I'm working hard for! Barbados! :)

Should you do it? That's really your call - Dr. Sousa has well founded reasons for his opinion, I'm sure - but I wouldn't let that be the "be all and end all" decision making factor.

Certainly there will be big ass descents, but there's nothing like time in the mountains to make you better at climbing and descending. I doubt they'd be too keen on you riding a tri bike though...

I can't say what you should do, but I can tell you that if I had that kind of an opportunity, I'd definitely do it! If it meant sacrificing my A race this year, I'd still do it. Ironman racing will always be around - at least for the forseeable future. But a chance to ride with the Cannibal? That's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

With the best ever? He very EASILY outclasses any American cyclist ever - yes, has a much more impressive resume than Lance. You cant pass that up - and if you do go, please please get me an autograph. That would be awesome to ride with him (and his son).




And yes, the down hill thing is all in your head. The roads there are MUCH more narrow than Cincy though..

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?

Merckx. Incredible.

His daughter is a babe too.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Marisol,

I have done some driving in that part of Italy - there are nothing more than small hills that I can remember, all the famous climbs from the Giri are in the Dolomites and the Alps up north. The area around Florence/Firenze is very beautiful, small walled cities and pastoral scenery. It gets pretty industral close to Rome, but I would bet 5 of the days will be spectacular. If you have the right guide, the food will be the best you've ever had. But you will get a very hard time from other riders, I think, on a tri bike; a road bike would be much better.

Brian

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Brian

Gonna buy a fast car, put on my lead boots, take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money, but I'll still be alive

OMG... YES DAMMIT!!! If you don't do it, you may regret it for a long time. Not many opportunities like that come up in a person's lifetime. Go for it, girl. have fun.

Oh and take a road bike ;-)

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"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS

ok, ok, i will look at flights again tomorrow! Now how long do I stay in the next question! I can't decide anything for myself, can I? :-) I need the tri bike tough. I am so uncomfortable on my road bike, no way I would take that there. Is till don't get why it bothers others if I ride my tri bike. I mind my own business, i behave in a pack!

are you seriously asking us if you should go riding in Italy, with or without King Eddie!!! :)

Seriously, I spent some time in Florence and also in Northen Italy. There is no comparison in terms of the terrain, Florence area is relatively flat in comparison. There will be some descending but nothing compared to the high mountains.

Its worth going just for the country side, hanging out in Florence itself, the food, the list goes.! And being a North American female you will likely get your own escort up and down every hill on the ride!

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Simple Simon
Where's the Fried Chicken??

Well, ok. As long as you are prepared for some ribbing about ridiing a tri bike. PLus it's not like you will be down on your bars while in this pack, right?

What is so uncomfy about your road bike anyways? Just curious... Could you change anything about it to make it more comfy?

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"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS

"And being a North American female you will likely get your own escort up and down every hill on the ride! "

sign me up:-)

I don't know.. I go way back with my fear of descending. Not good. I got better and better as I kept working on the fear. i trust the tri bike. I know it's moves. On a road bike, I tense up, I panick. Just not used to it as much. and my roadbike is not good for me. I have never descended on the Lucero.. I need to work on that one too. I think that is what paulo was saying. he HAS seen me having a panick attack on the bike before.

descending fears are no uncommon, we see it a lot with our group. I am not sure there is a lot you can do other than train and descend. It will come. Also helps if you trust your bike!

Seriously, Florecence and the area around it is beautiful and well worht a visit if you havent been before.

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Simple Simon
Where's the Fried Chicken??

[reply]On a road bike, I tense up, I panick. [/reply]

Sounds like you need a new road bike to me... :)

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<If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough>
Get Fitter!
Proud member of the Smartasscrew, MONSTER CLUB
Get your FIX today?

Marisol..you have a bike, you will be in Italy and you want to know how long to stay?!!!?!?! Just never get back on the plane, trust me, the Italians will take FINE care of you :-) Have a great trip and a lifetime of memories! Save some coin for the leather school in Florence, and if you can get a pair of gloves handmade for you.

If you are the least bit into Religion get to Assissi and see the small church within the Cathedral (think it is in Francis of Assissi --did I spell that right?). Do yourself a favor and skip seeing Catherine of Siena's finger in the inside of her Cathedral.

But most of all WOW on the Eddy Merckx!!!!

as per what I Eileen just said, but also go for an early morning run through Florence before the masses awaken, dont forget the camera. We have pics and great memories from that morning run, get the whole Ponte Vechicco (sic) and all the squares and bridges to yourself. Also run up the hill to see one of the David's in all his glory, there is an interesting burial ground up there as well.

Just in case Khai or Julian read this - those were the days when I use to run!

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Simple Simon
Where's the Fried Chicken??