Rode the route two weeks ago and yes in the first 15 miles (can’t remember exactly) there is a strip of rode that have a lot of cracks (bad).
Wondering about the water myself since not using a wetsuit. Currently swimming in 75 degree water but worried about a “lake†temp vs a outdoor pool temp. I think the worse part will be the wait before the swim (for me). Prob should bring my robe, a la Rodney Dangerfield in back to school. Haha