Bikesport Ann Arbor Triathlon: Roll Call and conditions

Triathlon Forum
1

Who’s doing it?

Water conditions changing by the hour due to the lines of storms and rain that are moving though the area. Water temps have been falling due to run-ff from rain storms and the water is reported as “murky”.

Swim exit area is muddy due to minor flooding. No big problem though. Trail is damp (for run course) but footing is likely to be firm and very good by Sunday morning.

The Bikesport Blimp will mark the swim exit (weather permitting) flown by blimp captain Mario Bonnano and the Bikesport Corporate Yacht will be patrolling the swim course along with the other watercraft under the watchfull captainship of Mike Aderhold at the helm.

See you there.

2

“The Bikesport Blimp will be marking the exit”… is that what you’re calling yourself now? Just because you have the teensiest little love handles shouldn’t make you so negative.

3

I’m in - but not first without a trip to your store tomorrow. Also, can you confirm my appointment with Mike tomorrow at 11am?

4

Unfortunately the recent heavy rainfall has not resulted in any significant erosion on the run course, which remains fairly hilly. I was hoping it might flatten out a little. Nonetheless, I’ll be there. Thanks to Tom for his part in helping make it happen.

Ken

5

I’ll be there and be bringing a couple of Trilander buddies. Thanks for all the good work you do Tom.

6

Thanks to you TOM, I’ll be there too!

Will there be Saturday packet pick-up?

Also, anyone knows how does Potawatomi Trail compare to last week’s Seahorse?

7

email up dates say no Saturday pickup. Seahorse is dead flat compared to the Potawatomi Trail; can you say anaerobic?

8

I will be making my triathlon debut in Ann Arbor on Sunday.

I hope that the water does not get too cold as I do not yet own a wetsuit.

9

Thanks for the update!

I heard lots of “good” things about the POTO trail - as I was prepping for running the yearly 1/2 M (end of April) but injury busted my plans.

Comparing '04 SEAHORSE and '03 AA run splits/pace (same guys) I noticed SLOWER paces @ SEAHORSE! It could be the timing (@longer run course) at this year’s Seahorse…

10

I am in.

In my opinion, the race doesn’t really start till you hit the POTO. Be ready, there are two major hills that take about 45-60seconds to climb!!!

-Matt West

PS., I am the guy who set-ups Jim and Joyce’s inflatable finish lines… This is their new finish lines Tri debut!!!

11

I’ll be looking forward to see that finish line… :slight_smile:

Thanks for the heads-up on the fun parts of the trail! I do like hills…

12

I will be there. I have been excited for months and it is finally here. The rain puts a damper on things, but it was wet last year and I had a blast.

Good Luck.

13

I’m in because I just love swimming in murky water very early in the morning.

This isn’t the place where you saw that turtle is it?

14

I’ve done a couple Du’s this year but Ann Arbor will finally my first tri of the year. I actually think wet, hilly trails can be kinda fun. Reminds me of my x-country days.

Jerry

15

In regards to the The Seahorse run loop it was about .5 -.7 long. (there were two loops)

A2 will be a little slower than average, but heck, it is a trial run.

16

A muddy trail run now.

17

Muddy enough to switch from racing flats to TRAIL running shoes? (got some new Asics Gel Trabuccos barely broken in)

18

In regards to the The Seahorse run loop it was about .5 -.7 long. (there were two loops)

A2 will be a little slower than average, but heck, it is a trial run.

You’re probably right! Even though 3D posted it being longer by .4 miles/lap, the paces are just too much slower than they supposed to be.

Thanks for the info - I’ll have to lengthen my run-split GOAL by a couple minutes…

19

Just to keep everyone up to date:

  1. I wheeled the Ann Arbor run course a couple of hours ago. In its slightly adjusted format (the park ranger closed a cut-off trail, adding about 70 yards to the course), it measures 16 yards longer than five miles.

  2. There has been lots of rain, but aside from a couple of small spots, the trail is neither wet nor muddy. The Poto follows mainly gravel eskers and it drains VERY quickly.

  3. Part of the trail is very open, but part has been effectively narrowed by spreading branches of underbrush (mainly autumn olive) beside the trail.

  4. The wet weather has fostered an extremely robust crop of poison ivy. No problem if you stay on the trail, but would suggest making as few detours off trail as possible.

20

That’s very good info! THX!