Who’s going?
I’m a first timer for this event. I know it is challenging with some hills on the bike and run…
How technical is the bike? I’m still getting used to some new races wheels.
I’m going! I haven’t checked out the course yet. From what I hear, the swim is really flat.
i’ve ridden it 3 times in the last two weeks. it’s quite hilly compared to what i’m used to - i hit 43mph on a descent last weekend (it’s out on the out and back portion, so you do it both ways). i’d say it’s not too technical other than a section about 1/2 way through where you make a 90 degree turn at the end of a long rolling hill, and then have some blind descending curves … by my third time through i could ride in my aero bars, but the first and second rides i was sitting up, trail-braking … i have questions about how this section will be with 1400 riders on it. the last 1/3 of the loop is comparatively tough with more climbing than descending … i’m riding a 12-25 with a 54/42 on 650’s and was happy to have every gear in back. I rode it the first time with an 11-21, which was ok, but was turning over the 42/21 at about 50 rpm in some places.
i’m not looking forward to the run, as i’ve got p.f. in my left foot and haven’t been running much at all.
for me it will be pain/survival fest '05.
I’m in. I’ve never done the race before, and was wondering about wheel suggestions. My options are “HED disk rear, HED 3 front” or “Cane Creek Volos spoked, front and rear.”
I’ll be there! 3rd time. One was cold, one was hot–hopefully this one’ll be just right! The bike is challenging to ride fast, but there’s nothing too technical. I’d describe both the bike and the run as choppy–there aren’t any hills that’ll bring you to tears, but there are enough of them and they’re just steep enough to make it hard to establish a rhythm. All the same, it’s a really fun race!
I raced it last year… This is an extremely well run race IMO…I don’t want to scare anyone here but the run is the probably the hardest Oly distance run anywhere (at least that I’ve seen)…run course is quite acurate 10k but very hilly…er very very hilly…I usually run 37 -38 tri 10k and was around 41 min… the bike course is awesome —keep your cadence high and rev it up coming into the rollers to keep your speed/momemtum up…The bike is pretty hilly too but no where near as challenging as the run. There’s no way to really see the run course unless you bike it (a good idea) I wished I had done that last year because I was shocked at how hilly the run was…
Good luck I wish I was going but it filled quicker than my wallet did…
Spinney
i wish i had choices … regardless, it’s (of course), up to you, but from what i’ve seen you can expect quite a bit of wind, and some of the climbs are long, and i expect the course will be crowded (and this is a big first-timers race) … were it me, i’d probably go with spoked wheels … but i’m not quite there fitness wise to warrant a disk …
I’m racing; first time doing this race.
I rode the course once a couple of weeks ago and agree with most of the other posters. The 90 degree left hand turn caught me off guard…you’ll want to be aware of that. Other than that, should be great. The weather looks pretty good at this point, too.
Question: Will I be okay in a sleeveless wetsuit? I rented mine from Bonzai and I suppose I could go get a sleeved one tomorrow if necessary.
I’m starting to freak out about this.
If it were me, I’d go full-sleeve wetsuit if I still had the opportunity to switch. It has been a well below-normal high temperature month of May here in the northeast and am certain there won’t be much of a possibility of overheating in a full suit.
That’s what I’d do, but I’m a wimp! If you’re financially committed to a sleeve-less you might be alright…
Thanks! I’m in NoVa, so i’ve been waiting for it to stay warm too. Depends how much I want to drive over and bug the people at Bonzai I guess. And wouldn’t you know, the ONLY day ALL spring my sister could possible have her “couples” wedding shower is this Saturday. Snackattack is hosting, and is certain that worrying about tri stuff will upset the bride…
I haven’t done and OW swim in this area, so I’m really wondering. I’ve never swum in a full-sleeve suit either. Maybe being cold will make me want to get out of the water faster…? Maybe this is just a toss up.
Good luck, it’s my first time for Columbia too!
I hate this growing trend of weddings showers for couples as well. I have even been dragged to a baby shower! Ugghh!
Good luck to you too.
I’ll see you all there.
For the first time in maybe 15 years, I won’t be doing Columbia. While perhaps not the most difficult tri on the planet, Columbia is a tough challenge in anybody’s book, especially if it’s your season opener. He’s my brief course description:
The Swim:
One big loop of a manmade lake. Start by swimming directly into a brutal sun. Wear shaded goggles if you have them. If there is cloud cover, no problems. The lake is usually warmer than you think. 2 or 3 years ago, when the air temp was in the low 40’s the water was in the mid 50’s. I would guess the temps this year to be in the low 60’s. Last year was mid 70’s. I’ve never worn anything other than a sleeveless shortie wetsuit and I’ve never been cold. One other observation, you end the swim by going around a tiny island so you can’t see the finish line until your about 200 yds. from shore. Don’t get frustrated by thinking that you’ve been in the water. When you approach the tiny island, you’re almost done!
The Bike:
Tough course. Be steady and save your legs for the run. A lollypop…out, around, and back. I think coming in is faster than going out. Up, down, up, down the whole way. The middle “around” part out in farm country is a good place to lay the power down if you’re feeling good. The 90 degree left (mile 15? or so?) is tough because the many volunteers (Columbia has tons of excellent volunteers) slow you way down for the dangerous curve but then the road heads straight up and you’ve lost all your momentum and you’re in the big gear. This is where you’ll see 6 people who have dropped their chain trying to downshift. If you haven’t done your hill workouts, you’ll pay for it on this course. There are 2 roundabouts that you hit twice each, so be careful.
The Run:
There is approximately 500 yds. of flatness crossing the dam at mile 5.75. Otherwise, you’re either going up or down. 2/3 of the way around the lake you just swam, out of the park and into a subdivision for a few miles, then back into the park for the last 1/3 of the way around. Up, down, up, down. The landmark you’re looking for is the long climb up the hill after you re-enter the park. Once at the top (mile 5.25), you know the climbing is over and you can relax until the finish.
That’s it. Easy! (Right…that course has kick my ass every year!)
Good Luck!
The coolest thing about it was wathing Peter Reid go flying by in the opposite direction on his bike. He was probably using as a warmup race but damn…he looked like he was flying. I believe he’s doing the race again.
Oh yea, the course is great.
Did I mention Reid was FLYING!!!
I’m in. Second year - well, third, but I DNF’d in 2003 due to bike mechanical failure. Weather should be almost perfect - too bad my fitness is just the opposite. Looking forward to it nonetheless!