Hopefully it is OK to plug a race expecially since I see CGI Racing are an ST advertiser.
The Black Bear Triathlon at Jim Thorpe Pa is a beautiful site for a sprint and half. I have not run it myself but volunteered in 2007 so I am very familar with the course and CGI racing. Their triathlons are well run. I have registered for this year and am looking forward to enjoying this scenic course. I received an email that the registration is filling up so you may want to register before its too late.
I’m not affileated with the race in anyway. I just like what the RD does for triathletes in the Philadelphia area. CGI Racing holds free open swims each week in Wenonah, NJ so I like supporting their races since they support us.
I’m not affiliated with this race either but agree with the OP.
I’ve done the last two HIM and it is an awesome race…
VERY tough bike and beautiful swim/run
I’ve done both the Half and the Sprint there. That sprint course is my favorite course I’ve ever done. The bike course is perfect and part of the run is through the woods. It’s awesome. I’m planning on racing the sprint again this year, but don’t have money right this moment to register. I hope it doesn’t fill up too soon!
I did the Sprint it’s first year and thought it was a fantastic race! The hills on the bike made it feel longer than a sprint from what I remember. I was really impressed for a first year event. Definitely do it if you are in the area.
Larry and his wife are great people! He biked and ran with us to finish the race off for the gentleman who drowned during the NJ State tri. They also offered counslers to all the life guards at the race that day. I was told that by one of the LG’s. Good people who also care about the athlete and their help.
I’m not affiliated with this race either but agree with the OP.
I’ve done the last two HIM and it is an awesome race…
VERY tough bike and beautiful swim/run
Question for triguy101 and anyone else familiar with the Black Bear HIM bike course: is the bike course hilly enough that you’d recommend a road bike instead of a tt bike? Thanks for your thoughts.
Philly Dave, no it’s not that hilly that you need a road bike. However, it all depends on your take on what is hilly enough for a road bike. There is one SUPER steep hill that a road bike might be better, but the HIM bike course is more gradual climbing. It is fast going out of the lake. Keep your momentum going up those first few hills and you will be fine. Then once you make a turn it starts to get harder, but TT bike is better. The last few miles are downhill so you want a TT bike for that.
I’d suggest, if you can, going up and riding the course. If not, stick to your TT bike. You’ll be fine.
Mike, thanks very much for the info. Nice to know that it’s only one super steep hill. They have a course preview video posted but it’s tough to make a bike selection judgment on that alone. So I appreciate your thoughts. I think the Philly Tri Club is planning a late April course ride, so I’ll try to check it out if I can. Hope to see you up there for the HIM. Dave
There is one SUPER steep hill
Perhaps the course changed in 2008 if the sprint was seperate, in 2007 there was a big hill where the HIM completed lap 2 and went to the finixh. Sprinters just did one loop That was my post to make sure people stayed on course. I did notice some sprinters walking that hill, but most did not have a problem. Is that the hill you are thinking of, or do I have another hill to look forward to? I think I may drive up for one of the practice rides. I think CGI Racing is having a practice ride also.
I forgot about that one You are correct, a few miles from the end there is a nasty hill. Maybe I mislead by saying one super steep hill. It’s a hilly course, but there is one hill about 5 or 8 miles in that you get to and you are like what the hell. The sprint course is actually different than 1 loop of the HIM, I think. But I really don’t remember the course too much. I was going as hard as I possibly could and wasn’t really looking around that much.
You are correct, a few miles from the end there is a nasty hill. Maybe I mislead by saying one super steep hill. It’s a hilly course, but there is one hill about 5 or 8 miles in that you get to and you are like what the hell. The sprint course is actually different than 1 loop of the HIM, I think. But I really don’t remember the course too much. I was going as hard as I possibly could and wasn’t really looking around that much.