anyone ever done this race? any comments on it? sounds like it is a fast course. thanks
The year I did it, they pulled something like 100 people out of the Delaware. It rained so hard for so many days the currents were raging. My swim took me over 50-minutes, so it was not a fast course. The bike and run were flat except for a bridge you climb twice on the bike. The race itself is a cool venue, but there is not much to see or do in the area. Bring mosquito spray.
My tale of woe, 2004 version. Flat except for the big-assed bridge (half mile climb each way?), can be windy, water can be choppy. If wet, the metal grate bridge next to the Reedy’s Point Bridge is nasty.
Oh, it’s “Delaware”.
I did the race in 2005 and had lots of fun. The swim is really cool being point-to-point. The currents that year weren’t bad at all but they can be (see 04). The bike is flat and fast and goes through some cool areas. Watch out for the metal grate bridge if it rains. Lots of accidents this year on it during the Brandywine Du. The run is kind of boring out and back.
The main drag on this race is the timing, you have to get there really really early and then sit around for a while. But if you can deal with this it is pretty cool.
depending on the weather, this race changes from year to year. Swift currents can make it a nightmare or a quick swim. wind calm - fast bike. wind whips up off the water, high cross winds.
interesting read on the race report. sounds like a hit or miss race on being a fast one. i’ll probabaly take my chances. the cost is pretty high which might be the only thing to keep me off the ferry.
ken, are you still on the 4 year plan to “go long”?
Ken, are you still on the 4 year plan to “go long”?
Sorta kinda. I’ve done a couple of half IMs, gonna do Timberman this summer, and may sign up for IMLP 2008 (when I’ll be 50).
I did it the year the weather was good. I loved this course. I thought the swim was enjoyable, and I love the fast bike course. People overblow the hill/bridge thing. Its a cllimb but I don’t really think it is that bad, but maybe that’s because I actually like hills. The grate bridge is also overblown, if you just coast over it and keeper’ straight it should be no problem. Run is boring, but it is a nice small race a very well run in my opinion.
The grate bridge is also overblown, if you just coast over it and keeper’ straight it should be no problem.
Uh, tell that to the guy that took a faceplant on the bridge in the rain at Brandywine this year. Multiple facial fractures and lots of stiches. I took it real careful and almost ate it big time on the out leg. Walked it on the return leg.
I agree the bridge is not a big deal if it’s dry. I had no problems when I did Ft Del in 05.
sounds like a typical wet, metal bridge. sorry about your crash…that sucks!!
I’ve crossed that bridge at least 30 times and never once had a problem. Rain, wind, whatever. Did you consider that the guy who bit was going to fast or not riding under control or cranking on the pedals on a slippery surface? I’m sorry he got hurt, but we all need to be careful out there and learn to handle our bikes. Sometimes you can’t control a speeding car or certain conditions, but the bridge didn’t jump up and bite him. Sorry…I just got on one of my personal responsibility rants. 
I’ve crossed that bridge at least 30 times and never once had a problem. Rain, wind, whatever. Did you consider that the guy who bit was going to fast or not riding under control or cranking on the pedals on a slippery surface? I’m sorry he got hurt, but we all need to be careful out there and learn to handle our bikes. Sometimes you can’t control a speeding car or certain conditions, but the bridge didn’t jump up and bite him. Sorry…I just got on one of my personal responsibility rants.
Maybe I came off wrong. I was just trying to answer the OP who asked about the course. All things being equal I think everyone would choose a course that did not have a metal grated bridge, which can be difficult and potentially dangerous to cross.
I did not see the guy that I was talking about actually go down, so I don’t know if he was riding recklessly. What I can say is that I was riding what I feel was responsibly and felt that it was like riding on a ice rink. I will admit I don’t have much experience riding across such bridges, since luckily there are none where I ride.
Delaware, most boring state in the union.
it sounds like this bridge can be intimidating to someone with less than stellar bike handling skills and at least something to take into consideration. i don’t think i would opt out of a race due to this though. people can crash riding on a flat road in a straight line (ask zabriskie)
let me guess, you live in rhode island!?!?! just kidding. i’ve only lived in the northeast a month. i’ve never even been to rhode island and only barely driven through delaware (finally spelled it right)
No, I grew up in Virginia and my Grandfather lived there. When we visited his house there was absolutely nothing to do. I’m sure there are some fun/nice parts, but I just never saw them.
I raced it this year. Very windy and rough water, but it was kinda cool doing a point-to-point swim. If you do it, I hope you like the taste of petroleum…a Valero oil refinery is a half mile up the river from the swim. I was cleaning black stuff out of my nose and ears for 2 days.
Come on Steve - you know that injury reports always precede “ahem - the time’s yours.”.
it sounds like this bridge can be intimidating to someone with less than stellar bike handling skills and at least something to take into consideration. i don’t think i would opt out of a race due to this though. people can crash riding on a flat road in a straight line (ask zabriskie)
I have never, in about 20 years of training, riding crits, road races, TTs, and triathlons/duathlons, crashed on the road. I rode over that bridge in the rain this year, and I thought I was going to die. I would never race over it again if wet. My understanding is that Neil attempted to address the concern in this years Escape by putting down some rug-like surface that was too “mushy” to be much better.
My bad. You are a rabblerouser Bob.