Anyone have any feedback on Breakwater Half in Petoskey Mi? Looking at signing up shortly. Have done the other Petsokey triathlon a few years back so I know that the hills are brutal! That was before this event was started though.
Thanks in advance for the feedback!
Brian
No feedback aside from the fact that for some reason, it’s the MERCRS championship race, so it will likely be a bit more crowded this year. I know that some in our club (probably me too) will be making the 8+ hour trek from Indpls.
Anyone have any feedback on Breakwater Half in Petoskey Mi? Looking at signing up shortly. Have done the other Petsokey triathlon a few years back so I know that the hills are brutal! That was before this event was started though.
Thanks in advance for the feedback!
Brian
I did the quarter, but raced with 2 other people that did the half. We all agree that the race was wonderful. Gorgeous area, difficult bike course, beautiful run. Here is the info on the half:
The hills on the bike course are no joke- I would recommend a 12-27. They were on par with the American TTT in southern Ohio. The roads were in good shape, open to traffic, but hardly any cars. The only weird part was when we had to carry our bikes up the stairs out of transition. I don’t know if they will be doing that again this year, but they don’t really have a choice, since a main highway splits the swim start from the bike course.
The run course was pancake flat, on a bike path overlooking the bay the entire time. Probably one of the most gorgeous runs you can ask for.
The volunteers and race organizers were great for a first year event. They had to change the swim course twice due to high winds and choppy water (it looked like the ocean, seriously), but they made sure everyone knew what was happening, and luckily didn’t just cancel the swim, which happens all too frequently.
We all really enjoyed the race, loved the area, and had a blast camping, too. The weather was ridiculously cold for late August, but it’s Michigan, so you have to just expect it, I guess.
If you have any other questions, let me know! I would highly recommend the race!
Interesting that they had the transition down by the marina. When I did the other Petoskey triathlon the transition zone was up in the city which was better then carrying your bike from the marina, but it was hard enough getting out of transition, mounting, and heading right up that hill towards the school. If that part is the same I definately need to make sure that I have the bike in the proper gear before the race.
Too bad about the swim. Always a possibility with Lake Michigan though. At Steelhead a couple years back they had to cancel the swim. Tough call, but the right one by Tom.
Did you camp at the State Park then? I am also trying to figure out where to stay. Some of the hotels get pretty pricey up there.
Interesting that they had the transition down by the marina. When I did the other Petoskey triathlon the transition zone was up in the city which was better then carrying your bike from the marina, but it was hard enough getting out of transition, mounting, and heading right up that hill towards the school. If that part is the same I definately need to make sure that I have the bike in the proper gear before the race.
Too bad about the swim. Always a possibility with Lake Michigan though. At Steelhead a couple years back they had to cancel the swim. Tough call, but the right one by Tom.
Did you camp at the State Park then? I am also trying to figure out where to stay. Some of the hotels get pretty pricey up there.
Carrying the bike back down on frozen toes was pretty tricky 
Yes, we camped at the State Park. It is an amazing park!! Our campsite was a dune away from the beach. I can’t wait to get back up the area to train on some hills again. I would also check vrbo.com for a condo rental- depending on how many people you have it could be cheaper than a hotel.
Just an FYI on the camping, another option is the campground ran by the City of Petoskey, along the bike trail and behind Northern Michigan Hospital. Were using it for the earlier tri on Aug 15 since it’s just a block or two from the swim for that race, not sure exactly were the Breakwater start is but just another option in the area as the State Park can be tough to get in at times.
Breakwater may be on the hit list next year in prepping for Silverman.
I would agree with everything except that the hills are not on par with Triple T. While they are difficult, they are not as steep Still bring the 12-27 though.
Check to make sure if the Half has bottle drops, they didn’t last year.
jaretj
No feedback aside from the fact that for some reason, it’s the MERCRS championship race, so it will likely be a bit more crowded this year. I know that some in our club (probably me too) will be making the 8+ hour trek from Indpls.
Hey, we made the trek last year to that naaaasty race in Kentucky. I’m not sure, but I don’t think the MERCRS champ race has ever been in MI, so it seems it’s our turn. I do remember several years where it was in your backyard in Indy. Petosky is beautiful and it’ll be a very nice race. Hopefully the folks from Toledo have trouble finding it…
No feedback aside from the fact that for some reason, it’s the MERCRS championship race, so it will likely be a bit more crowded this year. I know that some in our club (probably me too) will be making the 8+ hour trek from Indpls.
Hey, we made the trek last year to that naaaasty race in Kentucky. I’m not sure, but I don’t think the MERCRS champ race has ever been in MI, so it seems it’s our turn. I do remember several years where it was in your backyard in Indy. Petosky is beautiful and it’ll be a very nice race. Hopefully the folks from Toledo have trouble finding it…
Race in KY was gross.
I’m just greatful you didn’t put it up in the UP, though it’s sure damn close… I’m actually looking forward to it, I’ve been told it’s a good race, so I’ll drive the distance…