I’m told that FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorism attack or hostile act exists and is directed against DoD elements and personnel.
The race is March 28, so a little over the president’s predicted “four weeks” of expected war activity, but I’m guessing security measures would last beyond such time.
I’m not racing Oceanside, but I would expect race organizers have a contingency plan in case base access is not possible on race day.
I would bet on the race not taking place (on base). But if it does, I would assume there will be a lot of security keeping an eye on things.
It’s California though, they are going to need to get some new permits and then some permits for the permit and possibly do an 5 million dollar ecological study on how the new bike route impacts the indigenous racoon population.
The tragedy is California is pretty much just doing things by the book, which we’ve outsourced to various city development agencies, which they’ve outsourced to various engineers and lawyers, which they’ve outsourced to a legion of European technocrats.
Everyone is just following rules, which everyone agrees is costly and no one can change. Smaller towns just don’t really read the rules. But once a technocrat gets ahold of them in their jurisdiction, even they end up doing weird things that have a very low utility to cost ratio.
I did a biathlon at the formerly named Lakehurst Naval Air Station (site of the infamous Hindenburg disaster) in 2002 (the summer after 9/11). While they allowed the race to proceed, they warned everyone that they needed to show proof of US citizenship, and to expect long lines to get in while they searched each car (open trunk, what I assume was an explosive-sniffing dog, and mirror under the car).
A bit of history as it relates to Oceanside 70.3 and military priorities.
Back in 2000 and 2001, the race was a full Ironman, with the transition area actually in Camp Pendleton next to the boat harbor. The swim was in the Camp Pendleton Boat Harbor, the bike was basically 2 loops of the current course, and the run was 2 loops from the Camp P. Boat Harbor into Oceanside roughly along the current 70.3 route. The original agreement with Ironman was for 2 years and after the second year, the then-current commander wasn’t interested in having the race continue to be held on the base. In 2002, Ironman North America moved the full Ironman event to Provo and for a few months, there wasn’t anything planned for Oceanside. Ironman worked with Oceanside to bring back the race as a Half Ironman and was able to get support from the Marines for limited use of the base for the bike course. The September 11 attacks further complicated the use of the base and in 2002 that first year as a half Ironman, the bike course was a series of out and backs near the coast along Vandergrift and Stuart Mesa. The hilly, interior portions of the base were off limits. The bike course in 2002 was such a cluster with so many people on the course at once and no real hills to break up the packs. If I recall correctly, by time the 2004 race took place, the bike course was back to what it generally is today.
All that being said, I’m not sure to what extent if any, the current restrictions will impact the race, but there is precedent for a modified course on a limited portion of the base. If that’s the alternative, I’d almost prefer they cancel the race than do the bike as a few out and backs.
I’m merely joking, I love California! I just think the bureaucracy of California is comical at this point. I work in California, my coworkers and I joke that it’s the no fun state. If fun could be had, they will be sure to tax it, regulate it, and make sure that it most certainly can’t happen.
California is quite literally one of the prettiest states, has insane topography, and so much more. That being said, it’s not the best managed state and it isn’t without its faults.
I hope this insane illegal war is over by race day and it doesn’t affect anybody’s plans.
I had not even thought about to this until yesterday when a friend pointed it out. Certainly could be an issue.
I remember all those out and backs.
And of course, Oceanside 70.3 could be the least of the disturbance to international racing and new reluctance of athletes to travel given the violence happening in a dozen countries in the Middle East.
Indeed. The news has shown us some unfortunate visuals to what it is to '“Experience Oman”.
they probably can double up the old lifetime olympic course
