Has anyone done both IM Canada and IM Wisconsin? I am looking for some insight on the Canada bike course compared to the Wisconsin bike course regarding difficulty.
I haven’t, but train with someone who has. He says that except for Richter Pass, Canada isn’t that tough.
Go to any of the Ironman race websites and go to the course link. You can then go to a link with the profiles and can compare any INMA race on both bike and run.
I’ve never done Wisconsin but I can tell you that I am a definitely BOP and managed the IMC bike. The talk is that it’s hard, but it’s not that bad at all. There is a short steep hill about 20 km’s in, then Richter which I think is eleven km’s up - but never too sleep with some short “recovery” flats on the way up. After Richter are the rollers and if you’re having a good day you can fly down them and then up the other side. Yellow Lake is the last climb and even that isn’t that steep or that long. Around one final bend and it’s DONE! So… although I am a BOP person and quite frankly a slow, “need to improve” cyclist (okay swimmer and runner too) I can say that it’s not that bad. Plus… I’m a lousy hill climber!!
Don’t forget IM Canada = 1 loop, IM Wisconsin = 2 loops. Means a lot to some people.
I’ve done both. I think Wisconsin is harder, but it depends on what type of course you prefer. I chose Canada because it’s only one loop. The two loops at Wisconsin definitely made it harder for me. I thought Canada was very doable, and I didn’t train on hills. Richter and Yellow Lake still weren’t that bad (although the rollers were big enough to be considered hills back where I was training!) Keep in mind I didn’t really train for Wisconsin, so my few might be biased - I was not well-prepared for that race at all. I do think that when I go back and do each of those races again I’ll probably still feel the same way though.
Done both and know IMC course much better as its home course. I would say IM MOO was harder to the extent that the rollers are constant but its the turns and the change of pace that was part of my problem. IMC is pretty flat other than McLean Creek, Richter, 10 rollers and Yellow Lake, but these are not deal breakers. The problem can be the wind and changing weather conditions. Pretty much ride a solid rhythm at IMC but not so much at MOO
trying to figure out flights - how long is the drive from Vancouver? How long is the drive from seattle? – TO PENTICTON?
trying to figure out flights - how long is the drive from Vancouver? How long is the drive from seattle? – TO PENTICTON?
~5hrs drive from Vancouver, 8 from Seattle. I’ve been told that you can fly into Spokane and drive from there - Google maps says it’s about 6hrs.
I think the other thing that separates Moo from both Canada and LP is the heat. The last 2 years it’s been smoking hot in Madison.
would you say Canada is cold? I have done IMMOO both the last two scorching years - I actually think I function better in hot.
Khai must drive slow. How about 6 - 6 1/2 hours max. from Seattle via North Cascades Hwy (I-5, Hwy 20/hwy 97)?
Mapquest has it at 6 hrs and they have you driving to Canada first. Do not go that way, trust me.
“You know you are getting old when you see your father in the mirror.” anon.
the weather is variable at IMC. I was at Moo last year and did not find it particularly hot.
The big difference between the courses is the one v multiple loops because of that you travel a longer dstance away from start and finish which also means you are more exposed different weather conditions.
To give you an example one year (2000) it hailed at Yellow Lake but Penticton was dry and the run was warm.
In 98 it was hot really hot in the 40s, but I think this was an exception, its not something one would want to wish on anyone. There was a ton of suffering out on the run course that day but there was little indication in the days leadiing up to the race that it would get that hot.
For the last 5 years or so (based on my own recollecton not the weather almanac) it was hoveing between high 20 and low 30s on average but again different parts of the course at different times of the day can give you many different weather conditions. Never say its actually cold the whole day, then again this is Penticton we are talking about!
what’s the weather been like this year.
also - any place to stay away from as far as hotels and food go?
Also check flights into Kelowna if you don’t want to drive too far (1 hour drive). There are new direct flights being added this fall (too late for 2005 but ok for 2006). For example, West Jet has a Las Vegas / Kelowna direct flight starting up in the fall.
lots of data here http://weather.ca/weather/cities/can/Pages/CABC0218.htm
also go on to the IM forums and on to IMC page to ask on there. I have not been up this year not racing but will be there to cheer.
As for food and hotels. Only stayed on the ones facing the waterfront (lake okanaga end) all been fine but the problem is getting a room for race week. We usually book a house and share. If you are not racing more options in the surrounding towns like Naramata, Summerland, Apex or even towards Skaha Lake end of the town
Food - other than the pseudo Chinese (buffet places) its all pretty normal and ok. But the problem is the crowds during race week, every where is basically full during the evening feeding time so be prepared. Most of the chain/casual places are up on Main street with some smaller places in town and on the waterfront. Places on the waterfront where there are a couple of pretty respectable places are really full in the evenings. The damnest thing is the names of these places escape me - getting old! Its not like I have havent been Penticton 15 odd times or more! You did miss Hog’s Breath, closed and now a Starbucks is going in there. Use to be the breakfast place and unoffical race HQ, real shame
Also check flights into Kelowna if you don’t want to drive too far (1 hour drive). There are new direct flights being added this fall (too late for 2005 but ok for 2006). For example, West Jet has a Las Vegas / Kelowna direct flight starting up in the fall.
To add to this, it seems Westjet doesn’t charge you for your bike box - at least within Canada.
Don’t forget about the option of flying into Calgary. Its about a 6 hour drive (beautiful drive) from there or you could easily take another short flight from Calgary right into Penticton.
“Westjet doesn’t charge you for your bike box - at least within Canada.”
Hmm… yes and no. Same luggage policy for USA/Canada, and I flew to SanFran from Calgary and was able to talk my way out of bike charges for me and my partner.
According to thier website, bikes still fly free as your second peice of luggage (sport equip), maybe the lady at the counter didn’t know the policy…
http://c3dsp.westjet.com/guest/travelTips.jsp;jsessionid=C7fJPjYGqT12rtUcHdRBbYJfDa8PTPmfrxKDCm2qOpgS5llVS9K8!-1000849040#luggage
WestJet just freakin rocks… leather seats and satellite TV now. 
The valley from Penticton to Osoyoos is THE HOTTEST place in Canada. It is a dry desert heat, which makes it a little more bearable than humid heat. I am in the Okanagon every year… it is regularly sunny and scorching. I love it. I race well in heat too.
IMCanada is NEVER cold… but yes… there have been some occasional wacky storms on race day, usually in the two mountain passes. The run offers very little shade and is usually well above 30C (100F) by mid-afternoon. Being the desert… it can get a little chilly at night if your a late finisher… anytime after 10pm.
6 hours to Kelowna maybe! I don’t know how fast you drive. I do that trip several times a year… and my record from Calgary to where I stay in Kelowna is 6:02… and that’s driving well over the speed limit and in evening/night with less traffic.
Penticton can be done in 7…maybe… if you get the right traffic and no construction.
Your right though… Calgary is an alternative option to Seattle… and car rental prices are probably cheaper in Canada… and the drive is quite stunning too… although I’m kinda bored with it already. 