As it is so hard to register for an Ironman via the web, I was thinking of going to IMLP in person and volunteering. Then I would be there to register. Has anyone went several days in advance and perhaps rode the course completed the run, and volunteered? Any suggestions for camping or staying cheap?
I’ve done this several times…taken wed-wed off work. It’s great fun. Drove up and camped at a campground in Wilmington-- North Pole something or other, about 12 miles from LP. There is also a KIA next to the North Pole campground, and lots of trails…I had a friend just camp at a trailhead (for free) for several days. There are people all over swimming, cycling, and running; seems like there are as many people there training as racing.
E
Did the same thing in '06. Call the chamber of commerce about three weeks before the race, they have a list of all the rooms in town that were put back into circulation because people bailed.
I stayed at a little group of cabins three miles out of town towards Saranac (the roads were open on race day): http://www.sherwoodforestmotorinn.com/. Cabins were rustic, but dirt cheap. As a plus, it’s across the road from Tail 'O The Pup, a great BBQ place.
Last year I did exactly what you are planning on doing. I went down a few days early with some friends and we managed to find a motel in Saranac Lake which is just outside of Lake Placid proper.
The day before the race we rode the course, there were plenty of others doing the exact same thing. It’s a pretty straight forward route and you shouldn’t have any trouble navigating it.
Volunteering is a great way to not only see the race but to get in. I’d recommend signing up ahead of time to ensure that you are on the volunteer list. I’m sure that this year there will be people fighting to sign up to volunteer especially since it gets you to the front of the line.
If you do manage to volunteer make sure to wear your volunteer t-shirt the next day as there will be two lines, one for volunteers and one for everyone else. Make sure to show up a couple of hours before the lines are scheduled to move. When I was there signups were at 9am we got there at 7:30 and didn’t have to wait too long.
Other than that plan for a fun weekend.
I volunteered in 2007 and then signed up for 2008. I stayed in Tupper Lake, it was cheap, but about 25 minutes from Lake Placid. That year I got no preferential treatment as a volunteer and had to wait in line on Monday morning with everyone else. I know things change each year because I watched the volunteers get in a separate line in 2008.
I would highly recommend it. I volunteered at the first aid station on the bike course and still had time after we cleaned up to get down to the finish to see the first pro woman.
I know things change each year because I watched the volunteers get in a separate line in 2008.
Keep in mind NAS is now owned by WTC. I would expect some changes in race policies. I also think the demand for IM races is going to go down this year due to a number of factors, economy, more races, etc. IMLP is one of the highest demand of the circuit, I would still expect it fill quickly.