Who’s done them? How are they? I’m thinking about tacking an exotic location IM onto the end of a vacation for 2008 but am not sure if its even possible for me to do. Can an English-only speaking person do an event like IM Japan? Is the communication barrier too big? Are the race events (carbo dinner / awards banquet / race meeting / etc) only in Japanese or is it translated? I assume ‘on course’ there would be very little conversation with other competitors, unless of course they speak English. Do these events sell out instantaneously like the US events?
What does it cost to ship a bike to an event like Japan? Are the entry fees similar to US events? Are the aid stations as wonderful as in the US? What else?
if they are IM sanctiones races then it will be the same ike in the US. i think its even more expensive to race japan or korea because both are located in resort islands. if you want a hard and hot one Im langkawi is the cheapest compared to most IM sanctioned races in the world. early bird entry fee i think is 250$ only compared to the standard 350-400 or even 450$ fees
I can only speak for IM Germany and Korea, but no significant difficulties from the language barrier. In Korea pre race meeting was held in English, Japanese and Korean.
So many people in Japan speak English I can’t imagine it being a problem. They have an version of the website in English so I think that would be a good indicator that you’d be fine there.
When I flew to Japan and Korea with my bike (a couple of times each) it was the standard $25-80 fee that varies by the airline and the ticket agent. I’ve never paid a fee to fly it back from a foreign country (Asia and Europe), but it’s always been on a code share airline (Delta ticket on KAL, United tickets on JAL)
I did IM Germany in 2002, and it was an amazing experience. The pre-race briefing was done in English and German. It was run better than any race I’ve ever entered, and the crowd support was unbelievable. The crowds were 6 deep on the major climbs (which aren’t that bad, except that they are cobblestones). I was stationed in Germany at the time, so I can’t speak to shipping the bike, and I do speak a little German, but it wasn’t necessary.
In Japan most of the information will be in Japanese but there will be a race briefing in English. You’ll probably find someone will become your unofficial personal translator as well.
Signs will be in Japanese and English so you should be able to find your way around.
You will find lots of interesting foods on the aid stations - rice balls, seaweed, biscuits… I’ve also found that at the pre-race party, carbo loading normally includes lots of seafood, shellfish, beer and cake in addition to the traditional (for westerners) pasta.
International bike shipping is normally free though I notice that many US carriers still try and charge you. Even if you get charged on the way out, you should be able to get your bike back for free.
So many people in Japan speak English I can’t imagine it being a problem. They have an version of the website in English so I think that would be a good indicator that you’d be fine there.
When I flew to Japan and Korea with my bike (a couple of times each) it was the standard $25-80 fee that varies by the airline and the ticket agent. I’ve never paid a fee to fly it back from a foreign country (Asia and Europe), but it’s always been on a code share airline (Delta ticket on KAL, United tickets on JAL)
Where the heck were you that “so many” Japanese spoke English? I’ve been there over a dozen times in the last 4 years and have yet to find an area where English was commonplace. The Japanese learn English and do alright with the written part, but spoken is a challenge. Once you get out of the hotels it’s hit and miss.
I’ve taken my bike to Japan a couple of times. If you only go with one piece of luggage the bike can fly free. Only Continental airlines charges regardless of the number of bags you have. I flew Continental once and was charged $80 each way. This last time was American and the bike went free.
My last trip a few weeks ago I busted a spoke on my front wheel. It took my best broken Japanese to get a new spoke from a quality shop.
I have done 3 international IM’s and had no problems with any of them. I did Roth in 97, then New Zealand in 2004 and Brazil this year. All 3 races had race briefings in English, though New Zealand was the hardest to understand. The only problem I had at any of the races was trying to get regular water instead of soda water in Roth.
Add in that you can get a great vacation in after the race and it’s pretty tough to beat.
I’ve had some athletes race in Japan and the only thing they said was those were the best races they have done anywhere in the world. No problems with language at all for them. I’m actually thinking about doing Strongman based upon what they have said about racing there.
Have done both IM Japan and IM Korea and I second that not being able to speak the local lingo is not a problem. And there is normally a group of expats like myself at these races who are willing to help out. And besides the weird and wonderful stuff at the aid station, they will have real gels, sports drinks and coca etc. Well worth the experience.
IMJ was a lot of fun (venue and course) and IMO when compared to Japan, Korea was was a little flat. IMJ has much more local support. Both are expensive to enter at around $450. But accom and food is reasonably priced, but at IMJ it was tough to find a restaurant to have your normal pre-races meals. (pasta etc).
As for the Strongman, it is the most popular race in Japan and it is very hard for locals to get a spot. They reckon that it takes at least three tries at registering before you can get in. But they do seem to give preference to expats living in Japan and visitors. They only accept entries this month, with the race happening on April 22nd, 2007. I have not done it, but the locals rave about it.
What is strine? I did IM Australia in 1995. I didn’t know what a costume was and a rubber duckie! Or the cabin lift at the zoo either, but I had a wonderful time except for those roundabouts and almost getting killed by looking to my left and then right rather than vice versa!!
