Who’s going?
Me!
Did it in 2002 and have wanted to go back ever since. The wife wants to do the relay so she’s looking for two teammates to join her.
Had planned on last year, but it went south. Planning on this year as a build for IMNZ. It’s near for me, so transports not a problem, except for paying excess baggage for the bike.
J.
I’m definitely thinking of doing it. It sounds like a lot of fun. Is there any info I should know, like packages etc.
Did it last year, will be returning this year.
Justin
Pretty sure you can avoid paying the excess baggage - I have never had to flying with my bike in Asia.
Pretty sure that if you fly Thai, who sponsor the race, you will definately not have too.
BTW have you got your peaceful tribe order yet
Pete
It’s free if you fly on thai airways : ).
the hotel rooms at the laguna are cheaper for those who are doing the tri. you may want to check with them before .
And the rates should be cheaper then those published on the race info webby as there is a serious shortage of tourists in phuket.
i’ll probbaly be staying at the allamanda laguana phuket.It’s the cheapest : ) or any of the hotels close by.
Maybe the slowtwitchers can get together in phuket ! 
The only airline that flies into or out of Brunei, is Royal Brunei, so that’s the carrier I’ll probably be on, unless I fly air asia out of Miri. They’re a bit picky about excess baggage here, but if it’s just for the weekend, I should be ok with a shoulder bag for clothes and my bike case.
Haven’t had the tribe gear arrive yet. Hopefully the next week or two should see something. Our post is really screwy right now, I had one package arrive from the US in 10 days and 2 others that are over 7 weeks and still no sign of them.
Hope they haven’t gone walkies somewhere.
J.
I think I did it in 2002, and 1999. I stayed at the hotel next door to Laguna which was much cheaper, I liked it better in 1999 when the race was in October and off peak. I would love to be there this year, but the cost of my wedding will not leave much for the honeymoon, which I suspect should not involve a triathlon !
Not going, but sure wish I was. I was in Phuket about 2 years ago during the triathlon. I wasn’t into the sport then, but it looked like a great race. Have a good time and please post reports.
Did it 2 years ago:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/thailand.shtml
Awesome race. I’d love to go back. We’ll see…
Great race report tom! now i seriously need to go there. plus phuket also needs the toursim dollars after the tsunami.
What’s the hotel besides the lagauna phuket btw? thanks
one of tom’s shots from the 2003 triathlon(his tour)
taken from:http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/thailand/ele-side.htm
Beautiful!
I think it was the Rydges, hope it didn;t get washed away, it was only 3 star, but those stars go a long way over there. The first time I stayed for 10 days 5 star at Laguna and it cost me $700, but that was off peak and it has gone up three fold since then.
how much did it cost you per night?
This is a factor (excerpted from a daily intelligence report received today):
Thailand (Country threat level - 4): The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following travel advice on 29 June 2005: "Australians in Thailand are advised to exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that terrorist elements in South East Asia are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. …
“Australians are advised to defer non-essential travel to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, including overland travel to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces. There have been numerous security incidents in these provinces since early 2004, including bombings of public areas and facilities. Further incidents are possible at any time. While so far this violence has been limited to Southern Thailand, the escalation of violence in the South may result in attacks elsewhere in Thailand including Bangkok and other tourist areas. …”
J
My hat ordered on 27 April arrived yesterday - circa two months shipping to Singapore
Will be signing up for Phuket this week
Rgds
.
Tom,
If you listened to those Australian Gov. warnings you’d never go anywhere in South East Asia. Many Gov’s refer to ethnic troubles in the South of Thailand which is real and I guess, at a stretch, Phuket could be included in the South, but the troubles are exclusive to the East of the Isthmus and none of the offshore islands.
I don’t know anyone who lives in the region who is avoiding travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand etc etc. I’ve also got friends involved in the Tri scene in Phuket who also believe there is nothing to worry about.
If there is anyone considereing doing this tri and are or have been affiliated with the military at any time, check out this website (www.afvclub.com). They have condos available all over the world, I say this as numerous ones have popped up in Phuket lately where you pay $264 for 7 nights and 8 days for your room! I lived in Puerto Rico for 3 years ( I am in the navy) and we stayed in St. Thomas and Dominican Republic using this service provided by RCI. No membership required, just look at the “Am I elgible” list to see if you qualify. I may consider trying this race if I am where I want to be training wise by then as I am a newbie:) Hope the website helps someone.
Jason