Anyone here ever do this race? This year takes place June 22nd. Looks like it draws a big field. Course looks pretty good. Have never raced outside the southwest region so am pretty stoked. Will borrow a road bike from my brother so that alone will be very interesting, not being on a TT rig. Any info would be good.
Did it last year. Only complaints is if it rains the run is bad as it’s a trail run, and it’s the most expensive tri in the area for no reason other then it’s run by R.A.M
I’ve done this race four times, including in some brutal conditions.
Depending on what you like, it is easily the best short-course race (other than the big show) within 3-4 hours of Chicago.
Lake Geneva is generally pretty clean, though it can get very choppy when the wind is up.
The bike is more flat than rolling, so you’ll have to stay low and push that road bike.
I am a big fan of the trail run myself.
Price is pretty high for an Oly, but overall I’d definitely go for it.
I’ll agree with the others … it’s one of my favorite of the season … I love to swim there. I seem to recall a few bumpy roads on the way out.
I look forward to this one every year
thanks all for the info. you all are right, a bit pricey. $141 including parking for the Olympic. The swim sounds great. Understand it to be crystal clear. I do have a good road bike to use. Rode it last summer while visiting. A carbon Specialized 10 speed. Best road bike I ever been on . No clip-ons but hey, that’s how it was done years ago.
Save yourself some hassle and park at the high school (Badger HS). EZ ride down to transition and its free.
X2! Ridiculous price but the Chicago crowd pays it and then goes to Chuck’s for flat beer or Popeye’s for bad food.
Did it last year. Only complaints is if it rains the run is bad as it’s a trail run, and it’s the most expensive tri in the area for no reason other then it’s run by R.A.M
This was my very first tri back in 2003 and I nearly bailed on the swim when I approached the first boat on the water. I raced it several times and it holds a special place in my heart.
I always drove up from Chicago the morning of the race. No complaints but I echo the sentiments about the rain and it being a tougher run since it’s mostly all on rolling trail.
Just a heads up I was up there for a wedding over Memorial Day and the exit for Lake Geneva (Route 50 I believe) is closed so you have to detour around to get there and there was a lot of pain in the ass traffic.
Also, don’t forget to stop at the Brat Stop.
Its a great race, hosted by a local Tri Store (running away multisport). was also my first, and extremely beautiful course. the Swim is super clear and fast, you can see the bottom, well weeds but it is not super weedy… the bike is challenging but also fun, and if you enjoy trail runs then you got that too. I am not a big fan of trail runs but I am going back 3rd time this summer, which is one of the few tri’s i repeat every year.