It looks like new venue (Tunica, MS) and part of 5150 series as of last year, same for 2012 I presume. For those that raced last year what was your overall impression - location, course, hotel options, etc.
I really liked it, probably would of loved it if the casino was open (closed due to flooding).
Fast course
Nice hotel
good food
road quality was pretty nice
Not much around the area so bring all your goods to the hotel/race
1 complaint: time trial start
1 side note: the run course was a .5 mile too long (they fixed it for the pros though and I imagine they won’t make the same mistake again)
I actually thought the venue was much better and it was much more well organized overall (from check in to check out). They even tried to add some social aspects to the event in the form of pool parties with music and free booze (too bad they didn’t realize that triathletes don’t usually party much the night BEFORE a race). The weather was terrible last year and I still had a great time. Here are some various details:
- They had child care available in the on-site Kids activity center (not sure what it is called).
- You could rack your bike the day before the race.
- The hotel is right there. Literally, you walk out the door and you are in transition.
- The food was really good (and it was probably even worth the $15 for non-participants). It was in a big tent with lots of seating.
- Free Beer after the race.
- If you get a hotel room, check in as early as you can on Saturday. Many people (some with families) that checked in during the late afternoon were forced into smoking rooms. Smoking rooms at casino’s are pretty nasty.
- I really liked the swim though I heard complaints from people that that it was a bit too zig zaggy.
- I thought the bike was slightly boring but it was flat and fast. There were these annoying reflector type speed bumps in the road during the 2nd half of the bike. I thought they were a bit hazardous but I didn’t hear of anyone crashing or anything.
- There were* lots* of flats on the bike last year, probably again due to the torrential rain.
- Flat and fast run (except for the extra half mile).
- I like the time trial start though it makes it hard to tell how you are actually doing compared to your competition…just ask the 2nd place pro from last year…
- Did I mentioned the Free beer?
Hopefully the weather will be better this year…
Competitive race.
Easy to fly and drive.
Easy sign in.
Great post race food and free beer.
A bit unnerving swimming in the lake with the flashes of lightening.
Lots of rain on the bike.
Can’t get worse than last May and it’s was still a great race.
Memphis in Mississippi in May only.
Thanks, Doug
great review, might consider it. thanks