What is the course like and does anyone have a computrainer file of the bike? What can be expected for the weather (80’s) and possible wind?
Any info would be appreciated.
No CT course, but according to my sources it’s flat to rolling with little shade on the bike. Could be windy. Run is flat, also with no shade. (probably nowhere near as brutal and challenging as the Steelhead course… :-P)
Because I have been training in the godforsaken state of TX, I am hoping for a hot/humid/windy day that will give the competition from more pleasant places fits.
Starting to get excited about it!
G
I did the full iron-distance Redman in 2006 and 2008, and will be there to do it again next month.
I don’t have a Computrainer file, but the bike course consists mostly of gradual, rolling hills. There’s not a single hill that requires getting off the seat of your bike. The steepest hills are no worse than, say, a highway off-ramp.
The quality of the road surfaces is something you need to be aware of. In 2006 and 2008, there were many, many potholes, potholes filled unevenly, pavement cracks, etc., that required constant vigilance. If you’re not careful, you risk launching your bottles. I would not want to ride the course on a very expensive set of wheels. There is one four-mile section of a very rough chip-and-seal surface near the turnaround that is horribly rough. It’s the one part of the course that everyone talks about afterward.
If 2006 and 2008 are any guide, the high temperature for the day will be around the low 80s. However, since you’re doing the half, chances are you’ll be done before it gets that warm. Also, wind can be a big factor (it was in 2006, but not 2008), but that usually occurs when the air starts to heat up in the early afternoon and, again, you’ll probably be done by then.
The above is a Reader’s Digest version of what you can expect. If you’d like the full version, feel free to read through my long race reports, which you can find by clicking here.
Good luck!
Jim
Cool! Maybe we will manage to see each other…it’s been a long time!
G
I’ll be looking for you, trimom, but it’s going to have to be before or after the race–during the race, you’ll be just a blur as you fly past me. 
Jim
P.S. I lived in Houston for 15 years, long before taking up triathlons. I don’t know how y’all survive training in that heat and humidity. It’s suicidal.
Nah, I’m getting old and slow too. 
Thanks for sharing your race report. It was great and I intend to share it will all the Redman-bound Gorillas. We will have a lot of folks there, please stop by and say “hey”!
G
Hey, both of you folks! I’ll be there too! Maybe we can do a “reunion” of sorts!
I’m only doing the half…so I hope to done fairly early…
Paul
Only? Hell…I am happy to be moving up to the 1/2. You’ll have to come by the Gorilla tent…there will be a bunch of us there.
I thought you were doing IM KY again, no?
G
It is a gentle rolling course. I did the full a few years ago and am doing it again this year. It was hot and windy. Road surface can be shit in places, but overall not bad. There is nothing to block the wind on course and no shade. Be prepared for the heat. I would peg it closer to the 90 degree mark. The run course is much the same but it goes around a golf course and lake hefner. The run is flat as a pancake.
Road surface (partial chip/seal) has gotten somewhat smoother over time. There are short areas (potholes- aren’t too bad (my opinion)) that may not be repaired due to county road budgets etc. Check redman web site. Run has changed to loops making it at least more spectator friendly/now does not go around hefner lake. September usually has nicer temps but fronts come in quick and can shift any wind/breeze around. We call anything under 20 as a breeze, over 20 as wind and over 30 as grab your kids. Its a blast riding in 25 , we learn to lean. I rode with tubular/disc and no problem but be prepared otherwise.