Poconos 70.3 - Where was the big hill?

Triathlon Forum
1

Does anyone know where on the map (i.e., what road) the biggest hill was? I know this will be subjective, but I recall the hardest hill being somewhere shortly after mile 40, maybe 42 or 43. I saw more than a few people get off and walk up it, which was surprising.

Thanks.

2

turkey hill road mile 43-44
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3

It was Turkey Hill around mile 43. I didnt think it was a particularly difficult hill, one I probably wouldnt even comment on were I riding my road bike, but riding a tri bike with a standard crank made it at least sporty.

4

Yes the two hills (mile 4 or so and mile 53) in question were not really bad per say but if you come from a flat area or did not have fitness level (obviously) it was big enough. What was a pain was trying to clip back in after derailment (users fault;0) on first hill. Should have went downhill first band clipped in before four attempts while facing upwards. Again not thinking in my part. But I did not find the hills to bad either if you had the training under you. Which is again the obvious answer was there a cut off time where you did not get a time? Can’t find a few friends times. Also course was only 53 miles maybe 53.50 miles according to 6 different computers and or gps units.

5

Definitely mile 40ish was when I saw the majority of the people walking! Like stated above if you come from a flat area I am sure this was not pleasant for those. I live in an area filled with big climbs and the normal hill training I do made Pocono seem very tame! They have a lot of potential to make that course VERY challenging on the bike. I think the hardest part was with the wet roads and leaves down was I occasionally found my rear slip a couple times climbing up the steeper hills. I think that caused a lot to get off and walk

6

Has anyone done this course and timber man ? How do the bike courses compare. Now that I sort of got a little taste for hills I think i would like to punish myself some more.

7

I have done timberman twice and mooseman once (a near by 70.3). First they are on real roads. The first and last 12 miles of timberman have large long hills, but nobody has to get off and walk them. The middle 32 miles are aero city and are very fast. The swim is in aclear lake that can be rough on a windy day, or supper smooth on a good day. The run is fairly flat and somewhat shaded. Over all the venue is very good. The only downside is the traffic mess getting to the event on race morning. The pocono venue was a cluster fu@k waiting to happen. Tim

8

Thanks I will check both of them out and see where they fall into my allotted vacation period at work.

9

I like both events and am already registered for Mooseman 2012 and Tupperlake Half 2012. Both are in June. From my point of view, Tupper lake has one of the best road bike venues on the Right Coast. There is only one road and its wide, smooth, rolls, bends, and very aero friendly, all while not being flat (28 miles out, U turn, and 28 miles back). MooseZilla on the other hand is the only tri bike course that I have ever been on that has a speed restriction on a steep down hill section (that you do twice) that actually features a live radar unit that flashes your speed to caution you to slow down. Best of luck at the races, Tim

10

Thanks I will look into them and see which one does not conflict with Eagleman. I got leg cramps so bad there ( hypnotremia ?) I mean so bad even my frickin insole was screaming. I just have to go back and beat it first before I move on. I did finish just not the way I liked though.