Unbearable heat at IM CdA. Forest fires at IMC. Cold driving rain at IM USA. What’s left, snow at IM Wisconsin? Yeah, you laugh, but it was 34 degrees F on race morning there last year. And all of us northern mid-westerners know the weather can turn on a dime in September. So I’m taking all of my stuff this year. Remember, you read it here first. 
Try 10+ degrees higher- It was not 34 degrees last year. Yes, it was A LITTLE chilly, but it was not 34 degrees. Believe me, if it was that cold, you would have had a nightmare for a race. I don’t know if you were at the race site that morning, but I can assure you that it was not 34.
Good luck in the race this year though- You should be fine with toe covers on your shoes and arm warmers.
Rob
You’re right, Rob. Madisonweather.com shows the low was approx. 41F. Why my training buddies and I “remembered” it as 34F is beyond me. Regardless of the cold early morning hours, it did warm up to be a very nice day to race. So, with more accurate information in hand, I’ll change the “prediction” to sleet. Actually, I’m only joking about the relatively extreme environmental conditions at North American IM races this year. Hopefully this weirdness won’t continue at IMW.
REGARDLESS, THOUGH, I WISH YOU AND EVERYONE THE BEST OF LUCK AT IMMOO.
Without argument, that race is the best IM in the world. The crowds, people, everything, was awesome. Where else in IM can you have an 11 minute first transition, and that was with HAULING A$$??? They actually had an award for the fastest combined transition times, and this one guy won with a 7 minute combined transition- wow.
The bike course will come back to haunt you in a heartbeat, so even though everyone says “Go conservative and be fresh later,” this is one time for even the I’m-too-tough-bring-it-on-types to conserve energy- You’ll need it!
Good luck-
Rob
Here’s a more plausible prediction: The Herminator turns in a PR performance at IMW. Assuming, of course, he can keep his combined transition times below 20 minutes…
34 might have been the wind chill… for someone standing still. Brrrr! I don’t even want to think about the windchill doing 20+ on a bike!
Weather has been really warm in Madison. Supposed to get to mid 70’s this week and next. Monona lake water temp is in high 70’s to mid 80’s. Hope its not a scorcher, this clydes melts in heat, I wont need salt tabs, I’ll need a salt truck.
Good luck all!