will be my first time at this event. getting the race wheels ready and was wondering what the bike course was like?
I rode three loops of the bike course this past weekend. Mostly flat with small rollers on E Michigan along I94 and south on 46th St. About half chip-seal & half newer asphalt. Might give the lake a try next week some time.
A couple of rollers, really not that technical. Definetly drive or ride it first as it is tricky to navigate in one spot if the volunteers are not watching.
mmmm, chip-seal…seems to me like all the roads around kzoo these days are turning into this garbage.
-i’d say that the course is pretty flat, a few rollers and one turn where i think i almost saw a guy go onto I94 2 years ago when i did it. It’s not particularly different than what you’ll run into at any race in the midwest, but at least drive the course so you don’t find yourself merging onto 94.
Good luck!
There is a longish, not too steep, uphill portion about half way through the loop. A lot of people lose time there.
jaretj
pretty fast. two loops for the long course. i’ll be out on it this weekend and i’ll post with a late update. i won’t be racing…i’m announcing again this year.
the chip seal is “old” and pretty darned smooth…nothing loose out there. the michigan avenue leg on the back side of the course is a long slow moderate incline. the first north leg of the course…38th…includes a relatively fast decline with a couple curves thrown in for good measure. easily hit 40+ through there. bring your friends and neighbors.
water will be cool…but not brutal. we’re having a temperature challenged spring.
thanks all!
went to put a cassette on my rear wheel last evening and got to thinking about which one to go with. doesn’t sound like i’ll need to be “spinning” too much though.
The water is fine - about 62 F last Saturday when I took a dip in it. Very refreshing. There isnt any new chip & seal on the course. No special gearing required (12-23).
The biggest issue is what they will do with the run course. Kenny will probably make it a loop to prevent the congestion from last year.
Like you mentioned, the last part of 38th st is deceivingly fast. No trouble making the right turn faster than the posted 30 mph. I might be in the lake Tuesday or Thursday after work.