Howdy Gang,
I saw the other RC go up and thought I would post one for the Rock and Rollman that will be taking place on June 5th. So who all here is going to be doing this race? This will be my first 1/2 Ironman, and I’m super psyched about it.
Trae
PS. If you need any information about the area, let me know as I was born here and live here in Macon.
I’m in. Did it last year. Will do it every year they have it. Great course, great race direction, although they could hire a few more draft marshals.
Best post race event that I’ve seen in terms of food (Outback Steakhouse), beer (open tap), music (live band), on site showers, etc.
Only 4 bikes per rack in T1/T2. Gotta love that after being handlebar to handlebar at Ralphs half IM.
Good parking at the event, easy access to cheap $50 to $60 hotels. I’ve done a lot of triathlons in my tenure and this one is a keeper.
OCCY, since you live in the area, can you ride or run the new run course and report back how hilly and shady it is? I tried to run it on a recent trip down I-75, but was stopped at the gate where the run goes. Its a private neighborhood. I didn’t push issue as I’m sure they would of let me into the neighborhood. but, if you get a chance take a ride or run on it. Let me know what you think.
Plan on a pre-race ST dinner at Fazolli’s the night before. Good luck.
I am in. Can’t wait to finally race.
I wish… Tried to sign up, but I return from deployment on the 4th and might not be able to make it to the packet pick-up before it closes at 7 pm. I emailed the RD asking for either a late or a race day pick up; nope. Plus, he says the 8 pm bike turn-in is non-negotiable. (Although I know of at least one who didn’t turn theirs in until the day of the race).
This was my only chance for a long tri before IMLP; can’t begin to describe how bummed I am…
Hills: Yah, they exist, but to be honest, they didn’t seem like they were all that bad on the bike. I did a good portion of the bike route this past Sunday, and well, it’s no different than riding in other parts of Macon where I normally ride: Hilly. 
My band was going to play after the race too, but I decided against it. Now, I’m glad I did. I SHOULD be able to do the race in about 6 1/2 hrs and still have energy left, but… I don’t know yet. If I don’t, I hope to gain that strength soon as I’m going to be gearing up my Ironman training immediately(week after) following this race.
I do know the lead singer of this band that is playing. She used to be in my Biology classes with me at Highschool.
I’ll definetly plan on doing the Fazolis thing the night before!
Trae
you know, last year they had the same rule about mandatory Friday night bike check-in. I think the sponsoring hotels are the push behind this rule. Ralph’s half Ironman had race day bike check-in and everything was fine.
At any rate, when you got to the race site in the morning, people were taking warmup rides and then putting their bike back on their rack. I can’t imagine the race directors doing an inventory on all the bikes the night before the race. I bet you could just ride right into Transition the morning of the race just like anyone else doing a warmup and get away with it.
Only concern is that packet pickup is at the race site this year. Last year it was at an alternate site about 15 miles away. They may be counting bikes, etc. Who knows.
Yep… carpooled in with the guy who won the thing last year; his bike wasn’t there the night prior and no one cared. Besides, mine would be there - but just a little late. I have a hard time seeing how that adversely affects his planning and I am still planning on getting a hotel.
Didn’t catch that packet p/u was at the race site - that would actually simplify things rather than have to go to that sports museum downtown as we did last year. But, still think I’m not going to be able to get there until about 8:30 or 9:00 and Jeremey hasn’t indicated any willingness to make an exception… Certainly his prerogitive, I suppose. Hell, I even offered to pay for his employee’s additional time waiting for me; no joy.
Like scox43, I am also interested in a description of the run course. I live over west of the Macon area, so I am pretty confident that the terrain I ride and run on all of the time won’t be too radically different.
BH
i’m in too…can’t wait…i have a lot of family in macon so i’ll have a lot of support which will be nice…any plans for a day before swim/bike/run?? i’ll be getting to macon early on saturday morning as of right now
I thought about doing this race. Did it last year and had a good time. I think it’s a great race, very well done and it’s at a nice, easily accessible venue. Nice, big, roomy transition area. A really classy event.
I do hope to do the sprint tri on Memorial Day the week before the half IM. If you are doing the half IM and can get to the sprint, it would be worth your while to do it, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. The sprint is at the same place as the half, and the half covers nearly all, if not all, of the sprint bike course. Sprint is a long-ish one, half mile/20 mile/5K. The races share run courses, too (or at least they did last year; I understand the half will have a different run that it did in 2004). A fair amount of climbing on the bike. You’ll get a taste of the entire half during this sprint.
And, for the record, I don’t have anything to do with the organization of the sprint. I just think it’s a fun race, and it’s a good preview of the half.
RP
OCCY - I am heading up to GA for this race - looking forward to it. I believe I have a place to stay at a firends house - if that falls through can your recommend a hotel or two close to the site that is affordable.
Thanks man - good luck to all who will be attending this race!
Count me in. Looks like a good, challenging course.
Occy, what hotels are closest to the race site? The host hotel listed on the Set-up Inc website looks like it could be a decent drive from the race start.
I’m in. I second the request for hotel info close to the race.
I’ll be seeing you at IMFL also…
I haven’t done the actual run route yet. But I do run in that general area a lot. It is typically hilly, but never too bad. Then again, I don’t consider a hill bad unless you have to put your hands down to negotiate it. 
(only half-kidding)
We have some fairly steep hills out in River North subdivision where I live.
Just know, it ain’t flat.
Trae
Robert,
I plan on doing that sprint Triathlon! Actually, my band Should be playing there afterward.
I’m going to do the sprint TRI, and then hop up on stage and sing / entertain everyone. How cool is that?
Hope to see you there and also at the Rock and Rollman.
Trae
runhappy, dmpeak, and hugh
Regarding Hotels.
The closest place I can think of near the race would be hotels located at the Junction of: I-475 and US 80(Eisenhower PKWY)
http://maps.google.com/ use the zoom in feature on Macon Georgia, and you should be able to get down to that particular area.
Actually,
A better idea might be to find something out where I live. To be honest, it’s about the same amount of driving time to Lake Tobesofkee where the race will be.
Here is a Courtyard by Mariott
I live right next to the area, and we could, if people wanted, maybe have a ST pasta dinner at my house or something. I think it’s close to the Fazoli’s on here that someone else mentioned too.
The area I’m talking about is: I-75 and Arkwright Road. There are several hotels here and this area is centrally located to pretty much anything in Macon.
Feel free to email me, or private msg me if you guys want extra help / info.
Trae
1 week to go… bump Who else is going?
Trae
Spot’s in from the south. Driving up from Panama City, Fl. Don’t have a hotel yet…any recommendations?
Spot
Howdy Spot,
Yeah, scroll up and read this thread. I’ve posted a few recommendations.
Wish there was some way we slowtwitchers could meet up someplace.
Trae
Occy, I’m in. Did the race last year and it was a HOT one! I’m glad they changed the run course; I hated 3 loops!
Rex