I am amazed by what I read from folks predicting/hoping that the 101 Series is in it’s death throes!! Consider this:
I’ve done a fair number of races over the years, and I have NEVER been to a race that was better handled, better managed or better supported in it’s very first iteration. The Clearlake 101 was an incredible event and they couldn’t have picked a better location for it. The town of Lakeport came out and supported the race, making us all feel like rock stars. It was an awesome day and I’m down for next year. Besides, I won my AG; gotsta go back and represent.
A new race alway struggles. CaliMan (as an example) had to change venues in each of it’s first three years and then had to drop its iron distance option and then had to cancel this year’s race for lack of water. Nearly all new races have small fields until folks come back and report that it was a good race for whatever reason they liked it, and then it grows over the course of several years. Sometimes a great race dies, because the community doesn’t like the hassle of blocked streets. That’s what happened to the SF Grand Prix, which was an absolutely breath-taking event that was loved by the spectators and cyclists alike. The politicians let it die/killed it.
I don’t know how deep the 101 pockets are, but I dearly hope they will prosper. Our sport needs this distance, as it’s a great place for people to go from HIM to truly know if they can go IM or even want to. It’s also a more demanding day than HIM, but not as all-consuming as IM. I wasn’t going to do Woodlands, but I’m now considering it, just to support the brand… and I really enjoyed the distance. Woodlands should be a better race for me, because the run course can’t possibly as hideously hilly as Clearlake.
Let’s not dig a grave for this product, it is way too early. Let’s see if we can’t find some positives here. It’s easy to knock the 101 folks, but what does that get you besides four fewer races to choose from next year? With all the triathletes on this forum and all the triathletes that we all know, we should be able to make this brand a success.
I totally agree…some patience is required to allow this race series to succeed. After reading all of the positive press about Clearlake, I am strongly considering this race for next year.
That said, you may want to change the title of the post to something more positive-sounding.
I wanted to do the Woodlands one so badly because I didn’t feel I was ready for an irondistance, but the distance and when it is were a problem…so I’m doing an iron distance in Cadiz, KY (Lake Barkley) on Sept. 22.
I am thrilled about this distance and the fact that it sounds like it could really be an IM/WTC challenger. I don’t like the monopoly and the fact that I’ve heard even one of my good friends ask why on earth I signed up for an irondistance if it “wasn’t a real IM.” I like this new option. I’ll sign up for one next year hopefully… just couldn’t make it work this time. I’ve got the Bar exam in February. No more racing for me after October 1.
I am agree with the emotion, but it still does not change the fact that I do not see
a business model for success. If they are around in 5 years, I will eat crow.
If they had a good business model, they anticipated a slow first year, and it might even allow them to work out the kinks a little easier the first time out. I certainly hope it sticks. Maybe I’ll be able to see you up in NorCal at next year’s. A meeting of the old farts.
“The town of Lakeland came out and supported the race”. Hmmmm I thought Lakeland was in Florida? I think you mean Lakeport. Let’s hope the race makes it. I will give it a try if it does. Funny thing is that Lake County has kind of a seedy reputation in Sonoma, Napa and Marin
I completely agree with you. I just don’t understand the folks who are all doom and gloom about this new race series. Give it a freaking chance first! Sheesh!! It’s a refreshing change in distance and it’s run by a top-notch crew. I definitely think it will be around for several years to come and it will just get better and better every year.
I love Halifax, so I’m seriously considering Halifax '08 and now I’m starting to look at Woodlands '07 too just to support the series. Price goes up July 1st, so if anyone is thinking about it, then sign up now.
and now I’m starting to look at Woodlands '07 too just to support the series. Price goes up July 1st, so if anyone is thinking about it, then sign up now.
Hmmm, Gals of ST reunion in Texas??? I could be coerced.
That would be fun. AndyPants has already said she’s thinking about it. Who else do we need to talk to? QRGirl, MLBDenver, Trailbait (although she’ll likely just be our cheering section). Who else? Oh wait, we also need Emilio to keep us going with the margaritas after the race!
I agree on 2 things: change the title of the post and that HFP puts on some great races.
They have now done almost 1,000 (yes 1 thousand) races of various types (from IM distance, to the TripleT, to kids events). I did an inaugural 15K event once in the pouring rain … there were 6 or 7 runners (and half the field was under an hour)
So they know “small”. I do think they anticipated/planned for some of this. How much and if the series can survive, I don’t know. I will see the RD (Shanon Kurek) soon at Caesar’s Creek Tri on July 9 and I would love to pick his brain about this if he can spare the time.
I’ve also had a 101 on my radar screen (Halifax especially because of the awesome location) and wouldn’t give it a second thought signing up for 2008.
I think the majority have been supportive, just surprised that they have made such fundamental blunders! It’s a damn good thing that they have deep pockets, because they’ve gone through tons of bucks. I think everyone here would like to have more races and more choices in both distance and quantity. But, you must admit that they did not do their homework, or even look at what their experience has taught them. I, for one, would love to have the cash that they have had for a series…It sure would not have the poor framework behind it.
I am with you - as one of the racers who has been affected by the recent announcement of the cancellation of the 07 Halifax race, I am interested in racing next year. The race reports have been extremely positive and by all accounts the series has made each athlete feel like the race was all about them.
Anyway, here’s hoping that I’ll be toeing the line at Banook next Aug 29th
The only one that got good reviews was Clearlake. The Bradenton was a disaster…the bike course???
The race reports have been extremely positive and by all accounts the series has made each athlete feel like the race was all about them.
Not true - the race reports I read said good things from the athlete’s POV at both. Granted there was confusion leading up to the event regarding the course and the loop course may not have been ideal, but again, the race reports I saw all said the event itself was well run and the athletes enjoyed themselves.
Up until your posts, this thread was holding positive, with some constructive critism…I’m curious, what about the bike course at Bradenton?? I was there, it was 6 loops, flat, and lots of room for the 100+ competitors…WHat exactly was the disaster as you put it???
Just this…“6 loops, flat, and lots of room for the 100+ competitors.” Didn’t mean disaster, just not deserving of it’s hype. What would the outcry be if WTC did a 6 loop course. Yes, it’s new, and we want it to succeed, but it does need to live up to the hype they put up themselves. That race was not a world class event, as their pre-season hype spouted. Let’s look at it in an objective way, not as people who know less. They did the damage by promising upfront, and they have not delivered. If not for the anti-WTC sentiment, the numbers would have been worse. I know they have the ability, as I’ve done a number of their races. They just have made business threatening mistakes that were not exactly hard to see. And if Bradenton was so great, do you want to bet if they’ll be back there next year?
I don’t see your need for sarcasm. I have been trying to see if there has been any rational thought behind so many blunders that could only be expected in someone new to this sport, not people as skilled in race direction as they are. Unlike others, I refuse to give them a free pass and be a shill for them. As much as many on this forum refuse to admit it, WTC and NA Sports set the bar high, and the customers expect more for their dollar. These races were ill-conceived, ill promoted, too expensive and to even think that what has happened to them is an anomoly is to be very naiive. In a conversation with him, even Graham hoped they would do well. We all do. Let me see…I’d like less choices to race??? hmmmmmm…I think not. We just want a good race for the dollar.
