Anyone done this in past years? It looks very intriguing, and myself and another may do it as a team. Can anyone provide thougths, or need to know matters about the race? That time of year in Ohio figures to be cold (air and water), and one of the races is a run, then swim - do you stop to deal with a wetsuit for something like that? How cold has the water been in the past? Is this course better suited for a road bike (with or without clip-ons) than a tri bike? Definitely looks like a “non-disc” course.
A number of folks over at Gordoworld are associated with the race. You can find some good course information in their archives. If I recall correctly, Gordo did the race and provided detailed recon.
It’s actually a bike and then swim. I think a lot of people actually use their wetsuits. I’ve been told that it’s not a bad idea to buy a cheaper long john and chop the legs short, or get one with short legs.
All I really know is that you need some gears to get up hills.
As far as what to expect? I’m doing it for the first time this year, and I’m expecting a lot of pain
rroof did it last year…it is an event for the purist and will give you a fantastic challenge. it is cold (IMO), hilly, and lots of people have recommended a road bike
I did the half that is on Sunday and went down on Saturday to watch some friends race. The half is tough so I can only imagine the whole weekend. The weather was pretty nice actually. I would bet the water was in the upper 60s to low 70s and the air was in the 50s at the start but warmed up quickly. I saw a lot of different bike set-ups but the discs were rare. The bike is hilly with a few long, steep climbs. The one race that you spoke of is a bike-swim-run on Saturday afternoon. It is a time trial start and was cool to watch. Almost all participants put on wetsuits in transition (this is where being on a team is helpful with the final adjustments) and a lot of people were talking about leg cramping in the water. That race was cut short last year by a thunderstorm right when people were coming in off the bike. From what I heard of the whole race, it was tough but made future racing a lot easier.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Nerds … “I’m the L-A-M, the A and the R, I’m the one on the mike they call Lamar … and there’s a coupla things you ought to no … No on 15 is the way to vote”. Go Wormser.
Bit, in this case, I was referring to the name of the Triathlon. Something about the “Triple T” (my username is TripleThreat) that I just find enjoyable.
I met a girl.
Did you get in her pants yet?
No Booger, she’s not that type of girl.
What? Does she have a penis?
I need to rent that this weekend for my long indoor ride.
I did the solo race last year, and just the half (Little Smokies) the previous year.
It’s a fantastic race. The course is the hardest thing you can imagine. Even the run is pretty much uphill on the way out. I rode my HED Disc and thought it was fine, what goes up, must come down. If it rains, the descents can get a bit hairy.
The weather is fine, the water if warm enough, as is the air. There was some rain last year, and a thunder storm rolled in while I was in the water for the bike - swim - run. I did put my wetsuit (T1) on for the swim. Cramping is a huge issue coming off the bike and getting into the cold water, and it is the 2nd Oly length race of the day.
The roads are chip seal, which, with the rain, caused a lot of flats on Saturday. There are only a couple sections that are in bad shape. The run is on a fire road (dirt), but normal shoes, or even flats would be ok.
I was going to say that it is one of the better deals out there since lodging and meals were included, but I just looked, and it looks like they changed it for next year. I thought that having everyone stay in the cabins, and in a cabin with other competitors was great. You really got to immerse yourself in the race the entire weekend.
Awesome race - did it last year. It should be a must-do for triathletes. I am going back next year. It really is the best value in triathlon - 4 races, plus great food and lodging for about 400 bucks.
Tougher than an ironman (or at least IMLP, the only one I’ve done), in my view. Let’s just say that on Sunday morning before the toughest HIM around one does not exactly feel fresh.
Too bad it may disappear due to lack of interest. It’s the triathlon version of a cycling stage race. Nothing else like it that I am aware of. I drove 9 hours to get there and it was worth it. Hope I can do it again soon.
Wetsuit legal. Weather unpredictable but not too cold.
In the bike/swim/run race, most don’t wear a wetsuit, though I did. In that swim, don’t kick or your hamstrings WILL lock up.
I’ve done it on tri bike and a road bike. Prefer the road bike.
