Duke is going to be high 30’s low 40’s at the start of the swim. The water is pretty warm-70+ degrees-but the bike is going to be very cool. I have some Carnac shoe socks I thought I’d wear (I assume that isn’t a rule violation?) and a jacket I can rip off at the Special Needs Station. Anyone have any tips for this ride? It’s been a long time since I did a race where COLD is a serious factor, inasmuch as I live in Florida.
-Robert
Wow, this is a tough one. The key here, as you already know, is layer you can peel off. Some kind of “disposable” jacket that fits pretty tight and is reasonably aero is the key. Trouble with the special needs thing is, you pretty much never get the stuff back…
Wow. You’ll have a nice, comfortable run though!
Good luck!
It seems like drying off completely after the swim would be the biggest concern. 70+ water though surrounded by high 30 degree air? That sounds pretty cool. How much warmer does water need to be than air for steam to rise?
Thanks, Tom. 
Yeah, I love cold runs. Should be good for me.
Uh, except I missed 8 weeks of training at the most critical time because of FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES in this God forsaken place called Florida. :),
-Robert
Joe:
I’m going to buy a head mounted radar unit to track the buoys. :), Otherwise, the swim could end up being 3.4 miles.
-Robert
Just wondering what the Arctic Ironman is.
That’s Duke this year!
Just an attention grabber, though there is an idea for WTC.
-Robert
Oh, I agree. I’m looking for a lined jacket or long-sleeved jersey that I can zip up quickly. I have long fingered gloves and booties. Nonetheless, the first hour or so on the bike is going to be horrid. At my age it takes an hour just to get blood pumped to my toes! I could suffer frostbite and hypothermia! I might die! Quelle Horreurs!
-Robert
Robert,
Bill Scott, the RD, has already posted an answer to the Special Needs bike bag…you will have an extra bag in your SNBike Bag to put your warm layer, if you choose to wear one and shed it. It will be taken to the finish line to be picked up. Oh, supposedly they will discard anything brought back in that bag at 1AM.
I SO wish it were going to be very hot. I do much better compared to my peers in bad heat conditions. Oh, well, at least the med tent shouldn’t be so full!
I’d be worried about my head. You loose a lot of heat over your head, even more with wet hair (if you sport some). A skull cap may be worth the hassle and you can easily take it off mid ride.
I saw that a little while ago. But thanks for the heads up.
I’m a Sam McGee in reverse. Love cold weather. My wife made me come to this place, but we are moving in two years so I’ll be getting my wish…if I survive another summer like this past one. Good grief, talkin’ major headaches…
-Robert
Now there’s an excellent point.
I’m going to be using my OH SO AERO Louis Garneau TT helmet, so heat loss won’t be as much, but yes, I think you made a sale.
-Robert