My goal this year will be to NOT go out fast in the swim and have to stop!! I sprained my ankle at the TBF Tri for real last sunday so looks like it may be just a training day. I will have my flower up by my bike again.
Dave
I’m in.
You’re looking at the International as a training day? Wow.
Weather should be great. The lake is already up to 60 degrees, and will possibly hit 62 by race day. See you there.
I won’t but I did the race in '02 and I’m jealous that I can’t be there, racing in Dallas instead.
Lemme know how the water is. I am doing a tri there on the 25th as part of the Western States Police and Fire games. I think that first climb has got me shivering more though. Good luck with your race.
I actually did it three times. Was not a good day.
Dave
Gosh I wish I was doing that race again but I think still too soon after IM CDA plus am leaving for vacation. I have always thought Donner is one of the best (and least appreciated) Oly races out there. I love the view in the early morning hours just before the start when the rising sun makes the granite in mountains above almost turn orange. What a beautiful course. If you haven’t done this race before you really should give it a go. The post race scene is pretty cool too with a nice beach and free beer…what more could you want?!
Come on. I know a guy at work that did the IMCA, and then just finished the death ride last weekend. He is 53 years old. :o)
By far, I agree that Donner is the best scenic race I do in northern/central calif !! And, it is very tough. The climb coming out of the lake at elevation is is not for flat landers. It is an hour from my house, so being close it great. I just do not like the ride back down the hill!!!
Dave
What kind of bikes is everone using? I was told, a roadbike is the way to go. Anyones experience dictate otherwise?
I used my tri bike last year with no issue.
Dave
Hey C,
The Donner course rocks! The numbers have dropped over the past few years so I am sure there are still spots.
Anyone want to do a relay? I can do the bike - sorry have not been running or swimming since December.
Plenty of spots available so come on up.
Most people go with a tri set up if they’re comfortable handling their tri bikes on twisty turny roads at 30-40 mph. Having aero bars will be helpful on some sections of the course, especially if we get our normal west wind. Just make sure your brakes aren’t glazed - you’re going to need them.
Okay, how do you tell if you brakes are glazed? And if they are, whats the best way to fix?
Dave
Take your wheel off and look at your brake pad. If it’s flat, smooth and shiny, it’s glazed. Take a piece of sandpaper and lightly sand the brake surface until it takes on a dull, matte finish. It’s probably a good idea to clean your rims as well to make sure the braking surface has some ‘grab’ to it. Don’t go overboard, though. You don’t want to endo.
Many people are going to do this race in road set ups, and they’ll do fine. However, the fastest bike split is always the best climber, not the best handler. If you can climb 4, 5, 6% grades pretty fast on a tri bike, you’ll do fine.
Thanks. Yes, the downhills on both directions are scarey. On the going out downhill last year, twice I was forced to the other side of the road by a person pulling out to the left and not looking.
Then going back down the super steep hill, I had two folks pass me about 40 mph on the turns. I just want to make it down in one piece. I hope I have had my crash once for my life already!! So yes, I MUST have my brakes working!!! I did clean my rims last night with accetane. I think I took light sand paper to the brakes, but will look again.
Dave