Comparing the website to Garmin routes, there are some definite differences. Does anyone have/know of a file for this latest bike route?
I’ve ridden the full loop dozens of times, how does this 1/2 IM course compare, in your opinion?
Thanks in advance
I was just listening to Inside the Big Ring podcast (episode #127) by local Madison coach Steve Brandes and he had some words about the new course. Check it out
Update:
Thanks to the rockstars at Rocket Bikes, they have posted the course on Ridewithgps.com.
and to the previous poster, thanks for the podcast heads up
The run course is totally different this year too. One big loop around the lake, which should be nice. But no run through the stadium… there is probably a Badger’s game going on Saturday.
I did ride it last weekend and enjoyed it.
Its no where near as hard as the previous courses. Road conditions are pretty good for Madison. Lots of longer flat sections, minimal hard turns. It still has solid elevation gain, but how the course is laid out I believe it will be pretty quick. The last 20 miles will have likely wind and longer false flats that will sneak up on you.
And don’t forget the run course is not easy.
Thanks for listening!
run will be very nice (but sneaky hard).
The ‘lake loop’ in madison around lake monona is awesome. it’s a very popular long run route for us locals-- because it is a really nice route on it’s own. so getting it from ironman as the run course in a 70.3 (especially when compared to a bunch of multi-loop, out-and-back type courses i’m used to getting) is refreshing.
i’d go out on a limb and say this is one of the best run courses on the entire 70.3 entire circuit. mix of residential, parks, and urban; single loop, rolling, beautiful, challenging, and fair with views of the lake and of the cityscape the entire time.
This course looks much more appealing than the previous ones. I might have to make the long trip up from Rockford!
run will be very nice (but sneaky hard).
The ‘lake loop’ in madison around lake monona is awesome. it’s a very popular long run route for us locals-- because it is a really nice route on it’s own. so getting it from ironman as the run course in a 70.3 (especially when compared to a bunch of multi-loop, out-and-back type courses i’m used to getting) is refreshing.
i’d go out on a limb and say this is one of the best run courses on the entire 70.3 entire circuit. mix of residential, parks, and urban; single loop, rolling, beautiful, challenging, and fair with views of the lake and of the cityscape the entire time.
I’ve done the IM and the first 70.3. I much prefer the IM run course to the lake loop.
Any idea why they changed it? Definitely not complaining though.
run will be very nice (but sneaky hard).
The ‘lake loop’ in madison around lake monona is awesome. it’s a very popular long run route for us locals-- because it is a really nice route on it’s own. so getting it from ironman as the run course in a 70.3 (especially when compared to a bunch of multi-loop, out-and-back type courses i’m used to getting) is refreshing.
i’d go out on a limb and say this is one of the best run courses on the entire 70.3 entire circuit. mix of residential, parks, and urban; single loop, rolling, beautiful, challenging, and fair with views of the lake and of the cityscape the entire time.
I’ve done the IM and the first 70.3. I much prefer the IM run course to the lake loop.
I hate that IM course. reminds me of a longer, more painful Steelhead run course- which is terrible.
Why do you dislike the lake loop?
It’s likely permitting. I doubt they would be allowed to permit the same roads two days in a row for the 70.3 and IM courses.
I hate that IM course. reminds me of a longer, more painful Steelhead run course- which is terrible.
Why do you dislike the lake loop?
The lake loop is fine, I just prefer running on campus. State St. 4 times, through the Stadium, around the Capitol Square and along Lake Mendota, with people everywhere. I just find the IM course more interesting, the lake loop is mostly running through people’s neighborhoods. I do that every week.
Yeah not a fan of the changes. Prefer to run through town bc it’s more spectator friendly. I totally get that permitting for 2 days on the same course is impossible so accept the changes just don’t like em lol
Only good part is not having to run through a crappy rodent infested FB stadium… silver linings.
That and there is a home badger game at 2:30 pm. No way the city would let them close down those roads during a home game.
Is the 70.3 bike course bike friendly to ride during the week? I will be in Madison this week and was hoping to ride the course.
They should make the run through the stadium DURING the game so they move faster with the threat of collisions. If they catch a touch down or interception then it’s one lap off their run course. Chug a beer and a hot dog on the way out too.
For the most part, yes.
Appreciate the intel Steve.
They should make the run through the stadium DURING the game so they move faster with the threat of collisions. If they catch a touch down or interception then it’s one lap off their run course. Chug a beer and a hot dog on the way out too.
This is Wisconsin…it’d have to be a brat, not a hotdog.