I noticed that the race just went over 1000 confirmed entries. It will be one year to the race this weekend!
Stop posting this…it will sell out if you keep this up.
I know! So exciting for me, as I haven’t done a “huge” race w/ that many people in it. I’m really looking forward to it.
Also makes me laugh at one of Dev’s post about the enteries “slowing down”.
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=1444020;search_string=muskoka;#1444020
I’m very glad I booked my room at Deerhurst! I believe they are full or almost full for that weekend.
I’ve coerced a friend who only does Du’s to give it a shot, figured she had a full year to learn how to swim!
**Stop posting this…it will sell out if you keep this up. **
Two weeks ago you said that entries would slow down 
I think that it has picked up!
I am amazed at the power of the MDot. I have underestimated their brand power. Should be interesting!
Mark
“over 1000 confirmed entries”
That’s a good enough reason for me to stay away. Guess I’m one of those rare folks that’s not in love with m.dot commercialism.
Fleck,
Thanks for reminding me to sign up for this one. It will be great to get home for a race next year.
Guess I’m one of those rare folks that’s not in love with m.dot commercialism.
I don’t agree with the comment that those of that signed up for the 70.3 are in love w/ M.Dot events.
Yes, I am doing the Muskoka 70.3. BUT not because it is a M I thiknDot branded race.
I’ve always wanted to do a Triathlon with 1000+ people in the SAME race. And, I wanted to stay within Ontario to do it. I don’t see the need to race in the US, when there are fantastic events in Ontario. Most in my backyard or close to it.
The course appeals to me as it will be HILLY and most likely challenging. Something I truly enjoy. I may suck out there but I will have a damn good time.
The bike course goes through areas I worked in when I was a Junior Ranger and I kinda think that’s neat. I love Dorset and area and I get to see the area in a whole new light doing the race.
The fee was a bit steep for my taste but I chose to pay it, making the race my “AAAAA” race of the 2008 season.
My point is that not everyone is doing the race because it’s a M Dot.
yeah, it is amazing that folks will shell out all this dough when other races of the same distance in and around Ontario barely get 1-200+ people. And they are every bit as good. But I can see the draw of the MDot name.
Fleck,
Thanks for reminding me to sign up for this one. It will be great to get home for a race next year.
Just don’t forget that I need to sign up too! 
As I said in my previous post to cervologuy, it’s NOT always the lure of MDot that attracts people.
I’ve done the Peterborough & Ottawa Half, enjoy them both.
Will not do the Carleton Place Half as the run course is god awful (IMO).
For me, I can’t do some of the other half IM’s farther away from where I live as I work weekends all summer at my bike shop, kinda hard to close in the middle of our peak season
The muskoka race date works well for us to attend as it’s a bit quieter time and by Sept, we are in need of a break!
But yea, the fee is more then I would pay but it’s a one time race for me. (or so I told my husband!)
Those are all great reasons to choose a race. I would bet though that you are the significant minority in that regard. But again, not that there is anything really wrong with it. Just not my cup of tea I suppose.
I too imagine I am in the minority of why I chose the Muskoka 70.3.
I do know of people from my town that are doing it as it’s related to the MDot series.
It’s now my goal to train 110% and kick their butts:)
Yes, I’ve been tracking the entries and noticed it’s not following Dev’s prediction. I signed up last night to ensure I won’t miss it.
BTW it’s Sept 14 - closer to one year from next weekend.
Beautiful area, great time of year, sure to be well organized, competitive field, close to home… Why get hung up on whether it’s M-Dot or not?
“I’ve always wanted to do a Triathlon with 1000+ people in the SAME race”
I honestly don’t understand why. You’ll be tripping over everbody else’s gear in transition and have to be all that much more cautious on the bike course. It’s fine that m.dot has come to Ontario, and indications are that it will be very successful, but I personally have no interest for the reasons just mentioned.
Most fun I had in Ontario this year was Calabogie since it was it the middle of nowhere, laid back and not a lot of entrants.
People are suckers for commercial branding. Just look at the success of McDonald’s (despite the fact their food can kill you).
Ever since I started doing Tri’s in 2000, I’ve wanted to do a race with 1000+ in it. Now, I get my chance.
I am looking forward to the race day and plan on enjoying the atmosphere. I’m not worried about tripping over people’s gear or the bike course. I’ll save the worry for my run. Which currently sucks.
MDot isn’t for everyone and that’s fine. If you read my other posts, you’ll see that I am NOT doing the race because it’s a branded MDot race, but because of the course and location.
I also did Calabogie and had a blast. Tonnes of room on our bike rack and on the course. I plan on going back next year and doing the Off Road Tri again.
To each their own, but perhaps calling people suckers isn’t truly fair, unless you know their reasoning behind their race choices.
Now where am I going to go to get an IMC/ IMUSA slot for next year since they moved it to Sept. Muskoka was always a nice last resort. Plus an awesome venue.
S
The only slots at the Muskoka 70.3 are for Clearwater.
This is a different race then the Muskoka chase race earlier in the summer.
Now where am I going to go to get an IMC/ IMUSA slot for next year since they moved it to Sept.
To my knowledge the Muskoka Chase in June is still on. Not sure about their IQ spots for various IM events next year. That changes slightly from year to year.
Most fun I had in Ontario this year was Calabogie since it was it the middle of nowhere, laid back and not a lot of entrants.
I have heard that the Calabogie event is awesome - really get’s back to the roots of what the sport is all about. I hope that it keeps getting bigger and better.