Motor City Tri

Honestly, the Motor City Tri is one of my favorite races - 3D does a great job of putting it on.  Everyone always has fears about the swim thinking that they're going to be swimming through nuclear waste.  Haha... On the contrary, it's extremely clean where the race takes place.  Pretty shallow, too.  The bike is just around the perimeter of the island where the wind can be somewhat weird and the run is along some roads / nature trails on the island.

I would definitely recommend the race.

The water wasn't bad at all last year.  My only complaint about it is that they moved it in so close to the shore to avoid the current that a ton of people ended up walking instead of swimming.  I kept running into the walkers which was quite annoying. The other problem I had with it was that it was a beach start and the river bed near the shore is very rocky with lots of sharp things - would have been a lot nicer if it was a water start.

Other than that I thought it was great.  The dual transition was actually coordinated very well.  You just have to make sure that your T1 bag is labeled and also if you're wearing a wetsuit you need to stow it after you take it off.  3D will pick up everyone's bags from T1 and bring them to a fenced in area right next to T2.

The ride and run are both super flat.  You won't find many other races this flat unless you go out to the Salt flats!  The only issue you get with that is the wind - since there's really not much to block it, it can get pretty bad....but, since its just a big loop, you'll have the wind at your back for part of it so you'll make up time.

Given the responses I think I'll register this weekend for the race. Whats the parking situation like?

Right next to transition.  seriously, its a breeze.

for the two transitions, you'll need one bag (provided by you) to throw your swim stuff in.  Make sure it is marked with your number.  I've seen most people use garbage bags, just make sure its big enough to hold all your swim stuff.  Take this bag into consideration when packing for the race and put your bike stuff in it.  So, race morning, set up T2 with run stuff, hop on your bike and ride to the beach, set up T1 with bike stuff and you are set to go!

eta:  I've done this race since it's second year (5? 6 years?) and have yet to see a strange growth on me.  

I love this event too and have done the sprint & the Oly.  I had an amazing Oly swim last year (and entire race), so I hope they keep on the beach start and stay out of the current.  I drafted the walkers where I could or swam towards the shore, away from them.  Being 5'6" helped a bit as my arms were not dragging bottom.  The shoreline on the right makes it easy to side spot if you right side breathe.  

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the need for a wetsuit.  Its a chillier swim than an inland lake would be.  Considering we saw wet snow flakes yesterday, I assume it'll be the coldest swim in the last few years, unless we have a huge warm snap.  Last year had a very warm spring (in fact, the Memorial Day Weekend Island Lake Tri was almost not wetsuit legal), but the river was still chilly and comfortable in a long john suit.

Great point!  Last year the water was fairly warm (72*F) due to the warmer spring, but 2 years ago i remember it being really cold (low 60's).  I agree that this year it could be low 60's or colder!

I've done the race at least once, twice perhaps. I've also done a few races where the swim has been in the Detroit River.

I liked the event. Flat and fast course, the swim was nice. Beautiful skyline of Detroit from the bike course.

I'd do it again. It's a nice downtown event.

I did this event last year and the speed of the bike course is no joke.  It's flat and smooth and somewhat congested.  You would think the congestion might slow you down, but there are so many racers it's virtually impossible not to draft.  Even if you pass someone there's someone else ahead right in front of you again.  Navigating all that was pretty fun actually.  I have my suspicions that the swim course was measured short last year because I swam way faster than I normally do, unless the current had something to do with that.

I'd do the event again but I have a family commitment the same weekend this year so I'm doing Big Fish the following weekend.  I hope to get to Belle Isle for the one in September though.

I'm signed up and it's not only my first tri, but my hometown race. I'm doing the sprint, and my sister-in-law is doing the Olympic.

Belle Isle is one of my regular running/cycling routes. In fact, I just ran there on Monday. Yes, it is very flat. I can't attest to swimming in the river but I know the beach is pretty clean.

I guess SheROX is coming to Belle Isle for the first time in July. If all goes well for Motor City, I'd like to do that one, too.

Hey all,

I suppose a few days before the race is a little late to be mentioning this, but.

I registered for the Motor City Tri awhile back and won't be doing it.  No clue if transfers are allowed, but if you would be interested in having my registration and want to find out if it's possible, I don't have a problem giving you my spot, no charge. If there is a transfer fee, please pay that.  PM would be best.

Transfers are allowed, my fiancee just had to do it.  Contact 3D for more info

It has not been in previous years because it was shallow enough to walk, which many did.  This year is an in the water start, so mybe it won't be walkable (PLEASE!!!).  In any case, swim to the right side on the first leg.  That and turning wide at the last buoy will help you avoid most of the chaos.

Kimm, have you seen a swim course map?  I got the email outlining it was changed from last year, but I don't recall it stating it was going to be an in the water start (and, of course, the website still has last years swim description).  

FYI-  athlete email came out today.  It is also available on 3D Facebook page.  It states the water temp, as well as discussing the double transition, and reporting that it will be an in the water start.

ben

Regarding the swim- I hope it is not like last weeks swim start in Monroe.  It was ROUGH for a sprint, especially being so early in the season.  Quite a scrum at the first turn bouy.  Just keep your head down and be on the defensive, when necessary. 

PBurnett can vouch for this as well, as he and I discussed it after the R4R sprint last weekend. 

Swell   Part of the reason I LOVED the on the beach start for the Oly last year was, being short, I was able to dolphin dive early and swim even earlier and had very little thrashing.  The year before in the Sprint it was a mosh pit.

BTW, neither of these posts should freak you out Miles Around, the easiest way to avoid the thrashing is to lay back and let it swim away from you at the start.  Bumping in to other swimmers is gonna happen, but if you lay back a count like 5 or 10 seconds and then look to see where a lane has opened up you'll be fine.  Even better, find someone to draft and follow the bubbles.

Sure can!  It was a pretty agressive swim.... more than I like for sure.  We weren't the only ones saying that either!

Good luck guys, off week for me!

blakekenny-  will look for you.  always nice to meet other bt'ers in person when i get the chance.  good luck sunday, hope to see you and your team.

ben