Beer Drinker Appreciation Society (BDAS) - Open (Page 65)

Race report from the NE Opener yesterday: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=541118

I didn't have a great race. I was undertrained and it showed, with some of my worst splits in years. In my defense, the water was heart-stoppingly cold (by my standards) and the course was both hilly and windy. But I can't expect much better at more favorable venues if I'm not going to commit to training properly. So I've got that to mull over.

But did I have a great time anyway? Absolutely! I raced hard and put in everything my sad little engine could - lack of training, not lack of effort. Not to mention getting to meet two fellow BDAS members! Sorry I had to skip the brewery, but it was great to meet you both. We'll have to figure out another race later in the season and do it again.

DQ - per our conversation in the food line yesterday, this is the beer run I was talking about (it's in NH, despite what the name says): http://craftbeerrelay.com/event/boston-massachusetts/

I also took a look in the cabinet at home, and if you want a celebratory pint glass, I've gotten them at the Boston Tri, Falmouth Tri, and Hero Tri Cape Cod. It seemed like they were all the rage at local races a few years ago.

Originally posted by firebert Dennis - it was great to meet you yesterday, and too bad you couldn't stay for the Jack's Abby trip! Their barrel aging project is extensive and there were 10+ barrel aged beers available on draft. Delicious. You've inspired me to add my race report: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp... I was (just like my two tris last year) disheartened by my AG results. 6th/7; 86%. I know when there's only 7 in my AG it's hard to compare. One thing that made me feel better just now though was looking at the full results of my AG. The top 3 guys were close enough to the overall Duathlon winner that they were likely top 10 overall, or at least close to it. 1:02, 1:03, 1:08. The next 3 guys including myself were 1:20, 1:21, 1:22. I was like 1:30 off of 4th in my AG I can almost make that up in transition next year haha. Then the last guy was a ways back. The weather could have been a lot worse, the hills could have been a lot worse, but overall for me they were both pretty bad. That's my slowest bike split ever (in what is only my 3rd bike split ever so ya know), and about middle of the road on my 3.1 run (again, of 3 tries). I was pretty much right where I wanted to be on the first (2mi) run, and my descending and cornering on the bike have improved. I just couldn't climb a hill yesterday to save my life! Anyway had a great time regardless, it's always good to hang out with Dave and also always good to meet another BDAS'er. Oh yeah Dave and Dennis - do you guys put BDAS as your tri club when you register for these things? I do and let me tell you seeing those letters appearing next to my results gives me a little warm fuzzy - knowing that even though for the most part we're 'virtual', that all my training and problem solving and everything else along the way leading up to race day was with all you guys, so thanks!

I didn't yesterday, but I like the idea!

On a hilly course, I would definitely like the option of the lower gear.  With 11-speed you should have plenty of options (even to 12-30 or something like that), as long as your derailleur can handle the spread (it's called "long cage" - your LBS wrench guy should be able to tell for you).  With a 52/38 I would DEFINITELY make the switch, but then again I weigh 200+ so hilly courses are brutal for me. 

You'll definitely NOT want to hammer up the hills in an IM - those power spikes will really be felt at mile 90/100 and then the run.  If you're used to grinding up hills, it'll take a little practice to spin up them in the lower gears at higher RPMs (and it feels weird to me, 'cause I like to MASH!!).

Hope this helps - I actually have a "flat course and trainer" cassette (12/23 10 spd.) and a "hilly course" one (11/28 10 spd).  It's a bit messy when I forget to switch them.  :-)

Originally posted by Fourteenkittens

Originally posted by firebert Dennis - it was great to meet you yesterday, and too bad you couldn't stay for the Jack's Abby trip! Their barrel aging project is extensive and there were 10+ barrel aged beers available on draft. Delicious. You've inspired me to add my race report: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp... I was (just like my two tris last year) disheartened by my AG results. 6th/7; 86%. I know when there's only 7 in my AG it's hard to compare. One thing that made me feel better just now though was looking at the full results of my AG. The top 3 guys were close enough to the overall Duathlon winner that they were likely top 10 overall, or at least close to it. 1:02, 1:03, 1:08. The next 3 guys including myself were 1:20, 1:21, 1:22. I was like 1:30 off of 4th in my AG I can almost make that up in transition next year haha. Then the last guy was a ways back. The weather could have been a lot worse, the hills could have been a lot worse, but overall for me they were both pretty bad. That's my slowest bike split ever (in what is only my 3rd bike split ever so ya know), and about middle of the road on my 3.1 run (again, of 3 tries). I was pretty much right where I wanted to be on the first (2mi) run, and my descending and cornering on the bike have improved. I just couldn't climb a hill yesterday to save my life! Anyway had a great time regardless, it's always good to hang out with Dave and also always good to meet another BDAS'er. Oh yeah Dave and Dennis - do you guys put BDAS as your tri club when you register for these things? I do and let me tell you seeing those letters appearing next to my results gives me a little warm fuzzy - knowing that even though for the most part we're 'virtual', that all my training and problem solving and everything else along the way leading up to race day was with all you guys, so thanks!

I didn't yesterday, but I like the idea!

That is a really cool idea.  I haven't paid my dues this year for my local tri club, so looks like you guys are my "teammates".  :-)

Because of your size I would definitely recommend a smaller gear cluster. 11/28 is a good cassette to have on any bike. I use my 11/28 on most training rides, 11/25 during hilly races and 11/23 in flat races, crits and flat TTs. That being said most guys I know use 11/28 full time. 52/38 is a little on the large side for Tremblant or any climbing really. I would run 50/34 and 11/28 on the Tri at Tremblant. And yes, use the Tri bike at Tremblant. You'll be on the Tri bars for the vast majority of the course. If you have the same BCD on both bikes, you can just swap the chainrings out. 

The easiest way to know if your gear cluster is too big is to go out and find a tough climb similar to what you'll face a Tremblant. Ride your IM race effort up the climb, if your cadence is dropping below 85 or you're getting out of the saddle to keep the pedals moving, your cluster is too big.