General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Vineman 70.3 Rss Feed  
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2007-11-01 4:12 PM

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Santa Maria, CA
Subject: Vineman 70.3
I know the Vineman 70.3 opened for registration today. Anybody know how long till it fills (obviously guessing)? Curious on generally how long I could procrastinate.


2007-11-01 5:12 PM
in reply to: #1033895

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Champion
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
I didn't wait to find out--I signed up this morning. I know it does sell out, but don't know how quickly.
2007-11-01 5:21 PM
in reply to: #1033895

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

I registered for this year's race in February.  When I signed up it was 80% full.  It's a great race and a beautiful course!!  Good luck!

Abbie

 

2007-11-01 10:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
I just registered  5 minutes ago.  OMG  what have I done Surprised 
2007-11-03 3:40 PM
in reply to: #1033895

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Glendora, CA.
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
I like this race. Did it last year for first time. Be prepared for heat. It was low to mid 90s with little or no humidity. Heat did take it's toll.

To the original concern: I registered in February with no problem, but I wouldn't wait. If you have the funds, commit now. If this is your "A" race, then you can lay out your winter, spring training program around this race.

Someone posted "What Have I Done". You have done the right thing! My favorite part of the course....the bike ride! First part is a nice warm-up, then it gets "technical" with some potholes that can swallow you! Two climbs: Canyon Rd (not that bad) and Chalk Hill (about Mile 40 that is about a mile climb....5%(?) grade.....very doable). In between the two hills, you can pick up some nice speed. After Chalk Hill, drop into the aerobars and get ready for a nice long downhill..... Woooo Hoooo! Love this course!

Enjoy and sign up today!
2008-02-24 7:04 PM
in reply to: #1033895

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Extreme Veteran
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Carpinteria, Ca.
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
I'm on the waiting list, fille dup shortly after this was last posted to.

Supposedly the previous four years it was also sold out, but everyone on the waiting list got it, I sure hope so.


2008-02-25 9:34 PM
in reply to: #1033895

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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

To the newbies and "Oh My God" you are all in for a treat..  This was my first race last year too and I did it after only a few sprints and one international distance.. This is a fun race and if I CAN finish under 8:30 and be a legal finisher (8:09:23), any one can..  Yes, it was hot on the run so you might want to plan for that in your training if you can.  I used Endurolytes supplements and they worked for me..  They have a web site..  The swim was a piece of cake and the bike was an "E" ticket, but a blast..  The run was a simple out and back..  I enjoyed myself so much last year I signed up right away and will race it again this year..  You shouldn't miss me with my dragon tatt and Vineman 70.3 tatt on my right leg..  Pics of these cuties are on my training log.. 

For those who want to sign up, get on the waiting list cause last year about 200 slots opened up a couple of months before the race because the race organizers have a pretty good cancellation policy..  Those of you who are signed up and it's your first HIM, git started on yer trainin!!!

Lori  WOO HOO! "Crying? Are you Crying? There's no crying in Triathlon"..

2008-02-28 3:37 PM
in reply to: #1033895


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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
Well, seeing as how training is fully underway, anyone have any general training tips or recommendations? I've heard the course is a bit hilly, so hills are definitely scheduled. I've also heard quite a bit of talk about potholes!?!? Are these something I should be overly concerned about? Should I include some pothole manuevering into my training as well? Any other info would be much appreciated!
2008-02-28 5:23 PM
in reply to: #1242208

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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
ninecrushes - 2008-02-28 1:37 PM

Well, seeing as how training is fully underway, anyone have any general training tips or recommendations? I've heard the course is a bit hilly, so hills are definitely scheduled. I've also heard quite a bit of talk about potholes!?!? Are these something I should be overly concerned about? Should I include some pothole manuevering into my training as well? Any other info would be much appreciated!


Vineman training for me starts on Wednesday...after my one marathon of the year on Sunday.

As far as potholes go--I've heard that the course has some sections of rough surface. I'm lucky, I guess: my bike commute route has some crappy broken asphalt stretches, so I'm getting acclimated to it, like it or not.

Seriously, though: Anyone who's raced the course want to comment on the overall condition of the roads? I know I've seen more than one launched water bottle mentioned in various race rpts...
2008-02-28 5:52 PM
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2008-02-28 9:44 PM
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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

Ask and Ye Shall Receive.. The bike course, ah yes..  I did this race last year on an old school Centurion LeMans 14 speed..  Yes there are a few hills but really not horrible.  I did clip out and walk up a couple including the infamous Chalk Hill.  I was not ashamed to do it.  I knew this was a weakness for me and I just focused on keeping moving.  At this point in the race it was in the mid 80's easy.  If you hit a hill and it's too much, clip out and start walking as fast as you can..  Remember, it's all in yer mind if you choose to psyche yer self out....You blow yer quad, it's over.. The best I can suggest is that you go to the Vineman web site and look at topography of bike course to start with..  I am NOT a hill rider and I made it thru this course walking Chalk Hill and did it to my Garmin in 3:59.. 

Yes, there are some bumpy patches as the back country ride is on old 2 lane wine country roads, where potholes were filled by hand no doubt, and stomped on to fill the hole and bit and that was it..  I did my best to stay near the centerline and moved when told "on your left"..  Just be aware that the shadows can hide a small pothole, so heads up later in the day with that...  Couple of small rolling hill stuff before Chalk Hill at about mile 43-44..  If they have the same water stops, be sure to hit stop 2, which is like a mile before Chalk Hill..  Once at the top, it's an -kickin down hill..  Couple of small rolling hills after that and you drop off the wine roads and into the town of Windsor, where they had coned off bike lanes..... Pretty much flat for the last 5 miles ridden around the town and back to the high school..  When you turn into the school parking lot be aware of speed bumps.... There's one right before you dismount so be careful..

I was warned early on last year about the course being bumpy.. One woman told me how she lost her cyclocomputer..  I used a Cat 8 Enduro to monitor my distance so I knew where the hills were and I secured it to the holder with a tie-wrap.  I had the benefit of some really detailed info from a member of my Tri Club, on what to expect at various distances along the bike route..  If I can find that, I will post that person's opinion and info here in this log..

Ladies and Gentlemen, please understand I signed up for this race, not being able to swim 5 laps of a 25-yard pool without getting winded.. I knew I had 5 months to get it done.. Forget about any kind of open water swimming that would trigger an anxiety problem due to fear.. I went for a quick swim at a local lake in my new wetsuit once, and hyperventilated because I couldn't see the bottom..  I kept at it and at it and never once thought "I can't do this".. Not one time because that meant I gave in to my fear..  Yes I trained in my wetsuit and I got better and didn't care what anybody thought..  I had a lot to overcome mentally and I am very self-critical and used to give up at the mere thought of something being "hard"..  Hell, if it wasn't hard, everyone would be doing this.

I never in my wildest dreams thought I could do a 1/2 Ironman 3 years ago, cause I convinced myself I couldn't swim.. Making the commitment by entering and forking over the $215, I knew I had to see this thru, no matter what the outcome.  I understood that if I didn't make it under 8:30, I wasn't a failure, because I knew I was going to leave it ALL out there..  I set (3) goals.. The first, to finish the swim in 1 hr .. (56 mins) Second, finish the bike under 4 hrs (3:59) and third, to finish under 8:30 to be legal.. (8:09:23)..

I will now get off my soapbox with this last comment for all of you to chew on..  If you think you can't; you won't..  If you truly try, you will..  Laughing

Lori...   "Crying?  Are you crying?..  There's no crying in Triathlon!"

 

 

 



Edited by TriBabe2006 2008-02-28 10:00 PM


2008-02-29 12:30 PM
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2008-03-04 1:03 AM
in reply to: #1033895

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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
Well, it's getting "realer"...just made lodging reservations in Guerneville (more expensive than the race registration...gulp...but within a mile of the swim start). If the still-slightly-vicelike grip of the post-marathon knot in my right calf loosens up enough by Wednesday morning to get back on the bike, training begins as planned...

(double gulp...)
2008-03-05 3:23 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Expert
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Durham, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

Hey Vineman Groupies,

I just found this thread - great to see some other folks are getting amped up for Vineman this year.  I just got off the phone with Dawn Ranch Lodge, and booked our room for the 18th and 19th (yea, two night minimum sucks, but you only live once I guess).  We stayed here last year, the rooms are really small, and really "rustic", in a cute kinda way...  The big plus is the beach is literally about 200 yards away - so you can walk your bike and gear over to set up in the morning.  It also makes it easy for your s.o. to grab your gear after the swim, get things packed up and off to Windsor for the finish.

They also have an awesome restaurant, and we sat next to Chris Leito last year... How cool is that!!!

If anyone else is interested, their website is http://www.dawnranch.com/

the phone number is (707) 869-0656. 

Keep up the training, see you all on race day!!!

Dennis

 

2008-03-05 8:38 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Extreme Veteran
498
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Carpinteria, Ca.
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
I started training Tuesday, though only on the standby list. Puttin all my eggs in my basket of getting in, we shall see.

Lookin forward to the whole experience.
2008-03-05 9:33 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Veteran
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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

Zeke, as long as your on list and you have given them your email, chances are good that you will get an email indicating openings..  Last year there was an email about 2-3 months B4 the race that 200 slots opened...  I have good vibes you'll be there...

Think BIG!

Lori



2008-03-06 11:28 AM
in reply to: #1254557


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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
slow&steady - 2008-03-05 1:23 PM

Hey Vineman Groupies,

I just found this thread - great to see some other folks are getting amped up for Vineman this year.  I just got off the phone with Dawn Ranch Lodge, and booked our room for the 18th and 19th (yea, two night minimum sucks, but you only live once I guess).  We stayed here last year, the rooms are really small, and really "rustic", in a cute kinda way...  The big plus is the beach is literally about 200 yards away - so you can walk your bike and gear over to set up in the morning.  It also makes it easy for your s.o. to grab your gear after the swim, get things packed up and off to Windsor for the finish.



I'd wanna stay there just b/c it's so close to the race site, but it seems like a lot of places over there in Guerneville are pretty expensive.

Anybody planning on staying in Santa Rosa? Anybody who's done this race in the past ever stay in Santa Rosa and have any problems getting to the race site in the morning or have any other comments?
2008-03-07 8:10 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Veteran
349
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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

I stayed in Santa Rosa last year..  I will research the hotel and post the info here.. it was right near the freeway so easy on and off...  I signed up thru choicehotels.com using the USAT discount code since i'm a member..  I think the discount was like 15% off.. I feel so stupid that I can't remember the hotel name..  As soon as I find it, I will post it here.

Lori

2008-03-09 1:48 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Pro
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NorCal
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

Congrats to everyone taking on Vineman 70.3, great race!  I stayed in Santa Rosa at the Hyatt

http://vineyardcreek.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?icamp=vineyardcreekredirect

and loved it.  There was no problem getting into Guerneville on race morning.  The hotel restaurant was good and there are other options around if you do not want to eat at the Hyatt. They have a nice pool and the hot-tub was amazing after I finished the race.  Good luck and happy training!

Abbie    

2008-03-11 5:34 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Master
1588
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San Francisco
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
My wife and I stayed in Sebastopol last year.  Great community and some decent places to eat (worst case, you can always go to the Whole Foods Market).  Drive up to Guerneville was no problem.
2008-03-12 9:23 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Veteran
349
10010010025
Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
Here's the hotel I stayed at last year..  It was nice and right near the freeway..  Right now rates are $111 (with the discount) a room with (2) double beds..  If yer a USAT member, you can go to www.choicehotels.com and sign in using discount code 00208630 and you will be asked for your USAT ID when you register..  I even extended a room for my mom because of the heat and wait for my finish, for like $50  until about 2PM..
Comfort Inn (CA674)
2632 Cleveland Avenue , Santa Rosa, CA, US, 95403
Phone: (707) 542-5544     Fax: (707) 542-9738
Good Luck!
Lori


Edited by TriBabe2006 2008-03-12 9:26 PM


2008-03-24 12:57 AM
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
BUMPED for "inside of four months"...17 weeks and counting.

Also bumped cuz today I added clipless pedals and a bike computer to my bike as I shift from marathon to HIM training mode. (This on top of last week's addition of aerobars to my roadie.) Tomorrow is first ride with clipless & aerobars...*gulp*
2008-03-27 9:23 PM
in reply to: #1033895

Veteran
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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3

Hey T..  clippless is fine but you won't be in the aero position too much in this race...  it's small rolly stuff with some flats..  I think I was in the aero position for about 30 minutes!

You'll do fine..

Lori

2008-03-27 9:46 PM
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Edited by mixie 2008-03-27 9:46 PM
2008-03-27 10:55 PM
in reply to: #1298875

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Subject: RE: Vineman 70.3
mixie - 2008-03-27 7:46 PM

Thanks for that info! I don't have aero bars on my road bike and frankly I don't want them either. Im willing to make a sacrifice in my time. My bike is just so pretty and I think clip on bars look awful on road bikes.

 

However I am going to buy myself a new tri bike after Vineman. It will be my reward for finishing/birthday present to myself. :D figured it's not worth buying aero bars and paying to have my bike refit for them for a few races. :D

 



FWIW, I had the same attitude about aerobars on my roadie...but after two weeks of riding with my new bars, I wouldn't go back. The savings in energy (even on rollers...not just flats) has been really eye-opening to me. (And I still ride in the drops on descents...I like still having that option.) Didn't pay anyone to set them up...did it myself and tweaked them during and after my first week of rides until I felt dialed in. Had to adjust my saddle only a small amount.

If you're moving up to a TT bike, then it probably isn't worth it, if you won't be using your roadie for any tri-training after that.
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