Iron Abe or Evergreen?

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2008-04-06 4:14 PM

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Lincoln, IL
Subject: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
I'm torn between these two.

I ran the stoneman last year, was a good race. I've heard great things about the Tri-Shark and Evergreen. The lake Springfield's whole leptospirosis thing does make me a bit nervous, though I survive last year. Also I know since the power plant explosion there has been some issue with water safety.

Any opinion?

2008-04-07 12:13 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
I've not done Iron Abe, but I did Evergreen last year and had a great time. Very well supported and at a great venue.
2008-04-07 1:00 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?

IronAbe is very hot!  Not that Evergreen won't be...

Also, IronAbe has a long history with the swim water quality.  That said, I may do IronAbe this year but mostly because it is close and I have a lot of friends in it. 

2008-04-07 2:26 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
While I was seriously toying with doing IronAbe.  I got a lot of grief for doing it without McFuzz being there to support me and for doing it where I wouldn't have any "fans."  I have since relented and committed to Evergreen.  I volunteered there last year and had a great time.  It is a great venue.
2008-04-07 3:18 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
good to know evergreen is a good spot I am giving it a shot this year
2008-04-07 4:43 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
There has not been any confirmed leptospirosis in Lake Springfield in the last six years that I am aware of.

The events that happened many years ago were to my knowledge never confirmed. Now that being said, I was at the time affiliated with the Ironhorse race as the web developer and a member or the Ironhorse triathlon team. The few people (out of a thousand) that did become sick all had raced the weekend before at another race in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin. There were some other circumstances that I do not remember as well but I will go back and research them.

This really is a shame, because Springfield lost one of the best distance races in the nation as repercussion of all of this. Don’t believe me? Pick up the new Triathlete magazine and look at the Tim Deboom profile from after Kona.

I think that the current race director has done an incredible job with overcoming the stigma of the events from many years ago. I will continue to support him and will continue to drive (for me) the 200 miles to come down and race in Springfield.

Further, if you think about it, anyone can contract any water born disease at any triathlon anywhere in the world. It is the risk that we take as athletes…


2008-04-07 5:29 PM
in reply to: #1321750

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
jhouse4 - 2008-04-07 4:43 PM

There has not been any confirmed leptospirosis in Lake Springfield in the last six years that I am aware of.

The events that happened many years ago were to my knowledge never confirmed. Now that being said, I was at the time affiliated with the Ironhorse race as the web developer and a member or the Ironhorse triathlon team. The few people (out of a thousand) that did become sick all had raced the weekend before at another race in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin. There were some other circumstances that I do not remember as well but I will go back and research them.

This really is a shame, because Springfield lost one of the best distance races in the nation as repercussion of all of this. Don’t believe me? Pick up the new Triathlete magazine and look at the Tim Deboom profile from after Kona.

I think that the current race director has done an incredible job with overcoming the stigma of the events from many years ago. I will continue to support him and will continue to drive (for me) the 200 miles to come down and race in Springfield.

Further, if you think about it, anyone can contract any water born disease at any triathlon anywhere in the world. It is the risk that we take as athletes…


Good info-

You know, I do remember you at the Lincoln Memorial.
2008-04-07 9:52 PM
in reply to: #1319135

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?

It may be more than the leptospirosis.  Many of the scout camps and church camps on the lake have been banned from allowing users to swim in the lake in the past several years. 

I am confident the IronAbe organizers are on top of water quality issues but there have been some documented concerns.   

Regular testing is being done:  http://www.cwlp.com/lake_springfield/Water_quality/water_quality.htm#E.%20Coli%20Monitoring%20Results

2008-04-07 9:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
I help at a camp on the lake every summer, was a life guard there a life time ago. I was told by the camp director that one of Lake Springfield's water quality problems comes form its shallow depths, and its excessive number of geese, more directly, their droppings. When I tell you there are a lot of geese on that silly lake, its like a biblical plague! Of course the geese, Canadians at that, which breed prolifically, must be protected.

Sorry, damn sarcasm button got stuck on again. One open fowl season and the problem would be over.
2008-04-08 12:31 PM
in reply to: #1322544

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
The goose issue makes a lot of sense. There are scads of geese on Lake Springfield.

Evergreen Lake is really beautiful. Do they ever have off-road triathlons up there, i.e. Xterra-type? There's a good mountain bike race at Comlara Park, it just seems like it would be a great location.
2008-08-07 2:52 PM
in reply to: #1323660


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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?
Hi, I am the race director for the Evergreen lake Tri. I am , in fact, contemplating adding an off road tri at that venue next year. The mountain bike trails out there are outstanding! Any support of such an event would be appreciated! Colleen Klein

2008-08-07 4:28 PM
in reply to: #1588383

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?

Tri-Mom1 - 2008-08-07 2:52 PM Hi, I am the race director for the Evergreen lake Tri. I am , in fact, contemplating adding an off road tri at that venue next year. The mountain bike trails out there are outstanding! Any support of such an event would be appreciated! Colleen Klein

Colleen,

Great to "see" you here.  Your races are amazing and I thoroughly enjoy volunteering (even when my race doesn't happen).

Beth McDaniel

 

2008-08-09 4:39 PM
in reply to: #1588383

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Subject: RE: Iron Abe or Evergreen?

Tri-Mom1 - 2008-08-07 2:52 PM Hi, I am the race director for the Evergreen lake Tri. I am , in fact, contemplating adding an off road tri at that venue next year. The mountain bike trails out there are outstanding! Any support of such an event would be appreciated! Colleen Klein

Colleen, that would be an amazing and wonderful event! I'm in Springfield and have not been able to get up to Comlara this season, but am itching to hit those trails. I went out a couple of times last year with a couple of the Mudmaids and had such a great time. 

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