A few questions for anyone who has Escaped from Alcatraz…

I did EFA last year and loved it.

1. Used Tri Bike Transport - not sure they provide service for your event, but you can go look at their website. If not - borrow a bike case from you LBS and just remember to mark where you seat and seam posts are before to take them off!

2. Again TBT picks up the bikes right after the race!

3. Swimming is always open at the park - FYI - its COLD! There are bouys out that people typically swim either to and from - or they follow the row of them, swimming parrallel to the shore.

4. I stayed at the Comfort in - maybe a quarter mile in from the transition area. I just packed my stuff and road down (remember to always wear your helmet to an event!)

I just swam in Aquatic Park for the first time yesterday and found this to be really helpful in describing the different buoy line routes you can follow during your swim.

http://www.sftriclub.org/newsletter/newbie/swim/aquaticpark.html

Have fun visiting San Francisco! I've lived here for three years and love it.

Awesome - thanks to you both.  Definitely advantageous that they allow swimming in the park prior to the event.  Although I've read the water isn't as cold as most imagine, I'd like to confirm this for myself.  

Bummer that TBT isn't involved with my event... I may have to explore other shipping options. I have a friend and a family friend in the Bay area.... wondering about UPS insured... 

The water is every bit as cold as most imagine; especially at Aquatic Park.

Edit:  Give Sports Basement a ring.  They are a shipping point for many tris and are very tri friendly.  If they can't help, they will probably know who can.

Edited by DaveyG 2009-07-14 11:51 AM

I just did EFA this year.

Did not ship my bike...flew with it.  Fly American and it's just as cheap as shipping.  Then you don't need to worry about the whole pre/post race logistics.

I swam at Aquatic Park.  That link a few posts above looks VERY helpful.  I just did the buoy line...it seemed to be what *most* folks were doing.

Aquatic Park felt MUCH colder than the actual SF Bay swim felt on race day.  At Aquatic Park I was cold.  Jumping off the ferry I was not.  NO idea why the difference...but suspect Aquatic Park is colder than the Bay.

Rode my bike to transition.  Probably the easiest.  Not sure where transition is for that race, but if it's anywhere near where EFA was...the Edwards II is a nice cheap option.  You can get a pensione room...so shared bath down the hall...for about $100/night.  I was a bit worried about sharing a bathroom but I almost never waited for the bathroom or shower...worked out well.

Be sure to ride your bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.  That was COOL.

I did Escape in 2008.

1) I rented a road bike.  I think I paid somewhere around $75 for 2 days, it was a brand new Trek 2.  It was much cheaper than shipping my bike via Tri Bike Transport and I didn't have to put it back together again if I brought it with me on a plane.  I brought my own pedals, adjusted the bike to my fitting (seat, handle bars, etc...) and was good to go.

The bike isn't that long (18 miles or so), it is challenging with hills and tight turns though.  I was doing the race for fun as I knew I wouldn't win my age group.  If I was going for a win I would have brought my own bike

2) If I were to bring one of my own bikes I would use Tri Bike Transport.  I've used them several times for other races and have never had an issue with them.  Assuming they are in your area this would be the easiest route to go.

3) As has been said before, no restrictions on swimming.  It is cold though (mid 50's)

4) I used points and stayed at the host Hyatt.  It was a really nice hotel, but if you don't use points for free nights it is expensive.  I just rode the bike down to Transition the morning of.  There were tons of people doing that. 

Aquatic Park is a great place to swim, it is generally the same as the Bay itself, as it really is the bay, it's just somewhat protected by the breakwater (Muni pier). The great thing about it is that you never have to worry about boats while swimming there. Also, there is a shower, a nice sandy beach and there's usually ample 4 hr. parking (at Van Ness).

If swimming the buoy line, be aware of slightly colder water and more current when parallel with the opening to the bay. If swimming around the park, I would stay clear of the pier due to fishing line and whatnot. Also, near the western end of the buoyline (nearest Van Ness Ave) there is a little reef that is exposed at low tide, might want to stay clear of that as well.

I go at least twice a week and there are ALWAYS other swimmers in the water so you're never alone. If you need indoor showers, lockers and stuff like that, check out the Dolphin Club and South End Rowing Club. They are there adjacent to Aquatic Park. There is a minimal day use fee.

Let me know if you have any questions about AP. It is my favorite place to swim!

ps - Lombard St is motel heaven. It is a few blocks walk from there down to Crissy Field or the Marina.

pss - Sports Basement is your SF headquarters for all things Tri related. They have a nice full bikeshop too. They have a store in the Presidio right there at Crissy Field.

Edited by jeffy_101 2009-07-14 2:44 PM