Patriot International Distance

Last year the Patriot events were wetsuit legal, but just barely... so it'll definitely be close

We've been swimming in the James for our club OWS and it's been cooler than last year, I think, but that's just an opinion, we haven't gone out and measured the temp or anything  

I think it's a possibility for wetsuit legal.  The river was cooler last week than it has been in weeks.  Lots of it depends on the weather and how much rain (haha) we get before then.

I went out to the site last week.  It is a LONG run from the water to transition, so we'll have plenty of time to get the top off the wetsuit. 

Me too!  I'll be limping post Rock and Roll Half....I'll be at Irongirl Volunteering...look for us at the top of the hill dressed as the Village People.  

damn. can i switch from oly to half?  I was just worried about the run..but eh, whats 7 more miles?  

enders_shadow - 2008-08-21 11:24 AM

Artemis - 2008-08-21 11:17 AM It really is that flat. I rode the course last weekend. There are a few small rollers, but nothing too tough. Honestly, I feel like going over the metal grating on the bridge might be the hardest part of the course.

Jen occasionally lies about how flat a course is, but she swears she's telling the truth this time.

You say "occasionally", but I only remember once.

And I am telling the truth.  Everyone I rode with agreed with me.  I'll push you up the hill if I'm lying. 

I"m right there with ya, my 5th and last Oly in my year of Oly's.  

enders_shadow - 2008-08-21 10:24 AM

Artemis - 2008-08-21 11:17 AM It really is that flat.  I rode the course last weekend.  There are a few small rollers, but nothing too tough.  Honestly, I feel like going over the metal grating on the bridge might be the hardest part of the course.

Jen occasionally lies about how flat a course is, but she swears she's telling the truth this time.

I rode that course, it is flat for almost the whole thing.  A couple minor rollers is the gospel truth.  Long transition run from the water.  Watch out for rocks getting out of the river.  Left side of the exit area is rocky and sharp at that!

I'll be there with a couple of friends.  Swam the course this morning.  Actually swam it backwards due to parking issues.  The finish is shallow and sandy bottom.  You can actually stand up 100 yards from shore and it's waist deep.  The water temp was 78 degrees this morning so wetsuits will definitely be legal.  I wore my full suit and it was perfect to a little warm.  I did not have a cap on and that always makes me hotter.  The water was very calm this morning and it appeared to habe little to no current.  This is brackish water so it is not salty.  Visibility zero to 1 foot.  Water felt clean.  Should be a really great place to swim.

 For out of towners.  This has been the coolest August I can remember.  We have only had one day so far where the temperature hit 90.  Normally August is 100 degrees so this could be a great race with awesome weather.