High Cliff??

2009-05-23 10:10 PM

Master

1303

Mishicot, Wisconsin

Subject: High Cliff??

Hi there,

Has anyone done High Cliff HIM before? What can you tell me about it? Worth it? Not? Any info you have will be greatly appreciated!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/link-detail.asp?linkid=4564

1stTimeTri

2009-05-24 11:02 AM

in reply to: #2170307

Iron Donkey

38643

, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I haven't, but here's the race and all the persons who raced it, and you can check the race reports by scrolling down to the middle of the page and click on the member's links -

Edited by 1stTimeTri 2009-05-24 11:03 AM

2009-05-24 12:08 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Expert

1238

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I haven't done it, but I heard today from some guy that the run is on the trail, and that it isn't always marked so good. So you have to bring your sextant or something.

1stTimeTri

2009-05-24 12:12 PM

in reply to: #2170674

Iron Donkey

38643

, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

skavoovie - 2009-05-24 12:08 PM I haven't done it, but I heard today from some guy that the run is on the trail, and that it isn't always marked so good. So you have to bring your sextant or something.

No technology allowed. You navigate by the sun, or if it's cloudy, then you rely on your wits.

2009-05-24 12:16 PM

in reply to: #2170676

Expert

1238

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

1stTimeTri - 2009-05-24 10:12 AM

No technology allowed. You navigate by the sun, or if it's cloudy, then you rely on your wits.

My wits?? I'll never be heard from again.

Edited by skavoovie 2009-05-24 12:21 PM

2009-05-24 3:52 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Master

1303

Mishicot, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

Thanks guys for your "serious" comments. I am on the fence about this one and would like some advice.

TriDDS

2009-05-24 5:22 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Master

2139

piece o heaven

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I have done this rade 2x and really enjoy it - even the pea green soup called lake winnebago. It is by no means a IM70.3, but i like it. It is a good course, yes the run is on trails - but that does take out the sun quite a bit - which helps at the end of a long hard day.

2009-05-24 6:46 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Veteran

176

Sun Prairie, WI

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I'll be there. Never done it before. Heard nice things about it, including the above statements about the lake, but I just swam in Monona Friday. Not much can be worse than that, can it?

jszat

2009-05-24 7:30 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Pro

3906

Libertyville, IL

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

done it twice and liked it. the hill out of transition for the bike and run is a nice challenge, the trails are a nice touch though i could do without some of the single track stuff on the grassier areas. still, will do it in the future. i kept saying i would mix up my HIM schedule this summer and do something else, but indecisiveness might have me back for another stab at it if i can get my bike back up to par.

2009-05-24 7:35 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Master

1303

Mishicot, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

How is the biking course? I have heard about that first big hill but what about the middle of the course? Are there issues with water stations and mile markers? I worry about who runs the event especially after I was one of the last ones in at GB Tri last year and there was no fence protecting my bike... they had already taken it down.

2009-05-24 11:02 PM

in reply to: #2171077

Expert

1238

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

You should get somebody to take care of your bike if the fences come down. Ask a donkey. There are like 900 of them around.

jszat

2009-05-26 10:24 AM

in reply to: #2171346

Pro

3906

Libertyville, IL

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

skavoovie - 2009-05-24 11:02 PM You should get somebody to take care of your bike if the fences come down. Ask a donkey. There are like 900 of them around.

yeah, its kinda like a bad rash round these parts.

graceful_dave

2009-05-26 11:04 AM

in reply to: #2173089

Champion

4835

Eat Cheese or Die

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I rode the bike course on Saturday. It's mostly flat after the big climb out of the park. There are some rolling hills, but nothing that was really fatiguing. As far as the big hill goes, it's much less difficult then people make it out to be. Just take it easy and get to the top. You won't kill your bike by taking it easy on the climb, but you can kill your bike ride if you blow up at the top because you were going to hard.

I like the trail run. It's one of the main reasons I picked this race as my first HIM. It's got a lot of shade, although there are some open parts in the fields, and trail running is just more fun the running on the road. I did the sprint last year and didn't have any issues with the course marking. I'm not sure if the long course is worse or not.

I'm guessing my bike is going to be in transition well after the fence comes down. I figure that just goes with being slow.

2009-05-26 12:46 PM

in reply to: #2173089

Expert

1238

Denver, Colorado

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

jszat - 2009-05-26 8:24 AM

skavoovie - 2009-05-24 11:02 PM You should get somebody to take care of your bike if the fences come down. Ask a donkey. There are like 900 of them around.

yeah, its kinda like a bad rash round these parts.

Yep, a clear case of donkey rash.

BbMoozer

2009-05-26 2:00 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Elite

3067

Cheesehead, WI

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I've done the sprint 2x. I would do it this year but dh works Sats and they switched it from Sundays to Sats this year.

I ditto lots what has been said. I would think Lake Winn. is going to be chilly since we've had lots of chilly days this Spring. I was out there yesterday with the family flying kites and hiking trails and I think one other factor that goes along with HC is the potential for big winds coming off the lake.

I think every tri I've done has some quirks to it...goes with the territory I suppose. Food, set up, volunteers, portopotties etc... can all impact my experience at a race.

If you are looking to get in a race, HC is a great season kick off in WI. Not likely to be too cold, it gets some racing legs under your belt to gear up for another race and in WI, we have only about 3 months of tri season so might as well race 'em while you can!

2009-06-11 1:36 PM

in reply to: #2173609

Veteran

176

Sun Prairie, WI

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

9 days out. I'm a little frightened. It's my first half.

graceful_dave

2009-06-11 10:22 PM

in reply to: #2211010

Champion

4835

Eat Cheese or Die

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

stainofmind - 2009-06-11 1:36 PM

9 days out. I'm a little frightened. It's my first half.

It's be fun. I did the whole 1/2 run course a week and a half ago. I'm soo glad I picked this race as my first 1/2 IM. I love the run.

The Fox Cities Tri Club is riding the bike course this Saturday leaving from the parking lot at the bottom of the hill at 8am. I think they are planning on doing the sprint and 1/2 course. At least I'm planning on riding the 1/2 course. It's unsupported so if you come along, bring whatever you need.

My Training Log My Race Log

2009-06-16 1:54 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Veteran

176

Sun Prairie, WI

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

Last time I looked at the forecast (meaningless, I know) for High Cliff, it said high of 87 and sunny. I was freaking out a little bit. Now we're looking at high in mid-to-upper 70s and some possible rain. Hold off the rain and I'll be a happy camper after than original forecast.

jmwebs

2009-06-16 2:25 PM

in reply to: #2170307

Master

1732

Delafield, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

Have got to be prepared for anything. Last year the forcast was cloudy with rain showers. The actual weather was sunny with no rain...until the last two miles of my run when the skies opened up (I assure you no one was on the bike course at that point. )
I'm with you though, mid 70's & cloudy would be ideal...with no rain(esp. during bike)...and no wind , that would be good too. Really is that asking too much?

2009-06-16 3:07 PM

in reply to: #2222013

Veteran

176

Sun Prairie, WI

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

I'll take some calm waters too. Although, I've heard they are usually quite calm.

2009-06-17 2:18 AM

in reply to: #2170307

Master

1303

Mishicot, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

Well I'm in for the half. I need to do one before picking up my IM training. I need to be careful on that first hill and then go for it. Keep an eye on my bike... it will be pretty blue. It will be there after they start tearing down the fences!

2009-06-17 2:23 AM

in reply to: #2222013

Master

1303

Mishicot, Wisconsin

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

jmwebs - 2009-06-16 2:25 PM Have got to be prepared for anything. Last year the forcast was cloudy with rain showers. The actual weather was sunny with no rain...until the last two miles of my run when the skies opened up (I assure you no one was on the bike course at that point. )
I'm with you though, mid 70's & cloudy would be ideal...with no rain(esp. during bike)...and no wind , that would be good too. Really is that asking too much?

That would be really nice... let's see how lucky we are!

LB22

2009-06-19 11:01 AM

in reply to: #2170307

Veteran

292

Chicago, IL

Subject: RE: High Cliff??

Good luck to all who are racing this weekend!

It will be a soggy drive up from Chicago this afternoon...but looking forward to a nice swim in bright green Lake Winnebago tomorrow a.m. Any chances of a Sturgeon sighting