Bangs Lake

I'm in.  I have no idea on the water temp.  It should be a good time. 

I did it last year...nice race. The bike has a few hills, if I recall...but nothing major. I do remember from my race last year, that the air temp was very chilly that morning...in the 50's. But I believe the lake was quite a bit warmer than that. Having said that, the majority of people (including myself) were wearing wetsuits, but there was a handful that braved the swim without one. I bet if you called the Wauconda Park District, they might be able to give you a more precise water temp.

Early start...

The swim is right into the sun, unless they change it this year. Two loop bike, a roller or two...Nice little race with great race goodies.

Have fun....

I haven't looked at the map yet (yes I am lazy).  Is the swim point to point?  Looks like I need to bust out the tinted googles. 

How hilly is the run? 

I did it last year, conflicts this year.

If everything is the same:
Swim out (right into the sun), then back (end at a different place than start). Bangs lake is shallow, so it is usually pretty warm. I would guess it will be in the mid to upper 70's. I wore a wetsuit last year, and was regretting it. I was way too hot.

Bike is two loops. There are no big hills, but there are no real flat places either. Rolling is the best way to describe it.

Run is also two loops. I am a poor runner, so I thought the run was extremely hilly. Even if most wouldn't call it extreme, I still think they would agree it is hilly?

Overall it was a good event.

you'll be bussed to the start and then you swim across the lake (if its the same as last). I mentioned to Paul (owner of RA) that the swim could be improved and he was already looking for a different beach to start to avoid the busses and sun. Not sure if that will be added this year or not.

What do they do for spectators.  Are they bussed to the start as well.  The only reason I ask is we will probably have our dog with us.  If they bus people, I wonder if they would allow her to be on the bus.  

I would have dogs/spectors at the end of the swim....that is where the rest of the race takes shape. I don't even know if you could get back on the bus.

Cool.  Thanks. 

My husband came to the race with me last year, and he walked (about a mile) to the swim start to see my wave go off...then ran back to the swim finish. So yeah, I think spectators are pretty much on their own, as far as getting around course to view the participants. I was glad that he actually met me at the swim start, because I was wearing flip-flops at the time, and was able to give them to him before my wave started...instead of just abandoning them, there on the beach.

Just got an email with my bib and wave number in it.  I'm bib #65 and in wave 1.  Looks like it will be hot out there.  Hopefully it will be wetsuit legal. 

I got the same email...waive 3.  74 doesnt sound too bad to swim w/o wetsuit.  I just got one specifically so I dont freeze in Lake Michigan in training or Chicago tri.  Probably wont need it at Bangs Lake.

For those with greater experience: would you still wear it anyway?

I wear mine wherever I can.  It is free speed. 

The race was tough.  That swim seemed longer that than it should have.  I think it was over a mile!  And I've never seen so many people walking!