Patriots Half : Official Thread

I'm doing this for the second year. Was doing OK till last week when I started having GI issues that have cut my run back so this race won't be as good as I hoped. This was a great race last year, albeit a bit warm. James has been really warm so lets hope we can wear wetsuits. Bike has a few false flats but very enjoyable ride. Run will be on the Virginia Capital bike trail then through the woods. I really like the run. HAve a great race. I'm sure you will pass me on the run.

Interested in any course tips since you're a local and all.  

Bike is mostly flat. Traveling out rt 5 you will have to go over a bridge that is your only real hill. Then when you make the right onto wilcox it's somewhat shaded and the road is a bit rough. Few false flats. Coming back towards williamsburg on Rt 5 there is no bike path so the traffic can get a bit scarey. Usually there is a nice tail wind and you can make up time nicely.

T1 is a very long transition. James River is warm, brackish and brown. Not a great place for a swim. Last year we were with the current and I got WAY off course. Sighting was hard for me because the sun was coming up and the yellow bouys were hard to see.

Run is along the Cap to Cap bike trail. All on blacktop except for a short run on the Greensprings trail. That is hard packed gravel. Nice shade too. I run over on that trail alot because it's so shaded.

Anyother questions feel free to ask. Hope this helps.

Thanks, that does help, liking the sounds of the run with shade. 

More info -- do they always route the swim to go with the current?  Is it usually wetsuit-legal?  I'm less stressed about the bike and the run now (thanks).

Yes they usually go with the current. Last year I had a very hard time sighting due to the early start and the yellow bouys were blocked by the sun. Then going with the current got pulled away from the course a bit. Did way to much swim!! The James is pretty merky and brackish. It has been wetsuit legal and I wore one last year.  The water is def warm enough that if you don't want to wear it, should be fine!! I live right around the corner from the start but haven't been in the James yet this summer.

Did a Setup race earlier this year and they were using more buoys than they used in that particular race the year before which made the swim much easier to sight.  I hope they have enough buoys to do something similar for this one.  Races with a single turn buoy off in the distance are certainly difficult to sight on sometimes, especially if the sun is coming up directly in line of sight or making the water surface glassy.   

Thanks for the info.  I have a sleeveless wetsuit, so hoping to use it for buoyancy more than warmth.  I noted more bouys at Culpeper, making it easier to hold a line for the swim.  That's not where I want to do any extra mileage!
Off to practice clipping in on my bike
See you there.

I haven't seen any updates to the website or received any emails.  Is there a practice swim on Friday?  Is it mandatory to rack your bike on Friday or can we set up on Saturday morning? any idea what time the transition area opens? only my third race and first HIM, still a little nervous.

I don't believe that there is an offical swim on Fri but you can swim at your own risk.  James River is a pretty easy swim if you stay close to the shore. They don't have you rack your bike till the morning of and I think they let you there pretty early.

Heres some info from the web site

Packet Pickup

Friday: 3:00-7:30PM @ Race Site
Saturday: 5:30-6:30AM @ Race Site

Pre-Event Meetings: 4:30PM & 6:30PM.

Event Site Address: 2217 Jamestown Rd - Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Looking forward to hopefully seeing a few of you!

Sooo....company has decided I must go to a trade show the weekend of the patriots, trade show is in Amsterdam.  I am gutted, this was going to be the first HIM for me and although nervous, I was super excited. 

I wish all of you the best of luck and hope you all have great races. 

Anyone know what size water bottles they are going to be exchanging?  Was thinking I might start with empty cages and just pick two up at mile 14.  It is also my understanding there is no nutrition being given on the bike course, would be cool if the were handing out bananas or something.  Anyway did a run this morning after missing my last run day and I felt great.  Looking forward to Williamsburg.   

They have usually hand out the deer park large water bottles with a flip top. They didn't hand out anything for nutrition on the bike last year so I took a PBJ with me. Enjoy the taper!!