Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

friggin cold is what its gonna be

I'm not convinced.  I've seen the temp in that water shoot up quickly in the weeks before it as long as the main air temp is high.  And it has been a pretty mild winter.

I'm just hoping it will be moderately warm and no rain that day. 

Hell, if the water is warmer than 55, I'll be happy.

I did this race for the first time last year and will be coming back this year.  You can check the bike in the night before.  Setting up 2 transitions 17 miles apart is a nightmare.  It's more of a hassle if you have family that want to see you at multiple points of the race.  The water last year didn't seem cold.  This year should be even warmer because of the milder winter and above avg temps back in march.

I agree.  I wouldn't call two transitions a nightmare.  A logistical challenge compared to others, but not a night mare.  That being said, if your family want's to see more of you, I would recommend they stay at T2 and not bother with going to T1 and trying to get back to see you finish.  THAT is difficult.  Not impossible, but very difficult. 

The water has rarely been below 58, I think.  But the course is quite tough on both the bike and run.  Bring your granny gears because you are going to use them. 

It is a beautiful course though.  One of the nicest in Illinois.

Any two transition race is gonna be an "inconvenience" but I have seen worse than Galena (Branson 70.3 was pretty bad).  The past few years I just set up both T1 & T2 Friday evening then have the wife and kids go to the swim start.  They hang out for a while then head out before the first wave goes off and before they close the road out of the parking lot (otherwise you have to wait until all the riders are gone).  The first year I raced I was finished, cooled down, ate a small meal before they got to the finish area.

As far as the water temp, there always seems to be a decent warm up of a couple 80 degree days the week or two before the race and looking at the forecast I just don't see that this year - calling for 70's at best.  It is what it is though.  Once I get in the water and do my warm up it doesn't seem to bother me at all after that. 

If you have access to map my ride, check it out here.  I would say it is a bit harder.  At least 1 Cat5 climb smack dab in the middle of the ride.  It is about a mile long and about a 4-5% grade.  Be prepared to granny down and high cadence up the whole thing.

Regarding pumps, there is a bike shop that will help you top off there. 

Regarding T1, YES it is gravely and YES people grab flip-flops/sandals to wear from the water to T1.  I have yet to use because it is one more thing to remember to put into the bag that will get shipped to T2 at the end fo the race.  I just quickly tip toe to my bike rack, brush off my feet and into the bike shoes they go.  Your experience may vary. 

My first year no flip flops and stripped my wetsuit at my bike and ripped the wetsuit leg when I stepped down and lifted up on the stones.  Last year I did the cheap Target $3 flip flops and took my wetsuit off before I got into transition (gravel) area. This year I think I will do the same.

I had an old wet suit that I nursed through the past three seasons.  I had so many patches on it you would have thought I was sponsored by Aqua Seal-haha.  I also have a new suit this year and will not be taking any chances of ripping it - plus I'm out of Aqua Seal.

Hard to explain on the internet but it will be pretty evident when you get there.

Yep.

I also think they have bike helmet numbers that they recommend for the front.  That is more for the photographer though.  I think. 

And as an update, the water temp is currently 62! 

It will feel like a bath!  And right now, there is no forecast for next Saturday, but the week leading up to it is currently projected in the 70's all week.  Bodes well for a decent temp on the swim.