Ripon Medical Center Triathlon

I did it last year as my first triathlon. 

The bike course will be pretty challenging for most.  Not sure that's bad, but you probably won't set any speed records on this course.  The course last year was hard for me (3 big hills borderline cat 5) and this year mapmyrun shows even more elevation (420' gain for 15 miles is a lot in these parts!). 

The run is also not easy due to one large hill that you do 2 times due to out and back. 

The lake is nice and plenty warm that time of year.  It's definitely a clearish type lake.  I'm pretty sure the water was definitely wetsuit illegal last year, but they let folks use them anyway.  But last summer was HOT. 

I don't recall there being finishers medals.  They have nice awards for the top finishers....I want to say they were very very valuable.  Some fancy hand made glass art or something like that.   They definitely looked neat.  I didn't get one...LOL. 

There was definitely a T-shirt and I'm thinking it was synthetic. 

It's a small atmosphere event, but well run, well organized.  I'll probably be there at least spectating this year. 

Pam,

Did the race last year...

Pre-Race: No "expo" to speak of, but the packet pick-up was organized and efficient.  I am not a big expo guy, since there isn't really any gear out there that I haven't read about on ST/BT anyway, and the prices are always jacked up.  But, this is obviously personnel preference.

Swim: Was wetsuit legal, but VERY warm.  Made the mistake of pulling on the suit way to early and stood there sweating for bout 10-15 minutes.  The wetsuit is not needed to stay warm, but IMO you are at a distinct disadvantage without one...

Bike: As mentioned previously, decently hilly.  Not Devil's Lake TRI hilly (if that comparrison helps), but still had its moments.  Of note is the hill directly out of transition.  This means you either need to be really good at getting into your bike shoes "on the fly" or just put your shoes on in transition.

Run: Also has some hills, again the hill directly out of transition (and back into the finish) is of note...  everything else was generally "rolling."

Support: I think there were 2 or 3 aid stations on the run for the OLY (no bike aid stations).  If you are out in front you may feel a little nervous bout navigating the OLY bike course without anyone to follow, but for the most part the course is well directed/marked.  Volunteers were enthusiastic and responsive.

Post-Race: Average.  Nothing mind blowing (like french toast at the finish, which Pewaukee did have!), but adequate.  No finisher medals, but I think top category finishers got a medal with top three overall getting the trophies described above...  Shirts are nice, believe they were Brooks branded dry-fit.

Over-All: Fun, challenging race that met all expectations but didn't have any "YOU HAVE TO DO THIS RACE" moments. 

For what it is worth, my BT Race Report is available, although not one of my more informative efforts...

Hope this helps, and I am happy to answer any specific questions!

Happy Racing!

-Paul

I've raced the rmc tri the last two years both sprint and then the olympic last year.  I keep it on my calender as I went to college with the race director there a "few" years ago.  

I would have to agree there's not a lot of "wow" factor to the race, but the community center in Green Lake is a great race venue.  Green Lake is usually pretty warm in late July, I had no problem not using a wetsuit last year.  The bike is your typical small town "bike around the county highways" ride, but there are a couple of steep hills, and you do have to bike uphill out of the community center.  The run is back into the center along the paved paths, it is somewhat hilly.

All in all I think it is a good value for the money.  The shirts are pretty cool,  have been brooks dri wick the last two years.  No finishers medals though...