Ironman Cozumel : Official Thread (Page 12)

Dropped my bike today to my LBS in Chicago for TriBiketransport... I was shocked to see that many bikes already and manu more to come...

It's good to see I'm not the only one from here

2 weeks folks, 2 weeks...

Here's my list of crazy questions:

Should we exchange any $$ for pesos for taxis, purchases on the island, etc.? If so, how much is reasonable? We're staying at an all-inclusive resort, but may venture out of the resort to check out the island more. I know a passable amount of Spanish.

How does one keep from getting ripped off by taxi drivers?

If I put candy in either of my special needs bags, will it melt in there??

CO2 cartridges are NOT allowed on an airplane and will be readily available for purchase in Coz, right?

Are credit cards widely accepted at the expo and for shopping/dining?

I'll probably think of more. 13 days!!!

I finished my last long run yesterday, a rough 20 miler.  I'm ready to taper.  I can't wait to see what fresh legs feel like again.

We'll be staying at El Cozumelena.  We will arrive on Friday and will be staying until the following Saturday.

I'm both excited and scared to death. 

Vince

Dropped my bike off just now. She also got a nice bath and tune-up and the guy at the bike shop even fixed the crappy tape job I did on the bars. My little entry-level pink roadie with the clip-on bars is looking gooooood!

I do not know about the bus, but there is a company called Cancun Transfers. You can schedule now on their website - cancuntransfers.com - and they will do a return trip from the airport to the ferry terminal for about $110.00 (2 adults, one child) with a scheduled pick-up on the return. They offer the option of paying via the website or cash to the driver. I have used these guys on about four different occassions, including the last time I did IMCoz with a bike bag. They typically use nice, clean vans or SUVs, just let them know you will have a larger piece of luggage. I have booked them for this year as well and would highly recommend using them.

I dropped Big Blue for TBT - 

Taking it easy and trying not think about it too much! Short week of training and then a short vacation with one long work day! 

All good advice and right on.  Don't worry about cabbies, they're pretty good and not out to rip you off like some other places

No need to get pesos before going down, but remember if you pay in US dollars you will get pesos in return.  It is generally cheaper to pay in pesos as well, what we usually do is go down with enough to get a van from the airport, then go to an ATM and withdraw pesos - but do NOT go to freestanding ATMs, as they have been known to be unreliable....  Only use nes attached to banks (there is one in the main square, walk into the little airconditioned room on the southeast corner) and the one in MEGA is reputed to be reliable as well.

Nice bike. I will be rolling with new Flo wheels as well.

Thanks to all who answered my questions!!!

What's everyone putting in their special needs bags for food? I always have a pb&j on long bike rides, so that will be in there (and I'm even bringing my own pb and j because I'm picky about it!) I usually have a cliff bar or powerbar (which they'll have) and also a sweet treat, usually whatever looked good at a cafe or gas station (snickers ice cream bar, homemade cherry pie at a roadside cafe...) However, if I can't pack a candy bar in there, I'm not sure what else to do....or maybe just stick with the pb&j, but it helps me to have something special to look forward to.

Also stumped on the run special needs bag, food-wise, as my stomach usually shuts down and does NOT want solid food on the run, but I've never done a 14-15 hour day like my race will be. I was thinking potato chips. I did a marathon once where they gave me a bag of chips at the finish line and I shoved that whole bag in my face.

Whew. Ironman in 10 days. Getting on a plane in 6. Family coming over for thanksgiving dinner in 2. Seeing our favorite comedian tomorrow. 10+ hour work days this week, including unplanned ones. Crises abound. In the middle of a potential job change; certification tests and interviews this week as well. House is a mess. I can't wait to get on a plane and have the chance to read and relax and nap.

I got this.

Special needs bike food - maybe a power bar , will have a baggie of nutritional powder for bottle. Majority of my nutrition is liquid. I am taking a powerbar/ Pay Day on bike if I get hungrier.

On the run- strictly liquids - most of nutrition/solids on bike only... the other two IM i've done, they have had plenty of food on each of the aid stations. I don't know what they'll have down there, hopefully the same as I have seen: oranges, bananas, pretzels, chix broth, water, coke, etc....

Won't they have power bars at the bike aid stations? I thought I saw that on the official site. I'm weird with food in general - I get sick of something quickly. I want a treat, not a powerbar if that's already what I've been eating. I'm used to doing mostly solid nutrition on the bike and then liquids/gels on the run. I usually can't do solids when running. I think the site said they would have everything you listed except the broth, which makes sense, as it'll be a little warm anyway....

I've been waiting for race day to be included in the 10-day forecast!!! It looks great so far....

Well we are close - my bike shipped yesterday - I am sorting thru my gear today - 

I said this before but.... While you are in the water before the gun no matter where you are (treading with the fast guys or hanging off the pier with me) take a dive and check out the scene. 5 thousand legs kicking in anticipation is very cool, the deeper the better. 

I am sure you received yesterday the athlete guide (both english/spanish version).

They are giving away powerbars away- still taking vanilla just in case they don't have it.

I remember training with Perform last year and when race day came, they had a different flavor awe-ful!....btw... hot or cold even in super hot days (IM Louisville) the chix broth was a welcome relief for cramps! trust me- it works.. I hope I don't have to deal with them this year.

Is anyone swimming Friday morning, or both Friday and Saturday? 

Tonight I am doing a trial packing run- to see how I am going to fennagle all the gear + reg clothing. Really looking forward to this trip! Hope everyone is coasting down in their training.

Thomas

hmmm, must be a N'or Easter they are getting