Ironman Wisconsin : Official Thread (Page 25)

Thanks!
Sounds like a great prep for race day.

Not sure if this link has been posted in the 30+ pages...

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?05429000

The lake is 79.16 as of today. Looks like it fluctuates quite a bit day to day.

"Yea! I'm glad someone mentioned this because my 1st impression of the course was that it was mostly DOWNHILL and this seems to support that impression and I will not be swayed (until Sept 12th at least)."

I have been riding this course for 6 years and have never thought that it is mostly downhill. I don't think that it matters what way you ride it, you will be climbing alot either way.

The big wild card is the wind. The prevailing SW wind can really slow you down on the exposed portion of the course from Verona to Mount Horeb.

The loose gravel isn't a big deal, it is short stretch. I don't recommend riding hell bent for leather on it but you don't have to go 5mph either. Not worth a detour in my opinion.

One last thing, there was a bit of cyclist trash on the course last weekend. The beer cans still way out-number the gu packs, but still - PICK UP YOUR GARBAGE. WE LIVE HERE.

This is the one I usually look at before heading to Monona or Mendota.  You're right it does fluctuate a lot. This weekend Olin was 84F.  Beach remains closed, but swimming the IM course continues.  I'm hoping to get in tomorrow.

Did my first swim on the course today.  Water was pretty pleasant...temps good, not many weeds and while it is green it doesn't smell bad like past years.  With the no wake zone in place saw only one boat out there. 

^^^^^^^^^That's nice to hear.  Do you think the water temps will be below 78 for the OWS on the 21st?

Let me wipe off my crystal ball ....no idea, but I didn't read that it matters if you sign up for the wetsuit division. 

The weather is due to cool off some this weekend so that should help. Me, I just want it to be cool come 9/12!

Amen to that!  This morning at 6am it was 83 degrees and 97% humidity here!

I did sign up for the wetsuit division.  Does that mean I can wear it regardless of water temp?  Even though I wouldn't wear it if it got too warm.

I'm glad someone else brought this up.  A few weeks ago the course was getting *trashed.*  Now, I can see a gel pack or two accidentally falling out, but most of what I saw were empties.  I have turned around to pick up the empty packs that fall out of my pockets when I reach for more - I'm not hell bent on time/pace.  The locals, of which I am one as well, have a valid complaint in the trash department.

On race day, the trash pickup as the course closes is great.  The guy who oversees much of the bike course and volunteers for it makes sure every single gel pack, bottle, and participant/viewer generated trash is picked up.  I oversaw the Witte to KP section and after the last rider went through we had about 6 cars and trucks "sweeping" the course stopping for those single gel packs anywhere on the road.

While looping this past weekend, I thought it a great idea to have a "pick up" day to make good with the residents along the course.  Then I thought, 'when would any of us have time?'  So, I'm with you in stating "pick up your garbage."

x2500 (or however many people actually show up on race day!).

I posted this in the WI page but though I'd shout it out here too:  here's a last minute loop ride invite...

happy friday everyone!

I'm planning on 2 loops on the MOO course tomorrow - leaving fireman's around 6:15-6:30am.  then meeting up with another rider for loop number 2 around 9am.

anyone game?

I've been following the BT threads for a while now, but thought I'd finally post since I'm search of some information.

Do the IM WI participants have the 2010 athlete guide yet, and if so does it provide the date of IM WI 2011? I know that last year's guide (the one still on the IM WI site) provided the date of this year's race. I assume this year's guide does the same thing.

Or is it the case 2010 participants still don't have their guides and that's why it's not on the web yet? I was just curious since I'm planning on the 2011 race, but family members are also trying to plan a wedding around the same time.

Thank you for your help and best of luck to everyone competing this year.

Larry Durland

Haven't seen an athlete guide yet, sorry.

I don't think we'll see the guide for a while, but this race is typically the weekend after Labor Day.

September 11th is the date for 2011. 

Rode 2 loops (1 forward and 1 backward) and part of the out and back today.  Was a good ride.  Somebody turned on the heat and wind for the second loop.  What is up with the the chip seal on Valley Road.  That really sucked.  Witte had some gravel on it, but wasn't anything like Valley Road.  Overall a good ride.  

It's going to be painful, isn't it...doing the Ironman...

I watched the last part of last year's Kona race today and there was sign (and it looked like an official one) on the run course that said: "CAUTION: Athletes in Pain".
I don't know if they pull that one out for WI or not, but I hope I'm in a condition to at least smile if I see it.

It will hurt during and will hurt a lot more afterwards.  I had to walk backwards down steps for the next couple of days after last year.  

I'm sure it will but let me get to that line by midnight and I'll gladly accept it.

Where is everybody staying for the Madison OWS on the 21st?  I need to book a hotel for Friday night, and figured I would book one close to other BTer's if we want to get together for dinner. 

I think my wife is coming as well, as I'm not sure what condition I will be in to drive home after a long day of Swim\Bike\Run.  If anybody's spouse, significant other, etc... is going to be there she will be looking for somebody to hang out with. 

Thanks to everyone that responded. I'm looking forward to the 2011 race. Hope everyone does well this year.

Larry Durland 

Matt, I am staying at a Hampton Inn on Commerce Drive-HI Madison West.  My wife will be along and I am sure she would hang out with your wife!  She will want to hit the Farmers Market downtown I am sure.

We should arrive in Madison around 5:30-6:00 on Friday, I hope.  We should leave Lafayette around 1ET/12CT.

Edited by Gregkl 2010-08-09 8:58 PM