Ironman 70.3 Branson : Official Thread (Page 3)

I just got back from vacation at Big Cedar Lodge over the 4th.  I got in a few rides on the bike course.  I've never been very strong on the hills, so I swore I wouldn't return after I did the race in 2010!  But now, after some strong outseason training and knowing what I was in for, I think I'm ready to sign up to go back this year. 

After reading this thread, it looks like I'm not the only one that is planning to go back to avenge the 2010 heat n hills race!! 

While the course can be tough, just know that there are no hills on the swim, and the water is nice and clear!  Also, the run is very well supported with spectators and volunteers.

I need to get signed up now, I'm just bummed that I missed out on that smokin' coupon deal.

10 weeks out....here we go!

Checking in on this thread and knowing that there is a bunch of other nuts willing to tackle this course really helps motivate me through training so come on, don't be shy, lets get some dialog going.

How is training going for everyone?  We're 10 weeks out, is everything on track?

A few of us were talking about doing the swimmin' in moonshine event August 25th, then riding the course (or part of it) that afternoon.  Anybody know what portion of the course would be rideable on a Saturday afternoon?  I'm thinking traffice might be heavy.  I'm most interested in seeing how those 8 climbs feel.

Any input would be most appreciated.

Here's a link to the swimmin' in moonshine event if interested:

http://www.jamesriverbasin.com/events/view/6

In reply to what part of the course is best to ride...The mountain high road highway section of the course would be the best place to ride.  I've ridden out there during most of the time of the day and there is so little traffic out there you shouldn't have any trouble with riding out there in the afternoon.  It's a 65 MPH highway but like I said, very little traffic!  

I have gotten on to the far west end of the highway and parked my car right on the highway as there are barricades there as soon as you enter.  Then you can ride the highway section just as you will on race day.  From there to the high school at the other end and back.  I rode two loops of that part of the course a couple weeks ago and I think I ended up right around 37 miles.  Happy Training.

Thanks Ken,

Looking at the map from the website:  http://ironmanbranson.com/files/2010/09/BransonBike3.pdf

What portions of this map are you referring to?  I'm not at all familiar with the Branson area.

OK, great info, much appreciated.  Looks like a 2 mile Moonshine swim followed by a hilly bike ride on the 25th!

I emailed the race director last night and he emailed me back this message: "The swim will take place"

Whew!!

I am happy to hear the swim will take place...The Ironman Branson FB page is pretty quiet.. Does anyone know how many have signed up so far?

That is one of the questions I e-mailed them. The other was when they were going to update the web site for the race. All of the info is from the 2011 race. I have never heard anything back and that's why I asked where IKENTRI e-mailed and got back an answer so quickly. It's not the end of the world, but being the typical Type A triathlete I would like to see the athlete guide and registered racers for this year!

I did Ironman Muncie 70.3 37.2  and they at least updated the participant list once in a while to let you know something was going on...Branson has been silent.

Looks like someone is alive in Branson. They made some changes on the IM 70.3 Branson website...No athlete guide, event schedule, or wave times...yet. However, the site stated they will now be available in September. so I guess that is a good sign, at least there was something posted or changed... they also have the links for the other distances but do not work as of this morning...

It is amazing how you can check other IM 70.3 sites and you can see updated participant lists regularly...even races AFTER 9/23/12.. just saying

I'm with you, the Branson site is one of the deadest I have seen. I have heard this might be the last year for this race (just internet talk) has anyone else heard that? I would love to know how many have registered but you can't get that info anywhere.

7 more weeks of training!!