IM Melbourne : Official Thread (Page 3)

Duh - rego = registration ... you Aussies!

Seems like everyone would be there by Friday lunch, but would a Thursday dinner be easier for the locals who may not be taking Friday off work?

Also ... RACE NUMBERS ... there's a weird rule that you have to wear BOTH numbers, run on front and bike on back, on UPPER clothing ... and you can't wear them on your hips ... I've never heard of anything like that. It seems kind of ridiculous. It actually says they recommend SEWING the numbers to your trisuit front and back ... but also say that might make it hard for the swim ... I just don't get it and now I have no idea how the hell I'm gonna wear my race numbers.

What if I want to put a jersey on for the bike ... or a long-sleeved jacket ... or cover up with something long-sleeved on the run ... CONFOOZLED!

im thinking of having 2 race belts . 1 i will wear under wetsuit and on the bike facing backwards . then have the run one on another belt stuffed nito my shoe which i will wear at the front. i dont know why they couldnt have had just 1 number where you just move it to the front after the bike. did i read something about no numbers put on the body to because they said alot of people wear compressions now

That's what I am going to do. There's no need to wear one under the wetsuit, though? We can just put the bike one on in T1.

Two sponsors, different for bike and run, so for exposure I guess they feel it's important to wear the "right" one on the "right" course.

So, any recommendations from the Melbournites on must-see sights and attractions?

I'm a little bit (lot) obsessed with animals, so the Zoo, the Aquarium, and the Penguin Parade (is it worth it? I should think so) are on the list for me. I do like museums--any thoughts on the Museum Victoria ones (sounds right up my alley) or National Gallery?

I'll probably sniff about Queen Victoria Market, though I'm not much of a shopper so it's not high on the list.

I'm in town until April 2nd so a week to recover and toddle about town.

I'm doing the 2 running belts as well - normal one for bike, then spibelt for run with nutrition in the little bag, so I don't have to eat too many powergels and bars

Not sure where you should visit..... we've only been over 18 months from Perth, and haven't got to the zoo, aquarium or museums yet   Saw the penguins at Phillip Island and Great Ocean Rd but they're both a bit far out of the city unless you fancy a couple of days trip.

Vic market is good.  Eureka tower has good views from the top.  Catch a game of footy at the MCG.  Plenty of shopping...... but you're not a shopper

As for a catch-up, Thursday afternoon would probably be best for me.  Don't forget we have carbo dinner on Friday evening as well   I'm heading there but my wife can't make it.  Anybody else doing that?

thought I'd comment here for you all - you may need two race belts, one for the bike and one for the run. It's because there will be two sponsors for each leg and they want their names on the race numbers (the race numbers are marked as Bike & Run). It's really simple to change race belts once you are off the bike or I did see some people put the two race numbers on the same belt and rip the bike one off after the bike leg. I wasn't game enough to try it but it seemed a good idea. Not sure about wearing a race number under your wetsuit?? Might get uncomfortable. 

Good luck to you all. 

Cheers

Countdown: 10 days!!!!!

So. Anybody know when/how we give our Special Foods bags in? Not in the Athlete's Guide.

You'll have to book it in quick, but IMO the best mechanics is Matt at Cycling Obession in Seaford which is not too far from Frankston, or Andrew at Cycle Speed in Gardenvale, which is closer to St Kilda.  Matt stocks Felt which might be a help.

http://www.cyclingobsession.com/ContactUs.html

http://www.cyclespeed.com.au/g/7227/about-cyclespeed.html

Matt and Andrew are both racing in the IM, so get in contact quick to see if he can fit you in for the repair.

Also

Depends on the tide, but most of the course will be around 3 - 5 metres in depth once you get around half way out the length of the pier (way to small to be a wharf).  There is a sandbank, however don't think the course will be going close enough to be of any assistance.

My 2 suggestions would be to ensure the rental car comes with a satnav, and an etag which will then allow you to drive on the toll roads (You'll need one to drive on Eastlink and will be easier than trying to buy a daypass online).  The drive to Frankston should be relatively easy for the rego, you get on beach road and follow it until you hit Nepean Highway, then follow that until you hit Frankston.

Road closures in 98% of cases don't kick in until 3am Sunday morning, and will only affect traffic then for the most part leaving Frankston, not going to it.

Anyone coming with plans to drive Easlink to check out the bike course, be warned there are around 10 speed cameras going each way that are very well hidden.  Go anymore than 3kms / hr over the limit and you can expect to receive a fine for each occasion starting at $150.  To check out the course, head to Frankston down Nepean highway first, then drive up Eastlink to check out the side of the road you will be using, continue on the Eastern Freeway after the tunnel back into the city and return to St Kilda or wherever to complete the trip.

Moonlight Sanctuary at Pearcedale is probably up there with the Healesville Sanctuary, and alot cheaper and closer (unless you buy the 3 zoo pass thingy).  You get to see alot of the animals and can feed / touch them, just a bit harder to get to unless you have a car.

Day trip down the Great Ocean road is quite scenic, probably better to do a guided tour on that one so you can concentrate on the sights without taking your eyes off the road while driving.

The Dandenongs (as opposed to the suburb of Dandenong) are quite good to see, take an afternoon tea at Sassafras or Olinda.

Art Galleries are quite good, National Art Gallery is worth checking out before arriving to see if the current exhibition is something you would want to see.

Get to the MCG for an AFL game as well, the pick of the games IMO would be the Collingwood / Hawthorn game on the Friday 30th.  Should be close to a full house and the atmosphere should be great (these teams came 2 and 3 last season).  I'd be there but my wife booked us to go see an act at the Comedy Festival that night which is also on starting the week after IM.  The MCG also has a sports museum if that is your thing.

The only other thing to add is to take the time to check out some of the laneways in the CBD.  Heaps of 'different' stores and cafes to check out, you never know what you will find but sure to be something for everyone.  Queen Vic markets these days seem to be alot more food / souvenior orientated, or selling items I'd expect you'd get in Bali for a fraction of the price.  St Kilda has markets most Sunday mornings on the Esplenade (Just don't mention you're a triathlete as they hate us taking their car spots when we have tris on in St Kilda)

Last real effort done - 1 hour run yesterday, 2 hour ride today in race trim.  Getting all set to race.  The marquee at St Kilda is starting to go up, and the km markings on the shared path are now nice shiny official ones!!

You'll be getting a shout from me Tammie  Hope you have some nice special rocket fuel available !

Agreed - hard to go past Matty.  however if he's booked out give Jae a call at Omara Cycles in Cheltenham.  He's my LBS and is pretty awesome too.  If not try Tristan Parker in Hampton street, Hampton - TCR is the name of the shop.

Thank you sir for the informative post!

Well when and how do you guys meet up? During the carbo loading dinner? Any bright colours/banners/pom poms to look out for? 1st time in Aussie and 1st Ironman I WILL be lost around the place =/

I'm not sure of any meet ups, I'm not competing but will be at the carbo dinner.  I've no idea on what the dinner venue set up is to be able to set a meeting point, however I'm guessing most of us will spot Yanti when we see her so we could make her the meeting point?

I'm heading in for the carbo dinner, but I think there might be an informal meetup tomorrow when a few others get in to register.

I got all my stuff done this afternoon when it was nice and quiet - realisation started to sink in watching the briefing.  It's here....!