Ironman 70.3 Syracuse : Official Thread (Page 4)

So true! I was at Lake George last year, too! I couldn't believe how rough the water was! There were times when I was actually swimming under water. That experience taught me that I can do much more than I ever thought possible in the water because I lived to tell about it.

I'm with you! I didn't have any mechanical issues other than my own body revolting against the whole race thing at Quassy. I don't know if it was because it was an early season race or the course was just beyond my capabilities. I'm looking forward to Syracuse to prove to myself that I really do have what it takes.

No posts since the middle of JUNE?!

I'm doing IMLP in a few weeks and after a small rest I'll be gearing up for Syracuse!

How about we organize a group ride of the course in August. Any takers?  First week of August would be bad for myself and Kelley2010.  We're both doing IMLP and will probably not be into triathlon for the following week.  I have a feeling at that point I might fight the urge to put my bike on eBay.

I am in... First weekend is out, and possibly the second weekend too.

Hi everyone, I hope all of you are having a great summer and your training is going well!  I read a post today on www.iamtri.com where someone described the bike course for syracuse 70.3 as mostly downhill and a piece of cake.  I thought I originally heard that this course was supposed to be very challenging and hilly.  The ironman website does'nt show elevations on their course map.  Does anyone  know?  Any comments?

Ben 

I believe it is the RUN course that is mostly downhill. My brother who lives in Jamesville has rode the course once and is doing the race with me says that the bike portion is HILLY!!!

Just finished IMLP and now I'm looking ahead to Syracuse! WOOHOO!  Will plan on doing a rid eof the course in August.   August 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 are open for me.

Congrats on finishing IMLP... I read your RR... way to tuff it out!  And that was one KICK @SS swim!  Well done!

Alright since I'm local I'll give you all a little preview of what's in store.

Swimming
Jamesville res. is shallow and weedy. There is a guarded area to swim (for practicing) with a designated 'lap lane'. The CNY tri club holds practices most Wednesday nights that allow you to swim out a bit further on their 600m loop. Park entry fee is $4.

Biking
Course map: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ny/jamesville/743127500...

There are a few small parking areas along Apulia road just south of the park where I frequently see cars with bike racks. You can start the ride from there. If you want to preview the course without riding the full distance, you can park at Highland Forest park on route 80 (you get to climb an extra big hill that's not part of the course, though); this will give you quick access to the main bike loop.

Apulia road - excellent road overall, well maintained and decent sized shoulder

(3.5) Bush road - this will be in my dreams until race day. Two very steep sections that are thankfully short. Gave me trouble with a triple crank though...

(5.7) Route 91 - continue to climb, shoulder is a little worn and cracked, careful for traffic. Continue climbing until mile 8, try not to be discouraged it is a LOT of climbing.

(8.1) Route 91 to Fabius - Congrats, you've climbed 1000 feet! I haven't ridden this section yet. Looks to be a good downhill as a bit of relief.

(13) Route 80 - Good shoulder conditions, watch out for wind as you will be turning into it. Some small ups and downs but nothing of note.

(16.3) Route 91 - (towards labrador mtn) - big drop off in traffic, road condition not as nice as rt 80. Nice views, uneventful.

(24.6) Route 13 - Nice views, make sure to watch for the turn onto High Bridge Rd; it is a smaller turnoff at only a slight angle to Rt 13.

(30.8) High Bridge Rd - A good downhill right away, then climb back out. Road is a little rough but no big cracks.

(33.2) South Lake road - This is downhill, there is a shop on the left side of the road (near the end) with a sign "70.3 pit stop" that you can take advantage of while training. It was pleasant to fly through here...

(35.4) East lake road - Nice view of the lake, not much to say

(38.8) Rt 80 (Fabius Rd) - Here you get a good steep downhill and then climb back up! The only place on the loop where I used my climbing gears. It's about 12% for half a mile. After that it's smooth sailing back to Fabius, unless it's windy out.

(43.8) Rt 91 - Back up about 450 ft of elevation over 3 miles - not terrible because you get to descend immediately when you get to the top. (you're about 1000 feet of descending left before you get back to transition). There is an excellent view of the Reservoir to be had, but unfortunately the road conditions are poor enough that I don't recommend looking at it for too long.

(53.6) Ransom Rd - Watch carefully for this turn, it is easy to be moving at over 30mph on the descent and you need to turn about 135 degrees to the left. The road surface is rough but not cracked. Enjoy going down the hill and check your speed because there is a 90 degree turn in the middle of it; be careful!

(54.1) Palladino Rd - Right hand turn here, watch your speed. It's a little funky because the road surface changes from rough, to smoother, to rougher again as you go down the hill. Nice and fast, the last steep downhill before the finish.

(54.8) Apulia road - back to the beginning, there is a little baby climb that affords you a good view of people to chase down as you get back into the park. There might be some gravel on the shoulder near driveways and road crossings, so please be careful.


Run
I don't recommend training on this running course. The traffic is heavy and it's just not that good for running on. You might want to check out the hill on Rock Cut road near the intersection of 81 and 481; that's the only uphill section worth mentioning!

All in all it's a simple downhill course that runs through the heart of the city. I'm excited to see it on race day!

Oh also I'm riding the course with a few people this Saturday (8/31) at 8:30 AM. If anyone wants to come along you're welcome to join!

Do we know what nutrition products will be available on the run and bike course yet?

I got confirmation that it was Gatorade Endurance Formula

Let me know when you decide to come.  Maybe I can ride with you 

Steve... thanks for all the great insider info.  Much appreciated!  So, when you say "weedy" on the swim, are we going to be swimming through a bunch of muck, or just the occasional weed here and there?  Just curious.  Thanks again!

**Bike course has been changed again** (I didn't get the memo, I guess) rendering the review I posted yesterday useless. The new route has better road conditions and visibility. I'll post the turns, I'll post a review after I ride it tomorrow.

Route: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ny/jamesville/193128049809254116

Directions:
N on Apulia rd @ 0.1 mi
Right onto Rt 173 @2.0
Right onto Sweet Road @4.8
Continue on to Rt 91 @11.2
Left onto Rt 80 @16.3
Right onto East Lake / Resevoir Rd @21.4
Right onto South Lake rd @24.8
Left onto West Lake Rd @25.6
Right onto Rt 13 @29.3
Right onto Rt 91 @35.6
Left onto Rt 80 @44.0
Right onto Berry Rd @44.3
Keep left onto Clark Hollow Rd @45.1
Left onto Palmer Rd @48.5
Keep left onto Rt 20 @48.9
Right onto Apulia Rd @49.1
Finish at Jamesville Beach @ 55.7

just looked at the web site do not see these changes there.   Where are you getting this information.  I am planning on riding the course in the morning also comming  from rochester.

Edited by dlltfw 2010-07-30 9:22 AM

This info came from the Race Director via some of the tri club members.

I also rode the course on the website last weekend and was wondering why all the bikes I saw were going around the loop in the opposite direction!

The race website will be updated either today or Monday. Sorry for the confusion.



Edited by steves_training 2010-07-30 9:50 AM

doesn't look it.