Ford Ironman Wisconsin : Official Thread (Page 42)

Hello everyone just putting it out there again that I live in Madison, and  this is my 3rd time doing IMMOO, so if anyone needs anything, has questions etc. PM me or ask on here. I will do my best to help out.

Was just on the bike course yesterday and all the roads look good. The run has a few small hills, and Observatory hill can be challenging (slow jog up), but at that point even a curb feels like Mount Everest!

Swim start - I am about 1:10 and started 4th row back almost on the bouy line last year.  Yes there was contact for all of my first lap; the second lap things opened up a bit. It is not that horrible at all, actually in my mind I think of it as MMA fighting, but in the water. At the first turn bouy, people MOOOO. Yes I said MOOOO. It is hilarious and makes this swim so fun.

Safe travels to everyone and am hoping you all have a fantastic day on 9/11

Nicole

Although, as an Illini, it pains me to thank a "wibadger," your tip about myathletelive was great. Placed my order today and it will be great for my wife as she tries to find me along the course.

Did you guys ship the GPS to your hotel or to your house before you leave??  I am planning on leaving Iowa on Thursday, should I have it shipped to the hotel or my house before I leave.  Also, how does it attach to your body??  Sorry I didn't read through the website but with my wife staying home with our baby in the hospital, I will definitely want to get one of these so she can track me.

When I used one last year at IMFL...it goes on like race belt. You will need to charge it.

I had mine shipped to my condo and it arrived a day early.

I used mine day before in workouts and figured out how to work it. Really it's quite simple but I recall having trouble seeing if the light was on. So I suggest playing with it day before race and have a friend watch on line or via phone to see if it is working right.

I brought it race day, put it over my aero bars turned on so I couldn't forget it but looped it around so it couldn't fall off. After bike, I had my volunteer help me move it to my Fuel belt number belt as I didn't want to have two race belts on.

I had mine shipped to the hotel because I am leaving CA on Thursday, they recommend that on the website...the units get there the Thursday or Friday before the race.  And you need to order it at least 8 days prior to the race, I think it would be best to do it today with the Labor Day weekend thrown in.

Hope your new baby is doing okay.  Best wishes and safe travels.

You rode for an hour with the Fantastic Four??

Me TOO!  I think, for kicks, after IMOO, we should all get together and ride it backwards once....

I'm not racing, but rode the 40 mile loop of the course today as it seems similar to the one I am doing soon (same day as you guys).  None of the sections in that area would make me nervous due to road conditions. Some cracks filled in and some rougher sections, but to me it was pretty good for the area.  Maybe an occasional gap, but no serious potholes.  This course was fun!

On a couple sections I'm wondering if they are going to lay down some pavement soon.  There were a bunch of metal line markers set out periodically here and the road had a constant buzz to it in these sections.  It looked like base layer asphalt too.  It's fine to ride on, won't hurt anything on the bike, just not quite as fast as smoother sections.

I noticed that too.  Lot more going forward.  Don't think I ever went more than 5-7 minutes before catching someone else.

I didn't like it on my race belt.  It bounced around when I tested it so I put it in my back jersey pocket on the bike and in my side pocket on the run.  It didn't bounce there at all and picked up the signal just fine.

Remember to turn it on and leave it in your bike bag when you drop off stuff at Transition.  Also must remember to make the switch if you are changing clothes!

No kidding. That specific thought actually crossed my mind when I plunged into a pot hole yesterday. "I can't fall! I am about to finish 6 months of dedicated training for this stupid Ironman!" 

No worries, I escaped unharmed. I did get a flat tire, though. 

I could be convinced.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I've been dorking out watching IM Wisconsin start videos from youtube while we track buddies at Louisville and Canada.  SO, is it possible to start and do the first leg of the swim wide outside of the scrum or are efforts to swim a wider route pinched off by the shore? 

In the 2010 video, it looks like there are a few boats about 100 meters from the start and then it looks clear, but the camera angle is bad.  BTDT folks, what say you?

All I have regarding the shuttle buses:

• 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Shuttle Bus Service to Verona Loop From Corner of Carroll Street and
  Wilson Street to Verona Loop (continuously <-- whatever that means.  It could mean every 15 min. to 30 min., but don't know)

The 2011 Ironman Wisconsin Athlete's Guide, page 6 (race day information) and top right side of Page 8 - http://c28917.r17.cf1.rackcdn.com/2010/12/2011-Wisconsin-AIG2.pdf

Special needs bags for bike - Silly, you don't have them on the bike - that would be extra weight and get in your way which would slow you down.
Serious answer:
A).  Page 8 in the athlete's guide (which isn't helpful).
B).  Just after starting the 2nd loop, turn left off of Bruce Street and it's on Paoli St., before the overpass.
Someone create this Google Earth Maps (you need the Google Earth Maps plug-in to view (zoom in for a better look, and when you zoom in, the bags will NOT be in the parking lot but on the road:
http://earth.google.com/kmlpreview/#url=http%3A%2F%2Fbbs.keyhole.com%2Fubb%2Fubbthreads.php%3Fubb%3Ddownload%26Number%3D158655

Plenty o' room for everyone.  I was one of the last ones in for 2007 and 2009 and was in the back and wide (about 20 feet or so from entry/exit.  I took my time since I'm a swim BOPper.  Even then there were people you had to watch out for when getting to that first buoy!  Some Mexican in '07 almost started a fight with me when reaching the first buoy because HE cut into me!  Really stupid.  I told him to just go.