IM Wisconsin Training Begins (Page 6)

I switched to a tri-bike this year w/ no issues. It's taken awhile for the physiological impact of climbing w/ different muscles to settle in, but I'm good to go now.

As far as Garfoot, I total bomb the hill as I've ridden it 40+ times. I often pass people on the descent. Dangerous...a bit, but I've practiced this descent numerous times and I could ride it almost w/ my eyes closed Actually, the dangerous ones are the descents on Garfoot right outside of Mount Horeb, right off of County J. Even though they are straight, people are much more daring and I know a handfull of accidents that have occurred there over the years. Also, immediate ascents after some of the descents can cause bunching and traffic especially after people are impaired by fatigue...

As long as you know the turn is coming, I'd go for it. Just remember its not a closed course. So you could see, though highly doubt, a oncoming vehicle. So I wouldn't go all "TDF" and use the entire road

As far as bunching...
Because of the 42 mile loop and the out an backs, the course can be a bit bunched on the first loop and the stick, but it usually thins out the 2nd time around. Also, it depends on when you hit the loop. The last two years, I've hit Verona at around 10:00am because of bad swims and technical difficulties. So I was not only in the back of the pack, but also hit the loop in an area where I did not really see a lot of people except the first time around. Many people were heading in as I was making the turn for loop two.

Steve-, Kleinrider, and Aluminum1 could give more info, or anyone else who's done IMWI

In my opinion, the danger of the course comes in from those who haven't done their homework, and decide they "want to enjoy the surprises the course has to offer". You've reconn'd, so you know what's in store for you.

Edited by BadgerIronMan 2006-07-18 10:17 AM

And you've been following the posts, reading the articles, and listing to everyone...Which is doing your homework!!!

Can't wait...IMWI Roadtrip 2006!!!

Timber Lane is tore up from the top of the Hill to Mineral Pt Rd
7/20/06
Anyone riding this weekend will have to take the detour.

Rode on saturday...
You can get through, but it's not a very fun ride. Dusty, rocky...We had no issues but I can't say that for the guy fixing the flat by the side of the rode.

Steve,

Could you elaborate on this a little? How did you deal with bunched up riders and avoid drafting, especially the first few miles? Were people that tended to be slow always staying to the right, or did you have to go way left at times to pass? Just curious what your swim split was also. Mine will be fairly slow - hoping for sub 1:15 though. Thanks.

I just completed the Ironman Wisconsin Bike preview. It has each and every mile of the 112 on it. If you can't view it let me know and I cn send a DVD. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think. www.simplystu.com

It's around 80...

However, the nights have been much cooler so I would not plan on a "non-wetsuit" swim unless it's of your choosing!

I will be in the water at 6am, and will give an "official" temp for all of you tomorrow. Anything else you all need?

Stu-

Are you swimming w/ a group? Let me know...I might join you!

I have NO idea. BUT, I will be at the lake at 6am on Wednesday am....Come join me!

Law Park by Machinery Row?

Yep. Right at the base of the helix! See ya at 6.

Swam w/ Stu this am...
It was absolutely beautiful out. The water was about 79-80 per Stu's super gizmo watch! It will be execellent on race day.

The water was a typical morning on monona...calm and glassy! I should have grabbed some pics...maybe next time.

By the way...Stu is a fish! We would start swimming and he'd have 10 yards on me in about 5 strokes No matter, at 6am, there isn't a lot of traffic besides the dozens of swimmers. The parking lot was about 3/4 full!

Just curious if anyone knows the status of the re-paving of the long stretch of the loop that was torn up (Timber Lane?)

Parents live about 4 miles from that stretch. I guess it's still torn up, but I'm guessing the county is well aware of what is coming up, so we'll probably have a nice, smooth section of race course come 9-10.

It's finished and very smooth.

Nice... And relatively flat! If the wind isn't out of the south, could be fun!

Just rode today...

Fast, flat, and smooth. Just watch out for the road edge...its about a 9" drop!!

However, now Whalen is torn up just passed PB. And from the looks of it. I doubt it will be open by IM. They have a detour....but hey, what's one more hill

Edited by BadgerIronMan 2006-08-15 4:15 PM

Like they say around here, there's only 2 seasons...winter and road construction season.