Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread (Page 6)

2014-04-07 3:30 PM

in reply to: ChrisM

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

I am assuming there will be no place for a pre race OWS

There is a place where locals swim in the lake. I'm actually headed there today but we have a north wind today and the lake is kinda rough.

The place is called "the swimhole" and it on the run portion of the course. It's on the run course...GPS coordinates are 30.028716, -90.089713. Just copy/paste those coord into a search engine and it will pop up.

On the ground at the top of the "sea wall"/steps, you will see "tri zone" painted on the cement. Now, there will be algae growth on the bottom few steps so be very careful..

There are pilings that project out and 1 loop is right at .5 miles. They are kinda hard to see in the pic if you didn't know what they were so I circled each of them.

(untitled.JPG)

(Untitled2.jpg)

Attachments
----------------
untitled.JPG (233KB - 13 downloads)
Untitled2.jpg (232KB - 16 downloads)

2014-04-07 3:35 PM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

I'll take some pics / video this afternoon when I get out there.

If anyone has a car and wants to drive across the lake to the northshore (about 35 miles away from this location), I'll be happy to let you join our group for a nice calm ski lake OWS at 7 am on Saturday, but I can't see me getting any takers.

Any other questions I might be able to help with let me know...I can recommend bike shops, places to eat, drink, something to do post race, nice shopping, etc.

2014-04-07 3:39 PM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Steet view gives you a good idea of the pilings. .25 mi each way

(untitled.JPG)

Attachments
----------------
untitled.JPG (172KB - 15 downloads)

2014-04-07 3:43 PM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Thanks. Not sure I'll have the motivation/time/transport to get a swim in, but nice to have options in case

And thanks for the continuing local info.

2014-04-07 3:54 PM

in reply to: #4880244

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

A pool option could be the University of New Orleans aquatic center which will be near transition. Sometimes it set for long course, but it opens at 10am on Saturday and charges $5 for non members.

http://aquaticcenter.uno.edu

2014-04-07 3:54 PM

in reply to: 0

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

I'll take you up on the other offer. We're in the FQ, will be doing the festival and have reservations at dickie brennan's for race night, been there before. We'll figure out the quarter eating, but any recs for restaurants outside the FQ? I remember going to a seafood place on Lake Pontchartain about a decade ago. Pinched tails and sucked heads and everything.

For reference only other palces we've been are K Paul's, Gumbo Shop, cafe du monde (obviously...). I've been to Antoine's, Gallatoire's (sp), but not our scene this trip.

Forgot Camelia's in the quarter... cholesterol city. Is the one out on the end of the streetcar still open? Thought I read something about it closing

They keep coming back to me... Mother's

Edited by ChrisM 2014-04-07 3:57 PM

2014-04-07 8:30 PM

in reply to: ChrisM

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

For sandwiches in the French Quarter, I prefer Johnny's to Mothers.

http://johnnyspoboys.com/

If you take the street car all the way to the end at Carrolton, the River Bend area (St Charles at Carrolton, near the old Camelia Grill) has a few good spots. Jacques Imos is real good.

http://jacques-imos.com/

Vizards is also uptown and real good creole food

http://vizards.net/Menu_%26_Wine_List.html

A more casual place is Superior Grill (mexican) on St Charles that I like and Magzine street has Juans Flying Burrito which is one of my favorites.

On the lakefront, Brisby's and Blue Crab are both good...not great, but good.

One of my absolute favorite neighboorhood restauraunts in the city, and real local joint is called Clancy's...they have a veal with crabmeat that is unreal.

http://www.clancysneworleans.com/

Here is a list that recetntly came out about underrated NOLA restauraunts and I really agree with two on the list...Mais Arepas and Meauxbar.

http://nola.eater.com/archives/2014/01/14/nolas-most-underrated-res...

and if anyone is interested...here is a pic of where we swam today and there will be people out there on saturday morning,

(10007487_10152411900865087_8411529330447540161_n.jpg)

Attachments
----------------
10007487_10152411900865087_8411529330447540161_n.jpg (99KB - 16 downloads)

Iwannarunlikeforrest

2014-04-08 7:55 AM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Member

285

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

I didnt work out yesterday. it was weird. this taper is throwing off my groove!

2014-04-08 8:40 AM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Just an FYI from the most recent e-mail:

PRE-RACE SWIMMING

SWIMMING INSIDE THE WALLS OF SOUTH SHORE HARBOR MARINA PRIOR TO THE RACE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. This is a working marina. Power boats and sailboats will have full use of the marina on Friday and Saturday of race weekend.

dprocket

2014-04-08 9:20 AM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Veteran

1127

Shawnee

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Thanks for all the info. I'm really looking forward to this, but am pretty nervous.

I'm driving from the KC area. I have a buddy who was going to race with me but has suffered an injury a few weeks ago so he's not racing. He may ride with me anyway, but it's still somewhat up in the air.

I'm starting my 13 hour trek on Friday night and will stay somewhere near Shreveport and hope to land in N.O. midday on Saturday to do packet pick up, etc. I won't have time to do much site seeing or partying. This is my first tri at 70.3 so am going to be pretty conservative and try to get lots of sleep. Heading out of town early Monday morning.

I'm staying at Courtyard By Marriott Downtown (124 St Charles) and that seems to be reasonably located. I'll have a car so will be able to get around. Looking forward to being on site. Like others, this taper is throwing me off!

Just in case, are there any recommended tri shops, REI, sporting goods stores, etc nearby? I like to know as I've been known to forget an essential like GUs, goggles, etc.

dprocket

2014-04-08 9:32 AM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Veteran

1127

Shawnee

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by LSUfan4444

Make sure you have tinted goggles as you do swim into a rising sun twice like you mentioned. I also do not recommend swimming too close to the wall on the first leg...it will be the choppiest there.

Ok, maybe I'm paranoid...but I wear AquaSphere Cayenne's with clear lenses. I can buy a tinted pair today and get them in time. Any thoughts on blue or tinted lenses?

http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Kayenne-Goggle-Regular/dp/B00208E...

2014-04-08 10:06 AM

in reply to: dprocket

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Just in case, are there any recommended tri shops, REI, sporting goods stores, etc nearby? I like to know as I've been known to forget an essential like GUs, goggles, etc.

GNO Cyclery is probably the closet to your location and will have the basics (nutrition, tubes, valve extenders, etc.)

1426 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 861-0023

Another option might be the official bike shop for the race, Adam's Bicycle World (http://www.bicycleworldla.com/bicycleworldla/BicycleWorldLA.html).

Adam's will have more in the way of clothing, apparel, but probably similar in terms of accessories. I would also think Adam's would be busier with alot of participants shipping their bike directly to them.

other options if in a pinch:

Eastbank Cyclery - http://eastbankcyclery.com/
1908 W Esplanade Ave, Kenner, LA 70065
(504) 464-8803

Bicycle Connection - http://www.bicycleconnectioninc.com/
3236 N Arnoult Rd #1, Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 780-2453

Varsity Sports is a running store with a few locations around town with the closest location being Uptown on Magazine. If what you want is not cycling related, Varsity is probably your best bet.

http://www.varsityrunning.com/locations/

New Orleans Location
3450 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504)899-4144
Fax: (504)899-2502

Store Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-5pm

Store Manager:
Jessica Demello

Ok, maybe I'm paranoid...but I wear AquaSphere Cayenne's with clear lenses. I can buy a tinted pair today and get them in time. Any thoughts on blue or tinted lenses?

I suggest having a pair of tinted goggles because you will be swimming east as the sun rises two times during the swim portion. Varsity Sports does sell goggles as well if needed upon arrival.

mbwallis

2014-04-08 10:14 AM

in reply to: dprocket

Regular

273

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by dprocket

Just in case, are there any recommended tri shops, REI, sporting goods stores, etc nearby? I like to know as I've been known to forget an essential like GUs, goggles, etc.

The expo at athlete check-in will likely have anything you would need to buy, if you happen to forget something.

2014-04-08 10:45 AM

in reply to: mbwallis

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Another tip...if you have an old pair of flip flops or shoes you really don't need, shove them into your transition bag. You might want something on your feet for the .5 mi walk from transition to swim start and while you're standing around waiting to swim.

2014-04-08 11:25 AM

in reply to: 0

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

I have a buddy who was going to race with me but has suffered an injury a few weeks ago so he's not racing. He may ride with me anyway, but it's still somewhat up in the air.

Bummer about your friend's injury, but you don't mean ride the course on race day, do you? You can't have him next to you, or anywhere around you, for that matter, so no way to legally ride with you. If he's not racing he should not be riding on the course. Just my .02.

Good luck, 70.3 is a great distance.

ETA, looks like forecasts are settling on a high of 76. That's pretty good race weather.

Edited by ChrisM 2014-04-08 11:27 AM

dprocket

2014-04-08 11:34 AM

in reply to: 0

Veteran

1127

Shawnee

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by ChrisM

I have a buddy who was going to race with me but has suffered an injury a few weeks ago so he's not racing. He may ride with me anyway, but it's still somewhat up in the air.

Good luck, 70.3 is a great distance.

ETA, looks like forecasts are settling on a high of 76. That's pretty good race weather.

Ha ha...no...I meant he may ride with me on the 13 hr drive to N.O. and back. If he goes, my guess is he'd be in the FQ while we're on the course.

Edited by dprocket 2014-04-08 11:35 AM

2014-04-08 11:42 AM

in reply to: dprocket

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by dprocket

Originally posted by ChrisM

I have a buddy who was going to race with me but has suffered an injury a few weeks ago so he's not racing. He may ride with me anyway, but it's still somewhat up in the air.

Good luck, 70.3 is a great distance.

ETA, looks like forecasts are settling on a high of 76. That's pretty good race weather.

Ha ha...no...I meant he may ride with me on the 13 hr drive to N.O. and back. If he goes, my guess is he'd be in the FQ while we're on the course.

LOL, sorry, totally misread that!!!

2014-04-08 11:44 AM

in reply to: ChrisM

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Hmmmm

(Physically-Challenged-Blind-Athlete-Aaron-Scheidies-on-the-Bike.jpg)

Attachments
----------------
Physically-Challenged-Blind-Athlete-Aaron-Scheidies-on-the-Bike.jpg (263KB - 14 downloads)

2014-04-08 11:56 AM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

That's my setup exactly.

Iwannarunlikeforrest

2014-04-08 1:13 PM

in reply to: ChrisM

Member

285

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by ChrisM

That's my setup exactly.

i bet you can get that sucker rollin on flats. 2x250watts = pure speed!!!!!!

2014-04-08 1:52 PM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Originally posted by LSUfan4444 For sandwiches in the French Quarter, <snip>,

Excellent, thanks!

mbwallis

2014-04-08 2:41 PM

in reply to: LSUfan4444

Regular

273

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

To those who have done this one before, I've heard it is difficult to sight on the swim. But on the first leg, it seems you just need to parallel the wall on the left (obviously you don't want to get too close). After the 1st turn, can you not sight off the white ceiling structure shown in the swim course map (in the orange circle below)?

(NOLAswim.jpg)

Attachments
----------------
NOLAswim.jpg (149KB - 11 downloads)

2014-04-08 3:08 PM

in reply to: 0

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

strange question, but on this map they give driving directions from south shore to the park. The directions seem a bit out of the way going up to Robert E Lee. Why not just go across one of the other two streets to the south? The reason i ask is my wife will likely be driving alone from A to B and if it's through a really skectchy neighborhood, i don't want her going there.... thanks.

Edited by ChrisM 2014-04-08 3:08 PM

2014-04-08 4:01 PM

in reply to: ChrisM

Veteran

593

Mandeville

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 New Orleans : Official Thread

Mirabou is really residential and they probably just recommended Robert E Lee to ease traffic in the area. I know Filmore was having street construction too, so my guess is Robert E Lee just for simplicity.

Robert e Lee is probably a mile past Mirabeau.