MUSKOKA 70.3 - Official Ontario Thread (Page 8)

Thanks for that map. Helped a ton being able to actually zoom in to make sure I was actually taking the right roads (though there wouldn't have been MAJOR problems).

I got a message from someone on here, and apparently there is a gang showing up at 8:30 in the Deerhurst parking lot who are going to be riding the route. If anyone else is interested, I'll be there, too. I just printed out a bunch of copies of the turn by turn directions for anyone who shows up.

Maybe we'll be able to hear each other. I have been known to not be the most silent, or family-friendly, of riders. I'm sure I'll let a few bombs drop.

So guys, any news regarding the road condition between South Portage and Dwight Beach Road ?

Still under construction with a lot of gravels ?

Just rode it this weekend. It is still under construction, but I didn't find it TOO bad. If you stay in the tire tracks of the cars, it's not bad at all, slightly worse outside of that. If you are going to ride it, be VERY careful on the turn onto South Portage. There is a TON of gravel there.

On that note, thanks to Nathan and Scott, and by chance the Mississauga Tri Club, for letting me/us tag along. Made the ride so much easier and more fun. Really looking forward to the race now!

I really, really liked the course. The first section (downhill) was super fun, and then the flat out on the highway was awesome to power through. The last little bit wasn't TOO bad with all the uphills, and I had a couple of people with me to keep me pushing. I imagine it'll be easier to keep going on race day. The hills were tough, but not overly so. There were some that look way worse than they are, but the 2 big hills in the last 10k, as you're heading back into town, are pretty rough.

Overall, it was actually easier than I was expecting, because of all of the doom and gloom that you guys have been spewing I appreciate it, though, and definitely am SUPER glad that I rode the course before race day!

I'm thinking that I may do it again on the 27th, if anyone is up for it!

FYI, a statement from the website:

"Please note: The section of South Portage Rd (from North Portage Rd to Dwight Beach Rd) has recently been under construction. Please be aware and cautious if you plan on training and riding on this stretch of road, as it contains loose gravel. This section will be completed before the event on Sept. 11, 2011."

I begin to think it will just be cleaner than what we saw but not completed...

Anyway, I'm going there saturday morning "early", I'll let you know if something has changed...

If the gravel is cleaned up, the road won't be too bad. Not ideal, but not awful. 

If it's freshly paved for the race, that would be AMAZING.

Be careful. Like I said, that first turn on (and turn off), you almost have to come to a complete stop. There is a LOT of gravel there. Take it easy around the corner.

Yes, thanks for the advice.

It was already the case when I did it mid-July. Almost decided to head back but finally went through.

Are you going all the way from Montreal to get there?

That weekend, I'm going to be at my cottage, which is about an hour west of Huntsville. I will be driving out on the Friday night, and coming back on the Sunday. So to answer your question, technically, yes, but not on the Saturday morning. I will be driving through Ottawa/Renfrew/Algonquin Park to get there, and then through Port Carling/Bracebridge to get to the race venue (in case you are looking for a ride and want to meet up).

Don't think I'll be able to make it up that direction - was just thinking you really wanted to ride the course again if you were coming from Montreal!

Haha, yea, last weekend was literally just to do the course (though having a cottage in the area, I know I love it up there, so it was totally worth it). This time, it'll be a byproduct of being in the area

Question about the bike course - anyone know the net elevation gain who used a garmin device for gps measurement?

My Garmin with elevation correction

901 meters on bike  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48880832

210 meters on run  http://connect.garmin.com/activity/48880840  One massive hill on the run and a quad killer trail section on the way back

Thanks!

So, did the course again on saturday.

The construction between south portage and dwight beach road are still there but, like the other told, it is "kind of" OK (except for the 1st intersection but I believe it will be clear).

What worried me about this time is the Hwy60/Hwy 35 intersection which is also under construction with a lot of mud everywhere... :\

And I don;t know how they will solve the construction on the bridge at the entrance of Baysville...

Really love this course, even under the pouring rain for the last 30km on saturday morning...

Swim waves are up:  I'm 3rd last or 5th from the front depending on how I choose to read it.

4th wave for me 

It's becoming real... 

3rd here. I assume, since I'll be one of the first to go, I'll see you guys on the course at some point

It's probably a numbers game, but they seem to have some pretty odd AGs in some of the waves... like M & W 60+ going in the 3rd wave. Is that common?