Galveston Half Iron Man (Page 8)

Looks like the weather is getting more unfavorable as the race gets closer? Now a chance of scattered T-storms to go along with 18mph winds SSE. Looks like the ride out on the bike will be a fun one but the ride back will not be a good one!

We rode the course a few weeks ago and again last Saturday. The first time the wind was out of the south and Saturday it said it was out of the SSE. Both times we rode down to the turn side by side at about 22-23 and said when we stopped, "boy, it's going to be tough going back." then were surprised when we rode 24-26 back to town.

I don't think the wind is going to as much of a factor as everyone thinks as it is almost never coming from a direction where it is in your face. 99% of the time, it's going to be some type of crosswind.

I think a little wind is going to be welcomed when we start running. We ran ten miles on the seawall after riding and it felt great until we turned the corner coming back to Moody Gardens. It was like getting in a car that had been sitting in a mall parking lot in the summer.

And I'd take a light rain shower from about mile 7 to 13.

Good luck to everyone Saturday and Sunday.

Mike

Still debating on the disc wheel. Those who rode theirs a few weeks ago said they had no problems at all. A deep front might be sketchy though.

I don't need to worry about that since I just discovered the hub in my old HED front has finally decided to explode from old age and will require a trip back to the factory for repair. Better it happened today than Sunday.

On Saturday I plan to drive the course, and while I am out there, I am going to find the windiest most open section and test out a 404 front and 808 rear to see how I feel. I think I just need to get used to it.

I also have my normal wheels just in case.

When it gets windy out there, it is sustained 20mph winds? Or are those the gusts that come and go?

davidb - 2011-04-06 6:05 PM Those winds are dangerous. Very sketchy.  It will be extremely gusty, I'm sure.

You should all ride with 32-spoke box rims.

haha! I also recommend any other males between the age of 25-29 to deflate their tires. There was an article I just read on the interwebz that says you will go faster with flat tires.

wstchstrTriathlete:

I recommend driving out and getting on your bike just before you get to the San Luis Pass Bridge (approx. mi. 20 - 22).  Ride the last 7 miles out to the turn around and back.  In my experience, this is the most windy stretch, most scenic, least amount of traffic, and you get to see the turn.  

I rode the course again today and winds were big, 18+ sustained.  On this mid stretch of the course there were sand swirls in your face with gusts.  No real issues with the 808/404 setup but it will help to get the feel.

P.S.  there is an "exit" for public beach access just before the bridge where I think you could park.  And there is no toll for bikes over the bridge but they request you stay to the right and avoid the weight sensors.   

Good luck,

rherndon

#1108

Tempting, but I'm far enough behind on my IMTX training as it is!

It's Friday!  I think it really hit me this morning that we are getting close to race time.  I just strapped on a set of 404's that I rented from my local  LBS. I learned it is good to make buddy buddy with the owners of these bike shops.  He rented them to me for the entire weekend for $50.   Did a light hour ride last night and WOW those wheels make a difference!  They held up nice in the 20mph Dallas winds.  Heck, at least I will look good when folks are passing me on the bike, right? 

Like many others, i will be the guy with the "oh sh%t" face about at mile 10 on the bike.

Looking forward to a great first HIM and wish everyone a great healthy race.  Lets hope this weather cooperates!

?

TP