Hy-Vee Triathlon (Page 5)

As for a $135 duathlon....I will take that over having lost my house or property or loved ones due to the storms and flooding.  I am sure all those people the City of Des Moines are trying to help with the flooding issues could give a rat's that our race has been changed.  Just last night a tornado killed 4 boy scouts on the Western edge of Iowa.  So again....speaking only for myself....it's all about perspective, and I am just happy to be healthy enough and have the leisure time/money to be doing any kind of race on Sunday.

By the way....anyone from the Des Moines area able to tell me what major roadways are closed due to flooding?

I'm staying at the Hampton at 5001 Fleur Drive.  Any idea if I can get from the hotel to downtown and to and from the new race site?

I've called 15+ hotels on the West side and Urbandale and ALL are sold out.

Ok - from where you are at on Fluer - you can't get downtown - and really don't want to.  That is where the mess is.  If you want something showing closer to the race site - go to www.sidestep.com and do a search.  You should get a listing for a Holiday Inn on Mills Civic Parkway.  This is maybe a mile from the Race area for $80 per night.

If you want to stay where you are at - there is an easy way to get to the start area.  When you leave your hotel - head south on Fluer and you will get to Highway 5.  Take a left on 5 (west) and follow it around to I35 North.  Take I35 North to the Mills Civic Parkway Exit and go to the end of the ramp.  Turn left (East) and follow MCP to the football stadium and turn left onto Fuller Road.  Valley Southwoods is the large school on the right side of Fuller Road next to the football stadium.

Thanks John.  Exactly what I was looking for.
I called the Holiday in, as well as roughly 15 other hotels and all are sold out.  I'm guessing some rooms will free up as the event grows closer.  I'm sure there are a few who are going to be no-shows for the race.

So, any insights on the new route?  Specifically elevation?  is it hilly flat?  I'll be there no matter what - just wondering

Until they release the route - I'm gonna have to speak in generalisms.  I would guess that the route would stay to the East of I35.  That is going to make for a downhill going away from the transition and an uphill coming back - no matter which of two possible roads they use.  It is more rolling hills than the original and it will be less "straight" on the bike.  I am kind of excited to see the route tomorrow.

actually rolling might be better than flats and steep hills

will the route include an elevation map?  if you know

No - but I will be more than happy to ride it and make one for you this weekend/early next week.

This is from the email that i recieved from Stephanie Lovelace (from HyVee)

"First of all, please understand that eliminating the swim portion was the very last option on our list to consider. Over the past few weeks we met with various communities in the greater Des Moines area to host the swim event. However, all of these bodies of water, which include Gray’s Lake, Easter Lake, Copper Creek Lake, Raccoon River and Lakewood Lake, have all been impacted by abnormal amounts of rainfall and less than ideal temperatures, resulting in high bacteria counts, beyond the allowed limitations"

I decided to look around the area for other lakes that were around the area.   I found the Dale Maffit Resevoir.   I didnt see that one on the list.  Why not?  It seems to be big enough and it is only about 8 miles from downtown West Des Moines.    Here is a link to where it is

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Dale+Maffit+Reservoir,++Dallas+County&sll=38.95217,-92.33415&sspn=0.244566,0.422974&ie=UTF8&ll=41.555352,-93.798523&spn=0.235333,0.422974&z=11

To me it seems far enough away from the river that it may not be as effect as the lakes that are right on the river.   Just a thought

Josh

Do you mean besides the facts that a) There is no place large enough on flat ground in the area to stage a transition site or b) that the only paved road that is anywhere near it has not in and out access to the water or c) that there would be no local authorities in that area to help with traffic control, EMS, or any of the other services, or d) it too, is at a very high water level.

Look folks, I understand that this is a bummer and it is inconvenient and it is not exactly what you signed up for - that being said - it is a DISASTER.  Two of my sister's home are underwater.  Countless thousands of people have been displaced and lost everything they own, every picture of their children and grand children is gone.  What we are having to deal with is extremely minor.  Let's keep focused on that, please.

Do you mean besides the facts that a) There is no place large enough on flat ground in the area to stage a transition site or b) that the only paved road that is anywhere near it has not in and out access to the water or c) that there would be no local authorities in that area to help with traffic control, EMS, or any of the other services, or d) it too, is at a very high water level.

Look folks, I understand that this is a bummer and it is inconvenient and it is not excatly what you signed up for - that being said - it is a DISASTER.  Two of my sister's home are underwater.  Countless thousands of people have been displaced and lost everything they own, every picture of their children and grand children is gone.  What we are having to deal with is extremely minor.  Let's keep focused on that, please.

Ok now kids...let's all sit in a circle and sing Kumbaya.

Seriously, nothing we say, do, wish, etc....is going to change what is going to happen with this race. It is what it is, and it is very unfortunate. We just need to make the most out of it and move forward. So let's try to stay positive and informed so we all know what is going on come race day.

Anyone know what the race swag is going to be? I've seen some nice bags and bike jerseys sporting the logo and I was wondering if that was part of the goodie bag or if you have to buy them separately.

I'm guessing the food is pretty good, seeing as they own a grocery store and all. Are they planning any entertainment?

Anyone know what the race swag is going to be?  I've seen some nice bags and bike jerseys sporting the logo and I was wondering if that was part of the goodie bag or if you have to buy them separately.

I'm guessing the food is pretty good, seeing as they own a grocery store and all.  Are they planning any entertainment? 

Last year we got a ton of nice swag.  We received a nice bike jersey, backpack, hat, and several other small items.  The jersey, pack and hat were probably worth half of the entry fee.  I would assume we'll receive the same stuff this year.

Not sure about post event entertainment.  Finish line food was quite extensive.

The way they run the race - AG's first and then a seperate start for pros that is much later - it is hard for them to do too much on the entertainment front, because people want to watch the pros. Last year, the Women went first and then the Men. by the time the men were done, it was at least 5 Pm and since it is on a Sunday, most folks are pretty ready to bug out by then (it has been a long day).

Of course - it may be different with the new location. I was thinking. Right by the transition area there is a sports bar/restaraunt called Legends (there are literally 25 or more restaraunts in the general area, it is a rapidly expanding area of town). It would be cool to all meet up there for a meal or drink between the AG and pro races. Last year there was plenty of time, even with a guy in our group finishing in almost 4 hours. Womens Olympic event is slated to start at noon. What does everyone think?