BT Forum

Yahoo! Made it in. This will be the first time I've actually done Rivercities. I signed up one year and ended up not doing it. Great swag bag though. We'll be there Mike (mkmbharris) and I and one of our kids (7 year old). Look forward to running into some other BTers.  We might get our little one into the kids race. We'll see.

Unfortunately the answer is yes. Lakes in Louisiana aren't exactly swimming lakes, as in, the water is not clear, but rather cloudy and sometimes even mucky. Cypress lake is a natural lake and the water is pretty murky and definitely brown water...sorry. I wish we had cleaner lakes. There is also a pretty long run from the swim to the bike transition.

Good excuse to get a new tri top. Mine's white with pink and orange.

I've actually supported this race 3 times now with kids in tow. It's an awesome spectator race due to the shade. There's even a hidden playground up the path from transition if anyone plans on bringing kids. 

I'm racing this year, but in years past, I got to the swim start  a little early by the trees and staked out a table. It's a GREAT spot and as the race gets going, the tables get fill up. Just an FYI. The tables are also positioned right next to the finish.

I know the first year we did it (2006) we visited the park the afternoon before the race with the intent of swimming the course and park officials onsite wouldn't let us.

You can always preview the run and bike courses. I would highly recommend you at least drive the bike course.

Race website gives a rate of $119 for Diamond Jack's, which it calls the "Primary Host Hotel."

So you can actually ride and run during the kids race???

mnewton is making arrrangements for a BT get-together/dinner at Macaroni Grill Saturday evening before the race. Sign up here if interested:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=123882&posts=3#M1534542

Two-stop packet pick-up (different from previous years):

I'm sure all participants got this email, but if you missed it, it appears you need to make two stops to pick up your packet and race numbers.

First stop is in the foyer of Christus Schumpert, Highland Hospital, 1453 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71105, to pick up packets .

Second stop is at SportsSpectrum, 7607 Youree Drive, Shreveport, LA 71105, to pick up numbers.

Sounds like you have to make these stops in order and have proper ID and USAT card at both locations.

Here's a map attempting to show both locations.

Packet pickup is only on Saturday, between 10am and 6pm.

Our intention is to get to packet pickup sometime between 11am and noon, then go grab some lunch. Anyone who wants is welcome to meet us there.

We are planning on leaving DFW at about 9 so that should put us in Shreveport around 1.  Figured we will head right to packet pick-ups.

Pictures are up:

www.yoursportingimage.com

As is Aaron's video:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1509