Liberty: roll call

2008-06-04 10:16 AM

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: Liberty: roll call

Who's racing (what distance)? Who's coming to watch?

I'm doing my first Oly. I went out for the SCS clinic (swim, run course preview) last night.

The water was not bad at all. Brisk, yes, but I didn't get that feeling of numbed feet. It's mighty weedy out there, though.

The run course looks awesome. Shady paths for a big portion. The run up onto the path from transition is wicked: woodchip and a steady incline. I'll be walking that bit.

I've done the bike route a few times now and it's beautiful but challenging in parts. If anyone has questions about the course let me know...

2008-06-04 12:37 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Master

2808

, Minnesota

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I'm in for the Half.

I've rode the course a couple wks ago but haven't been in the water there nor have I run the course. I doubt the run course will have shade by the time I get on it - noonish, but I hope you're right!

We'll coordinate meeting there next week sometime.

2008-06-04 12:40 PM

in reply to: #1444837

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Unfortunately there are some wide open parts on the run that will be sunny for all, I'm sure. But some parts have pretty good tree cover. I'm hoping for overcast and 55, which was the weather last night

But I'm never that lucky. Actually, sunny for the swim and then the clouds can move in...

2008-06-04 1:19 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Master

2808

, Minnesota

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I'll take cloudy, calm and 55 at the start, warming to 65 by then end - and no humidity.

I'm pretty sure Sparco, Lumph and Birkie are in as well.

mndiver

2008-06-04 2:11 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Elite

3687

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Kelly is in for the half. The kids and I will be there cheering you all on.

Birkierunner

2008-06-05 12:04 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Pro

4675

Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Half for me

2008-06-05 4:52 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Pro

4541

A farming town in MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

In for the half. Ready for the swim (my previous biggest worry...did a 1500 yd open water swim last week in a wetsuit and feel good about it) and the run (just got off of half marathon training). SERIOUSLY undertrained for the bike. MN weather sucks. Been on the trainer much of the 'summer.'

Weather's looking wet for Liberty:

Sat
Jun 14

Showers

76°
59°

60%

weather.com

Edited by sparco 2008-06-05 4:55 PM

2008-06-05 10:08 PM

in reply to: #1448277

Master

2808

, Minnesota

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Don't worry, Birkie should have lunch waiting for us by the time we roll in.

sparco - 2008-06-05 4:52 PM

Weather's looking wet for Liberty:

Sat
Jun 14

Showers

76°
59°

60%

weather.com

2008-06-06 5:15 AM

in reply to: #1448905

Pro

4541

A farming town in MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

leapdog - 2008-06-05 10:08 PM Don't worry, Birkie should have lunch waiting for us by the time we roll in.

Aint that the truth...

Weather is anyone's guess...here's the latest...

Sat
Jun 14

Partly Cloudy

75°
56°

20%

2008-06-06 8:57 AM

in reply to: #1449091

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I'll be home by the time you guys finish... only because I'm doing the Oly though. Good heavens, I don't know what I've gotten myself into.

I think I'll check the weather next Friday and then I might believe it. Still crossing fingers for overcast.

I have a gigantoid bug bite on my arm from my most recent trip to Baker Park, from standing in the T area of the parking lot. I hope the bugs have gone down a bit by next week.

2008-06-08 11:53 AM

in reply to: #1444273

Expert

834

Medina, MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I'm in for the Olympic, my first tri of that distance. I live pretty near the course and rode it completely yesterday. Two places to watch out for:

1) Along Hamel Road, about half-way on that stretch, there is some brand new pavement, where you go down a hill and it turns right at the bottom. It's very tempting to hammer it down that hill. For some reason, there almost always seems to be loose gravel down at the bottom right where you turn, so be careful. You'll know the spot since it's probably the only place on the course with new pavement.

2) At the corner where you turn from Hamel Road onto Hunter Dr (far NE corner of the map), be careful as there is a section that is under construction and not paved, right at the corner. for all you fast folks, you might not want to hit that at 25 mph.

I can give a longer recap if there are folks who haven't ridden the course and want a longer report.

Bikergrrl - how's the water temp?

-Matt

2008-06-09 8:49 AM

in reply to: #1452332

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Regarding #2, I am still hoping that is fixed by race day. The first time I rode the course it was fine (paved, etc). The second time it was DEEP gravel, and I actually decided to walk it. I had flash backs of riding through slush this Spring. Thanks for the reminder.

The other part of the course that stands out for me is that hill coming up 201 to intersect with 24. Holy smokes is that steep.

I would estimate the water was mid-60s last week. My feet didn't go numb, like they did at Nokomis a few days before, so it couldn't have been bad. I have a sleeveless wetsuit and was fine.

2008-06-09 9:17 AM

in reply to: #1444273

Expert

834

Medina, MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Yes, that one hill is nasty. I ride the Hamel Road part of the course pretty often, and I always struggle with the hill that is right by Baker National Golf Course. But it's a breeze compared to that one you mentioned.

Weather still looks good for the race. I have no rain gear at all, so if it's pouring, I think I'll probably just keep my wetsuit on....

Edited by MLJ 2008-06-09 9:25 AM

2008-06-09 9:23 AM

in reply to: #1453544

Pro

4541

A farming town in MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

BikerGrrrl - 2008-06-09 8:49 AM

The other part of the course that stands out for me is that hill coming up 201 to intersect with 24. Holy smokes is that steep.

I would estimate the water was mid-60s last week. My feet didn't go numb, like they did at Nokomis a few days before, so it couldn't have been bad. I have a sleeveless wetsuit and was fine.

Good to hear about the water temp. Went swimming in Medicine Lake last week and it was around 65 and felt fine. Went swimming in Calhoun this morning, and my feet are still warming up. It was probably around 58...

2008-06-09 3:29 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Pro

4541

A farming town in MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Weatherman Sal here...could be a 'scorcher'...

Sat
Jun 14

Mostly Sunny

79°
61°

20%

2008-06-10 8:58 AM

in reply to: #1454961

Master

2808

, Minnesota

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

That'll incent us to get done faster....

Hey folks, we should meet somewhere on race morning. Any suggestions?

sparco - 2008-06-09 3:29 PM

Weatherman Sal here...could be a 'scorcher'...

Sat
Jun 14

Mostly Sunny

79°
61°

20%

teachertrek

2008-06-10 9:54 AM

in reply to: #1444273

Veteran

230

Minnesota

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Sal,
You should hang out with Sven from Kare11. You are a great weatherman. I know you're not looking forward to upper 70's. I am waiting for summer to still arrive.

Birkierunner

2008-06-10 10:14 AM

in reply to: #1444273

Pro

4675

Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Accuweather is saying "breezy" for Saturday. That is code for "the wind on the bike was a b!tch"

2008-06-10 10:34 AM

in reply to: #1456433

Pro

4541

A farming town in MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

leapdog - 2008-06-10 8:58 AM That'll incent us to get done faster.... Hey folks, we should meet somewhere on race morning. Any suggestions?

sparco - 2008-06-09 3:29 PM

Weatherman Sal here...could be a 'scorcher'...

Sat
Jun 14

Mostly Sunny

79°
61°

20%

Not familiar with the race site (couldn't attend the bike route ride or swim/run seminar). Is there a landmark at the race event start like a pavilion or restroom/changing facility? At Minneman we met "next to the restroom on the side closest to the lake." Something like that might work...

I'll PM you my cell number...

Edited by sparco 2008-06-10 10:35 AM

2008-06-10 11:37 AM

in reply to: #1444273

Expert

834

Medina, MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I think I can recognize/find Sal at least, so will track him down.....

Edited by MLJ 2008-06-10 11:38 AM

2008-06-10 12:19 PM

in reply to: #1456939

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

There aren't any landmarks I can think of near the beach or T area. Hmmmm..... I suppose we could meet between the beach and T area?

I know Sal, Birkie and Lumpy by sight, so maybe we each know enough of each other to corral a group. I'll be in my sleeveless QR wetsuit. I don't remember getting a cap in my bag, so if nothing is assigned I will be wearing/carrying my bright yellow cap too.

I'm with the group on wishing for cooler weather. My forecast today is 75 and sunny, so it's a few degrees cooler for Saturday already. Hopefully a trend that sticks.

2008-06-10 12:20 PM

in reply to: #1457086

Champion

10018

, Minnesota

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

Re: time to meet. You guys doing the long course can pick the time. The oly swim doesn't start until 8.

2008-06-10 1:09 PM

in reply to: #1444273

Expert

834

Medina, MN

Subject: RE: Liberty: roll call

I did packet pickup on Friday, and they said you'd get your cap when you go to transition, I think at the same time you get your timing chip. Also, I think they had a schedule in there, which I believe showed the half-Iron people starting at 8:00 and the Olympic distance starting at 8:30, each with a few waves of course. That's different than the website says though, can anyone else confirm?

Edited by MLJ 2008-06-10 1:15 PM