Rodney T. Miller Lakeside Triathlon

Yeah, my mom is friends with rodney's wife, so we both volunteered at it last year, and I decided i could do it this year. But for being a sprint triathlon, it's got some pretty long distances. I'm nervous about it to say the least...

aj_breitwieser - 2008-06-20 10:26 AM Hello from Oklahoma! There's just something about racing for a cause, wouldn't you agree? While I surely didn't know Rodney or any of his family, I do know many police officers and highway patrol (state troopers) and I often find myself in awe of their sacrifices. I think it's awesome that people took the initiative to organize this race in his name. Believe it or not, people are coming from miles around to participate in this race... and that's just in my little group. You see, my wife's family hails from Decatur (grandparents still live there) and we decided to all meet there for the weekend and this great race. Individuals from Dayton, Cincinnatti, Naperville, and Oklahoma City made a promise last year to train for and compete in this race. For many of them, this is their first triathlon! If all goes well, you'll see us in matching t-shirts after the race. On to the race... are their any concerns with the water level in Lake Decatur? Also, how is the lake temp holding up? Finding a current lake temp on the web is just about impossible, so any input on that from the locals would be highly appreciated. My fingers are crossed for 77.9 degrees F. Also, has anyone been able to ride the bike course? What's the story behind the "hairpin turn" from the website? I'm looking forward to racing with all of you. We'll be the group cheering on just about everybody. -AJ

That is awesome that so many people are coming for this triathlon.

 Usually the water is really nice and warm, but this year we had a crazy cold spring, and with all the rain we've had, it's a lot deeper than usual.  I don't know the temp right now, but I have friends on lake patrol and will get back to you on that soon. The lake had been closed up until like last week because of water levels, but it's back open now, and huge amounts of rain aren't in the forcast, so it should be just fine.

 I havn't biked the course yet, but plan to next week, but I'm familiar with it.  It's not incredibly hilly, and it ends up taking you out into the country and then back into town. As for the hairpin turn, what I believe it maybe refering to is a place where the road turns and theres also like a concret median in the road, and they had problems last year with people hitting the median and crashing.  One man I saw who was def. a pro at tris had hit it and crashed, and he had the worst road rash from head to toe on one side of his body. He continued racing and finished.. but it looked so painful.  This year I know they're going to have that area marked better and I think have a volunteer standing out in front of the median so bikers know its there and don't hit it. If that's not the area they're talking about and I figure out what it really is before then, I'll let you know.

kevmk81 - 2008-06-23 2:09 PM Just swam in the lake on Sunday before heading back up to Wisconsin. The lake temp was pretty warm, in fact I did wear my wetsuit (first time trying it out), and I overheated fairly quick. On another note, try to look past the garbage in the lake, at least that's what I tried to do. Alicia stood ashore looking over me kept yelling "WHAT'S THAT?" I think the worst part was a trash bag I had to dodge, along with something that had "feathers". I wonder if the volunteers/workers will try to clear out the swim area beforehand? Lake Decatur never did smell the best either. Just... different than other lakes. Not to frighten anybody :-] If you're from the area, you know what I'm talking about

HAHA! I know exactly what you're talking about! Our lake has a reputation of being really murky and dirty. I think its been worse this year with all the junk in it, because when we have a bunch of rain it gets a bit of a current and sweeps stuff into it floating down to the damn. Too strong of a current is why it had been closed a few weeks ago...

 I'm not totally sure on this, but when I volunteered at it last year, I don't recall there being any.