Alcatraz Lottery Reminder

Sooner or later they'll add the link....

Andi

Dang, saw it is going to be on June 14th.  I loved this race and really want to throw my name into the lottery again.  Probably not a wise move since I'm doing IMCDA a week later.  Oh well, hopefully I can get back in 2010. 

If you haven't done this race and have the means to do it, I would highly recommend it.  There is nothing that I've found like it in the midwest at least. 

 Matt

I agree with the above post, it is an amazing race... a very unique and thrilling experience!

Andi

Just curious... does anyone know why Tri California waits until 2/1 for the second drawing?  If selected in the 12/15 drawing one needs to register by 12/31.  So, it seems the second drawing could be done earlier?!

Andi

CORRECTION (EDIT): The first group needs to register by 1/9 (not 12/31).

Yes, you read that correctly.  I gulped last year at $350 (I think!).  But, after doing the race, I can see why the fee is what it is.  Here is how it is different than other races:

1. They have to shut down main thoroughfares in a major city AND the San Francisco Bay between Alcatraz and the city (for 1 hour).

2. There are two transitions. There is the main one you are used to in tri's.  Then, you drop off a bag at that transition with your run shoes for the 1/2 mile "warm up" run from swim exit to Bike Transition.  When you exit, your bag is perfectly placed by somebody right where it is supposed to be (99.99% of the time).

3. Then you board chartered buses for the ride to the San Francisco Belle.

4. Then you take a ride a the chartered San Francisco Belle. (Only one way - but that's what we sign up for!)

5. Race organization absolutely first class, top notch, not to be matched.

6. It's a must do and the most fun I have ever had at a race, including Ironman.

7. Great race schwag, including a cool max shirt and an "Escape from Alcatraz" duffle.

$400?  It's a lot, but to me and I'm guessing most others, it's worth it for the experience and all the logistics involved in putting on this unique, one-of-a-kind first-class race.

Andi

Actually 1/9 is the deadline for payment for the people lucky enough to have won a spot on 12/15.  My guess is the 2nd drawing is for X number of spots depending on who balked at paying....

Yes, I said 1/9 is the deadline to register if selected.  The organizers would know on 1/10 how many slots are left since there are no paper entries: 3 weeks is a long time to figure that out!

Andi

 I agree. I got in last year (my second lottery). It was worth every penny - but I never told my wife what it cost. My brother lives above the Presideo so I had a free place to live. SF is not cheap. I also drove down so i had a car did not pay for airline/bike shipping charges. But I just did the San Francisco Tri and while it was half the price, I wouldn't do it again if it was free. The swim course was good but the bike was terrible and the run not much better.

 I put my name in again this year. What I like is that they have the lottery 2 weeks after they open it up. It helps planning next years season. I'm not sure what I am going to do if I miss the first one and get pulled in February. I am eyeing Boise 70.3 the same weekend as an alternative. It would be my first HIM.

Entered the lottery!

This race is on my life "to do" list.  I have several races around that time that I want to do, but I figure if I am lucky enough to get in I'll do THIS one and then figure out other years to do the rest.   It IS nice that at least the first lottery is early.

If I don't get in the first one then I will have decisions to make.

Hotel recommendation that I MUST make!

By total luck I found this place: http://www.edwardii.com/.  Scott St is located 4 blocks from transition.  You ride your bike ~4 blocks down the road and literally dead end into the entrance to transition.

Also, the management was AWESOME!  They had several athletes staying there... so knowing that the athletes had to leave EARLY race morning, management had a breakfast laid out and prepared for us at 3:45 am!  Complete with piping hot coffee, water, to-go cups, bananas, bagels, muffins, etc.  Now that is service and attention to detail.

To boot, it was one of the least expensive places I found... and the rooms were nice and clean.

Definitely consider this one if you get into the race.

Andi