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2008-12-16 11:37 AM
in reply to: #1854082

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Expert
757
5001001002525
Florida
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
congrats to everyone!!!!
let us know how it is!


2008-12-16 11:39 AM
in reply to: #1854082

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
2008-12-16 11:42 AM
in reply to: #1856632

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:39 AM

List is up on the website:

https://secure.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/index.cfm/randomdrawing1.htm

Wow, that's a lot of people.  My biggest race for sure (people wise).

What's the limit of participants?

2008-12-16 11:42 AM
in reply to: #1856490

Champion
6539
5000100050025
South Jersey
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
I'm in! I'm more nervous about this one than I was for IM...
2008-12-16 11:49 AM
in reply to: #1854082

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Master
2073
20002525
The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

No luck here....but....maybe next list of 2009 Feb....

and Good Luck to everybody that was selected...!!! LOL



Edited by velorider62 2008-12-16 11:50 AM
2008-12-16 11:51 AM
in reply to: #1856637

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Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 9:42 AM
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:39 AM

List is up on the website:

https://secure.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/index.cfm/randomdrawing1.htm

Wow, that's a lot of people.  My biggest race for sure (people wise).

What's the limit of participants?

 I think the number of participants is around 1600. It doesn't seem that bad because while it is a mass start, the tidal drift carries people in front of you away so you don't get caught up in the insanity of a mass start. Good luck. 

 Having not made it, time to crawl into my shell. . . . . . 

 Hell, I think it's time to plan out my season. Unfortunately, a local tri in May that I was going to do if I didn't get Alcatraz, filled up a couple of days ago. This is beginning to look bad for my schedule. I'm going to have to find a big challenge to focus on. Onto my first HIM (or 2).



Edited by E=H2O 2008-12-16 11:55 AM


2008-12-16 11:51 AM
in reply to: #1854082

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Master
1655
10005001002525
NJ
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
hubby and I both in (me for 3rd yr. in a row) but neither of us can do it - I don't even know why he put our names in.....AWESOME RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
well, maybe we can scrounge up enough money to go....it's a lot to go cross country w/ 2 bikes plus all the other fees/expenses....
2008-12-16 11:54 AM
in reply to: #1856663

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
E=H2O - 2008-12-16 9:51 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 9:42 AM
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:39 AM

List is up on the website:

https://secure.escapefromalcatraztriathlon.com/index.cfm/randomdrawing1.htm

Wow, that's a lot of people.  My biggest race for sure (people wise).

What's the limit of participants?

 I think the number of participants is around 1600. It doesn't seem that bad because while it is a mass start, the tidal drift carries people in front of you away so you don't get caught up in the insanity of a mass start. Good luck. 

Can't believe I'm starting with the questions already...

But after I hit "submit" on my lottery application, I realized I might have been a 'tad' liberal with my swim finish time.  I should probably have added 10 min for the tides and been one or two groups slower.  Is there a way to change (maybe when I register) or does it really matter if there is just a mass start.

2008-12-16 11:54 AM
in reply to: #1856665

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

kristinc0916 - 2008-12-16 10:51 AM hubby and I both in (me for 3rd yr. in a row) but neither of us can do it - I don't even know why he put our names in.....AWESOME RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! well, maybe we can scrounge up enough money to go....it's a lot to go cross country w/ 2 bikes plus all the other fees/expenses....

You should try to find a way....if it's your third year that will put you in a much better lottery position in future years!

2008-12-16 11:55 AM
in reply to: #1856677

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

2008-12-16 11:57 AM
in reply to: #1856681

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 10:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

Someone else that's done it can chime in here...but what I remember from my friend is that they line you up somehow on the ferry and then you have to jump in to start.  What I don't know is the *somehow* they line you up.



2008-12-16 12:00 PM
in reply to: #1856677

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Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 9:54 AM

Can't believe I'm starting with the questions already...

But after I hit "submit" on my lottery application, I realized I might have been a 'tad' liberal with my swim finish time.  I should probably have added 10 min for the tides and been one or two groups slower.  Is there a way to change (maybe when I register) or does it really matter if there is just a mass start.

 Don't worry about your time estimate. Based on my experience in the race last year, it had no  relevance to anything. Last year my swim time looked more like what I would have expected from a much shorter race and I was just recovering from a shoulder injury.

2008-12-16 12:03 PM
in reply to: #1856686

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Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:57 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 10:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

Someone else that's done it can chime in here...but what I remember from my friend is that they line you up somehow on the ferry and then you have to jump in to start.  What I don't know is the *somehow* they line you up.

 They say if your 40 or over to go to the top deck - not to jump off, just have to wait for the yungins to go first. I am a strong swimmer and would not do that next time. Otherwise there is no Official lineup except for the elite athletes. You jump from the maindeck stepping across a timing strip and the current pulls swimmers clear so no one jumps on top of you. And off you go. 1600 people in 6 minutes

2008-12-16 12:04 PM
in reply to: #1856681

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Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 9:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

 Do a search. There was a thread up last year where some of that info was being shared.

2008-12-16 12:05 PM
in reply to: #1856706

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
E=H2O - 2008-12-16 10:03 AM
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:57 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 10:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

Someone else that's done it can chime in here...but what I remember from my friend is that they line you up somehow on the ferry and then you have to jump in to start.  What I don't know is the *somehow* they line you up.

 They say if your 40 or over to go to the top deck - not to jump off, just have to wait for the yungins to go first. I am a strong swimmer and would not do that next time. Otherwise there is no Official lineup except for the elite athletes. You jump from the maindeck stepping across a timing strip and the current pulls swimmers clear so no one jumps on top of you. And off you go. 1600 people in 6 minutes

SO COOL....

2008-12-16 12:18 PM
in reply to: #1854082

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Master
1655
10005001002525
NJ
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
For lodging, we stayed at the Cow Hollow Motor Inn which is about 1/2 mile away from trans./expo. It's clean, close to tons of yummy restaurants but not the most updated place. Many racers stay there (incl. the director last year). If you stay by Fisherman's Wharf, it's a good couple miles to the expo/start and you'll have to ride your bike the morning of the race to transition in the dark to get there in time to board the busses they have to get you to the boat.

The swim start is amazing - my husband was up on the top deck w/ the old folk and said it was wierd the way the boat totally listed to one side once the gun went off. You're just a bunch of cattle being pushed through the doors of the cabin and out over the ledge and into the water. The current will pretty much make sure you don't get jumped on by the next person.

I highly recommend the triathlon trip to Alcatraz the day before the race. There's a guy who's swam the bay gazillions of times and he gives great advice on how/where to sight depending on your swim times. Make sure to stop mid swim and look around you. It's so cool. There are also tons and tons of support in the water to make sure you don't wind up in the ocean. They'll reposition you without a DQ. Trust me, they "repositioned" me last year after I drifted about for 45 mins. on my back with an ill fitting rented wetsuit. Got to finish the race no problems.

Also, 2 yrs. ago it was 50's, drizzly and COLD. last year it was upper 60's and delightful. Just cause it's June doesn't mean warm in SF


2008-12-16 12:20 PM
in reply to: #1854082

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Expert
1028
100025
Chandler, AZ
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
I'm in as well. This has been a long term goal of mine for a long time. With that said, I'm nervous as hell.
2008-12-16 12:48 PM
in reply to: #1856737

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

azstaterick - 2008-12-16 11:20 AM I'm in as well. This has been a long term goal of mine for a long time. With that said, I'm nervous as hell.

I get to see you again!  Woooohoooo!

2008-12-16 12:50 PM
in reply to: #1856711

User image

Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 11:05 AM
E=H2O - 2008-12-16 10:03 AM
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:57 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 10:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

Someone else that's done it can chime in here...but what I remember from my friend is that they line you up somehow on the ferry and then you have to jump in to start.  What I don't know is the *somehow* they line you up.

 They say if your 40 or over to go to the top deck - not to jump off, just have to wait for the yungins to go first. I am a strong swimmer and would not do that next time. Otherwise there is no Official lineup except for the elite athletes. You jump from the maindeck stepping across a timing strip and the current pulls swimmers clear so no one jumps on top of you. And off you go. 1600 people in 6 minutes

SO COOL....

How far is the jump?  I think I am mainly worried about my goggles falling off.

I've jumped off the 10m platform before and out of airplanes.  But to do both of those I had to stand there and tell myself not to think just to go as soon as it was my turn.  I hate heights....

2008-12-16 12:54 PM
in reply to: #1854082

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Veteran
266
1001002525
Jackson, MS
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

Well, i just thought i would register and then figure out whether or not to go to this thing IF i got in. I guess being from mississippi put me in a good boat for the one slot they guarantee. So now i have to figure out if i can go. I know most of the advice will be to DO the race.... but just wondering what kind of expenses the bike transport + flight would be .. if anyone has gone from this far away before.

-andrew

2008-12-16 12:56 PM
in reply to: #1856794

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Expert
1028
100025
Chandler, AZ
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery


2008-12-16 12:57 PM
in reply to: #1856737

User image

Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery

azstaterick - 2008-12-16 10:20 AM I'm in as well. This has been a long term goal of mine for a long time. With that said, I'm nervous as hell.

 Don't be you'll do fine. Two years ago I did a sprint tri. Just showed up to see what it was all about. (I learned the hard way about the pain of the first mile). I did an oly 3 months later dispite suffering a significant piriformous injury 3 days before the race. I didn't race for 2 years. In february of 2008 I suffered a shoulder injury and could not do any training until April 30th. My first race? Alcatraz. Just pace yourself and have fun. I did. (OK so the first 7 miles of the run was not fun except for the walk up the sand ladder - it really was)

2008-12-16 12:58 PM
in reply to: #1856796

User image

Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 10:50 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 11:05 AM
E=H2O - 2008-12-16 10:03 AM
jldicarlo - 2008-12-16 9:57 AM
Aikidoman - 2008-12-16 10:55 AM

Has someone started an Alcatraz discussion thread yet?

I would be curious to know what people do for lodging, transportation, etc...

Someone else that's done it can chime in here...but what I remember from my friend is that they line you up somehow on the ferry and then you have to jump in to start.  What I don't know is the *somehow* they line you up.

 They say if your 40 or over to go to the top deck - not to jump off, just have to wait for the yungins to go first. I am a strong swimmer and would not do that next time. Otherwise there is no Official lineup except for the elite athletes. You jump from the maindeck stepping across a timing strip and the current pulls swimmers clear so no one jumps on top of you. And off you go. 1600 people in 6 minutes

SO COOL....

How far is the jump?  I think I am mainly worried about my goggles falling off.

I've jumped off the 10m platform before and out of airplanes.  But to do both of those I had to stand there and tell myself not to think just to go as soon as it was my turn.  I hate heights....

 I think it was 6 feet. Just put your hand over your goggles and no problem.

2008-12-16 1:08 PM
in reply to: #1856804

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
aplohris - 2008-12-16 11:54 AM

Well, i just thought i would register and then figure out whether or not to go to this thing IF i got in. I guess being from mississippi put me in a good boat for the one slot they guarantee. So now i have to figure out if i can go. I know most of the advice will be to DO the race.... but just wondering what kind of expenses the bike transport + flight would be .. if anyone has gone from this far away before.

-andrew

I'm coming in from Florida.  It's not far away.

Really it all depends on how large an airport you can fly out of.  If you can fly out of a hub it will be pretty cheap to fly.  Plan on budgeting $200 (estimating high!) to fly or ship the bike.  Min two nights in a hotel.  Potentially renting a vehicle.  Food and such.

I generally budget $1000 for an away triathlon (not including registration fees).  I live near small airports though.  But I am only one person.  Sometimes I can get away a little cheaper by splitting a room/car with someone else.

2008-12-16 1:12 PM
in reply to: #1854082

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Master
1325
100010010010025
Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Alcatraz lottery
I'm out of here. If anyone has any questions I'd be happy to try and answer them (I've only done it once). Just email me or post them here, although I may unsubscribe because the pain it too great  :-)

Edited by E=H2O 2008-12-16 1:13 PM
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