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2009-06-03 9:28 PM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
yep, blazing saddles here too


2009-06-04 2:35 PM
in reply to: #2193482

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Sensei
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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
ChrisM - 2009-06-03 5:21 PM You guys doing Escape and staying at Edwards...  where is your transition, and can you walk from there?  I am doing a race venued at East Beach of Crissy Field.  Near yours? 


Chris,

I'm not sure where East Beach is.  BUT, the Edwards is 7 blocks south of Marina Beach (T1/T2/Finish)  I will probably ride/walk to the race that morning.

With an 8:00am start AND within walking distance?  I can sleep in!!!!  No 4:30 am wakeup call!
2009-06-04 2:36 PM
in reply to: #2195443

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
The last piece is finally in place.  My boss lent me his sweet bike box.  It should keep the ride SUPER safe.  It's a vault...
2009-06-04 3:19 PM
in reply to: #2195443

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Aikidoman - 2009-06-04 2:35 PM
ChrisM - 2009-06-03 5:21 PM You guys doing Escape and staying at Edwards...  where is your transition, and can you walk from there?  I am doing a race venued at East Beach of Crissy Field.  Near yours? 


Chris,

I'm not sure where East Beach is.  BUT, the Edwards is 7 blocks south of Marina Beach (T1/T2/Finish)  I will probably ride/walk to the race that morning.

With an 8:00am start AND within walking distance?  I can sleep in!!!!  No 4:30 am wakeup call!


Wait, don't we have to be on the Ferry by like 0630?
2009-06-04 3:21 PM
in reply to: #2195596

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
jldicarlo - 2009-06-04 1:19 PM
Aikidoman - 2009-06-04 2:35 PM
ChrisM - 2009-06-03 5:21 PM You guys doing Escape and staying at Edwards...  where is your transition, and can you walk from there?  I am doing a race venued at East Beach of Crissy Field.  Near yours? 


Chris,

I'm not sure where East Beach is.  BUT, the Edwards is 7 blocks south of Marina Beach (T1/T2/Finish)  I will probably ride/walk to the race that morning.

With an 8:00am start AND within walking distance?  I can sleep in!!!!  No 4:30 am wakeup call!


Wait, don't we have to be on the Ferry by like 0630?


Meh, I plan to swim to the island first for warmup....

I will have to check...  then 4:30 it is... Ick.
2009-06-04 4:15 PM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

Yeah, I'm on the 0500 bus to catch the ferry. Something about being a first timer. Shucks



2009-06-04 6:29 PM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
does it tell you when or what bus you are on?
2009-06-05 4:33 AM
in reply to: #2195985

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

The newsletter that came out the other day has the bus times to catch the ferry.

2009-06-05 6:58 AM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
ok, just what times they start leaving.....you are not specifically assigned a bus, correct?
2009-06-05 11:24 AM
in reply to: #2196599

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
There will be many busses.  You are not assigned to one specifically, but you must get on a bus at your assigned time, or anytime earlier.  i.e., if you are a first timer, you must ride a 5:00-5:15 bus.  If you are a returning 40+ year old, you can catch any bus you want. The bus will take you to the ferry.  If you are on an early bus, it will be a hurry up and wait kind of morning.  They have body markers at the ferry wait area.

The bus schedule:
5:00 - 5:15   First timers
5:15 - 5:45   Age 29 and under
5:45 - 6:00   Age 30-39
6:00 - 6:15   Age 40+
2009-06-05 11:27 AM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
From the Edwards, or any of the numerous nearby hotels, it is a pretty easy ride or walk to T1/T2/Finish.  Realistically, you are not going to find parking much closer til well after the event is over anyways.  I rode from that area to the start last year, with wetsuit already on and carrying transition bags.


2009-06-05 4:19 PM
in reply to: #2197348

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

Jonas Grumby - 2009-06-05 11:24 AM There will be many busses.  You are not assigned to one specifically, but you must get on a bus at your assigned time, or anytime earlier.  i.e., if you are a first timer, you must ride a 5:00-5:15 bus.  If you are a returning 40+ year old, you can catch any bus you want. The bus will take you to the ferry.  If you are on an early bus, it will be a hurry up and wait kind of morning.  They have body markers at the ferry wait area.

The bus schedule:
5:00 - 5:15   First timers
5:15 - 5:45   Age 29 and under
5:45 - 6:00   Age 30-39
6:00 - 6:15   Age 40+

 

First timer to Alcatraz or Triathlons? Shark bait?

2009-06-05 7:38 PM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Hehehe.... First timers at Alcatraz.

I think everyone is pretty much equal at the the shark bait aspect.
2009-06-05 10:34 PM
in reply to: #1857387


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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Hi there...this is my first time this event and I'm a little confused by the additional transition from the water to the bikes.  The official website isn't very specific and no one in my training group here in Houston has participated in this event.  Can someone help me visualize this or give me helpful hints?  Thanks!
2009-06-06 12:01 AM
in reply to: #2198584

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
You got it. 

The distance between the swim exit and T1 is about 1/2 mile or 1km or thereabouts.  It is all flat, mostly paved sidewalk but a little bit of grass and dirt too.  Decide ahead of time if you want to do this run in or out of your wetsuit, and barefoot or with shoes.

You will have one bag waiting for you at the swim exit (T 1/2?).  Use this bag to store your wetsuit (if you choose to strip it off, and almost everyone will).  Also, if you want, have a pair of shoes there for the run to T1.  (You will still have your regular gear set up at T1 and T2, so just pack shoes in the swim exit bag).

Here's a couple thoughts on the shoes:
1) Do NOT have the same shoes waiting at the swim exit as you intend to do the run in.  They will get wet and you won't want to put them on later.
2) I really recommend wearing shoes for the swim to bike.  Unless you are Andy Potts, the few seconds it takes to slip shoes on is well worth it compared to running barefoot on numb feet.
3) Use shoes that are very easy to slip on.  It's a short distance, so they don't really need to be great running shoes, just something to protect your feet.
4) Remember your feet and your fingers will be numb, so not functioning very good.  Again with the loose slip-on shoes.

I use Nike Free's for the swim to bike.  They have elastic laces and are very easy to slip on.  And they require no fine motor skills to put on.  I will have my real running shoes waiting for me in T2.

Incidentally, T1, T2, the finish line, and the expo are all in the same place.  It's just the swim exit is a half mile away.

(In case you're counting, this is a big day for shoes:  1 pair on the ferry (recommend flip flops or similarly cheap in case they get lost), 1 pair for the swim to bike, 1 pair bike shoes, and 1 pair running shoes).

Enjoy!  See you there!

Edited by Jonas Grumby 2009-06-06 12:02 AM
2009-06-07 9:51 AM
in reply to: #2198647

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

Jonas Grumby - 2009-06-06 1:01 AM You got it. 

1 pair on the ferry (recommend flip flops or similarly cheap in case they get lost), 1 pair for the swim to bike, 1 pair bike shoes, and 1 pair running shoes).

Enjoy!  See you there!

 

Hello,

Thanks for sharing the info. I was a bit confused, too!

One question: the stuff (e.g. your flip-flops, or a cheap camera) that you will take along on the boat, will you get it back? I mean, can you leave your stuff on the boat and pick it up later? I don't feel like swimming with a camera in my hands :-)

 

 

Take care

YouYou



2009-06-07 9:59 AM
in reply to: #2199988

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
YouYou - 2009-06-07 9:51 AM

Jonas Grumby - 2009-06-06 1:01 AM You got it. 

1 pair on the ferry (recommend flip flops or similarly cheap in case they get lost), 1 pair for the swim to bike, 1 pair bike shoes, and 1 pair running shoes).

Enjoy!  See you there!

 

Hello,

Thanks for sharing the info. I was a bit confused, too!

One question: the stuff (e.g. your flip-flops, or a cheap camera) that you will take along on the boat, will you get it back? I mean, can you leave your stuff on the boat and pick it up later? I don't feel like swimming with a camera in my hands :-)

 

 

Take care

YouYou



I can't imagine we'd get anything back from the ferry...that would be a logistical nightmare!  I had just planned on wearing a pair of throw away flip flops. 
2009-06-07 10:03 AM
in reply to: #2197348

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Jonas Grumby - 2009-06-05 11:24 AM There will be many busses.  You are not assigned to one specifically, but you must get on a bus at your assigned time, or anytime earlier.  i.e., if you are a first timer, you must ride a 5:00-5:15 bus.  If you are a returning 40+ year old, you can catch any bus you want. The bus will take you to the ferry.  If you are on an early bus, it will be a hurry up and wait kind of morning.  They have body markers at the ferry wait area.

The bus schedule:
5:00 - 5:15   First timers
5:15 - 5:45   Age 29 and under
5:45 - 6:00   Age 30-39
6:00 - 6:15   Age 40+


Okay, so....why would they have the buses arranged like that?  I could see by AG to keep it orderly...but what reason would they have for making first timers get on the first bus?  I'll be honest...when I read that, I read it as "first time triathletes" so I would have planned on being on the 30-39 bus.  I'm glad somebody made the distinction.

But do you REALLY think they are going to turn you down if you go to your AG bus instead?  They can't tell by looking at you it's your first Alcatraz!  And that's an extra 30+ minutes of sleep!
2009-06-07 10:20 AM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

Has anyone figured out how to get to the Edwards from the SF airport? We plan on using the BART to either the Embarcadero or Montgomery Station. I've been given several different routes/modes of transportation to get there.
What is the easiest? We're from Texas. No public transportation where we live! I'm tempted to take a taxi from Embarcadero to the hotel.

2009-06-07 10:42 AM
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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Catwoman - 2009-06-07 10:20 AM

Has anyone figured out how to get to the Edwards from the SF airport? We plan on using the BART to either the Embarcadero or Montgomery Station. I've been given several different routes/modes of transportation to get there.
What is the easiest? We're from Texas. No public transportation where we live! I'm tempted to take a taxi from Embarcadero to the hotel.



Oh, this one doesn't look too bad...mostly BART.
http://tripplanner.transit.511.org/mtc/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?#tab1Selected

Wonder if that link will work...
2009-06-07 11:17 AM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
Hmmm....crazy.  I just finally read the e-mail where all the above info came from and I'm still mystified why they would want first-timers on the first bus and how the HECK would they really know????


2009-06-07 11:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
As for stuff on the boat..... yes, you will have a bag to put your things in.  And most likely you will get it back.  All the same, as mentioned, it's got to be a logistical nightmare.  I personally wouldn't bring anything on the boat I absolutely wanted back.  Last year I had a pair of flip flops, an old sweatshirt, a Clif bar, and a bottle of water on the boat.  I did get my flip flops and sweatshirt back.  Note:  You will not get anything from the boat back until AFTER the race, so don't wear your running shoes on the boat.

As for the buses, I don't know how they can tell if you are an Alcatraz first timer.  I'm guessing they do that so no one misses the bus.

For a great collection of tips, check out this website from the Golden Gate Tri Club: http://www.ggtc.org/Programs/static/EFA/EFAMain.aspx
2009-06-07 4:25 PM
in reply to: #1857387

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread
hey jldicarlo, your link doesn't work.   i'm trying to get the best/easiest way to Edward II from the airport as well.
2009-06-08 11:43 AM
in reply to: #2200065

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Nor*Cal
Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

jldicarlo - 2009-06-07 9:17 AM Hmmm....crazy.  I just finally read the e-mail where all the above info came from and I'm still mystified why they would want first-timers on the first bus and how the HECK would they really know????

They simply want first timers to get there early, but there is no enforcement of who gets on which bus. Just show up early, get your bike racked, and get in line for a bus. It's a straight forward processes. The are plenty of buses lined up just outside of the transition area, but there will be lines.

Note about the porta potties that morning. There won't be that many at race start/transition, but lots more at the ferry drop-off, but there will be long lines for those too so it's more reason to get on a bus early.

-ak-

2009-06-08 11:50 AM
in reply to: #2200020

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Subject: RE: Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon : Official Thread

Catwoman - 2009-06-07 8:20 AM

Has anyone figured out how to get to the Edwards from the SF airport? We plan on using the BART to either the Embarcadero or Montgomery Station. I've been given several different routes/modes of transportation to get there.
What is the easiest? We're from Texas. No public transportation where we live! I'm tempted to take a taxi from Embarcadero to the hotel.

You can get on BART at SFO:

BART - Arriving San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

-ak-



Edited by Atak Kat 2009-06-08 11:52 AM
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