General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news! Rss Feed  
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2010-07-21 8:27 AM

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Buttercup
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Subject: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
USA Ultra Triathlon is bringing their Double IRON to Tampa next March!

Distances are 4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike ride, and 52.4 mile run.  The event will be held in North Tampa (bike and run at Flatwoods). It is an overnight, nonstop event - an experience unlike any other.

Anyone interested in volunteering or crewing, hit me up!

Also, I need to borrow or rent a measuring wheel. Anyone know where I can obtain one?


2010-07-21 9:02 AM
in reply to: #2994122

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
i have a measuring wheel somewhere, i'll try to find it.  if not you can get one at your local hardware store.  $20
2010-07-21 10:12 AM
in reply to: #2994122

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
I'd be willing to volunteer or crew for sombody.
2010-07-21 10:17 AM
in reply to: #2994514

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
I know of 1 athlete who intends to do the race as a relay; he'll need a crew.

I am hoping 2 others will commit to doing the race but no idea if they will. I don't want to post their names *coughTomcoughTonycough* unless they are interested.

Crewing was the most ridiculous fun I've ever had at an athletic event. It was also long, tiring and stressful (that's when the good humor comes in).

I posted this in the Ultra forum, probably should have posted it here, too. So, here it is:

Read this thread and this thread to get a sense of what it's like to have a crew and what it's like to be on a crew. The second thread is long but well worth the read.


Edited by Renee 2010-07-21 10:20 AM
2010-07-21 11:06 AM
in reply to: #2994122

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Expert
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Near Tampa
Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Renee - 2010-07-21 9:27 AM USA Ultra Triathlon is bringing their Double IRON to Tampa next March!

Distances are 4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike ride, and 52.4 mile run.  The event will be held in North Tampa (bike and run at Flatwoods). It is an overnight, nonstop event - an experience unlike any other.

Anyone interested in volunteering or crewing, hit me up!

Also, I need to borrow or rent a measuring wheel. Anyone know where I can obtain one?


uhm, I would be willing to crew/volunteer - the only problem is that March is usually a very busy month for me.  Let me know the date and I will shoot it into my calendar to see if it sticks.
2010-07-21 4:29 PM
in reply to: #2994723

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Looks like March 4/5.


2010-07-22 7:24 AM
in reply to: #2994122

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!

Just for my curiosity. They are going to do the swim in the Y pool, bike the 7 mile loop and run a 1.4 mile loop? Is that normal? I think I'd lose my mind going in that many circles. How do they keep track of how many times they've done the loop?

2010-07-22 8:48 AM
in reply to: #2994122

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Master
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The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!

Renee - 2010-07-21 9:27 AM USA Ultra Triathlon is bringing their Double IRON to Tampa next March!

Distances are 4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike ride, and 52.4 mile run.  The event will be held in North Tampa (bike and run at Flatwoods). It is an overnight, nonstop event - an experience unlike any other.

Anyone interested in volunteering or crewing, hit me up!

Also, I need to borrow or rent a measuring wheel. Anyone know where I can obtain one?

Do you know if there is a site for more information???

2010-07-22 9:40 AM
in reply to: #2997010

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
USA Ultra Tri.

Steve Kirby is also on Facebook, as is a Group page for USA Ultra Tri. He'll be here (Tampa) on 8/3 and plans to get together with volunteers while he's here. We'll be walking/measuring the course that week.

There is no "normal" for events of this distance.  You go with what the venue dictates.  As an athlete, you avoid losing your mind going in small circles by training in small circles. I think the athletes will enjoy the 7mile bike loop because they can really let loose and go, go, go (unlike at Lake Anna where it's an even shorter out and back requiring two turnarounds). With the run loop, you do not want athletes to be far (more than 10 mins) away from immediate assistance. Otherwise, he could let them run 7mile loops. Having crewed for and witnessed a Double and Triple Iron, I think that's an excellent idea (see my comments in the second thread I posted above).

I'm excited about the event! I'll be volunteering for the race, rather than crewing. It will be exhausting but I can't wait to see it all come together. I know I'll miss a lot of the actual racing but there's always the next year! If we can pull this off and work out the kinks, the race will be back again and again.

We're looking for a refrigerator or freezer that we can keep at race site. Any thoughts on this?


Edited by Renee 2010-07-22 9:42 AM
2010-07-22 12:35 PM
in reply to: #2997239

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Master
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The Redlands, FL
Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!

Renee - 2010-07-22 10:40 AM USA Ultra Tri.

Steve Kirby is also on Facebook, as is a Group page for USA Ultra Tri. He'll be here (Tampa) on 8/3 and plans to get together with volunteers while he's here. We'll be walking/measuring the course that week.

There is no "normal" for events of this distance.  You go with what the venue dictates.  As an athlete, you avoid losing your mind going in small circles by training in small circles. I think the athletes will enjoy the 7mile bike loop because they can really let loose and go, go, go (unlike at Lake Anna where it's an even shorter out and back requiring two turnarounds). With the run loop, you do not want athletes to be far (more than 10 mins) away from immediate assistance. Otherwise, he could let them run 7mile loops. Having crewed for and witnessed a Double and Triple Iron, I think that's an excellent idea (see my comments in the second thread I posted above).

I'm excited about the event! I'll be volunteering for the race, rather than crewing. It will be exhausting but I can't wait to see it all come together. I know I'll miss a lot of the actual racing but there's always the next year! If we can pull this off and work out the kinks, the race will be back again and again.

We're looking for a refrigerator or freezer that we can keep at race site. Any thoughts on this?

And Where will be the Swimming???

There are portable refrigerator that you can plug into car or generator...Check here:

http://www.nextag.com/portable-refrigerator-cooler/shop-html

I don't know what is better to rent or to buy...but...

This company rent mobiles trailers as refrigerator or freezers that can be plugged into a generator...only need 120 volt electrical connection

http://www.polarleasing.com/

Good Luck...!!!

2010-07-22 12:37 PM
in reply to: #2997981

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
The swimming will be at a long course pool at the YMCA. It is 2.5 miles from the park (on a paved bike path), then 2miles into the park on a paved bike path which leads to the 7mile loop.


2010-07-22 5:34 PM
in reply to: #2994122

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
That's awesome, too bad I'll be deployed again though.
2010-07-22 8:07 PM
in reply to: #2997990

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Renee - 2010-07-22 1:37 PM The swimming will be at a long course pool at the YMCA. It is 2.5 miles from the park (on a paved bike path), then 2miles into the park on a paved bike path which leads to the 7mile loop.


At the New Tampa YMCA?  If so how are they going to handle the "bike path" around the I-75 on ramp.  Poor planning makes it stupid dangerous from New Tampa to Flatwoods IMHO.  The other way is fine since there is a real shoulder/bike lane.
2010-07-22 8:12 PM
in reply to: #2994122

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!

tempting.  I've ridden 1000s of miles at flatwoods already.  My concern will also be the critters at night there.  I think my coach would have a stroke if I signed up.

2010-07-22 9:18 PM
in reply to: #2999015

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
trinnas - 2010-07-22 9:07 PM
Renee - 2010-07-22 1:37 PM The swimming will be at a long course pool at the YMCA. It is 2.5 miles from the park (on a paved bike path), then 2miles into the park on a paved bike path which leads to the 7mile loop.


At the New Tampa YMCA?  If so how are they going to handle the "bike path" around the I-75 on ramp.  Poor planning makes it stupid dangerous from New Tampa to Flatwoods IMHO.  The other way is fine since there is a real shoulder/bike lane.


We walked that off-road path, including the I75 ramp area, last year when we scouted locations, to be sure it was easily manageable AND safe. Steve will have race personnel at this intersection. Shouldn't be an issue; cyclists negotiate crossings every day but in this case there will be people on-foot to assist. Out of 224 miles, only 2.5 miles will be anywhere near traffic (and still off-road).


Edited by Renee 2010-07-22 9:18 PM
2010-07-22 9:58 PM
in reply to: #2999021

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Socks - 2010-07-22 9:12 PM

tempting.  I've ridden 1000s of miles at flatwoods already.  My concern will also be the critters at night there.  I think my coach would have a stroke if I signed up.



There's your reason to sign up - LOL


2010-07-23 9:43 AM
in reply to: #2999155

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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Renee - 2010-07-22 10:18 PM
trinnas - 2010-07-22 9:07 PM
Renee - 2010-07-22 1:37 PM The swimming will be at a long course pool at the YMCA. It is 2.5 miles from the park (on a paved bike path), then 2miles into the park on a paved bike path which leads to the 7mile loop.


At the New Tampa YMCA?  If so how are they going to handle the "bike path" around the I-75 on ramp.  Poor planning makes it stupid dangerous from New Tampa to Flatwoods IMHO.  The other way is fine since there is a real shoulder/bike lane.


We walked that off-road path, including the I75 ramp area, last year when we scouted locations, to be sure it was easily manageable AND safe. Steve will have race personnel at this intersection. Shouldn't be an issue; cyclists negotiate crossings every day but in this case there will be people on-foot to assist. Out of 224 miles, only 2.5 miles will be anywhere near traffic (and still off-road).


Having  ridden that area a number of times and having had a few close calls there, I know quiet well how "safe" it is.  The fact that there will be personel in that area will make it much safer so I'm glad to hear it.
2010-07-23 9:50 AM
in reply to: #2999829

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
That was the point of scouting and walking the area - to create a plan that is workable and safe for all.

Athletes are probably in bigger danger of a crash at midnight in the park (falling asleep in the saddle - it's happened) than they will be crossing the road after their swim.

Looking forward to it! Maybe my deca-iron friend from Hungary will be there!! He should bring goats this time (Hollis!!!).
2010-07-23 9:50 AM
in reply to: #2999829

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Oops. A digital burp.

Edited by Renee 2010-07-23 9:53 AM
2010-07-24 1:55 AM
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Ooo...that sounds SO exciting!  I don't like the swim in the pool...but it isn't me racing.   Flatwoods is very good for the bike/swim.  Just really a shame they could not find an OWS venue.

No idea what next March looks like but I'll keep it in the back of my brain if I end up free!
2010-07-24 10:54 AM
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Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Renee - 2010-07-22 10:18 PM
trinnas - 2010-07-22 9:07 PM
Renee - 2010-07-22 1:37 PM The swimming will be at a long course pool at the YMCA. It is 2.5 miles from the park (on a paved bike path), then 2miles into the park on a paved bike path which leads to the 7mile loop.


At the New Tampa YMCA?  If so how are they going to handle the "bike path" around the I-75 on ramp.  Poor planning makes it stupid dangerous from New Tampa to Flatwoods IMHO.  The other way is fine since there is a real shoulder/bike lane.


We walked that off-road path, including the I75 ramp area, last year when we scouted locations, to be sure it was easily manageable AND safe. Steve will have race personnel at this intersection. Shouldn't be an issue; cyclists negotiate crossings every day but in this case there will be people on-foot to assist. Out of 224 miles, only 2.5 miles will be anywhere near traffic (and still off-road).

Renee, will the construction be done by then?  That whole stretch is under construction right now, and when I drove by there today I thought the bike path was closed, but I could be wrong...  

Sounds like a great event, though!  If my swim buddy does it, I will crew her, and if not, I will probably try to volunteer for a while, at least.


2011-04-06 8:13 AM
in reply to: #2994122


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Virginia Beach, Virginia
Subject: RE: New ULTRA Triathlon for Tampa - exciting news!
Hey all - sorry for getting into this thread so late. Want to say Renee did an excellent job helping me out for the race and we are still working on making things better.

For starters, the pool swim everyone loved. They swam faster than they expected and straighter versus an open water swim. Everyone was driven to the BruceB Downs entrance of Flatwoods Park, they all had 30 minutes to do this and get their bike set up to start the bike portion. This kept everyone on the same level playing field.

There is wildlife in the park but there were no reports of anything unsual (none of the pigs, boars, small cats, etc) but a couple of snakes, rabbits, and a deer is all that was reported. So we were fortunate there. It was a dark moonless night for riding but there was enough ambient light from the city that no one had problems, everyone did have bike lights on their bikes.

We use the shorter loops for a few reasons. One - not a lot of people race in this distance, so if we were to do 50/75/100 mile loops, you won't see others very often. That means riding outside of a park or where the event is held and more coordination with city/county/state police. Your racer will have to be followed in a vehicle for breakdowns, food/fluid/chemicals. The shorter distance allows us to keep better track of them and they are close to their support crews and the other racers so they know what is going on.

As for the bike to the park next year and the following, I am working on having them bike it instead of being driven. This course can set the world record, but they will have to bike from the pool to the park. Hopefully the contruction will be done so they can use the bike path. If not for 2011, I will investigate them riding down Bruce B Downs, either following their support vehicle or riding in front of it, we haven't made that decision yet. It will be made with the sheriffs department involvement. But if we can use the path, that too will be discussed with the sheriffs, and at the least, there will be our volunteers at the BJ's and the etrance onto and the exit off of I-75.

Renee and I are working on a date for next year, it will be somewhere near the beginning of March, for your planning purposes. If you would like to help out, we would love for you to do that, email me at [email protected].

Kirb
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