BT Forum

I would suggest you contact Aaron (the RD) directly to see if you can park it in one of the lots. If not, there are a few RV parks within easy biking distance of the race site.

After repeated attempts to get in touch with the race coordinators, I went ahead and broke down and rented a hotel room at the Holiday Inn. Boohiss. I like my RV  

I think in the future races should give info on RV parking availability. With all the bed bugs and yucky hotel room germs, I'm not a huge fan of hotels.

You won't be disappointed with your decision.  It's in a great location for the race and I believe it's brand new.

Good choice!

RACE GUIDE IS ONLINE! FINALLY I'M DONE WITH IT! ENJOY! 

http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/51e62967

Thanks for the info. I will keep it in mind for next year. 

I'm sure I should know this... but the Swim Map shows us starting in the middle of the water, is that off of a pier, or are we wading out?

Will there be a chance to "Get Wet" prior to the swim start?  Everything I'm reading says to do a little warm up... or perhaps cool down, to get use to the water temperature before the race begins.

I guess I may find out at the practice next week...

The start... It's up to your knees then waist out about 100 feet. So you walk out. There are some docks. As you walk out (on clean nice sand) the water gets deeper as you approach the end of some docks in the area. Our start is at about waste deep at the end of the docks. Within 10-20 feet of the end of the dock it drops off. All kind of depends on tide. Could be a deeper or shallower start. It should be waste deep based on almanac readings though.

As for practice swims before the race..... The City of Kemah is very strict (for now) about no one (especially on that weekend) getting in that water outside of race or clinic time. Please do NOT do so. If you do it's at your own risk and even if you are fine the City may send some police over. They're not being jerks by doing so. You have to think liability. Our USAT cert covers the races and the clinics. Anything outside of that it's not really covering.

As for practice swims JUST BEFORE the race start.... Can't go in and get out. Once you're down the big ramp and in the area you start in is pretty big between the docks. If you're doing the sprint and in the first few waves you could warm up a bit off to the far side (very little bit) but after some of the waves start to come in that would be impossible. So basically no. As for the International distance. Well you'll be on the boat and once you're off your time starts so no. No warmup. I would suggest jumping around on the boat a little bit and taking some deep quick breaths before you jump in and go.

If you're worried about warming up bring a pair of old running shoes you don't care about with you and run (with wetsuit around your waste) up and down 7th just before your wave enters the water. That will get your muscles firing and your blood pumping. Not the same but at least it's something.

Thanks,

Those were the only questions I had (that I you can answer) after reading the race guide.

Now to look for those stickers in my helmet....

Yep, it was good.  I can't believe I got through the run... and the bike on my Walmart special.

In fact since the race, 7 hours ago, my wife and I bought real road bikes.  That should increase my time.

Just one critisim of the race:

The start was way to rushed between waves.  Not having people in the water yet for the race when the wave started was stressful to me, and contributed to at least one persons panic attack.  I'd suggest either getting people in the water sooner, or spreading out the waves a bit.

That said, you will probably see us in Bridgeland.

Well since my Bike time was over an hour I'm pretty sure mine was a worthwhile investment if I'm ever going to do this again. 

I went out and rode 13 miles (yes after the race this morning), and I will spend less time "On the right" next time.

FYI - I got a pretty good deal on a 2010 model at the "Monster Bike sale" at "Sun and Ski" today.