Grand Rapids Triathlon - Half Iron Course : Official Thread

Does anyone know if we can check the water temp for the past couple of years at that time?  I am hoping for a cool start to a long day...

-John

If it helps the remaining portion on the Oly course was very smooth except for a few railroad crossings.  And the reports on the HIM portion were that they were very good as well.  For a flat course that chip seal really slows you down though!  You may have to get out of aero a couple times on the chip seal but you should be fine.

I ride the course and area quite often and I really don't think it is that bad as Michigan roads go.  There is a stretch in the first mile (about a 1/4 mile long) that is pretty bumpy but you are either just getting started or rolling back into transition so I am usually up on the horns any ways.  There is some chip seal but I guess I am fairly used to riding on it most of the year.  I ended up having my fastest HIM bike split and HIM PR there last year (despite getting stopped by a train for nearly 3 minutes and riding with stock wheels and no aero helmet).  There is really only one big climb on the entire course and the rest of it is pretty dang flat.  Just lower your head and hammer it.

PLUS! The latest course maps show that the run course has been changed so that the wicked hill at the turn around has been removed.  With the double loop course, you had to go up this hill twice (mile ~3.5 & mile ~10).  This should make the run even faster.

Race Report from 2011: http://www.ironmanbythirty.com/2011/06/06/race-report-grand-rapids-triathlon-half-ironman

Hi folks, 

Like leftrunner said, I did Steelhead as my first 70.3 last year and it ended up being a $300 training brick with the swim being cancelled. This will be "first" 70.3 again (I couldn't find any 69.1 stickers). As well I'm excited to finally get the swim in.

So, from your posts this seems like a great course. 

Anyone traveling from SE Michigan?  I Pricelined a room for $40 on the east side of GR so I'll be heading out on Saturday to check things out since I've never been to that area of GR.

Course sounds nice, looking forward to getting in a race after losing a year due to a crash and injury.  Shoulder held up fine to some rough dirt road riding yesterday.

How well did the shuttles workout from the parking areas last year?  Seems to be one of my bigger concerns since I'm on my own for this race and not familiar with the area.  Wasn't sure if it was easier to just ride the bike from the parking area to T1 (with my helmet on) or if the shuttle handled bikes.

Is the area where the swim is held open for a swim practice on Saturday (not sure if I'll even have time)?

Anywhere to grab a shower after the race for those of us that have to travel?

Shuttles - IIRC, they have a drop off area to drive up to and drop your bike off. They had a rack or two setup so you would rack your bike there, drive to park, take the shuttle over, and pick up your bike close to transition.  However, I skipped the shuttle altogether last year. I made a quick map (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=208452705844624020481.0004c0fa73cc5b8675c09&msa=0&ll=42.952569,-85.485912&spn=0.003443,0.005128) that shows where we parked and where transition is for you. As long as you can carry your gear with you on the bike in a backpack or something, biking over is probably going to be the best way to go.  It'll probably be a mile from parking to transition tops.

Swim area - Nothing organized for the day before unfortunately.  There will be a training event on Sunday June 3rd (http://grandrapidstri.com/training.php) though.  The boat launch that we swim out of is private and locked.  However, there are plenty of places around the shore that you could easily jump in if you want. I do not know the legality of it though so swim at your own risk.  Last year the swim was pretty chilly so if you have the option of a full sleeve or sleeveless wetsuit you'll probably want the full sleeve.

Showers - How about just jumping back into the river with a bar of soap Sadly that is your only option I think. There are a few parks in the area, but they only have bathrooms.  If you are hard up for a shower though, I am about 15-20 minutes west of the race site if it is on your way. You are welcome to shower (as long as you don't beat me).

Thanks for the info.  I had read about the drop off area which would work if I was with someone.  There's just no way I'd leave my bike, normally my wife could help in this matter but she's stuck working that weekend.

Shower isn't that big of a deal.  With some of the Ada facilities around that area didn't know if there was one available.

Any idea if you can enter the transition area from the south?  I spotted a parking area off of Grand River east of Buttrick.  Seems like it would put you in a closer position to get to transition, provided it's open.

Socks, I just made a small donation to your cause so now you have to race 

Kevin, thanks for the info.  Just hate being so far from the truck in case weather turns south.