Aerobars at Bintan

2012-03-21 1:52 AM

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: Aerobars at Bintan

I plan to race the Bintan (Oly) Triathlon this year. Is the course aerobar friendly? I am new to aerobars and so far have only used them on the trainer. I'll get outside with them as soon as the weather allows, but in the meantime I'm not sure how comfortable I will be using them by late May. I wonder if my trying to use the aerobars during the race will be a net benefit or net loss for me, given my inexperience, the hills, etc. Any thoughts?

2012-03-21 9:28 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Member

Singapore

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

A lot of it is flat or very gentle inclines (if it's the same as last year). It is also reasonably straight so I would say net benefit.

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Hot Runner

2012-03-21 9:44 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Master

8247

Eugene, Oregon

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Flat??? Gentle inclines????

Were we doing the same course??? I remember nothing but uphill for the first half! To be fair, there were plenty of what I might call rolling hills and no particularly steep descents. Plenty of people used aerobars, including most of the people who passed me. Okay, I suck as a biker! Aerobars would probably provide an advantage, if you can get comfortable with them. But do be aware of a few hazard spots--they should point them out at the pre-race briefing. One is early on in the bike course where you go over some cobblestone-type pavement. The women's leader wiped out there last year and DNF'd, giving me an ill-fated 2 minutes of glory (I'd been second on the swim) before the pack screamed by me. And you definitely don't want to be in aero at the very end--the finish was designed by a sicko. You go down a screaming downhill to the beach for maybe 400m, do a sharp u-turn, and back up the hill, sharp left, then another screaming downhill to the dismount line. I'd just had it by that point and was muttering cusswords. Definitely get out of aero there!

2012-03-23 3:16 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Thanks both. I hope to have time to check out the course before the race, so I will keep an eye out for those danger zones. I guess I will work as hard as I can to get comfortable with the aerobars before the end of May and hope for the best.

Karen - wow, second on the swim. Impressive! Actually I just checked out the results from last year's race and am in awe of your performance. My goal is to finish under 2:50, but I know the heat and the hils will make this a real challenge.

2012-03-25 3:45 AM

in reply to: #4106345

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

And robbo_27 I think I used your splits as a model when I was looking throught last year's results and trying to set my own goals for this year. Nice job!

My Training Log My Race Log

Hot Runner

2012-03-25 4:33 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Master

8247

Eugene, Oregon

Bronze member

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Just don't use my bike split as a model or a goal! You can check my race report if you want the blow-by-blow of what, after the swim, was pretty much unmitigated misery!

2012-03-25 8:43 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Member

Singapore

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Jeff has done laguna Phuket so that is why I said gentle as compared to that course bin tan is flat

a perfect day for you would be to get Karens swim and run with my bike. The run is hotter than you might think being the afternoon so really concentrate on fluids during the ride.I won't be racing this year as I didnt get organized quickly enough for accommodation but best of luck and look forward to reading about your sub 2:50 time!

2012-03-25 8:18 PM

in reply to: #4111970

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Laguna Phuket was hilly for sure, and I was happy to see Bintan won't be quite as bad. (Although I think the hills actually gave me an advantage, since I was able to ride them while many others pushed their bikes up.) Thanks for the tip on the fluids -- motivation for me to upgrade my hydration system on the bike.

Andrew -- my buddy is also racing Bintan and hasn't sorted out his lodging yet. My family and I have a room at the Nirwana Resort Hotel that we may upgrade to a suite so he can stay with us, or he will find his own room, which I think he would be happy to split with someone to bring down the cost. Either way, are you interested in sharing lodging with us or with him so you can race Bintan?

2012-03-25 8:26 PM

in reply to: #4112545

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

BTW, nice splits on Laguna Phuket! It's late, but I would still love to read your race report.

2012-04-21 2:51 AM

in reply to: #4105926

Member

Singapore

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Thanks for the offer but what I really enjoyed last year was the family side to it. Without that it becomes a very expensive race. Entry fee, ferry ticket, bike slot and the galling 25 USD visa

I would have loved to do it again but missed out on the accom through my own tardiness. Will be booking next year as soon as the race date is released!Have a great race and let me know if there is anything a local can help with.

2012-05-10 1:32 AM

in reply to: #4112556

Member

Singapore

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

dossheepos - 2012-03-26 9:26 AM BTW, nice splits on Laguna Phuket! It's late, but I would still love to read your race report.

Done! It's a great race and I'm seriously considering doing it again this year if you are up for it! Have to see how I pull up after the Metaman HIM on Bintan and whether or not the wife is happy for another tri-centred holiday

2012-05-11 2:00 AM

in reply to: #4201419

Extreme Veteran

379

Northern Virginia

Subject: RE: Aerobars at Bintan

Nice report! Laguna Phuket was my first triathlon. It's a little disappointing to learn that they are not all that well organized.

I would love to do either Laguna Phuket or the 70.3 Laguna Phuket this year, but I move back to the U.S. this summer and a trip to Thailand in late November just isn't in the cards. Good luck with the HIM. I'm headed to Bintan (via Singapore) in about 10 days for the Oly on 5/26. I can't wait to race again!