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2012-04-27 12:57 PM

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Subject: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

3 weeks left.  Wonder what the water temp is going to be this year?



2012-04-27 2:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

friggin cold is what its gonna beSurprised

crowny2 - 2012-04-27 12:57 PM

3 weeks left.  Wonder what the water temp is going to be this year?

2012-04-27 3:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
tmoran80 - 2012-04-27 2:54 PM

friggin cold is what its gonna beSurprised

crowny2 - 2012-04-27 12:57 PM

3 weeks left.  Wonder what the water temp is going to be this year?

I'm not convinced.  I've seen the temp in that water shoot up quickly in the weeks before it as long as the main air temp is high.  And it has been a pretty mild winter.

I'm just hoping it will be moderately warm and no rain that day. 

Hell, if the water is warmer than 55, I'll be happy.

2012-04-27 9:34 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
How is the depth of the lake? Usually the shallower it is the more quickly it will heat up.
2012-04-27 9:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
Any tips for a newbie?  This will be my first open water swim tri and it's looking like my first OWS period, so I'm pretty nervous.  But I'm excited at the same time.  I biked the course reverse then forwards a few weeks ago and am familiar with the run as the in-law's live in the territory.  I've been trying to get my hill training in despite the suburban flatland I live in - I know they will be tough.  But I'm still excited none the less.  Any tips on the logistics?  I hear they can be a little tricky with the point-to-point, shuttles, etc.  Thanks!
2012-04-28 7:34 AM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
first time running this race also, can someone give some insight to the logistics for this race.  Can we check our bike the night before? 


2012-04-29 4:57 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

I did this race for the first time last year and will be coming back this year.  You can check the bike in the night before.  Setting up 2 transitions 17 miles apart is a nightmare.  It's more of a hassle if you have family that want to see you at multiple points of the race.  The water last year didn't seem cold.  This year should be even warmer because of the milder winter and above avg temps back in march.

 

2012-04-30 9:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
I don't think setting up two transitions is a 'nightmare' , you check in your bike the night before in T1 and the shuttles are at T2 in the morning. Takes 2 mins to set up your T2 in the morning and then shuttle over to the race.

Been doing the race since 2006 and was just out riding in the area a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to the hills. I miss the old course's run....the new courses run is tough.

2012-04-30 10:09 AM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

running2far - 2012-04-30 9:17 AM I don't think setting up two transitions is a 'nightmare' , you check in your bike the night before in T1 and the shuttles are at T2 in the morning. Takes 2 mins to set up your T2 in the morning and then shuttle over to the race. Been doing the race since 2006 and was just out riding in the area a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to the hills. I miss the old course's run....the new courses run is tough.

I agree.  I wouldn't call two transitions a nightmare.  A logistical challenge compared to others, but not a night mare.  That being said, if your family want's to see more of you, I would recommend they stay at T2 and not bother with going to T1 and trying to get back to see you finish.  THAT is difficult.  Not impossible, but very difficult. 

The water has rarely been below 58, I think.  But the course is quite tough on both the bike and run.  Bring your granny gears because you are going to use them. 

It is a beautiful course though.  One of the nicest in Illinois.

2012-04-30 11:30 AM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

Any two transition race is gonna be an "inconvenience" but I have seen worse than Galena (Branson 70.3 was pretty bad).  The past few years I just set up both T1 & T2 Friday evening then have the wife and kids go to the swim start.  They hang out for a while then head out before the first wave goes off and before they close the road out of the parking lot (otherwise you have to wait until all the riders are gone).  The first year I raced I was finished, cooled down, ate a small meal before they got to the finish area.

As far as the water temp, there always seems to be a decent warm up of a couple 80 degree days the week or two before the race and looking at the forecast I just don't see that this year - calling for 70's at best.  It is what it is though.  Once I get in the water and do my warm up it doesn't seem to bother me at all after that. 

running2far - 2012-04-30 9:17 AM I don't think setting up two transitions is a 'nightmare' , you check in your bike the night before in T1 and the shuttles are at T2 in the morning. Takes 2 mins to set up your T2 in the morning and then shuttle over to the race. Been doing the race since 2006 and was just out riding in the area a couple of weeks ago. Looking forward to the hills. I miss the old course's run....the new courses run is tough. 

I agree.  I wouldn't call two transitions a nightmare.  A logistical challenge compared to others, but not a night mare.  That being said, if your family want's to see more of you, I would recommend they stay at T2 and not bother with going to T1 and trying to get back to see you finish.  THAT is difficult.  Not impossible, but very difficult. 

The water has rarely been below 58, I think.  But the course is quite tough on both the bike and run.  Bring your granny gears because you are going to use them. 

It is a beautiful course though.  One of the nicest in Illinois.

2012-04-30 8:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
Knowing that I can set up my bike the night before should make this fairly easy.  Dropping off your bike the night before and going right to T2 the next morning seems very doable.  It doesn't sound like a good spectator race but then again most Tri's aren't.  As far as the hills go I did Lake Carroll 2 years ago and thought that it was extremely hilly how does this road course rank?   I had never climbed hills that steep in my life and it showed that day.   


2012-05-01 1:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

airnout - 2012-04-30 8:21 PM Knowing that I can set up my bike the night before should make this fairly easy.  Dropping off your bike the night before and going right to T2 the next morning seems very doable.  It doesn't sound like a good spectator race but then again most Tri's aren't.  As far as the hills go I did Lake Carroll 2 years ago and thought that it was extremely hilly how does this road course rank?   I had never climbed hills that steep in my life and it showed that day.   

If you have access to map my ride, check it out here.  I would say it is a bit harder.  At least 1 Cat5 climb smack dab in the middle of the ride.  It is about a mile long and about a 4-5% grade.  Be prepared to granny down and high cadence up the whole thing.



Edited by crowny2 2012-05-01 1:32 PM
2012-05-01 1:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
And just checked the race website.  The water is already at 58!!!  Gonna be a much warmer swim this year as long as they don't get too many hard rains to cool it down.
2012-05-01 1:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
Awesome!  I checked the fb site from last year and the water is 10 degrees warmer this year than last.  The participant guide is also available on the web site, now, too.  A couple of questions - if you check your bike in on Friday, will there be air pumps available on Saturday for topping off tires?  I've heard that the T1 area is very gravely/rough - does anyone bring sandals or flip-flops to wear out of the water into T1?  Is this "legal"?  I will probably email the RD, but just thought I'd see what others' past experiences have been.  Getting excited and yet 2 1/2 more weeks to go still!
2012-05-01 2:42 PM
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SEwantstobeFe - 2012-05-01 1:47 PM Awesome!  I checked the fb site from last year and the water is 10 degrees warmer this year than last.  The participant guide is also available on the web site, now, too.  A couple of questions - if you check your bike in on Friday, will there be air pumps available on Saturday for topping off tires?  I've heard that the T1 area is very gravely/rough - does anyone bring sandals or flip-flops to wear out of the water into T1?  Is this "legal"?  I will probably email the RD, but just thought I'd see what others' past experiences have been.  Getting excited and yet 2 1/2 more weeks to go still!

Regarding pumps, there is a bike shop that will help you top off there. 

Regarding T1, YES it is gravely and YES people grab flip-flops/sandals to wear from the water to T1.  I have yet to use because it is one more thing to remember to put into the bag that will get shipped to T2 at the end fo the race.  I just quickly tip toe to my bike rack, brush off my feet and into the bike shoes they go.  Your experience may vary. 

2012-05-02 1:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

My first year no flip flops and stripped my wetsuit at my bike and ripped the wetsuit leg when I stepped down and lifted up on the stones.  Last year I did the cheap Target $3 flip flops and took my wetsuit off before I got into transition (gravel) area. This year I think I will do the same.

SEwantstobeFe - 2012-05-01 1:47 PM Awesome!  I checked the fb site from last year and the water is 10 degrees warmer this year than last.  The participant guide is also available on the web site, now, too.  A couple of questions - if you check your bike in on Friday, will there be air pumps available on Saturday for topping off tires?  I've heard that the T1 area is very gravely/rough - does anyone bring sandals or flip-flops to wear out of the water into T1?  Is this "legal"?  I will probably email the RD, but just thought I'd see what others' past experiences have been.  Getting excited and yet 2 1/2 more weeks to go still!



2012-05-02 1:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
tmoran80 - 2012-05-02 1:15 PM

My first year no flip flops and stripped my wetsuit at my bike and ripped the wetsuit leg when I stepped down and lifted up on the stones.  Last year I did the cheap Target $3 flip flops and took my wetsuit off before I got into transition (gravel) area. This year I think I will do the same.

SEwantstobeFe - 2012-05-01 1:47 PM Awesome!  I checked the fb site from last year and the water is 10 degrees warmer this year than last.  The participant guide is also available on the web site, now, too.  A couple of questions - if you check your bike in on Friday, will there be air pumps available on Saturday for topping off tires?  I've heard that the T1 area is very gravely/rough - does anyone bring sandals or flip-flops to wear out of the water into T1?  Is this "legal"?  I will probably email the RD, but just thought I'd see what others' past experiences have been.  Getting excited and yet 2 1/2 more weeks to go still!

Great point.  I have a new wetsuit this year.  Last thing I want to do is rip it.  Might have to think about doing that now, just to save the suit. 

2012-05-02 3:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
crowny2 - 2012-05-02 1:21 PM

Great point.  I have a new wetsuit this year.  Last thing I want to do is rip it.  Might have to think about doing that now, just to save the suit. 

I had an old wet suit that I nursed through the past three seasons.  I had so many patches on it you would have thought I was sponsored by Aqua Seal-haha.  I also have a new suit this year and will not be taking any chances of ripping it - plus I'm out of Aqua Seal.



Edited by tmoran80 2012-05-02 3:46 PM
2012-05-02 6:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
so where does one leave sandals that you can get to out of the water.  I've never tried but have some foot issues that will cause me a lot of pain to run on gravel. 
2012-05-02 8:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

airnout - 2012-05-02 6:10 PM so where does one leave sandals that you can get to out of the water.  I've never tried but have some foot issues that will cause me a lot of pain to run on gravel. 

Hard to explain on the internet but it will be pretty evident when you get there.

2012-05-02 10:15 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
I do the cheapo flip flops and don't bother packing them up, they do seem to make it back in my bag for the most part, but at 5 bucks at most I don't care.



2012-05-09 2:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
Thanks everyone for the tips.  I think I'll definitely bring some flip flops or similar.  One other question I can't find an answer to - are you required to wear your race number bib while on the bike?  i.e. do you put it on in T1 or can you leave it at T2 and put it on there?  I'm thinking it might be easier (and less likely to forget) to put in on in T1 and just turn it to my back for the bike and turn it to my front for the run.  Hopefully the weather will stay warm-ish and keep that water temp, as well as the race day temp.
2012-05-09 2:20 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread
Race bib is only required for the run. I believe they give you bike sticker or bike plate number for your bike to get your bike out of transition post race
2012-05-09 3:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

running2far - 2012-05-09 2:20 PM Race bib is only required for the run. I believe they give you bike sticker or bike plate number for your bike to get your bike out of transition post race

Yep.

I also think they have bike helmet numbers that they recommend for the front.  That is more for the photographer though.  I think. 

2012-05-09 3:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Galena Triathlon : Official Thread

And as an update, the water temp is currently 62! 

It will feel like a bath!  And right now, there is no forecast for next Saturday, but the week leading up to it is currently projected in the 70's all week.  Bodes well for a decent temp on the swim.

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