Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island : Official Thread

Biked most of the bike course over the weekend and it is actually really nice!  There was a really rough patch last year on Central Ave with a ton of potholes (don't think the mild winter would have made it any better or worse).  My friends and I were going off an old map so we ended up hitting that bad section, but I double checked the map again and the new course avoids that part of Central Ave altogether.  I didn't go all the way downtown, which is where most people had their other complaints about the bike course, but what do they expect?  It's an urban area.  In my opinion 90% of it was quite pleasant, well paved, and even very scenic at times.

I'm super excited for this race!!! It will be my first 70.3, and I love RI, so am pumped to have my first one be there.  Not gonna let the negative talk get me down  If I can survive the bike (I haven't gone on many long rides) and still have enough left to run up and down the Providence hills at the end, I will be a happy camper!

I'm in for my second year, and am looking forward to it.  Yes, there are some headaches with this race, but aren't their some with all races?  

The worst part of Central Ave has been removed... that stretch along with some of the issues in the last 5 miles or so were the biggest complaints with the bike course.  So with the gnarly part of Central Ave removed it should be a pretty good ride all the way into town.  Once you come into the city you get what you get in most cities... some pot holes a few railroad crossings and going through the "not so nice" neighborhoods.  This part didn't really bother me all that much last year so I think I'll be happy with the changes.

I still don't like the two transition set up and the fact that they charge athletes for the shuttle out to Lincoln Woods on race morning, but I guess WTC is just like the IRS... gotta get every dime you can.

Also, the pond for the swim again is a bit gnarly, but I've seen worse.  Last year it was closed by the health department for a few days the week before the race, so that was less than appetizing...  just try to not take in any water and you'll be fine.

This is my first 70.3 glad to hear parts of the bike route have been improved. I've never done a WTC event I heard they are very well run but give out a lot of penalties, most of the tri's I've done are local so eforcemcement of things like drafting are spotty. 

Anyone have experience with penalties and how they are officiated.

just got into town last night and am getting pumped!  that damn bike course and i have some unfinished business which i plan on resolving soon.  i hope every one has a good race.

as for the penalties, just don't commit any and you'll be fine. i don't think any ref is "out to get you" but blatantly drafting or tossing gel packs will get you flagged.

Not looking likely for wetsuits.  They posted on their Facebook page that the water was 82 degrees today.

Just did it last weekend. 

Quite scenic and nice. The bike ride was bumpy, particularly towards the end. Railroad crossings, potholes partout, and a few interesting curves. I had to slow down towards the end because of the road conditions and I was already thinking about the possibility of getting a flat at mile 53. 

This was my second half IM. I was not thrilled with the two transition setup and spending half of Saturday checking in in different parts of the city. 

The climb from mile 1 to mile 2 in the run leg was quite a challenge.

Still, all in all, I loved it! And providence is a great city! 

Well, that was fun.

Didn't have a good race and am a bit bummed out.  Oh well.  I'll post a review soon.  I hope the rest of you fared better than me.

Race report posted...

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=450617&posts=1&start=1