General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Racine vs Steelhead Rss Feed  
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2013-10-16 8:54 AM

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Woodstock, Illinois
Subject: Racine vs Steelhead
I'm considering doing my first half IM and am wondering which event might best suited for a newbie.


2013-10-16 11:11 AM
in reply to: jcwise


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Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead
Great question, I'm looking into doing one of these races too. I know people who've done both and have positives to say about both. From a newb perspective one of the things I'm taking into consideration is the MI race is a bit later in the season which gives more prep time.
2013-10-16 11:34 AM
in reply to: jcwise

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100252525
Morton IL
Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead
I have heard mixed reports about the steelhed swim, sounds like it is potentially hard.... I know several guys/gals locally that went to Muncie IN this year and really enjoyed it. It is reported to be a very flat bike. Might be worth a look as it is pretty close. I was actually looking at Muncie hard but since I signed on for IMWI I decided to try Route 66 Half Iron in springfield instead.

One thing I always hear about any M-Dot race is they are well run and very well supported.
2013-10-16 12:18 PM
in reply to: jcwise

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Woodstock, Illinois
Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead
I would also welcome what people have to say about Muncie. All 3 of these are close enough that I could do any of them.
2013-10-16 1:40 PM
in reply to: jcwise

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Schaumburg
Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead
My buddy did Racine this year and said it was a good race that was well supported. There were some big waves in the lake though! I am signed up for Racine and it will be my first HIM.
2013-10-16 2:41 PM
in reply to: Paulford8

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead

Originally posted by Paulford8 I have heard mixed reports about the steelhed swim, sounds like it is potentially hard.... I know several guys/gals locally that went to Muncie IN this year and really enjoyed it. It is reported to be a very flat bike. Might be worth a look as it is pretty close. I was actually looking at Muncie hard but since I signed on for IMWI I decided to try Route 66 Half Iron in springfield instead. One thing I always hear about any M-Dot race is they are well run and very well supported.

I've completed both of these tri's in the past 14 months.

Both Steelhead and Racine have essentially identical swims:
- Lake Michigan
- both travel in the direction of the current
- Both require a 1mi walk to the start
- Both have the exact same variable - Mother Nature

Steelhead wins for me, on a number of points.
The area is nicer, in my opinion. The bike ride was awesome. Just a really stunning area, nicely shaded, and not heavily trafficked. The run at Steelhead isn't as pretty as Racine, because it's not overlooking the lake. The problem with the Racine out-and-back course is that I found it very boring, and mentally I didn't like passing 100ft from the finish line to start your 2nd loop.

The positives for Racine were:
- Parking on day of race (I was SO much closer, compared to Steelhead)
- It's closer to Chicago



2013-11-24 1:52 PM
in reply to: Brit Abroad


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Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead
I just signed up for Steelhead half with a coworker. The reason we chose it is because we have known a lot of people to go to Racine, so it should be a nice change of pace. Things I have read to worry about is the parking situation. I guess it is far from the start, but if you have a friend or family member cheering you on, I dont see why they cant drop you off closer to get things set up and going for you.
I have heard there is a college right there and your cheering section can easily see you run by twice.
The swim has been cancelled twice in a decade. But, no biggie since you will be swimming with the current.
Restaurants are not chains, all independently owned. but I plan on bringing my own food anyways!
I heard to stay away from the hotels that are the smaller chains, like motel 6,etc. There are a lot of nice indy owned hotels.
Also, I heard there is a nice vineyard and brewery in the area.

Anyways, maybe I will see you there!
2013-11-25 8:44 AM
in reply to: Chicagobrah

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Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Racine vs Steelhead

Originally posted by Chicagobrah I just signed up for Steelhead half with a coworker. The reason we chose it is because we have known a lot of people to go to Racine, so it should be a nice change of pace. Things I have read to worry about is the parking situation. I guess it is far from the start, but if you have a friend or family member cheering you on, I dont see why they cant drop you off closer to get things set up and going for you. I have heard there is a college right there and your cheering section can easily see you run by twice. The swim has been cancelled twice in a decade. But, no biggie since you will be swimming with the current. Restaurants are not chains, all independently owned. but I plan on bringing my own food anyways! I heard to stay away from the hotels that are the smaller chains, like motel 6,etc. There are a lot of nice indy owned hotels. Also, I heard there is a nice vineyard and brewery in the area. Anyways, maybe I will see you there!

There are several vineyards and breweries in Berrien County, within 30 minutes of Benton Harbor (Round Barn, Tabor Hill, Lemon Creek, etc...)

As for parking - in my experience, it's hard to get too close to get dropped off. As least from the south side of the transition area (I'd assume the north side is equally tough since that's where the run in/out is located).
The parking lot adjacent to the T area is blocked off, and only accesible to volunteers.
When I went to drop my bike off on Saturday, I purchased a spot from the Boy Scouts about 0.5mi from transition, so I knew I would have a spot in the morning.
There is a shuttle which runs from a parking lot about a mile south.
Another option, if you did want someone to drop you off closer, would be to drive up Riddgeway St, and then walk across the sand to the parking lot. That's about 1/4 mile.

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