ride the course during taper?

Depends on what shape you're in and how fast you recover. I tode 60 today, will do he same Monday, have a longish sprint next Sunday.

If you think it is too long, it probably is.
A lot of the things I have heard is a 7 day taper for up to an Oly so if the race is Sunday, then it would be outside the taper window. I prefer riding the course vs driving it. You learn more about it and things look differently in the saddle then from behind the wheel.

I agree. Driving is better than nothing and will really help. I try to make sure if I can't ride the course I drive it.

Edited by Nob 2006-09-02 11:25 PM

I am doing the LA Triathlon. I got up at 4:30am last week and drove the course. No way do am I going to deal with the traffic and stoplights.

I am very glad I did. Didn't realize how steep it is once Hollywood Blvd turns into Sunset and you enter downtown through the backside. Wowser. Need to conserve some energy.

Looks like an awesome bike ride.

I also drove the run route in downtown. Fairly steep as well in the beginning.

I agree that a 40 mile bike ride is quite a bit. But you can go at a slower pace.

Good luck and see you there.

Okay, so I went -- it was a nice ride (40 miles is not that long for me, and I'm in good enough shape, just new to this whole taper business), even with the lights (apparently there are 184 lights on this course). Yes, Sunset is mostly "up" after the first deceptive half-mile, but the only big hill is the one block on First Avenue. Grand Avenue, which immediately follows, is a very very fast downhill into transition, but watch the potholes, and remember as you're going down at 40mph that you leave transition and run back up it. Apparently many many people walk back up it...

I just went up Sunset and turned around. Thanks for the advice. Figured it must be straight downhill to the Staples Center.

I hate dealing with cars and stoplights. Worry about accidents and sucking fumes. Plus, hard to get in a rythm. But sounds like you got a lot of out it.

Good luck next Sunday.

I like to pre-ride any course. I am doing a race Sept. 9th and will not have a chance to check out the course before the race morning. I am planning on getting there to drive it. I also will get out of the vehicle to walk any hill or place that looks technical. Things look different when your in your vehicle than they do when your on your bike hammering away. I have heard this course has a couple of RR crossings, I don't want any surprises.