OWS and SCT ride on July 7 (Page 3)

jrm - 2007-07-04 9:59 AM Hi Neal when I swim in a lake I will strap one of my kids boogie boards to my ankle in case of trouble plus a boat will be able to see that before they see me. Told a guy at work to do this and he used a noodle, while swimming with his boy last year in lake peachtree, which they did a dozen times with no problems, his boy started cramping and paniking well without the noodle to hold onto it could have been worse but he calmed him down and they got to shore. Just an idea, you guys be safe.

 John! Thought you fell off the edge of the earth!  Good to hear from you.  That is not only an idea.  It is a GREAT idea! I have thought about buying one of those tri-aids, but  I am too cheap to come up off the $75.  How stupid is that?!? $75...your life...$75...your life seems like a bargain when you look at it that way.    Why don't you swim with us or ride or both?  I told Heather that I would ride 60 miles with her after the swim.  I thought that I would try and talk her into lunch at Frankie's.

It is basically an inflateable bladder.  They are legal during USAT triathlons to wear for saftey.  If you actually use it, you are disqualified, but I would say that is a small price to pay for not dieing on that particular day.  The website is http://www.triaids.com/.

Tri-aids is one of the main advertisers here on BT at the top of the page when you click on training log.  They would be a great idea for us to use since we do not have boats in the water because no matter how good a swimmer you are, you could get a cramp.  I got one at the Peachtree Oly but I was about 75 yards from the finish.  Another thing to think about is that say you are the best swimmer in the group and you get a cramp and I am the only person near you.  I would try to help you but I am not really the person you would want trying to save you if you are drowning.  If you were depending on me to save you, I would say your chances would be 20/80 at best.

If you pay my gas, I'll lifeguard. Seriously, after six summers of it, the knowledge must be in there somewhere.

For those worried about safety, it's always a good idea to practice treading water and floating on your backs. The key is not to panic. If you get tired, keep your head in the game - whether it's a tri or an OWS. Also, don't be afraid to switch strokes. Freestyle isn't the most forgiving when all you need is to find your breath again. 

If they're legal, then why would you get a DQ? I saw a guy wearing one at the Turtle Crawl in May. He had a regular ranking in his AG; whereas I, who chose to wear a wetsuit in water that was supposedly 80 degrees, got put in a seperate wetsuit class because I chose to wear it for a wetsuit optional race. (Not trying to be arguementative, Neal, I was just wondering.)

I realized that I did not make myself clear after it was too late to change my post.  They are legal to wear as a precaution as long as you do not inflate them.  What I meant when I said use them was if you inflate it you get disqualified from the race, but you get to live another day.  I would say that is a small price to pay since you do not get to finish the race anyway if you drown.   

A wise man once said "It does not matter how fast you can run if you drown during the swim."  .... oh, that was me wasn't it. 

If I come out I will bring my kayak or paddleboard to rescue you guys with

Here's the latest list - we're over 20 people now!

1. KraigM
2. CourtneyM
3. Jteddy39.3
4. rhodespedal
5. awodb11
6. jlcornelius22
7. kevnb72
8. lawyerchick
9. emlavigne
10. brakelight
11. Lou- possibly
12. Hblackmon
13. Kblackmon
14. shel
15. jmsazboy
16. autigers_1998
17. nealphelps
18. graye2
19. msampsel1
20. milaminute (ride only)
    some other non-BT people

John, I am not familiar with the area, but the plan was to swim at 7:30.  We usually swim about a mile so I would guess 45 minutes max for that.  Maybe add 30 minutes because people are always late.  I do not know how long it takes to get to the SCT from there. 

Maybe Courtney or Elena has an idea.  I will drop them a note and get them to make a guess.

When- July 7th
Time- 7:30 AM
What- Open water swim, 42mi ride at SCT

I'd agree with Mindy...maybe getting to the ride about 9-9:30.  I've never swam at Dallas Landing or ridden out of Hiram...so I have no idea how long travel time will be...I think directions say it's abut 15 miles between the 2 places.  Plus, it seems that triathletes tend to be a little pokey at group workouts and stand around talking...or maybe that's me.  Hope this helps, sorry to be kinda vague!!

Here are directions one more time.  Lots of people coming, it should be fun!!  Also, a few of us might be riding longer than 42 mi if anyone else is interested.  I'm sure there will be several options on distance so everyone should be able to find a group with a distance that works for them...

Also- Don't forget this! There is a $5.00 parking fee Monday through Sunday between Mid April and Mid September

When- July 7th
Time- 7:30 AM
What- Open water swim, 42mi ride at SCT

We'll be swimming at Dallas Landing at Lake Allatoona. Directions are here .

Then we'll head to the Silver Comet for a 42mi ride- starting at the Hiram trailhead. Directions from Dallas Landing to Hiram here.

1. KraigM
2. CourtneyM
3. Jteddy39.3
4. rhodespedal
5. awodb11
6. jlcornelius22
7. kevnb72
8. lawyerchick
9. emlavigne
10. brakelight
11. Lou- possibly
12. Hblackmon
13. Kblackmon
14. shel
15. jmsazboy
16. autigers_1998
17. nealphelps
18. graye2
19. milaminute (ride only)
    some other non-BT people

Most people just swim naked and then put bike clothes on when they are done, but you can do what ever you want.  We are not a judgemental crowd.

A couple of people wear swim clothes and change. You could wear tri clothes if you want, but you might get your car seat wet when you drive to the SCT.  I would suggest you go skinny dipping until you are comfortable with the group.   

That's a valid question and you can do whatever you're comfortable in. I can't remember the set up at Dallas Landing but I'm not sure if there are bathrooms. And if we start on the SCT at the Hiram parking lot, I think there's only a port-a-potty there, right? Maybe some other folks could chime in?

Yes, there are bathrooms at DL.  Just up the hill from the lake.  I'll be changing after the swim as well. 

(Had info on time frames here, but got smart after the post, read the rest of the thread and realized I'm being redundant. My apologies!)