Black Bear Half

I'm thinking of this race as well... It would be my first half (!) - so the thought of a hilly course is a little intimidating, but then again, I have lots of hills to train on where I live, so maybe I just better get out there & start ridin' 'em (more than I do now, at least...)

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Another one for Black Bear.  It should be really great prep for IMLP.

I'm thinking of doing the Sprint as my first race of the season. Not quite ready for the half yet!

I'll be there again! Knowing what to expect should help tremendously. I LOVE this course, probably the most scenic I've done (with the exception of LP). Can't wait for winter to get here, SO IT CAN BE OVER and I can race again!!!

Strongly considering the half.  Any idea how long it takes to fill?

I don't think it sold out last year, but it was the first year. I think quite a few people were taking a wait and see approach to see how it went off. From my perspective it was great and from what I've heard and read it should sell faster this year.

Does that translate to a sell out? Who knows, but I would guess you have a few months at the minimum. The price is actually $5 less than last year if you sign up early!

I don't think it sold out last year, but it was the first year. I think quite a few people were taking a wait and see approach to see how it went off. From my perspective it was great and from what I've heard and read it should sell faster this year.

Does that translate to a sell out? Who knows, but I would guess you have a few months at the minimum. The price is actually $5 less than last year if you sign up early!

Book your hotel early. Some buddies raced last year and the hotels near the race (about 3-4 miles) were all sold out. I think they stayed in Allentown which is around thirty minutes away. Thirty minutes isn't bad but at 5am on race morning a five minute ride feels a lot less stressul than thirty.

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Shouldn't you be focusing on nothing but the PSU-Michigan game right now??????

As an update we're adding a few new wrinkles this year.

The run for the half will come back through the finish/ transition area so family and friends can see you twice. Half runners will run on the spillway under the bridge...it's and area for over flow in case of severe flooding, carved, or more accurately...blasted...out of rocks...it's pretty cool. In order to add some scenic elements the run course will be quite a bit flatter then last year (you are still running over the bridge, over the dam and through the covered bridge!!).

The sprint run is changed slightly and will be 3.5 miles rather than the 3.3 of last year (so, it's and additional .2 miles at no extra charge...although you will be cursing those .2 miles 0n June 1st).

We're also adding elements to entertain the family while you're out on the course like moon bounce, face painting, sign making, kayak/ canoe rentals and of course swimming.

Don't forget there are dozens of hot, indoor showers available at the park so there's no excuse for showing up at the awards smelling like you just did a triathlon.

No hills for me thank you, but Larry and Michele Redrow of CGI Racing are the best around. I'm in for the Philly Women's Tri though for sure (Nothing like swimming in the Schuykill!) and maybe some of their other races. Their races are very well-organized, fun and supportive.
I will be out there cheering though!

I'm good....all the injuries are gone...just in time to miss the whole season!

We're going to go up one Sunday in October (and another in April) to run and ride so I'll make sure you get the word. The Army Corps of Engineers owns and operates the dam and they are letting us do a few training runs across (they promise not to shoot...which is nice).

C'mon...anyone who can do the Philly Tri (Duathlon) with a cast on their foot can handle some hills