2011 Race Recommendations
BY: FrankieWood on 2010-10-13 1:33 PM
2010 was my first year in the sport - did the Grimsby sprint. I'd like to do that race again next year
(mostly so that I have a true comparison of my time year to year
) and one other. I was thinking earlier in the year. Recommendations?
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: nicruns on 2010-10-13 3:02 PM
on my TO-DO list
(whenever I get the nerve up!
) is the Gravenhurst Olympic distance tri.
love the thought of being "boated" out to the start by an old steam ship

RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: nicruns on 2010-10-13 3:02 PM
on my TO-DO list
(whenever I get the nerve up!
) is the Gravenhurst Olympic distance tri.
love the thought of being "boated" out to the start by an old steam ship

RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: moosh009 on 2010-10-13 3:04 PM
I liked Bala Falls
(multisport series
), quite a bit. It's not as big of a race
(at least it wasn't this year
) and a bit of a drive if you are in TO. I did the Grimsby sprint and Bala this year. Here's my comparison:
swim: Bala has warmer water, little waves, no currents. Grimsby, cold water, can get choppy in Lake Ontario.
bike: Bala is rolling hills, no major climbs, little wind. Grimsby has one big climb, pancake flat after that, usually winds on top of the escarpment.
run: Bala run is way hillier with few short steep climbs, very little flat. Finish is downhill. Grimsby run is pretty flat with a few inclines + the XC section.
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: kimmax on 2010-10-13 6:47 PM
I think it depends on what aspect of the race appeals to you.
Personally I like trying different landscapes. For that reason - I wasn't a big fan of Toronto Island - the swim was great but the bike and run were a bore
(flat flat flat
) with tourists everywhere. Welland didn't have the tourists but the landscape was a bit repetitive on the bike
(flat
) - the run was on a pretty canal trail. I did the Niagara try-a-tri and loved riding alongside vineyards. I really enjoy Belwood - I imagine it's like Guelph without the crowds. The bike is a really pretty ride
(rolling hills
) and the water is calm and without the goose poop. Love Ottawa in the fall - running through the woods on wood chip trail. I did Cobourg last year and the bike was really challenging but great views when you got to the top.
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: nerak11 on 2010-10-14 11:21 AM
What is everyone's favorite Olympic distance race? I'm looking to do one next year. I've done the Sprint races at Guelph Lake I and at Kelso
(Women's tri
). I would never do the Olympic at the women's race - 2 bike loops, and 4 run loups of a tough course are not my ideas of fun. Guelph Lake I is a possiblity I guess but I hear there are a lot of competitors and the mass swim start is rough.
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: nicruns on 2010-10-14 12:43 PM
When I get MUCH stronger on the bike (I'm pretty much a road biking newbie), the Gravenhurst Olympic event is on my to-do list.
(I've heard some good things)
& I've heard some good things about Cobourg & Muskoka (although that's a bit longer than an Olympic, eh??) too.
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: evey1984 on 2010-10-14 3:25 PM
The only one that I've done was the Wasaga Tri this year. I loved it so I would recommend that one. The only thing that some people might not like is that the swim has a long run out/in portion, because the water is shallow for a long time.
-----
First Ever 5K Run, Walk and Roll! www.walkandrollpeel.ca
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: Daffodil on 2010-10-14 7:43 PM
I really liked the woodstock course this year. I'm also a big fan of the Orillia tri.
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: mgalanter on 2010-10-15 11:39 AM
I suggest picking an "A" race that is not quite local - i.e. Quebec or NY or Michigan...
In my second season I did the Montreal 'Esprit' Olympic distance in september - it was a great race and kept me motivated all season.
-----
Mark Galanter
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: Jon bovi on 2010-10-17 8:05 AM
I'd recommend the Belwood sprint and the Cobourg olympic. Belwood has a flat fast run course but the last portion of the bike is more up hill then down. Cobourg is known for it's hilly bike course
(and I love it
).
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: FrankieWood on 2010-10-18 7:51 AM
mgalanter - 2010-10-15 12:39 PM I suggest picking an "A" race that is not quite local - i.e. Quebec or NY or Michigan...
In my second season I did the Montreal 'Esprit' Olympic distance in september - it was a great race and kept me motivated all season.
I would love to go somewhere overnight, but with two wee kids at home, it's not really in the cards for another few years. Also, it really gave me a boost this year when I could see my husband and "babies"
(3 and 17 months at the time
) cheering me on at the finish line, and I'd like to have them come see me finish again next year....
Sounds like Guelph is popular....
RE: 2011 Race Recommendations
BY: MUSKOKAFIVEOH on 2010-11-02 6:54 PM
Guelph is amazing but my favourite Ontario race is Muskoka. Train in the hills if you decide to go. The only real flat section is the swim.
Sounds like K-Town would be a bit of a drive for you, but it's another awesome race.
The recommendation about planning an out of province race is a great one. I usually register for at least two races that are overnighters. I bring the family and we make a mini-holiday out of it. This year we camped at Gunstock Mt for the Timberman Race and rented a couple of rooms in a B&B in Sonoma county for the Vineman. We went to Syracuse too. I tri - d and the family shopped.