Logistics are tough but if thought out properly its a great time. Ive done the race 3 times and was lucky enough this year to qualify to race in 2014, so ill be doing it again. My girlfriend lives in NYC so it does make it easier for me and keeps the cost down. I park and leave my truck close to the race start the day before. from there its an easy walk to the expo, rack the bike in transition. Take a cab back to her Apt and then to the start in the morning. Hauling a bike and gear through NYC is a pain. The hotels in the area are $$$.. Overall its a great race.
I only did it once (2 years ago) after avoiding it for years. I had a blast and will definitely do again. Logistics not that bad if you plan properly. I'm happy to help you out closer to the race Kim, if you decide to do it. I have lived most of my life in NYC (although I now live 50 miles outside). The swim is super easy, the bike super fast and the run, just fun...lots of support in Central Park. Do it!
My wife and I volunteered this year to get guaranteed entry in 2014, unfortunately we cannot do it anymore bc we signed up for IM Canada instead, but it didn't look bad for the athletes from a volunteers point of view. We actually had a few friends racing, flew in FL, and they had no problem with check in, getting there on race morning, etc. Only confusing part I thought was that transition is divided in 2 areas, and the one further away from the swim exit was actually a pretty far run on pavement. Not sure how they divided up the transition areas.
I did it as my first OLY in 2010. I was horrible back then and the race was a miserable experience for me because I totally bonked and was sick as I suffered through the whole run. BUT... That is not the race's fault. It is actually a cool race in a cool venue with a super fast down river swim. The logistics weren't all that bad, actually. I stayed with a friend who lived in the city.
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My wife and I volunteered this year to get guaranteed entry in 2014, unfortunately we cannot do it anymore bc we signed up for IM Canada instead, but it didn't look bad for the athletes from a volunteers point of view. We actually had a few friends racing, flew in FL, and they had no problem with check in, getting there on race morning, etc. Only confusing part I thought was that transition is divided in 2 areas, and the one further away from the swim exit was actually a pretty far run on pavement. Not sure how they divided up the transition areas.