Bike course info about 70.3s in Racine and Rhode Island

TRIumphant One

I'm looking to do one of these races in 2010 and wondered what the bike courses are like for each.  I prefer rolling hills and/or challenging climbs vs. flat and boring.  Any scoop you can provide is appreciated.  Thanks.

Casey

mattsull

Racine's bike course is flat as a pancake. It's very fast. There was a huge problem with drafting last year.

mancona

The road conditions suck at Racine as well, but I keep going back because it is so close and was cheap until it became branded. I would not recomend traveling to Racine, however if you are close by and want a branded 70.3 that time of year it is worth considering (along with Steelhead which is also flat).

I highly recomend Kansas 70.3 in June. Bike course was much more challenging and actually comparable to IMWI. Definitely helped break up the packs. The run was good as well since it is a double out and back through camp grounds there were almost always spectators or something to look at.

gilliatt

There is quite a bit of distance between those two so I'm guessing getting there isn't  a challenge, but, x2 on kansas, great venue plus it is early in the year.  Also, check out Branson as well I'm guessing it'll have some challenge.  Also, there is one in Iowa called pigman (not flat either) which is a pretty old independent race it is in august and is well run.  I love the 70.3 distance the more I race it.

TRIumphant One

Thanks to all for the feedback.  The offical website for the Racine 70.3 race says this about the bike course: 

"The Bike Course is an exciting 56-mile course through the scenic countryside of Racine County. This is a mostly rolling course with some challenging hills mixed in to keep you honest." 

Somehow, I don't interpret that as flat!   The website doesn't have a bike course map or elevation profile up yet, and the old Spirit of Racine website is already gone.  Would seem that WTC is taking some liberties with their descriptions -- lying bunch of bastards.

So, I'll gather more intell on RI and start sniffing around Kansas, Branson, and Iowa races.  Thanks again.

Casey

 

HayesSanborn

Posted By Casey Hannan on 21 Nov 2009 11:24 AM

Thanks to all for the feedback.  The offical website for the Racine 70.3 race says this about the bike course: 

"The Bike Course is an exciting 56-mile course through the scenic countryside of Racine County. This is a mostly rolling course with some challenging hills mixed in to keep you honest." 

Somehow, I don't interpret that as flat!   The website doesn't have a bike course map or elevation profile up yet, and the old Spirit of Racine website is already gone.  Would seem that WTC is taking some liberties with their descriptions -- lying bunch of bastards.

So, I'll gather more intell on RI and start sniffing around Kansas, Branson, and Iowa races.  Thanks again.

Casey

 

That is the description from the old SOR website directly. It might have a single hill but you'll never be challenged.

mancona

Posted By Hayes Sanborn on 22 Nov 2009 03:24 PM

That is the description from the old SOR website directly. It might have a single hill but you'll never be challenged.

and that single hill is right outside transition.  Maybe 30-40 feet vertical at most and a couple hundred feet long.  The challenge on the bike course will be not to get stuck in a draft pack...unless they do something like spread the waves further apart.

 

JamesG10

I have done Rhode Isalnd, Nice bike course..

First 10 miles are flat and fast nice way to get into your day. Then you hit about 6-7rollers not real steep but they are back to back so can be a little challenging. Clear these and there is like a gentle climb for a while then you hit a big steep climb for about 1/2 a mile then all downhill to Providence..It is a fair course in my opinion.

kurshing

I will agreed on the previous Rhode Island post...

I have only done one traithlon, so, I have little to contract and compare Rhode Island to, but, I WILL say that is was a nice course.  It was smooth (except for the last few miles), it had various types of hills (starts flat, then rolling, then larger rolling hills, a STEEP 1/2 climb, and then some rough roads as you come into the city for the last couple miles).  It was a fun course.

The run has a hilll like you have never seen before though.  There really isn't any way you could train for it.  You will run up and down 'the hill' twice...but, the rest of the run is basically pretty flat.  The one thing about the run hill is that it is so steep, and so long, that it is actually kind of funny to be honest.  The Summer x-Games did the Street Luge event on this hill, with people reaching 60mph on what basically amounts to skateboards!

I have to say that it was a wonderful experience, a nice course, and a great finish chute.  Hope this helps!

DCorso

RI is my home turf so I highly recommend it.  I'll do the race as soon as I stop signing up for LP.  Here's what I can tell you about the race course:

• the point to point logistics - if you are travelling with a spectator, sherpa, etc. think about staying in Narragansett instead of Providence the night before the race to avoid the shuttle to the swim start which leaves ridiculously early in the morning.
• the ocean swim is great
• the bike course is pretty much as described in the previous posts.  I've ridden the much of the route a few times.  the last few miles into Providence are pretty crappy, but the rest of the ride is pretty nice.
• the run is a nasty SOB.  Stephen is not exaggerating about the hill.  He did neglect to say that the run up to the State House is a bit of a hill as well but no where near as bad as College Hill. 
• Overall, I think the course has a lot of character and makes for a nice race.  I was spectating last year and plan on being there again this year.

If you decide on RI, let us know and I'll be happy to help you find your way around.