Syracuse Bike Course
Syracuse was my first ever half in 2012. I was so excited to be doing it that I didn’t care what the course was like and I didn’t have enough experience to really know how to attack it or what traps it might hold. Yesterday I rode the bike course in preparation for the race next week and just wanted to provide some comments on things I saw out there.
I started off by driving the course so I would know where to turn and get an idea of what we’ll be dealing with. My first thoughts were, these roads are crappy. We had some good rainstorms last week in NY and there was a lot of debris that got washed onto the shoulders and at the intersections. Hopefully they sweep these intersections but just be aware that they may not have, and be careful riding into some of these turns too hot. There are some pretty rough sections of road too. I was able to avoid most of it, however, I was riding alone. Out on the course with other riders that will be harder to do. Just be aware of the pavement. I know sometimes later in the race it’s hard to pay as much attention to this stuff but it’s important on this course.
Here is a link to the elevation profile provided on the race website: http://www.ironman.com/~/media/08b6...202012.pdf
Here is a link to my Strava file: https://www.strava.com/activities/324800922/overview
Something to note...the official elevation profile says 1,686 ft. of elevation gain. Strava says 2,501 ft. My feeling is that the Strava file is more accurate.
The first 2 miles out of transition is flat to downhill. Within this section are 2 railroad crossings, take them slow. Use the first 2 miles to get your heart rate down as best you can because the next 9.5 miles is mostly uphill. If you’re not careful, it is very easy to crush yourself going up this segment of the course. After you hit mile 11.5 the biggest part of climbing for the day is done, but not all of it. With a quick glance the elevation profile is deceiving. If you look closer you can see that there are a number of sections on the course that you are still gaining elevation. You’ll do a lot of shifting on the course so make sure your bike is tuned. Next up at mile 20 there is an extremely steep descent followed by an extremely steep climb. You won’t be able to pedal all the way down so just hold onto your bike tight and be ready to shift to the small ring and your easiest gear. The climb doesn’t last long but you may need to hit your FTP or come out of the saddle to get to the top. 5 miles later around 25.5 you turn onto West Lake Road. This is the roughest section of the course. Immediately upon turning there are 3 sections where the road has been chewed up for construction work. There’s no way to avoid it, just take it easy. After the 3rd rough patch there are still some rough sections but you can get back to work, just keep your eyes open. The next “tough” section starts around mile 35.5. For around 8 miles you are steadily gaining elevation again. No monster hills but it’s noticeable. If you went too hard on the first half of the course this section is going to hurt. The last 12 miles is mostly downhill and fast. Make sure to keep your head down and keep working so as not to give anything up. The last mile plus of the bike course is on the same road as part of the run. The year I did the race they had a “no passing” zone here until transition. To some people that means stop pedaling! I got stuck behind a couple people while other racers went around us. I’m not making any recommendations, but be aware of it.
If you have any questions let me know. Looking forward to racing and seeing the team on course!
Comments
Excellent break down Doug.
I live in Syracuse and did the race last year as my first HIM. I've ridden the course several times last year and once this season. My Strava this season (https://www.strava.com/activities/319230739) says 2700 ft of climbing; I parked on the road, not in Jamesville Beach Park (transition), that would add another ~50 ft of climbing.
The Central New York Tri Club has a nice write up of the course that I recently found when trying to compare Syr70.3 and Challenge Quassy. The PDF of that report can be found here: http://cnytriathlon.org/wp-content/uploads/Ironman-70.3-Syracuse-Bike-Course-Review.pdf
I second Doug in HIGHLY recommending driving the bike course. It's important to understand the descents as you will gather considerable speed, which is okay but, you'll be much more comfortable knowing how the bottom plays out.
For reference, IMHO Quassy bike is worse than Syracuse. Syracuse hills are worse than IMLP, and the Syracuse run course is brutal.
I'm not doing the race this year, will be working to build to IMLP. However, if anyone needs anything I'll be around and live in the city. You can reach me at 917-902-1888. I'll do whatever I can to help. I may not own Park tools for bike maintenance but if you forget a wet suit..
Good luck, enjoy the challenging course, here's to good weather!
@Charles, thank you for the additional information!