2017 Ironman Texas Announced -- 4/22/2017
So the new course is up...and a new date as well. Still gonna be hot! Race details online here.
Swim = Same
Bike = FREEWAY
Run = Same
Here's a shot from what part of the Hardy Toll Road will look like...if you want fast, you got it. This has to be the epitome of the "urban" Ironman...
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Hardy Toll Road. Fast, flat, stay locked in aero bars all day long!
As for the Hardy, yeah, fast and flat. There's some construction on there right now too, that HOPEFULLY will be done by next year. They're also in the process of changing over to a "no cash" pay system, which means they may be tearing down toll plazas in the near future. The road itself is surrounded by trees, but I expect to be fully exposed to the sun for the full duration of the ride. I'm also going to miss the ride back into the Woodlands at the end. I like that part of the old course.
Tom, How did you sign up?
I participated this year. When you check in, they typically allow you to sign up for next year's race. This year they only allowed you to put your name on a list to be notified. When they announced this year's race to the public, I got an email allowing me to sign up.
Texas typically doesn't fill up until close to the end of the year, so I wouldn't worry too much about trying to get in.
I must say I'm a little upset at the new Westin Hotel. It just opened up before this year's race and it's right at the finish line. We stayed there and it was a great experience. I called to get a reservation for next year. They've upped the rates and now they want the money up front and it's not refundable. Just not very nice!
For what it's worth, I drove the Hardy yesterday, with the intention of riding it next April, and was paying close attention to the surface. Great surface, except for the long seams that you can get your tire stuck in pretty easy. As long as you pay attention to where those seams are, and you don't move over into one when you're trying to pass someone, it should be a great road. Some people mentioned concerns with expansion joints, I didn't see much problem there. Yes they have them, and yes, there are a few long elevated sections where they will be repetitive, but that's for about half a mile at a time, and thus it's probably not a problem. The toll plazas that I mention above were all torn down. Shouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't be surprised if they still have some construction going on somewhere on the route next year. I think it wont influence the race, but there may be a few places where you'll have to be a bit more careful about concrete barriers and bumpy roads for short distances.
For cheap, look close to Conway.
will see what I feel like after that one in October.
may take 2017 off from full Ironman races.
when might Texas fill up ?
The bike course does look fast though.
Of course, the bike course was super fast this year. My fastest time ever!
https://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/448/Athlete-Information
But there are a couple questions to ask:
1. Has anyone ever ridden close enough to a train to get a draft?
2. Is 20' away going to give us that opportunity?
3. If 20' away is too far away for a clean draft, will the train passing through create any other sort of strange localized wind patterns?
4. Am I obsessing too much about trains?
I drove the hardy everyday for 3 years, the trains will not be an issue. Trees in the distance there will only be shade from 6pm until 7 am!
If its a typical day the wind will be helping from s to n