Just got the good word that the IMFL course has changed. You now get to ride a lot of the course twice in more of a lollipop fashion than one giant big loop. Would love to get local input on the road quality of the new sections (hint hint). Enjoy!
>> New Map
>> Old Route
>> Coach P Video
Comments
I heard a rumor of this when I was in Panama City Beach back in August. With the opening of the new airport on 388 there was a push to keep the bike traffic away from the airport.
I rode most of the old course except 231, camp flowers rd and the far end of HWY 20, most of which has been dropped from the course.
HWY 79 -- fairly new asphalt and very smooth although there was some construction near the intersection of 79 and HWY 20.
HWY 20 is mostly good -- some chip seal but overall a smooth road.
I rode the portion from HWY 20, South down HWY 77 and it is also very good.
The most rolling portion of the course (false flats really) is on HWY 20 so the course may ride slightly slower since you ride it both ways, Also, riding South on HWY 79 late in the ride will have everyone riding into the onshore winds for a longer period of time.
And it is a bummer that they did drop the portion on 388 because it is brand new asphalt and some of the smoothest road I"ve ever ridden. Very fast!! Oh well,
There was also a lot of construction on the road right in front of the boardwalk near the transition entance and exit -- but hopefully it will have been completed by raceday.
Overall, the course will probably ride very similar as before and will pay dividends to the rider who can ride with almost ZERO coasting and stay LOCKED in the aero position for the entire ride. Especially the last hour or so which will likely be into the wind.
Mark Roberts