IMTX 2+weeks early
I plan to arrive for IMTX the beginning of May for 2+ weeks of climitizing and training on the course. Wanna go inexpensive . Looking for feedback and suggestions from any locals who know the area , IMTX vets , IMTX camp vets etc. Hotel does not have to be nice but would like it to be nearby to YMCA, food shopping, and the bike course. Tentatively planning 5/1-5/16 and will be going solo if anyone is interested to join me and share costs that could be a possiblitly as well. On the 16th I will be joing by Heather and we will be moving to La Quinta in until Monday after IMTX.
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There is plenty of shopping / retail all the way up Hwy 45 so no worries there.
Not sure where the YMCA is. Assuming you want that for swimming correct? You can't swim in the lake except for a very short window one day before the event.
For the bike course, I wouldn't start in the Woodlands; way to busy. I'll see if I can dig up the map from the Rally. Basically it is much less busy as you go towards Conroe - that's the part you want to ride anyway.
For run practice, it's a 3 loop course, so I would park at the shopping center across the street from the start (I thing the grocery store is HEB??) and run around the lake. Almost all on bike paths and tree covered.
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1. I have created a detailed Rally Weekend document with links to maps, cue sheets, phone numbers, Bike Wave sign ups and much much more:
YOU MUST DOWNLOAD AND READ THIS PDF FILE: https://www.box.com/s/4890fe05711bf0ad0861
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Second up is a followup email from Patrick after the event.
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Folks,
As promised, here are some downloads / resources for you as you put the finishing touches on your race preparation.
First, thanks for your responses on the Top Three Things You Learned At The Rally. You can find them online here: Top Three List (http://bit.ly/Jf8Rno)
Second, I know that you'll want the videos I took over the weekend. You can download them using the links below.
* Bike Course Overview: Download Here (https://www.box.com/s/acf65d0136e4b62c2910)
* Four Keys for Ironman Texas: Download Here (https://www.box.com/s/a74fce4395ee9f495364)
Third, I'll be doing a Four Keys Talk / Team EN meet up over race weekend on Friday at 9am after you swim. Please tell / bring your friends! The information on the event is located on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/events/233713006730147/
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I tested a couple of the links and they seem good. If there are issues, I'll ping Patrick to see if he has originals.
tom
Hotels in the area can be pretty expensive. This is a high traffic business area, so they don't cater much to the budget traveler in the immediate Woodlands area. You might expand your search out a little to areas like Magnola, Conroe, Tomball to find more affordable accommodations. There are also some corporate apartments right off the run course, that might be an option for a longer term rental (probably managed by Camden). Just do not stay in the GreensPoint area. We call it GunsPoint. Also, you will want to plan any rides on the course during the week around rush hour. A good chunk of the roads are connectors for subdivisions, so it is usually good to plan your time so that you are not on the road at the same time mom is dropping junior off at school.