Question:

I live in Winchester, not doing Lymington, but did do Bournemouth this weekend. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? cheers, greg

Response:

I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? cheers, greg

I know a few fun bike rides around that part of Hants, and there are a couple of runs north of Winchester that are more interesting than pure road routes. Tim Cropley lives in Winchester, I expect he’ll respond soon too. I live just north of Winchester (Hants. UK) and I’ll be at Lymington this weekend. I’ll try to find you. Cheers, Mark Germain

Response:

I followed the url below and got a doc not found, any ideas?

Phil

| Greg, not that I want to put you off hanging out in RST, you find a | lot more UK based Traithletes over on the Triathletes-uk egroup. | Jafa cakes, Turbo tracks to spin to, event information and advice, | opion and more. | | Goto http://www.egroups.com/triathletes-uk and register and select | if you want to receive all e-mails, a twice dialy digest or just | read via a web browser. Alternatively send an e-mail to | | ++Mark, Some how the bookmark I have works for me… I just did it the hard way, try this: http://www.egroups.com/group/triathletes-uk ++Mark.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? I know a few fun bike rides around that part of Hants, and there are a couple of runs north of Winchester that are more interesting than pure road routes. Tim Cropley lives in Winchester, I expect he’ll respond soon too. I live just north of Winchester (Hants. UK) and I’ll be at Lymington this weekend. I’ll try to find you.

Who said you wouldn’t get much response from UK folk? Must be something about Winchester. If you work at IBM Hursley (looks like you do) there are plenty of cycling choices right outside your office – east or west for fast, flattish but busy roads, anywhere to the north for more challenging, hilly but scenic routes.  Loads of runs, too. I tend towards off-road running on the downs to save my poor old knackered legs. I found the www.triathletes-uk.org link useful for locating local tri clubs, while there are running clubs in Winchester, Eastleigh, Southampton… I won’t be at Lymington but hope to do a couple more tris in the area this year, so maybe see you at one of them. Andy Key (Winchester, UK)

Response:

Hi Greg, Where are you in Hampshire? I work in Hook and often train at lunchtime (running) from the office… However, I live in Wiltshire so not much use to you. Not doing Lymington but lining up a few biathlons over the coming weeks. Have only just decided to return to bi/tri after ten years out. Nick Ballard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? cheers, greg

Response:

Hi Nick, I’m based in Southampton; though I currently work in winchester. I’m starting a new job soon and if my contract takes me up to hook i’ll give you a shout and we can go for a run….. cheers, greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Greg, Where are you in Hampshire? I work in Hook and often train at lunchtime (running) from the office… However, I live in Wiltshire so not much use to you. Not doing Lymington but lining up a few biathlons over the coming weeks. Have only just decided to return to bi/tri after ten years out. Nick Ballard I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? cheers, greg

Response:

I’ve completed my first 2 sprint events and am now getting into triathlon a bit more. Is there anyone out there in hampshire,uk who knows some good places to train? Anyone doing the lymington tri on the 9th of july? cheers, greg

Response:

Greg, not that I want to put you off hanging out in RST, you find a lot more UK based Traithletes over on the Triathletes-uk egroup. Jafa cakes, Turbo tracks to spin to, event information and advice, opion and more. Goto http://www.egroups.com/triathletes-uk and register and select if you want to receive all e-mails, a twice dialy digest or just read via a web browser. Alternatively send an e-mail to ++Mark,

Response:

I followed the url below and got a doc not found, any ideas? Phil

| Greg, not that I want to put you off hanging out in RST, you find a | lot more UK based Traithletes over on the Triathletes-uk egroup. | Jafa cakes, Turbo tracks to spin to, event information and advice, | opion and more. | | Goto http://www.egroups.com/triathletes-uk and register and select | if you want to receive all e-mails, a twice dialy digest or just | read via a web browser. Alternatively send an e-mail to | | ++Mark, | |

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I followed the url below and got a doc not found, any ideas? Phil | Greg, not that I want to put you off hanging out in RST, you find a | lot more UK based Traithletes over on the Triathletes-uk egroup. | Jafa cakes, Turbo tracks to spin to, event information and advice, | opion and more. | | Goto http://www.egroups.com/triathletes-uk and register and select | if you want to receive all e-mails, a twice dialy digest or just | read via a web browser. Alternatively send an e-mail to | | ++Mark, | |

try http://www.triathletes-uk.org/ — Baker Atlas GEOScience      Tel: +44 (0)208 202 2433 154 Brent Street,           FAX: +44 (0)208 202 2287 London, NW4 2DR, ENGLAND.   WWW: http://www.zands.com

Response:

Question:

Try practicing taking off your wetsuit by turning it inside out (by peeling it off your body).  This method usually takes me about 4-5 seconds during a race…  Check out my reply to "wetsuit question + 1 more" where I described how to quickly get the bugger off. Hope this helps. Best regards, -giancarlo http://www.triathlete.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In a short distance swim,  say a half mile, I don’t see how a wetsuit would give you any advantage since you waste any advantage in the transition area taking the beast off. You must be a strong swimmer to say this.  Since a wetsuit makes me 15-20 seconds faster per 100 yards, in a half mile swim we’re talking about a 2 to 3 minute time improvement.  Not to mention the fact that the wetsuit floats your legs and keeps them fresher for the bike and run, saving even more time. And it takes what, 30 seconds at most to take the thing off?  Granted I’m a weak swimmer but I think the advantages of a wetsuit outweigh the disadvantages for almost all triathletes at almost all distances. –Steve Gregg

Response:

1/2 mile doesn’t sound long, but if it’s cold it can slow you down for the whole race: numb fingers and toes make for long transition times. I can personally get out of a full wetsiut in seconds. Besides, a wetsuit is faster in the swim: more bouyancy holding you up means more of your energy is spent pushing you on the horizontal axis (towards the bike transition) and not on the vertical axis holding you up. Bill Howard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In a short distance swim,  say half a half mile, I don’t see how a wetsuit would give you any advantage since you waste any advantage in the transition area taking the beast off.  Whereas a trisuit seemingly appears to be a better bet in a shorter swim.  What do you think for I am thinking of getting one of those Speedo Aquable trisuit?  Does a trisuit slow your swim? Tony

Response:

In a short distance swim,  say a half mile, I don’t see how a wetsuit would give you any advantage since you waste any advantage in the transition area taking the beast off.

You must be a strong swimmer to say this.  Since a wetsuit makes me 15-20 seconds faster per 100 yards, in a half mile swim we’re talking about a 2 to 3 minute time improvement.  Not to mention the fact that the wetsuit floats your legs and keeps them fresher for the bike and run, saving even more time.   And it takes what, 30 seconds at most to take the thing off?  Granted I’m a weak swimmer but I think the advantages of a wetsuit outweigh the disadvantages for almost all triathletes at almost all distances.   –Steve Gregg

Response:

In a short distance swim,  say half a half mile, I don’t see how a wetsuit would give you any advantage since you waste any advantage in the transition area taking the beast off.  Whereas a trisuit seemingly appears to be a better bet in a shorter swim.  What do you think for I am thinking of getting one of those Speedo Aquable trisuit?  Does a trisuit slow your swim? Tony

Response:

Question:

Do you have a schedule of duathalons, run and bike/ski and run/ski and mnt bike/etc. anything w/o the swim, in SF area or w/in ~100 miles of SF?  Also, does anyone need a triathalon partner (run or bike, better at bike) in the same area?  I am new to SF and I am trying to get to know places, people, activities, trails, etc.  any suggestions?  web sites?  Thanks.  Patrizia

Response:

Check Duathlon.com. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a schedule of duathalons, run and bike/ski and run/ski and mnt bike/etc. anything w/o the swim, in SF area or w/in ~100 miles of SF?  Also, does anyone need a triathalon partner (run or bike, better at bike) in the same area?  I am new to SF and I am trying to get to know places, people, activities, trails, etc.  any suggestions?  web sites?  Thanks.  Patrizia

Response:

Do you have a schedule of duathalons, run and bike/ski and run/ski and mnt bike/etc. anything w/o the swim, in SF area or w/in ~100 miles of SF?  Also, does anyone need a triathalon partner (run or bike, better at bike) in the same area?  I am new to SF and I am trying to get to know places, people, activities, trails, etc.  any suggestions?  web sites?  Thanks.

Patrizia Even if I’m living in France, I have visited Duathlon.com that seem to have lots of information regarding the Duathlon and the schedule for Y2K. Olivier Before you buy.

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Question:

Okay, so now I get to the question I’ve been waiting 4mos to ask – Any RST’ers gonna be at the SJ Int’l Tri this Sunday? Is there any organized meeting place? Ron ‘excited newbie’ Gilcreast

Response:

I, cousin, wife and daughter will be there. Jay & Angie Japka Jay at work Japka Family http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/2336/ourworld.htm ****Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II,

Question:

As a triathlete and a tri-business, we feel that one of the best deals available right now is the Softride Windshear. The 97/98 Softride Windshear retailed for $1300 but is available as a new, complete bike, ready-to-ride/race for $875.00 shipped. We have sold many of these to both new athletes getting into the sport as well as seasoned athletes to use as a training or second bike that recognized that this was a good buy. The components are Shimana RX100 which are a step below the 105’s but it is a great entry level bike, especially given your budget. This would leave you with monies left over to buy the other things needed for racing. If you are interested or have questions about this bike, the Softride bikes or even the Quintana Roo bikes that we do carry, please feel free to ask.  We also have one of the largest selections of wetsuits, both Quintana Roo and Ironman Wetsuits (the largest on the Gulf Coast Area!). Thanks, Mark Tarver http://Tri-Specialties.com phone:318-625-9224 All, Looking for a novice tri-bike or what I should be looking for in a tri-bike. Looking to spend less than $1000.  All advice would be greate. As well, any good site/spots to purchase decent training rollers?  What kind is best?  Less than $300 Thanks Stephen B. finisher of 2 tri’s

Response:

All, Looking for a novice tri-bike or what I should be looking for in a tri-bike. Looking to spend less than $1000.  All advice would be greate. As well, any good site/spots to purchase decent training rollers?  What kind is best?  Less than $300 Thanks Stephen B. finisher of 2 tri’s

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Question:

I just got my November issue of IT and noticed the new glossy paper. Very nice.  I think it sure beats the old newspaper feel.  I’m glad to see such a great publication has increased it’s quality. Don Van Wie

Response:

Ya I noticed the paper also.  Nice look and feel.  Hope they keep up the good work.

Response:

Question:

I tried Rip-n-Hammer’s web site, and it isn’t online as of yet.  It is supposed to be:www.rnhclothing.com. I don’t know when their supposed to have the web site up and running.  

Response:

Does anyone know if they have a site on the web?  I’d like to see their 98 line before the cataloge gets here.  They only seem to have one style advertised in triathlete magazine.  thanks joel falk Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  USA

Response:

Question:

One duathalon (actually it was in the days of biathlons) that I competed in supplied a communal bottle of 407 (household cleaner) and a roll of paper towels for the after race ritual of marker remover. Karen

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan

Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

Mascara remover works well.  Tri it. Pat

Response:

: Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? : Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, : but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going : out in public….

I use small alcohol swabs. Individually packaged, and available very cheaply in any drugstore.  Made primarily for diabetics, but work on ANY marker. Marty Marty Miller Proprietor of The Triathlete’s Web http://w3.one.net/~triweb

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan

We have a couple of Kids of Steel, who do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on their calves to remove race numbers, so we have found baby oil works very well.  Ideally, use a cotton ball, but pretty well anything soaked liberally should work well. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

Response:

I have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on their calves to remove the race numbers, so we have found that baby oil works just as well.  Ideally, apply it with cotton balls, but even paper towelling will work if you keep it soaked in fresh baby oil.

Response:

We have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on thier calves to remove race numbers.  Actually, I think they are more of a status symbol and they just do not want them off.  We find baby oil works well for removing marker with the least ammount of fuss.   Ideally, it should be applied with cotton balls, but even paper towels seem to work if the oil is used liberally enough. Chris

Response:

we have a couple of Kids of Steel that do not appreciate the feel of steel wool on thier calves to remove race numbers.  Actually, I think they are more of a status symbol and they just do not want them off.  We find baby oil works well for removing marker with the least ammount of fuss.   Ideally, it should be applied with cotton balls, but even paper towels seem to work if the oil is used liberally enough. Chris

Response:

I’ve found that suscreen works great. It also works fast. By the time I’m out of my wetsuit, all my numbers are gone. PAM also seems to work based on my race last week. I was unregognizeable as a racer except for the fact that I was sweating so much, since my numbers were completely gone after the swim. Race numbers look cool on mondays in the gym , but they look very UNCOOL on fridays, the week after a race. Don’t you guys ever wash?!?! TriDork

Response:

Ah….the reasons for your recent less than stellar results are slowly becoming evident. Poisoning, self mutilation etc etc. If everyone followed your training regeime, Triathlon would die and I could finally qualify for Kona!   Do as Ironman says, yeah that’s it. TriDork

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through the skin and I would highly recommend NOT using this solution, even as effective as it is. I used to use WD-40 for getting tar and gunk off my hands when working on my car, until I found out how bad it is for a human. I consider it to be as bad as inhaling or drinking the stuff. WD-40 is good fro getting rid of wasps etc in emergency situations though. TriDord

Mr. Dord, et. al.: I advise the following technique: 1) Liberally soak the skin with gasoline.  Gently prick the skin with a sharp ice pick to promote thorough penetration. 2) Apply a match or other flame source to the area. Allow to burn until a light crust forms. 3) Using a wire wheel, chucked in a standard 3/8" drill, buff all charred area.  Using a *brass* wire wheel will avoid scratching the underlying bone. Repeat the above process until the annoying marker residue is completely removed.  Please *do not* allow the marker to remain as it may be bad for your skin. Hope this helps! — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Michael Clark                < I’m the slime oozin’ out Cary, NC                     < Of your TV set!

Response:

Why bother manually removing them, they are a great conversation piece.  Besides, if you shower every day they are usually gone by Tuesday. — // // stephen f. cawley //

Response:

PAM works?  What about SPAM? Rob

Response:

The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through  <snip TriDord

 ^^^^^^^ Who the hell is that?  Another weak Canadian who cannot tolerate a little petro-action on the skin I s’pose.   Anyway, I find pure gasoline to be a good solvent for removing the marker.  Also, I have found that pure bleach mixed with ammonia works well too.  When that doesn’t work, use sandpaper or steel wool and just grind it off along with your skin (While I am sure it is obvious – JUST KIDDING!) -Rolf —     Rolf "Ironman" Arands, PhD in ChEng "This above all, to thine own self be true."

Response:

thanx for all your creative ideas on this one…. emperical testing shows that: – some brands of sunscreen work great (and should be applied BEFORE the race if you want to be able to prove who you are afterwards and get your bike back!) – fingernail polish remover works great, but can dry out your skin a little. – baby oil/Pam works well on most markers, but not all. – other forms of abrasive removal or the application of industrial solvents like WD-40 do work but are not preferred by most people. ciao, Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: rec.sport.triathlon Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan — Emerging Technology Services   – innovative mechanical product development   – software application development/management

Emerging Technology Services    - innovative mechanical product development    - software application development/management

Response:

Baby oil and cotton balls usually does the trick for me, but acetone finally got my OCPAC numbers off (kind of hard on the skin)! Ron Urman

Response:

I work so hard for those damn numbers that there’s no way that I’m going to remove them!  The fading numbers (which seem to wash off in the shower after several days) have started some great conversations:  "Were you in a concentration camp?"  "What rock concert did you see?"  "How cum you have that funny number on your arm [or leg]?" "Are you a triathlete?" I’m a triathlete in part to fight boredom.  The numbers just seem to make life a litle more interesting! –Lee ("Love me, love my number!") Crumbaugh

Response:

The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette

The petroleum distillates in WD-40 get absorbed very well through the skin and I would highly recommend NOT using this solution, even as effective as it is. I used to use WD-40 for getting tar and gunk off my hands when working on my car, until I found out how bad it is for a human. I consider it to be as bad as inhaling or drinking the stuff. WD-40 is good fro getting rid of wasps etc in emergency situations though. TriDord

Response:

I’ve found that the cheap "Kroger brand" lemon scented fingernail polish remover works great, much to the dismay of my daughters, who are always trying to get it back and out of my tri backpack.

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Individually packaged alcohol swabs are available At any pharmacy. I keep a handful in my transition bag and they remove any marker I’ve come across yet. Quick and easy. Andrew Peabody Miami Beach

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The best thing I`ve found is WD-40 which every triathlete should have in his car anyway. Francois Brissette Dept. of Construction Engineering Universite du Quebec, Montreal            ’                         /_        ’      ’ swimswimswimswim bikebikebike runrunrunrun pigoutandgotobed        

Response:

A friend of mine has suggested using baby oil.  She says it works great! I’ve been to lazy to try it and have been walking around with 738 all over my body for the last two days.  Maybe I’ll give it a try, too.

Response:

: Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? : Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, : but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going : out in public…. : I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to : remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active : ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out : unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited : to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… : Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, : I’d appreciate hearing about it! : thanx, : Dan : Emerging Technology Services :    - innovative mechanical product development :    - software application development/management Try soap and a loofah sponge- this seems to work well Ben REuter

Response:

Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public…. I have noticed that one sunscreen I use ( Saurus Sport ) seems to remove the numbers pretty well, but I don’t know what the active ingredient might be that makes that happen. BTW, I found this out unfortunately at a race just after getting markered; I had waited to apply sunscreen ‘case I thought I was being helpful… Anyway… If someone has a good simple household marker removal, I’d appreciate hearing about it! thanx, Dan Emerging Technology Services    - innovative mechanical product development    - software application development/management

Response:

Anyone have any suggestions for a good magic marker remover? Sometimes it’s fun to leave those numbers on and strut your stuff, but other times I’d really like to get the numbers off before going out in public….

<snip I’ve found that Lava soap works very well.  Again, I’m not trying to advertise that brand, but the grittiness of the soap works well for me. Rod

Response:

Question:

Has anybody out there done the Minnesota Border to Border?   Am interested in doing it, but the  price seems a bit high.   $400 for two people and it looks like all they provide is 4 evening meals, maps, and a finishers award.   Is it true they don’t provide any food or water stops during the week??  Also, how tough is the 50 miles in a canoe?   I saw they can rent you a racing canoe; what do the charge for that?   Any advice would be appreciated.

Response:

Has anybody out there done the Minnesota Border to Border?   Am interested in doing it, but the  price seems a bit high.   $400 for two people and it looks like all they provide is 4 evening meals, maps, and a finishers award.   Is it true they don’t provide any food or water stops during the week??  Also, how tough is the 50 miles in a canoe?   I saw they can rent you a racing canoe; what do the charge for that?   Any advice would be appreciated.

I haven’t done it personnally, but a friend of mine has done it 4X. $200/person doesn’t seem high at all for a 4 day event.  I’m sure there are a lot of county fees (for police/sheriff) services that they need to pay… The 2 person team is a relay format.  While you are riding your bike (your teammate is going along in a car/van).  You can switch off any way you like– so you need to do some strategizing.  One of my former girlfriends used to drive a support vehicle for my friends team.  She was definitely burnt by the end.  You probably want a van so you can stretch/sleep on your rest break. With this said, maybe one of the hardest parts is finding someone who’ll drive the support vehicle for you. 50 mi of canoeing is tough.  You need to be in tremendous shape and have pretty good technique.  On most recreation canoe trips, you do good to get in 20-25 mi a day.  My friend’s team spent lots of time training for the canoe portion.  You should call the race director and find out what some of the canoe splits were from last year. Regards, Pat    W.Patrick Brug, Ph.D.  _-           -_    Los Alamos National Lab -__       __-                                       /    cis:      72410,3372        /  

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Question:

I’m a wimp. I had planned to go to Torquay (in Victoria, Australia) to watch and support some friends competing in the inaugural Ultra Triathlon on the 10th of April ‘94.  This was an Ironman distance event (3.8km/180km/42.2km) along the picturesque western coast in Victoria.  The run turnaround was at Bells Beach, the legendary Easter Surf Carnival venue. Saturday the 9th was a glorious day – the temperature in the mid 20’s (Celsius).  Not much wind to speak of, just a breeze.  Then came the night. Roofs were removed/damaged in the overnight storms around Melbourne and it poured buckets! This was no time to be wandering around with a camera and lens (which requires a crane to transport!) taking happy snaps. The Sunday was blustery to say the least.  From what I’ve gleaned, some participants had to be treated for hyperthermia after the 3.8km, open ocean swim.  I haven’t ascertained how rough it was, my informants (participants) are still on ‘leave’, most likely recovering from shock. In Melbourne, it wasn’t ‘cold’, although a ghastly wind made it uncomfortable to be outside.  That and the showers would have made the bike leg miserable, although folks would have been thankful for the overcast conditions during the run.  However, at around 4-5 pm, the temperature suddenly dropped by 5-10 degrees and the wind changed to the colder Southerlies.  The first aid tent filled to capacity with valiant souls suffering from exposure (NB – that tent nearly disappeared from the face of the earth a couple of hours later, so strong was the wind). I’m citing this from memory, so please forgive any misteaks.  Robin Tullet from St Kilda ’survived’ the event in first place in a time of 8hrs 57mins. Raelene Croad (Victorian) came first in the women’s division in a time of 10hrs 55 mins.  There was a pic of Robin crossing the line in one of the papers – he had a bottle of champers in his hand.  It looked like he was most relieved to cross that line.  It looked like he wouldn’t have taken too many further unaided steps.  A swiss competitor (can’t remember his name) was knocked off his bike in an accident involving a car.  I think this was the only road casualty, apart from those suffering the conditions. I don’t think it would be fair to compare times directly with other Ironman distances, given the atrocious conditions.  My esteem for those who dared to participate has increased infinitely. The day after that, there wer hailstorms in Melbourne, and snow in the hills. Melbourne in Autumn (or all year round) is never boring.  You literally are expected to be prepared for all seasons over a day.  This is no exaggeration. The Forster Ironman Triathlon took place yesterday (17th April).  Forster is in Northern New South Wales, and is consequently much warmer.  Here, folks had to deal with 15 knot winds and a 30 degree (Celsius) bike ride.  I cannot provide much more than the top results, as that’s all the papers have deemed to provide.  The Forster tri is part of the International Ironman calendar.         Mens:   1       Pauli Kiuru     (Fin)           8:21:13 Who else??                 2       Bruce Thomas    (Oz)            8:29:38                 3       P. Kropko       (Hungary)       8:34:50         Women:                 1       S Ryan          (NZ)            9:24:17 I think 2nd & third in the womens were from Canada & the US, I’m sorry I can’t remember, all the paper has is the above.  Kiuru’s time was about 15 mins slower than the fastest for the Forster course, which was also set by him. As for me – I piked out of doing the Portarlington tri yesterday. my excuse is that I’m too busy.  It turned out to be quite a lovely day.  Trust me to miss out on it.  Now it’s preparation for the duathlon season, the first event being on the 8th of May.  Six to go until the World’s in Tassie.  Hmm… dream on ..   Paul Menon,   Dept of Computer Science,   Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology,   124 Latrobe Street,   Melbourne 3001,   Victoria, Australia. ph:    +61 3 660 3209/2348         ICBM: lat 37^ 50′ long 145^ 0′ E fax:   +61 3 662 1617

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I’m a wimp.

Well I was stupid and went to Torquay. I couldn’t help myself, first ultra distance in this state, and it looked so much fun.  No I didn’t compete, but I did have several friends involved (with an 8 in 9 finish rate no less !) (The first time I had ever seen one, and I was pretty fired along by watching them go…) I had planned to go to Torquay (in Victoria, Australia) to watch and support some friends competing in the inaugural Ultra Triathlon on the 10th of April ‘94.  This was an Ironman distance event (3.8km/180km/42.2km) along the picturesque western coast in Victoria.  The run turnaround was at Bells Beach, the legendary Easter Surf Carnival venue.

…. Well all Paul says is true, so see the previous post for a critique on Melbourne (and surrounds) "lovely" weather…. Well I was one of those silly hard working volunteers… down at the Bells beach turn around, giving the surfers an alternative target to hit (instead of the runners). The course comprised of an out and back swim course, a three lap 60km cycle loop along the particularly picturesque  ocean roads (but as anyone will tell you, isn’t that what race promoters always say ) and a two lap run course.   From the spectators perspective, the looped course was fantastic, with the ability to cheer the competitors on multiple times through the various stages and from speaking to competitors after the race (and during too ) they loved the opportunity to be encouraged by the spectators multiple times in addition to seeing (and hearing) their fellow competitors many times through the course. Well (from a very poor memory) there were about 80 individuals and 35 teams, a poor(ish) turnout, but given the a) conditions, b) fact that this was the first time the event had ever run, we can excuse this.. (and promptly did so) The Swim course was, err, confusing to say the least, and a number of competitors ended up off course, with many a potential protest forming… (I dont remember the times, sorry, that will be a feature of this report, me not remembering the times or people) but the first group of pros were out in the low 40’s, a large clump were out around the 60-70m mark (plenty of swim drafting being practised there)  and well many others were out at many other times… :-} Well the cycle leg was quickly underway and the main straight (back into the finish/transition zones) had a nasty little head wind. At any rate there was a clear leader through the cycle course (and I really wish I could remember his name) who was leading Robin Tullett (the eventual winner) by about 16-17m. About this time I headed down to my post so I didn’t get to see the drama of the day as (whatever-his-name) pulled out  at the start of the run and Robin became the clear leader of the day. Well down at the 1/4, 3/4 run point (the 10km turn around at Bells Beach, and yes everyone, it is a great place to surf) The surf was running and the beach was pretty busy, (with surfers and sightseers as well as spectators (and aid station people, and marshalls, and so on.) (Personally I think putting the turn around there at one of th busiest tourist spots around the place was not a clever move, but what the heck.) Well the teams had taken a clear lead over the individuals by this stage, and it was after what seemed like half of the teams were through before the first individual was sighted. There was plenty of cheering on and encouragement from the spectators, marshalls, aid station people and so on. As well as words of encouragement from various surfers, most of whom considered the Tri’ers to be mad (although looking at the swell that day, I have some doubts about the surfers’ state of mind.) The comment of the race came from Robin Tullett when he passed me and said "I can’t belive I am leading this thing", by around 15m he made it seem to be easy. (hah !) Well the race was all over before I got back to the finish line (relieved of doing point duty, and cheer leadering and explaining the order of a triathlon to the incidental spectators ) I watched the first women over the line (yep, you guessed it can’t remember her name either). Although I do remember Rebecca Goodwin was third over the line, and that was even after making  a slight mistake and getting lost (on the second lap of the run course no less !), won an award for being the youngest compitetor and was part ofthe Australian team (group?) at Hawaii last year. At any rate sometime about here the weather decided to get nasty and as more than three quarters of the field were still out, the wet weather gear came out in force. (Oh, another advantage of the looped course, you could find a dry spot, and still be able to see your favorite competitors for one or more laps of the course) Well the weather got worse, and still more brave and hardy soles made it to the finish, then it started to get dark (okay I skipped a few hours, but I know you can fill them in) and by now each of the competitors had their own support vehicle to ensure they didn’t get lost, blown away, or whatever. The last competitors were home between 15 and 16 hours (there was no "sweep them off the road" cut off time, although the race referee and medical staff took a bit to satisfy that each competitor should go on.) So, now after 9pm at night and the last competitors were finally getting in. Well as Paul mentioned, unusual casualties of the day included the first aid tent (almost blown to Antarctica) and in addition to (?most?) competitors, several spectators suffering from hypothermia (and seeming worse off than the loved ones, they had come along to cheer.) All in all a pretty inspiring event, and IMHO, if you can’t join ‘em then come and help, thats fun too. (maybe I’ll do it in ‘96 how about it Paul ?)

I am just going to fill in the boxes of the women I know about… The Forster Ironman Triathlon took place yesterday (17th April).  Forster is

….    Mens:   1       Pauli Kiuru     (Fin)           8:21:13 Who else??            2       Bruce Thomas    (Oz)            8:29:38            3       P. Kropko       (Hungary)       8:34:50    Women:            1       S Ryan          (NZ)            9:24:17

        2   L McAlister (Can)       9:29:30         3   P Johnson   (US)        9:36:?? I think 2nd & third in the womens were from Canada & the US, I’m sorry I can’t remember, all the paper has is the above.  Kiuru’s time was about 15 mins slower than the fastest for the Forster course, which was also set by him. As for me – I piked out of doing the Portarlington tri yesterday. my excuse is that I’m too busy.  It turned out to be quite a lovely day.  Trust me to miss out on it.  Now it’s preparation for the duathlon season, the first event being on the 8th of May.  Six to go until the World’s in Tassie.  Hmm… dream on ..

Now, I wouldn’t call Paul a slack bum, ’cause he is a busy lad, but he did miss a beautiful day (25degC top) with a wonderfully blustery wind and  a choppy sea. Now, I did compete (err, make that complete) at Portarlington. A lovely little 800m/26km/8km jaunt.  It is regularly voted as the most popular race of the season (it is also the traditional last race of the season, a coincidence ? You be the judge.) Well I did it in under two hours (forgot to a) look at the clock, b) look at my watch, c) ask someone) which for me, was pretty marvelous. (it was my longest race, well this is my first season after all, and with seven races down, I am seriously addicted ) Well the day started off for the organizers, like all days should (?) Hell and confusion, it turned out the local surf club hired to support the event, had not turned up.  Bit of a problem, as the buoys were not set out, and there was no in water support crew, Uhoh. Well after a half hour delay, still no surf club, but the Coast Guard had turned up, and offered assistance. (well this was going to be an interesting race…) Then race briefing, because of a lack of surfers, the race directors decided it would be a good idea to tell everyone of the new course (it was the way they kept calling for volunteers from the audience with formal life saving training that really put some off …) Okay, well the course is typically a box, around a pier/breakwater, well without any markers in the water, we were told, swim close to the pier and just follow the line around the pier until the end of the break water then swim for the beach. This had the (undesirable for me, I’m a fairly strong swimmer, and this is the point in the race I get to feel good… ) effect of shortening the course by about 250m Only one slight problem, the seas were pretty heavy (.5-1m (1.5-3")) and the possibility of being washed into the pier was quite real.   At any rate, after what seemed like the longest wade/dolphin in history (about 150-200m worth) I swam about twenty metres wide, and still managed to get ahead of my pack (well in the top 20 in my pack, dont pick.) About this time I got got by a trap for young players, I typically wear ear plugs and lost one in the surfey conditions. As a result I was pretty punch drunk by the time I got out of the water (ear=balance centre for those with little physiology) and was a touch dizzy, anyhow made it to the bike rack and figured I was away…. After what seemed like an eternity I got shoes on, (glasses too), helmet, and un-racked and ran for the ride zone.  Out from the transition area is a !cute! little hill that seems to be about one in two… so plenty of (unprepared) people dropping gears and powering up the hill. Of course now we could appreciate the lovely scenic views of the beach and surrounding district (what is it with Race promoters, were they all reject Real Estate agents ?) Actually the cycle was a blast, the first two thirds wind along flat beach roads making for some fast efforts for those that forget about the last third (evil cackle) of the cycle course. Then with the last … read more »

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