#564  TriCat  

Thursday, August 13, 2009 04:51 AM Host: d24-150-168-56.home.cgocable.net

Thanks Mike & Jo,
Sounds pretty similar to what I'm used to training on.

Less than 2 weeks and I will be in Penticton

#563  Jo   Subject: bumpy pancake

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 06:55 AM Host: S01060006256119cb.ok.shawcable.net

I wouldn't exactly call it pancake flat, Mike. There is one significant hill, not real long, but rather steep, about 10 miles out. Of course you do it again coming back. There are also a couple of little bumps closer to town. And, if the part in the city were pancake flat, Penticton would be under water! There is indeed a gentle rise through town. Having said all that, I wouldn't worry about a lot of hill training. So much of it is very flat or close to it, that if you have to walk the hill it's not going to affect your time much.

#562  Mike H   Subject: run course

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 09:56 PM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

pancake flat! don't bother training for hills at all

#561  TriCat  

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 03:57 PM Host: d24-150-168-56.home.cgocable.net

so here's a question I probably should have thought about months ago, but how hilly is the run course? I know there are hills on the bike course, but not sure about the run.

#560  dave from toronto  
ironmandave@rogers.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 01:34 PM Host: CPE001cf0b7e9d4-CM001225430f26.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com

Mike and TM are bang on concerning Steve King. I was at the finish line from 9pm to midnight one year and had to listen to "You are an ironman" over and over and over.... In the years he's not announcing at the finish line you'll find Steve at the top of Richter and the 20 mile mark of the run with his own speaker system - very cool.

#559  Tomaya   Subject: sportmassage
kinderplanet@yahoo.ca

Monday, August 10, 2009 06:27 PM Host: 65-38-33-212.dhcp450.dsl.ucc-net.ca

Dear athletes
As an athlete,certified massage therapist(7 years),yoga teacher and nutritionist I am offering my service in deep tissue sport massage.I help you to enhance your performance and recovery with a full body deep flow. The time for a massage is 30 minutes and cost 30.-. Also giving 1 hour massages for 50.- and open to group rates. Working out of my home at 646 Ellis street downtown Penticton.
Call anytime at 250 490-4628

Namaste,enjoy your race

#558  Mike H   Subject: Mike VS. Steve

Monday, August 10, 2009 02:38 PM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

Mike Reilly and Steve King have two very unique styles.

Steve says so much more and Mike says so much less.
Hearing Mike say "You are an Ironman" after every single athlete gets a tad monotonous.
Steve pronounces names of athletes and where they are from correctly and Mike generally mispronounces many many names and cities.

to Steve King being the race announcer is a real passion and he does an incredible job at it. It is obvious to all the athletes and all the spectators that he has done his homework and loves what he is doing. He also takes the Emcee role at the Carbo and Awards Banquet very seriously and makes them a class events not a joke.

to Mike...well... it's a job and it shows.

thank God that Lousville and IMC are the same day!

#557  TM   Subject: Why I like Steve King

Monday, August 10, 2009 10:12 AM IP: 209.89.130.118

Mr. King never says the same thing twice. Well, when you talk non-stop for several hours you might have a few repeats, but he has only a very few. How does he do that? Easy, he does his homework, and comes to the race armed with lots of information about it, and about the competitors. He personally knows many of the athletes, especially the long-time ones.

He does repeat things he has said in previous years.

And, his accent, from somewhere in England, is pleasant to listen to.

#556  TriHard   Subject: More Chatter

Monday, August 10, 2009 07:29 AM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Yes, more chatter. This is good. Less than 3 weeks to go and hopefully everyone is getting excited!

So, having only done Florida before, I need to ask: What is so great about Steve King? I like Mike Reilly, but I guess since Canada and Louisville are the same day, he can't be in 2 places at once.

#555  Matt   Subject: Ride from Vancouver?
mattfreeman@alumni.brown.edu

Friday, August 7, 2009 01:12 PM Host: c-69-245-36-62.hsd1.tn.comcast.net

I'm trying to get to Penticton to volunteer/watch a few friends at IMC. My partner needs the car at home, so I was hoping to get a ride out of Van on the 28th or 29th. I'll pay my portion of gas, and various unhealthy Hostess products as well. If you can fit a bike, great, if not that's okay. And I've got a ride back from IMC, so I only need the one-way.

#554  steve   Subject: Bike special needs area
bchse08@yahoo.com

Friday, August 7, 2009 10:39 AM Host: pool-98-117-112-16.sttlwa.fios.verizon.net

Hi, it has been a couple years since I have raced IMC, and have forgotten if they hand out water at the special needs bag pick up, or is the water stop a few miles before and after we turn around. I want to put some dry mix of my drink in two bottles and want to make as few stops as possible.

Thank goodness Steve King and Bike Barn are part of the race this year.

Thanks

#553  dave from toronto  
ironmandave@rogers.com

Friday, August 7, 2009 10:33 AM Host: CPE001cf0b7e9d4-CM001225430f26.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com

Ah, the perfect race keeps getting better. Congrats on bringing back Mr. King to the finish line. It's just not the same race without him!!

#552  dave from toronto  
ironmandave@rogers.com

Friday, August 7, 2009 09:50 AM Host: CPE001cf0b7e9d4-CM001225430f26.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com

I agree; the weather at IMC can be wicked. Not just the winds though. I've seen thunderstorms and hail near Yellow Lake. Made for an interesting descent. The best advice is to expect the unexpected. Last year we had a head wind from the start to Richter; first time I'd ever seen that. I've always found the toughest stretch of the bike occurs when you leave the out-and-back and head for Yellow Lake; it's slightly uphill the whole way. Check out the elevation map and you'll see what I mean.

KK - I didn't notice any huge changes to the food last year. Although some stations ran out of soup by the time I got there. As for course changes - why mess with perfection??

Enjoy the race everyone. I'm taking a year off but expect to be back in 2010 for lucky #7.

#551  Jo  

Thursday, August 6, 2009 10:25 PM Host: S01060006256119cb.ok.shawcable.net

Hey, TriHard: You're right! Where is everyone? I can tell you, for the bike be prepared for hills, although there are good long stretches of flat (and down hill) too. However, there can be wicked winds. I've been lucky and have only hit really bad winds in training on the course, not on race day. Let me know if you have specific questions. Jo

#550  Gary   Subject: Accomodation
gary_dhal@hotmail.com

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 04:58 PM Host: S01060013a94764e2.ok.shawcable.net

I have a 2 bedroom suite w/ A/C,kitchen, private entrance and driveway located in Penticton, B.C. Feel free to contact me by email gary_dhal@hotmail.com

#549  patricia   Subject: looking for accomidation
walshpatriciaj@hotmail.com

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 11:21 AM IP: 216.52.28.200

Still looking for accomidation for 6 people for IMC. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Patricia

#548  TriHard   Subject: Quiet

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 08:14 AM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Hi All,

Why is this board so quiet? We are racing in under 4 weeks! I come from the Florida page, and it is constant chatter throughout the year, and especially the last month before race. This board has been so quiet for a long time (relatively).

Is anyone out there reading this? Are you all getting excited?

As someone who has never raced Canada, I would love to hear people posting specific advice / strategies for the course, etc.

JFT!

#547  Joe Stacks   Subject: Accomidations
IMAINSLIE@aol.com

Saturday, August 1, 2009 06:13 PM Host: 34.sub-75-216-24.myvzw.com

Looking for simple accomidations for only a couple nights (night before and after if possible. Will consider all options.

#546  Kat_Kong   Subject: Food/drink along IMC course?

Monday, July 27, 2009 01:29 PM Host: c-98-245-116-221.hsd1.co.comcast.net

Hi all,
I noticed that the food changed at last year's IMC. Does anyone know what it looksl ike for this year along the bike/run course? Also, is any of the course changing?
Thanks!
KK

#545  Jo   Subject: Lake temp

Friday, July 24, 2009 07:53 PM Host: S01060006256119cb.ok.shawcable.net

There can be a significant difference in lake temp from one area to another. Usually Penticton is warmer than Kelowna (at least where people swim). Keep an eye on wind directions in Penticton (weathernetwork.com) - a north wind keeps it warm as it keeps blowing the warmer surface water towards Penticton. A south wind blows the warms surface water away and the colder water rises.

#544  local   Subject: water temp
local@local.ca

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 11:59 PM Host: d75-157-121-223.bchsia.telus.net

22oC the other day

#543  TriHard   Subject: Temp

Friday, July 17, 2009 12:57 PM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Excellent! Looks like the past few mornings it has been around 65 F, but as recently as 2 days ago was 63 F. Hopefully it will trend up and get warmer. Looking at last year's data, it looks like it trended up until about mid August, and then went down.

#542  Armin   Subject: Okanagan lake temps

Friday, July 17, 2009 12:32 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

TriHard,
You can find real-time (almost) lake temperatures here:
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/FullGraph.asp?stnID=08NM083&lang=0

This is for lake temperatures at Kelowna but they should be about the same as Penticton. Select "Water temperature" from the "Parameter type" list.

#541  TriHard   Subject: re: Mike

Friday, July 17, 2009 07:56 AM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Thanks for the update Mike. I know I am probably in the minority, but I like it warm. I would much prefer the water temps in the 70s. Please keep us updated as we get closer to the race. Thx!

#540  Mike H   Subject: OK Lake

Thursday, July 16, 2009 08:18 AM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

Hi TH,
pretty sure there's no real time lake temp. reporting site.

but the water is very comfortable right now as the weather in Penticton has been HOT. I'm guessing it's 66-68 deg. out by the buoys.

the water is almost too warm for a long sleeved wetsuit.

but as we saw last year the water flipped and race week the lake got quite cold.

Mike

#539  TriHard   Subject: water temperature

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 10:24 AM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Hi,

Does anyone have a link to a real-time water temperature site for the lake? I know the website says the average temp. it 68 F, but I am sure it varies from year to year, so I would love to be able to monitor it as we approach the race.

Thanks!

#538  Shelley   Subject: Athlete coming in from CUBA!
tri_gear@yahoo.com

Friday, June 19, 2009 10:22 AM Host: static-68-179-40-113.ptr.terago.net  

To make a long story short, Raul was featured in Triathlete Magazine back in 2007. Through a network of friends, we are able to bring him to Canada so he can live his dream of competing in a real Ironman race.

We need to find him a place to stay though. Does anyone know of any homestay programs out in Penticton where he can stay for the Month of August??

Any assistance would be soooo greatly appreciated!!
Thanks

#537  Jo  

Monday, June 15, 2009 10:32 PM Host: S01060006256119cb.ok.shawcable.net

The pothole is back! The one on the paved road shoulder on the rollers before Cawston. Keep your eyes open.

#536  noel   Subject: Oliver 1/2

Monday, June 15, 2009 04:37 PM Host: c-69-180-185-72.hsd1.mn.comcast.net

Race reports? Anyone? Bueller?

#535  Bill   Subject: Oliver

Monday, June 1, 2009 03:33 PM IP: 169.145.3.20

Wetsuits will be on for the Oliver half. Water temp was 19 for the Oliver Olympic a week and a half ago. Its been hot and dry (and windy) for the past few weeks - high 20's to mid 30's for the past 2 weeks. Looks like a cooler possibly wetter weekend (but with less wind) planned for the Half. Oliver is hard to tell for the weather. I would say Thursdays forcast will be a bit more accurate for Sundays event.

#534  triguy48   Subject: Oliver Half ironman

Monday, June 1, 2009 03:10 PM Host: d75-155-183-233.bchsia.telus.net

Okay folks.... Oliver Half is this weekend. I am sitting here in sunny Victoria, wondering how warm it will be for us coastal types. Weather network says it should be a mix of sun and cloud with a high of 23 and a 30% P.O.P.
Does anyone know how warm the lake is? What are the chances that they will not allow wetsuits? Want to know what I should be preparing for. Last year at Ironman, I got cold in the swim, wind to Osoyoos, sun-burned on the Richter and rained on for most of the run... anyone want to give me an idea?
MOST IMPORTANT THOUGH IS WILL THEY ALLOW WETSUITS?????

#533  Joe  

Thursday, May 28, 2009 03:21 PM IP: 199.91.34.33

HEY! I am 15lbs overweight is that a joke about my dunlop disease! (My belly dun lopped over my belt)

I ride a trek, I do not know the gears, they came with the bike. My answer is always, if the hill hurts too much, train harder.

Train safe and well, have a good one all.

#532  Armin   Subject: out on Fixies

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 01:49 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

Hwy Mike,

You must have missed the in my reply about what RealMen(TM) ride.

Try to get over it now... it was a joke!

Kinda like your advice to someone who is concerned about the IMC climbs and is also 15 Lbs overweight that : "real men ride with a 56/39 and a 11-23".

#531  Mike   Subject: out on Fixies

Sunday, May 24, 2009 04:53 PM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

yeah Joe, we are all out riding our Fixies

#530  Joe Young   Subject: Hello? Anybody home?

Friday, May 22, 2009 01:50 PM IP: 199.91.34.33

No posts since May 9th? What are you all out training or something?

Climbed Lookout mountain (a mini mtn in Golden, CO) for the first time this year, yesterday. I think it is about 1750ft in 4-5 miles? I know not real precise for all you techo geeks. Went ok. Excited for the big miles to come...and IMC. Train well all.

Joe

#529  MIke   Subject: Fixies???

Saturday, May 9, 2009 07:31 PM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

yeah lots of tri-gorks out there riding fixies!

#528  Armin  

Friday, May 8, 2009 12:34 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

Mike H:

BS! RealMen(TM) ride fixies!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-gear_bicycle

#527  Mike H   Subject: wimps

Friday, May 8, 2009 08:04 AM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

naw! sounds like a bunch of wimps.

real men ride with a 56/39 and a 11-23

Mike

#526  Armin  

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 01:30 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

KCinCowTown -

I went with a 52/27 combo on 650c wheels. I'd rather spin then grind the hills. My bike times are about the same as yours.

#525  Darryl   Subject: Gearing for IMC
dgparry@telus.net

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 08:57 AM Host: pcx1.petro-canada.ca

Hey:
You'll want a 25 tooth gear in back for parts of Richter, Yellow Lake and the rollers. You might want an 11 tooth gear if you want to push the downhills too. Lots of time to be gained there.
(I note a petro-canada.ca domain in your post. If you'd like to talk about this, drop by or send me an email message (to dparry@domain-name).
Darryl

#524  KCinCowTown   Subject: Gearing Question

Monday, May 4, 2009 08:22 AM Host: pcx1.petro-canada.ca

I'd appreciate any suggestions as to gearing that is recommended for the IMC course.

I'm 15 lbs heavier than I should be, but still expecting to be a 6:00 to 6:15 bike.

#523  Mike   Subject: opinions differ

Sunday, May 3, 2009 09:59 AM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

Sorry Noel,
but I must disagree on a few points.

the run is NOT a "one loop lonely out and back...with lots of hills"

it's not a loop; okay there's a few small loops at the start and end but the course is an out and back. and it's really not that hilly.

and it is far from lonely; there are spectators all along the course not just at aid stations.

#522  noel   Subject: Bike Course

Saturday, May 2, 2009 09:05 PM Host: c-71-193-78-107.hsd1.mn.comcast.net

http://www.ironman.ca/bike.html

TriHard,
Everyone talks about the bike course, and it is legendary.
An epic course with beautiful scenery.

But for me, it's all about the run, and IMC is a classic. A one loop, lonely out and back, with little shade, lots of hills, and I guarantee you will find your soul.
But that makes the finish line reward that much sweeter, and why people come back year after year.

Check out the link above for elevation profile. All bike courses reward strong riders and those who pace correctly, and IMC is no exception.

Mclean Creek will get your attention, and the hill just outside of Osoyoos. Richter is long gradual climb, but very HOT. Other side of Richter is head winds and 7 rollers, first 3 gradual, next 4 close sucession and steeper. Flat to out and back, 1 steep short climb, 1 less steep,.
Then the road looks flat, but you're actually on the long climb up Yellow Lake. Final climb lined with people, not steep or long, but can be brutal, and any kind of weather (one year cold, rain & sleet). Crosswinds and tight curves on downside of Yellow, a couple more climbs, then descend back to town.

Now you get to enjoy the run....

Best of luck and train smart.

#521  Mike   Subject: entry from afar

Saturday, May 2, 2009 06:20 PM Host: px4ht.ok.shawcable.net

Rich,
just a warning about the crooks out there that may offer to help you with your entry.
there was one guy a while back who said he would register a whole bunch of people and took all their money and then never registered them.

come to think of it, I heard that was the same guy that cheated in the race a few years back.

Mike

#520  tridancer   Subject: IMC entry
tridancer16@hotmail.com

Saturday, May 2, 2009 09:04 AM Host: d64-180-220-53.bchsia.telus.net

In the last few years IMC has had online entry after the in-person entry. It's a first come first served thing. Last year they had an additional online opportunity after the deadline for validating in-person entries because quite a few people who picked up entry certificates at the race did not end up validating their entries. I think the online opportunity will be there again but it's not a sure thing. Good Luck!

#519  Rich   Subject: overseas entries
rfairhead@gmail.com

Saturday, May 2, 2009 01:37 AM Host: 122.110.5.159.optusnet.com.au

Hey guys. Do you know if one can register other than lining up the day after? I'm in Australia and would like to do the race, but not make two trips to Canada.

Cheers

#518  Armin  

Friday, May 1, 2009 03:31 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

TriHard: One more thing... having completed IMC 6 times since 2001 I can tell you that the bike course is definitely hilly. Everything from long, sustained climbs and rollers to long high-speed descents. Better practise some hills if you're not used to them.

#517  Armin  

Friday, May 1, 2009 03:27 PM IP: 209.89.177.187

TriHard: Go here for bike course overview and elevation profile:
http://www.ironman.ca/bike.html

#516  TriHard   Subject: Bike Course

Friday, May 1, 2009 12:11 PM Host: trek.gsfc.nasa.gov

Hi All,

IMC will be my 3 IM, but my 1st in Canada. Could anyone out there give me some details about the bike course? I have heard it is supposed to be hilly, but I haven't seen any details, like are there a few large climbs, or is it mostly rollers? What kind of grade and what length are the climbs? Any info is appreciated.

Thanks!

#515  Bill   Subject: Oliver Half
birin@shaw.ca

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 02:22 PM IP: 204.50.113.29

Looks like a lot of changes for Oliver this year, Swim course is one loop, rode the bike course this weekend - IT WAS AWESOME - totally paved and incredible shape. Also ran the course along the river - seems there is a construction project to "meander" the river to allow for fish habitat - so the run course has a new meander to it as well. All of this bodes well for a great 2009 Oliver Half this year