ATTN: IMLP Racers (signing up tomorrow)...

[Jon]

I don't know how I didn't post this sooner, but I know there are many of the Big Ring gang, in LP this weekend, volunteering and signing up for 2012. PLEASE give yourself the satisfaction and experience of riding up Whiteface Mountain!!  I really hope some of you did this while you are down there (it should be mandatory for 'Big Ringers'  .  If you haven't done it yet, try and squeeze it in before you leave - you won't regret it! 

Cheers.

PS - Please report if you make the climb.  Virtual Applause awaits you! 

[Sandy]

Sorry for the delay in posting, cell and wireless service here sucks!!  Race was fantastic.  Same hot, humid weather leading up to the race but race day was cool in the morning, warmed up nicely and with no humidity topped out in the mid to high 20's and sunny.

Warm weather caused the Lake temp to be 1 degree to warm for wetsuits so the call was made that pros and anyone wanting a try at a Hawaii spot couldn't wear wetsuits.  Out of our group Bill Saunders went without.  It was a fantastic day for most, Jeff Walsh raced a 10:02, Eric Lindenberg was 12:45, Bill Saunders was 13:41 and Mike Myers swam and biked but was not able to run due to a training injury.

Very inpiring to watch an Ironman (in person) if you ever get the chance.  Our group was in attendance to watch and volunteer in order to sign up for 2012.  Those who signed up on site and paid their money were:  Jeff, Dennis, David, Greg, Bryan, Andrew, Janet, Diane, Kristy and Wendy.  (I think I got everyone).  There is speculation that with NY and Tremblant taking 6000 participants from LP there may be online spots for next year.  Will you be claiming one?   

 http://ironmanlakeplacid.com/

[Jon]

Nice to hear a report.  I am very torn on taking a spot for next year.  I had the form filled out, but didn't push the send button.  My work routine/assignment is changing in April, so that is a big concern.  That being said, I wish it would sell out, because it is still open online... very tempting ;)

Do you know if Jeff was aiming to KQ?  It was my understanding that if you swam with one, you were not eligible for this.  Btw, he had a great race!  On a related note, I have heard that in this scenario (of some wetsuit/non-wetsuit swimmers), it is a disaster having them all start at once.  Bill could likely attest, but I have heard reports of the wetsuit swimmers, trampling over the non-wetsuit swimmers, as if they were wearing them also!  I agree with the notion that in this situation, the wetsuit swimmers should start 15 minutes after the 7am start - and have the same midnight cutoff.

Last thing, pleeeeeeeease tell me you guys are or have tackled Whiteface!? :)

Congrats to all finishers!

EDIT: I see now, it has sold out.  No worries, I know for sure I never want to go into an IM less than 100% certain and motivated. 

[Janet]

No Whiteface for me, wanted to drive up to the top to see it but the visibility was 0 miles. It was wet and raining whenI left, so thought I'd save it until next year (the driving up not the riding  ).  There's still hope that Jeff and Dennis might ride it tomorrow.

[Jon]

Well Janet, you definitely don't want to do Whiteface in bad weather, especially the descent  !  Don't be too upset though, I will do my best to put the bug in Jeff's ear, to get a IMLP training weekend going for next year... and I am sure he will do his best to add Whiteface into the mix - especially if he rides it tomorrow! 

[klowe]

I did not get to ride up Whiteface, I am very dissappointd about it but on the positive side I did actually get to see it in the daylight as I was leaving.  Next year I will hitch a ride with Janet if I have time.

[klowe]

Oh yeah, I am in!  How many more posts until I move up?

[Sandy]

Jeff did not KQ due to wetsuit.  Bill was eligible, was second in age group with one spot and the first guy didn't wear his wetsuit either.  Bill tried to catch him in the chute.

Jeff and Dennis are climbing White Face right now, they can let you know how they made out.  I considered it but the road surface on the descent is horrible and after descending into Keene my break pads are a little thin.  Going for a run instead.   

[tire guy]

Well we came we concored!!!

It was well worth the price of admission....all $6.00

It took us 1:15 to climb to the top from base in Willington 13k in all, it started to rain just before the toll booth & rained till we climbed into the cloud from which the rain was falling  ,we had no idea we were at the top until Jeff seen cars parked at the top. Jeff's garmin was showing many times grades of 10-16%.The descent was by far the worst part of the ride you could only see about 6 bike lengths ahead, your brakes were of little help & the road was so rough my hand flew of the bars several times.I did find out that my bike & myself do not like going over 80kph  I would do it again in a heart beat just would like better weather & a smooth road would be nice.

[Jeff]

Loved it Jon!!  13km at 8% avg grad......very cool to get to the top!

[David]

Kristy,

  You are into what?


David

[David]

I forgot to mention. I am in too!!!!

Did not ride White face Mountain however me and the family made the drive up.


David

[Jon]

@ Dennis and Jeff - Well done boys!  Its an awesome climb for sure and you did very well to get up and the back down safely in those conditions.  Doing something like that gives new appreciation for what you watch in the tour eh?  In some ways, the descent is harder for some, than the climb!  I am sure the weather will be better the next time you do it in May or June with some of your IMLP crew!   

I can't remember the exact time, but there are times that you can go, when no cars are allowed past the tolls, and its free to ride up.  I think its late afternoon, like around 4:30-5ish.  Its nice if it works with your schedule, because then you don't have to worry about vehicles at all. 

Anyways, having done that, your weekly hill ride on Wednesdays is gonna seem pretty flat eh!?  You boys will be crushing it! 

[klowe]

Yeah boys!

[Sandy]

Sa...ssy!