Question:Next year I'd like to do my first 1/2.
I am from the midwest and will do one of these 2 races (most likely).
I don't know much about either race except that they are just about 1-2
weeks apart.
Since they just happened does anyone out there have a preference?
Anyone that has done both that feels strongly about one?
I've heard that Steelhead is very hilly? Any truth to that? How is
jumping off a pier to start, seems crazy, but is probably not any
crazier than a run in.
Answer:
Racine is flat and fast, just look at the top times.
You walk a mile up the beach and do a regular beach start.
The bike is about as flat as it gets in Wisconsin. I've heard a few
"Flatlanders", er, Illinois folks say they like Racine for its hills!
I used to live in Racine and I just did the Steelhead. I now live in Eau
Claire, WI where there are plenty of hills.
I suppose that they could find a bump or two in Racine, but it's flat.
Steelhead bike is flat as a pancake. If you want flat, take your pick. It
doesn't get monotonous being in the aero position all the time. If you are
a good climber, you won't be able to use your talents to drop anyone. It's
amazing how the the slightest rise would cause people distress.
There were a couple hills on the Steelhead run. There was a false flat
halfway through the run, but nothing to write home about.
Jumping off the seawall was interesting. My feet it the bottom of the lake
when I went in. Glad I didn't dive. It was really nothing really different
than a run-in start.
So, the courses are similar in layout and it doesn't sound
like I could go wrong. Is one course much nicer than the other?
Better roads/scenery, not that it maters. How about the areas, hotels,
etc, I think I've heard that St. Joe Michigan is nice.
How about staff prep, transition areas. Any serious F-ups?
I don't know about the actual race in Racine, but the Steelhead was a great
set-up and a well run race. St Joseph is very nice, if you don't mind
having to drive through Chicago to get there.
