Is anyone doing the Canberra Half Ironman in December? It's my first one and am struggling to find details of the cycle leg - I've heard it is a really tough one!
Has anyone got any information/maps on it?
Full Version: Canberra Half Ironman 2005
CoolRunning Messageboards > Specific Running Categories > Triathlon, Cycling, Swimming, CrossTraining etc
me me me me me!!!
I'll be down there for this one. I've kept my eye on the race for a couple of years but have never been able to get there. No way I'm missing it this time, particularly after missing the Half IM up here last weekend.
The bike course is reportedly the hardest course in the Half IM qualifying series with undulating terrain (& a couple of nasty hills) for most of it's length - the finishing times are usually slower down there.
The information I've received this year is that the toughest hill in the course has been taken out, and so new maps of the course for 2005 are yet to be generated. I contacted the course organisers, and they hope to have course maps on the website within 10 days.
I'll be down there for this one. I've kept my eye on the race for a couple of years but have never been able to get there. No way I'm missing it this time, particularly after missing the Half IM up here last weekend.
The bike course is reportedly the hardest course in the Half IM qualifying series with undulating terrain (& a couple of nasty hills) for most of it's length - the finishing times are usually slower down there.
The information I've received this year is that the toughest hill in the course has been taken out, and so new maps of the course for 2005 are yet to be generated. I contacted the course organisers, and they hope to have course maps on the website within 10 days.
Count FlashDuck and the FlashDrake in.
Eazy_ed, the cycle course is tough, although the exact course is being reviewed as we type! Descents through Coppins and Uriarra Crossing and through the Cotter up and McDonald range is a certainty. Bob (the drake) is in contact with the organisers, and rode a similar course yesterday . . . let me know if you have any specific questions before the maps are up.
I just can't wait to see Miners!
Eazy_ed, the cycle course is tough, although the exact course is being reviewed as we type! Descents through Coppins and Uriarra Crossing and through the Cotter up and McDonald range is a certainty. Bob (the drake) is in contact with the organisers, and rode a similar course yesterday . . . let me know if you have any specific questions before the maps are up.
I just can't wait to see Miners!
I'll decide by closing date 18th Nov.
If I get a few weeks cycling in (basically from scratch), and mannage to get started in the pool to the extent that I can do 1500 continuous, I may be there.
Or is that wishful?
If I get a few weeks cycling in (basically from scratch), and mannage to get started in the pool to the extent that I can do 1500 continuous, I may be there.
Or is that wishful?
I hope to do my first Canberra Half this year as well.
More hill training right through summer is in order for this and the IM in April.
Look forward to seeing you there.
:)
More hill training right through summer is in order for this and the IM in April.
Look forward to seeing you there.
:)
I'll be doing the Canberra HIM again this year, after my first shot at it in 2004.
The bike course is hilly, but it's great if you like climbing and descending. It's scenic and extremely fast in places.
Miners is right - they have cut out the one big hill at the turn around point. Last year there was a marshall at this point blaring Bon Jovi out of his car stereo - I hope he will be somewhere else on the course this year!
Someone has posted a new course profile on Transitions, comparing the two courses. here
I was given some advice from an elite on this one last year - "Save something for the run - it's flat and boring and you get nothing from it" Or something along those lines.
All in all, it's a great day out and I can't wait to race!
The bike course is hilly, but it's great if you like climbing and descending. It's scenic and extremely fast in places.
Miners is right - they have cut out the one big hill at the turn around point. Last year there was a marshall at this point blaring Bon Jovi out of his car stereo - I hope he will be somewhere else on the course this year!
Someone has posted a new course profile on Transitions, comparing the two courses. here
I was given some advice from an elite on this one last year - "Save something for the run - it's flat and boring and you get nothing from it" Or something along those lines.
All in all, it's a great day out and I can't wait to race!
I will be there, after my first attempt last weekend at Port Macquarie, looking for a faster time on this one, even with the hilly course, I have experience and smarts on my side now..!!! :)
really looking forward to this one, pity they took out the big hill, love hill climbing on the bike, but by the sounds of it, still going to be some to do.
really looking forward to this one, pity they took out the big hill, love hill climbing on the bike, but by the sounds of it, still going to be some to do.
Great QB,
But it looks just as hard as before. Where it used to go up it now goes into a valley, and up again.
There's also a description covering all the roads and turns at approx km's. I'll get my Gregory's out , but from what I know it looks like a tough route.
IF I get to the stage where I decide ( 18th Nov), I may drive down one day and ride the course.
cheers
But it looks just as hard as before. Where it used to go up it now goes into a valley, and up again.
There's also a description covering all the roads and turns at approx km's. I'll get my Gregory's out , but from what I know it looks like a tough route.
IF I get to the stage where I decide ( 18th Nov), I may drive down one day and ride the course.
cheers
Great to hear from like minded people - I can't wait for the day.
Thanks for the link Queen Bee. That is just what I was looking for. Glad that big hill has gone but it still looks ominous!
I've heard the water temp is about 19/20 degrees at that time of year - does anyone swim without a wetsuit? I'm not sure I want to pay for one just for this race.
Thanks for the link Queen Bee. That is just what I was looking for. Glad that big hill has gone but it still looks ominous!
I've heard the water temp is about 19/20 degrees at that time of year - does anyone swim without a wetsuit? I'm not sure I want to pay for one just for this race.
come on eazy - you'll be needing the wetsuit for Port Mac IM in April!
Like Colin I will decide by the closing date whether or not I will compete in this race. Whatever the decision I will be in Canberra as Evie will be doing the run leg as part of a team.
My last tri was over 6 years ago and I have hardly cycled or swum since then. The swim is my biggest concern as I am a hopeless swimmer so I will have to see how I go once I get back in the pool.
My last tri was over 6 years ago and I have hardly cycled or swum since then. The swim is my biggest concern as I am a hopeless swimmer so I will have to see how I go once I get back in the pool.
I'll be there. Looking forward to it.
There's a bike course profile at:
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=13115
There's a bike course profile at:
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=13115
The water is fine. I swam it last year without a wetsuit, and I'd say from memory about half the competitors were/weren't.
I'll be wearing a wetsuit this year though (hopefully a very spiffy new one!)
I'll be wearing a wetsuit this year though (hopefully a very spiffy new one!)
quote:So were half in them or not? It's so confusing ;)
Originally posted by queen_bee:
... about half the competitors were/weren't.
Incidentally QB - I'm particularly interested to know about the heat during the run. Is there shade? Is there wind? Is it a dry, yet oppressive heat? Do they have gels at the run aid stations?
quote::) I'll need a life jacket for the PM IM!!
Originally posted by minersrun:
come on eazy - you'll be needing the wetsuit for Port Mac IM in April!
Not outside the realms of possibility
Minersrun
From memory the run last year was hot and there is not much shade on the run course. Though there was a bit of a cooling breeze off the lake at times.
At some aid stations there were plenty of gels and nothing at others. Depending on your nutrition strategy you would probably want to carry a couple of gels just in case.
From memory the run last year was hot and there is not much shade on the run course. Though there was a bit of a cooling breeze off the lake at times.
At some aid stations there were plenty of gels and nothing at others. Depending on your nutrition strategy you would probably want to carry a couple of gels just in case.
I'm also planning to do Canberra, my first triathlon in 4 years.
My main concern, though, is the water quality. I ran around Lake Burley Griffen last week and I was a bit shocked at how bad the water is looking. (I could have sworn the ducks were walking on the water ;) ).
I noticed there were signs warning of high bacteria levels. Are these permanent signs?
Does anyone test the water before the race? Or is it just keep your mouth closed and take a course of penicillin?
Otherwise, it should be a fun weekend!
My main concern, though, is the water quality. I ran around Lake Burley Griffen last week and I was a bit shocked at how bad the water is looking. (I could have sworn the ducks were walking on the water ;) ).
I noticed there were signs warning of high bacteria levels. Are these permanent signs?
Does anyone test the water before the race? Or is it just keep your mouth closed and take a course of penicillin?
Otherwise, it should be a fun weekend!
They test the water before the race - I've been told one year they cancelled the swim because the water quality was to poor and inserted a small run instead!!
oh, you guys aren't serious are you? I'll admit it's been ages since I've been to Canberra, but I thought this was the last of my worries. I've been patiently wating for the opportunity for a fresh-water swim in a tri! Wasn't expecting to be possibly taking Hep C back with me <_<
Flash, CJ, Sarah, Aki etc - tell us what things are like down there
Flash, CJ, Sarah, Aki etc - tell us what things are like down there
That should suit me, replace the swim with another run. ;)
i'll possibly be doing it, but the idea of the downhills freaks me out a bit.
(nervous cyclist downhill on a roadbike, but not on a mountain bike. i am yet to figure out what is going on in my head there. any suggestions appreciated)
it'll be my first half IM.
(nervous cyclist downhill on a roadbike, but not on a mountain bike. i am yet to figure out what is going on in my head there. any suggestions appreciated)
it'll be my first half IM.
I realised earlier I wouldn't be ready for Port Mac but I'm right with my preparation for Canberra at this stage. I'll see you there.
Rumour has it that one or two members of the CR cheersquad will be heading to Canberra for the event with pom-poms in tow... B)
Should a committee be established to formally request the attendance of the CR Cheer-squad with the requisite 3 weeks written notice, in triplicate and duly notarised?
:P
:P
Oooh, we should be paid as well!!!
Miners, never fear, if the lake is full of algae and pesticides all you have to do is sweet talk the race officials. :)
How in the universe do you make pom poms - wait - I'll get my students to do it for me. :)
Miners, never fear, if the lake is full of algae and pesticides all you have to do is sweet talk the race officials. :)
How in the universe do you make pom poms - wait - I'll get my students to do it for me. :)
I'll be there after a shocking day at port last weekend.
Bring on the hills..... happiness is!
Bring on the hills..... happiness is!
quote:Normally, yes but the Cheersquad has waived the notice requirement and invited itself this time :D
Originally posted by FlashDuck:
Should a committee be established to formally request the attendance of the CR Cheer-squad with the requisite 3 weeks written notice, in triplicate and duly notarised?
:P
quote:Perfect, I was just thinking that we need to crank up the pom-pom manufacturing plant :P I'll email you the instructions.
Originally posted by Aki:
How in the universe do you make pom poms - wait - I'll get my students to do it for me. :)
What date is it in December? I may be able to come and cheer - but I aint waving no pom poms! ;)
God willing I will be there. As far as HIM goes this course is as good as it gets in this country.
The bike is hilly but that breaks up the field and puts an end to nearly all the drafting.
the run is fast and flat. I have had some of my best races here over the years.
One not to be missed.
The bike is hilly but that breaks up the field and puts an end to nearly all the drafting.
the run is fast and flat. I have had some of my best races here over the years.
One not to be missed.
B.... Wont be there cheering! Soemthing else on that day...I'd be hung drawn and quartered if I suggested going to watch a sporting event! :D
Thanks for the tips Steve - and as to the swim leg, how have you found it in past races?
No problems at all. The water is murky and I wouldn't drink too much of it but it's fine really. No swell, no current, no tide, plenty of room, good landmarks for sighting; it's fine.
I am doing the run in the team event. My question to you tri people is how do they time each leg? That is, does the bike to run transition count in the time for the bike or the run?
quote:In the 1980s you even got transition times. I wondered the same thing for the Port times and it seems you finish the swim and the transition time going on the cycle time. You finish the cycle and the transition time goes on the run time. That is how I have come to understand it.
I am doing the run in the team event. My question to you tri people is how do they time each leg? That is, does the bike to run transition count in the time for the bike or the run?
Update: Just checked and this rings true when I compare my times to official times.
Cheers Plu
It depends.
In many events with timing bands, the mats are usually set up near transition, meaning that the cycle leg includes both transitions.
If you look at the previous results you will see that the transitions are subsumed.
Other events (like the wonderful Sri Chinmoy people)list the transitions separately with or without a timing band.
Hope that this helps.
In many events with timing bands, the mats are usually set up near transition, meaning that the cycle leg includes both transitions.
If you look at the previous results you will see that the transitions are subsumed.
Other events (like the wonderful Sri Chinmoy people)list the transitions separately with or without a timing band.
Hope that this helps.
HI All, there has been a update on the website with a newsletter and they have a Google earth flyover for us to use.
Unfortunately, after registering I cannot get it to work but if someone has more luck let me know. I am not quite sure which file to use to open it.
I quote the relevant section.
Cheers Plu
Unfortunately, after registering I cannot get it to work but if someone has more luck let me know. I am not quite sure which file to use to open it.
I quote the relevant section.
quote:The specific thread you need to go to is this one.
THE WEBSITE:
There's almost a daily update of the website at www.canberrahalf.com going on. Just this month already we've posted maps, and a huge thanks to Trevor Smith for his work on the colourful profiles of the new course now in the site, and also I've a great vote of thanks to David Gorton for his incredible work on the 'fly over' of the entire bike course through Google Earth's. See Google earth (www.googleearth.com) where he's plotted the cycle course in and posted on the Google Earth 'bulletin board'. If you're not familiar with this free program it provides awesome high resolution free satellite images.
The post is at http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/search.php?Cat=0
Once you register into the Bulletin Board, do a search on Canberra, download the Canberra Half Ironman Triathlon, place mark into Google Earth, hit F10 and you get a 'fly through' of the course based on the way points David has entered. This is a truly unique way to check out the course!
Cheers Plu
i am also at a loss as to how to access this google earth flyover, and it seems necessary to see because the course map on the canberra half website has no readable writing (too lo-res), and a bunch of colored arrows which mean nothing when you don't know what the colors denote and have no landmark names??!!
there is now a useful cross sectional profile of the course.. which would mean more if they put a readable map out there.
any tips as to how to get the google earth thing working?
or where can i find a map of the course (with readable writing(?
there is now a useful cross sectional profile of the course.. which would mean more if they put a readable map out there.
any tips as to how to get the google earth thing working?
or where can i find a map of the course (with readable writing(?
Plu & rohan
Click on the link to open the file, this should then open Google Earth, I use the Firefox browser but it should work in a similar way with IE.
Google Earth should then place you up above the bike course with all of the markers shown. Scroll down the list in the "Places" section on the left hand side of the screen, toward the bottom under "Temporary Places" you should see "Canberra Half Ironman Triathlon - Cycle Course (90km)" you may have the expand the items to see it.
Click on the small triangle at the side to show all of the course markers. Double click on the first marker "Canberra - Commonwealth Park" this should take you to the start of the course. Now click on the "Play" icon on the bottom right hand side of the "Places" box. Google Earth should now take you on a tour of the course.
Hope this helps.
Click on the link to open the file, this should then open Google Earth, I use the Firefox browser but it should work in a similar way with IE.
Google Earth should then place you up above the bike course with all of the markers shown. Scroll down the list in the "Places" section on the left hand side of the screen, toward the bottom under "Temporary Places" you should see "Canberra Half Ironman Triathlon - Cycle Course (90km)" you may have the expand the items to see it.
Click on the small triangle at the side to show all of the course markers. Double click on the first marker "Canberra - Commonwealth Park" this should take you to the start of the course. Now click on the "Play" icon on the bottom right hand side of the "Places" box. Google Earth should now take you on a tour of the course.
Hope this helps.
Hi Tux,
I am using FF. I click the link and it is asking me to save it and my compute does not recognise the extension. Maybe I have to install something from Google Earth. I will check tomorrow.
Cheers Plu
PS: You running CR 5 km Saturday?
I am using FF. I click the link and it is asking me to save it and my compute does not recognise the extension. Maybe I have to install something from Google Earth. I will check tomorrow.
Cheers Plu
PS: You running CR 5 km Saturday?
Update from Organisers (for those who are not receiving the newsletter)
"Due to what we now know as two separate problems within the internet system on the east coast of Australia on November 22/23 - and the amount of emails since re athlete problems in entering the Canberra City Half Ironman over that 48 hour period, we will extend the Early Entry time to allow entries to be made.... the extension date for EARLY ENTRIES will be to NOVEMBER 30th 2005...5:00pm ..."
Yay for Christmas finances!
"Due to what we now know as two separate problems within the internet system on the east coast of Australia on November 22/23 - and the amount of emails since re athlete problems in entering the Canberra City Half Ironman over that 48 hour period, we will extend the Early Entry time to allow entries to be made.... the extension date for EARLY ENTRIES will be to NOVEMBER 30th 2005...5:00pm ..."
Yay for Christmas finances!
quote:I'm using IE and am having the same problem, can't work out why. Any ideas?
Originally posted by plu:
Hi Tux,
I am using FF. I click the link and it is asking me to save it and my compute does not recognise the extension. Maybe I have to install something from Google Earth. I will check tomorrow.
Sorry for not seeing this thread a little earlier - I was able to view and save the course map in google earth first time no problems at all. I'm using IE.
Perhaps the only difference is that I was ALREADY a registered user of google earth so when I clicked on the link and entered my username, it just downloaded the coursemap directly to my temporary places folder. The image doesn't show a continuous line over the course, but a series of km markers which you can "fly to" and follow the course. It is different from last year's course, but I don't think any of us will have problems getting lost from the looks of the roads.
BTW - despite the extension of the early entries - I am in, registered, numbered, paid for, committed, scared etc...
Perhaps the only difference is that I was ALREADY a registered user of google earth so when I clicked on the link and entered my username, it just downloaded the coursemap directly to my temporary places folder. The image doesn't show a continuous line over the course, but a series of km markers which you can "fly to" and follow the course. It is different from last year's course, but I don't think any of us will have problems getting lost from the looks of the roads.
BTW - despite the extension of the early entries - I am in, registered, numbered, paid for, committed, scared etc...
i'm using safari (apple) and it just wants to download a file which has a .kmz extension and i have no idea what to do with it...
a simple readable map would keep me happy....
a simple readable map would keep me happy....
... just read on google earth that they don't support mac, or older ibm compatibles....
For those who still can't get access, this is what the google earth course looks like in overview:
... and here's one of the "fly to" views:
... and another one. Notice the kilometres are clearly marked - the satellite detail doesn't get much better than what you can see however, so other than being able to "fly" along the course (which is a nice analogy for race day ;) ), it won't provide much more detail.
Miners, are you employed? ;)
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.