Great Lake Escape

[Eric]

I know this is kindof far out on the schedule but who is doing Great Lake Escape.

Also any comments about the race?

[sarazim]

I will be a little busy on September 10th, otherwise I'd be there! A very fun race--my first Olympic a few years ago. Jumping off a boat is a FUN way to start a race! The run is a little different in that you're on sand for some of it. We camped out the night before and had a great time.

[Angie]

I won't be doing the race this year... will be doing the Los angeles tri on the same day but I have done this race the previous 2 years. I really like it. Jumping off the boat is fun.. as sara mentioned. The bike is very scenic and one of the nicest courses I have ridden.. but can be windy. The run is fine until you get to the sand. The sand is deep and loose during miles 5.0-5.5 (brutal) and you will be running on the beach for about 2.5-3.0 miles of the race. You can run down by the water where the sand is harder but end up running at an angle as the beach slopes into the water. All in all... it is a challenge and fun race to do. I think you will enjoy this race... go do it.
ANGIE

[Jack Carney]

I will probably do this one too. I did it last year and it was a lot of fun although the deep sand makes the run more challenging.

[jetlink]

I'm signed up for this one - did it last year and its a ton of fun. The swim is fun and long as its 1500meters to the breakwall but then you have another 200yrds in from there. The bike is blazing fast/flat and the run is a ton of fun on the sand/trail with some running on the concrete piers. Overall, just a fun and excellent race. Plus, I have to beat my time from last year LOL - you should check it out!!

[Andy E]

This is a great race. Different from anything other course. I will agree that the swim seems a little long, the bike is very fast and the run is challenging but a lot of fun. I camped last year, it was great, if you are into that kinda thing it is the way to go.

[MarkD]

I'm in.

[Janet E]

I'm signed up!

[Deleted]

The running in the sand part seemed like the whole run to me - or maybe I'm just making excuses.

The boat launch is awesomely fun! A straight-line mile to the beach is great for sighting - no buoys to worry about seeing for turns.

Bike is fast and scenic.

Run, as mentioned, is challenging, but something different. Everybody's doing the same, so no need to worry about splits. Learn to lean forward more in a controlled 'fall' and not try to push-off so hard in the sand. Definitely go try this on a beach sometime before raceday.

Also, I remember that whatever vendor they had last year, tri-gear was very very end-of-season cheap!

[jodi]

I'm in for my last race of the season.

Sounds like it will be a blast! ;D

[Tim Edwards]

I will be going up the day before and camping the night. I have never done this race but my family has been visiting and camping at this park for 4 generations so I am very familiar with the area. I have ridden the course probably close to 25 times in the last 5 years. It will be a blast. If anybody wants to take a trip up there prior to the race, I would be willing to ride the bike course with you. Just have to mesh some schedules and carpool

[gvale]

I was watching the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon on tv Saturday afternoon and they mentioned that this race is a qualifing event. I looked at the web site and it did not have any info. Can anyone fill me in?

George

[Steve Yutzy]

I'm planning on doing the race, and I think Alison's planning on doing the aquabike if she can find a wetsuit. I did this race the past 2 years, and it's one of my favorite races ever. The swim is nice and long (including the distance in from the breakwall), the bike is largely flat with a few Florida hills but it can be rather windy, and the run is a lot of fun, with widely varying terrain including a LOT of sand.

In answer to your question George, in the past few years there have been 2 slots available for each age group/gender to Alcatraz (although only 1 for us 20-24 types), and they keep sliding down the age group finishers until both are taken. There were also some general raffle slots available (I don't remember how many).

[brian]

Somewhere someone mentioned that it was a qualifying event for the 2006 Escape from Alcatraz, but not for 2007?

[Steve Yutzy]

In checking the escape from alcatraz website, it looks like this might not be a qualifier anymore:
www.tricalifornia.com/alcatraz/2006/index.htm

[brian]

www.tricalifornia.com/alcatraz/2006/
Click "Qualify '07" in the left column.

Great Lake Escape is not listed anymore.

[Angie]

I was told that GLE would NOT be an alcatraz qualifier this year because it cost Fat Rabbit too much money to do it. Last year they decided at the last minute to buy the spots but asked people to pay $100 for them-- that was in addition to the entry fee.

[gvale]

Thanks for all the information

[Deleted]

There is also the online lottery... The year I did it that's how just about everybody I knew got in the race. I think they pick so many from every state to make it fair, but they give preference to 5-year and 3-year participants, as well. It really seems like quite a complex lottery when they could just make it straight out of the hat. But I think they want national representation at the race and to be able to reward returning participants.

[Charlie]

I Just registered

[Brooks Modie]

FYI --

My family has a cottage in East Harbor, which just so happens to be along the bike route, that I will be staying in for this race. The state park is approx. 3-5 miles at most. There is a spare bedroom and 2 couches that fold out into beds for anyone who wants a place to stay. Lodging is a steep $0. I will be there Saturday and leaving Sunday in the evening. Email if you are interested: [e-mail]

Brooks

[Eric]

I started this post and I have finally signed up for this race. Looking forward to seeing the Red Menace on course.

Remember that when we jump off the boat at 8:00AM, our tri brothers and sisters will be starting their Ironman quest in Wisconsin.

Buyah!!

[alison]

Steve and I just registered this weekend, too. I am so excited. I have gone to watch Steve the past couple years, but this year I found a wetsuit to borrow so I can race, too.

I look forward to seeing everybody there.

[MarkD]

Eric - I always wondered what the correct spelling of "Boo Ya" was !!

[Ray]

This race sounds like a blast. I would like to try this. I don't know if I am ready for this. I have only done one sprint. The one at Fairport harbor this year. I finished in an hour and a half. Should I just go for it? Boo Ya!

[MarkD]

If you have a wet suit, you are comfy in big open water, and your long day training is greater than 1mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 6 mile run then I say - what the hel l, go for it.

BOO YA !!

[robreddy]

ray

i think you would be fine - the swim is fairly simple and the bike is relatively easy - the only climbs are gradual low grades. the run is tough but doable. you will remember this race forever

[ddoren]

Fairport Harbor sprint was my first also in about the same time, and I have registered for the GLE. It sounds like a good time, come join the fun!

[Eric]

I stand corrected......BOO YA!!!!!