Last long ride before

[Pika]

the 1/2IM in 2 weeks.
After a 3 hr drive we arrived at the lake to do an OW swim. There were loads of people milling about- turns out there were a few tri clinics going on so many people were taking advantage of the hot weather to check out the swim.
Overall the swim was good- I need to make a few minor adjustments to my wetsuit "application" I did not pull up the crotch enough and then my legs felt like I couldn't bend them- brought back memories of wearing leggings as a kid and the crotch was always way way low- could never pull'em up enough to sit x-legged!
Turns out the swim portion is 2 loops and we have to get out of the water and run around a bouy then back in for the 2nd loop- definitely need to haul that wetusit up if I have to run around a bouy
We got on our bikes after a leisurely T1- it was HOT! We have hardly had any good weather so the 35C was stifling- the bike course is also a couple of loops (2.5). There was a good headwind for the first portion - of course the most uphill portion but at least the wind was somewhat cooling.
KG the bike course I would describe as "rolling hills" not flat- at least not "prairie" flat - but not "richter pass" hilly either.
Got a flat rear tire about 5km from the finish but I managed to get it all changed and back on - no speed record - but I was happy I didn't require any assistance from the many cyclists passing by.
Overall I was happy with the ride- I was happy that I managed my nutrition in the heat ( I needed loads of water/gatorade) basically need 2x what I can carry- I am assuming aid stations will have stuff to refill bottles if it is that hot out on the race weekend.
Last lesson learned- even if you "think" you have sunscreen everywhere- put more on!
I have the lovely "ring around the shoulderblades/ ankles/thighs- A perfect 5cm badly burnt strip
So with a few minor adjustments I think I am ready to go ( albeit slowly-) I won't make any speed records but I think it will be fun.

ohh! those of you with garmins.....if you are still reading this- I was finding that while in the aero position there were times it wasn't picking up my heart rate but if I brought my hand in then it would- does that happen with anyone else? Solution? - I did just bring it in- get a reading then back out but would like not to have to move around too much it I dont' have to!
Thanks for any input or advice!
Tam

[Wahine]

Pika!!! You're so ready!!

Yes the aid stations should have fluids for you but be careful in the handoff zones, it's a prime place to have a crash. Good on you for getting your nutrition and hydration down, that's really tough when the weather changes so drmatically like that.

I had the same problem you are having with my polar HRM. I haven't had it with the Garmin but I would suspect that it might be a transciever battery issue.

I can't wait to hear how you do!!