Tri bike first Impressions...

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I figured out where it is...

Looking at a map of phoenix; go west and just past the junction of 10/85S, you'll see it going north, around White Tank Mtn Park and then heading back east and connecting with 60. What a great stretch of road!

Mommelisa, don't forget to post pics of your new bike! Good luck getting it snuck in the house! I'm getting pretty good at that stuff Are you going to go watch the IMAZ? I want to go SO badly but I don't know if DH will be home to watch kids...

Have a great day!!

Tracy

[mommelisa]

It sounds like a good ride, but far from here. I'd have to get up really early. My dh was training to hike the grand canyon last year, and I think they did a hike out that way - at White Tanks. But, to ride without cars and traffic and all - that'd be great!

I went down last year to IMAZ. I took my dd (she was 8 at the time) down and we volunteered on the bike course - we were down there about 12 hours or so. It was amazing and very motivating. I'd already decided that I wanted to do triathlons, but to see those people do IM... It was very inspiring. I had a few friends that competed. They all finished and it really gave me the feeling that I could do it, too.

My new baby won't be ready until probably April, which is good, it gives me that long to figure out how to break the news to dh!

[Running Mommy]

WOW! A GURU??!! SWEET!!!! I am SOOO jealous! Those are such nice rides. I've never been to BR, but I had some really bad experiences w/ the folks at Landis in Scottsdale, so I just headed where I knew they would be friendly.
Isn't waiting tough?! I was DYING!
Don't forget to post pics when you get them! I can't wait to see it!!
yeah, the SVP is "out there" even for me, but esp. for you guys on the East side. I usually pick it up where Bell Roads ends and it begins. There is a funky old folks bingo hall that looks like a riverboat. I park by the canal and then ride out from there. I like that there aren't many cars and the bike lane is so wide. But like the Beeline there's always a ton of debris. One day I got three flats in 30 miles!!
So how fast do you ride? I usually average around 15 mph. Hopefully that will get better now that I'm on my new ride..

And Ms Tracy, when are you going to get your bum out here? I sooo hope that you can come to IMAZ. That would be cool! If you do we'll have to be sure and hook up. My cousin is coming out as well. She lives in Canyon Country. Don't know if that is near you??

Well, just got done spinning my legs out from my long run I did today. They feel MUCH better, but now I need to go get Un-sweaty!! Have a goodnight.
Denise

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Hey there Denise!

Ya know... I don't even know where Canyon Country is!? I think deciding if I can come watch will be a last minute thing; I'm really pushing my luck w/DH and being gone for so many events this year. I gave him a list of about 10-12 events I wanted to do, several of which involve more than one day due to travel time. Believe me, if it turns out I can make it, you'll be the first one to know! Or, if I decide to drag the boys with me, then its a non-issue. BUT, if I did that it would seriously limit how long I could watch because they are almost 5 and almost 7 and not too patient!

Either way, I will definately come and bug you sometime - you are just too cool a 'chick' not to come and meet!

Mommelisa, I bet it will be so hard to wait for your new bike! What made you choose IMFL? I didn't catch whether you were going to go watch any of the IMAZ??? I'm going to do a sprint tri in the fall (mainly because I'm concentrating on getting back into biking shape between now and then); probably one in Palm Springs with a lake swim... I have a whole plan in my head but getting your opinions on that is a whole other post!

Okay, I am SO blabbing...

Trac'

[mommelisa]

[QUOTE=tprevost]Mommelisa, I bet it will be so hard to wait for your new bike! What made you choose IMFL? I didn't catch whether you were going to go watch any of the IMAZ??? I'm going to do a sprint tri in the fall (mainly because I'm concentrating on getting back into biking shape between now and then); probably one in Palm Springs with a lake swim... I have a whole plan in my head but getting your opinions on that is a whole other post!/QUOTE]

Hey, Tracy! There were really two reasons I picked IMFL. IMAZ was full and I wasn't sure I'd be ready after Soma (10/31/05) and because its pancake FLAT! (see previous post... I am a poor climber!) It took me a long time to sell the idea to my dh who thinks above all that I'm nuts and have OCD about all this stuff, but he's finally on board, thank goodness!

I'll definitely head down to IMAZ. I have a number of friends competing this year and its such a GREAT motivator! You should come, bring your little ones, there are lots of kids around and its good for them to feel the excitement too. Especially if tris are something you continue to do!

Bring it on about your plans! I'd love to hear and I'm just opinionated enough to give you feedback if you like! lol! I'm sure Denise would too!

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I'm going to drag my little ones so I'm going to chose two "sets" of times to be there (I'd like to watch some of the transition from bike-run and also the finish - gotta be there when Denise crosses!) Anyway, the hotel is about 1.75miles away so I'm trying to decide whether to take a cab or get a wagon w/umbrella (am leaning towards this one!) so they can bring snacks/drinks and have a place to sit if necessary. Suggestions????

I'll have to figure out all the logistics later but Denise, I'm assuming you will be completely immersed the day before, so I'll have to get with you on figuring out how the heck to find you so I can CHEER!!!!!

Anyway, barring anything major coming up, I'm committed! Yippeee!!!

T~

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Mommelisa,

You are too funny about the "flat" thing! How is the AZ course? I would imagine it to be relatively flat too... unless the bike course goes into the mtns somewhere??? But heck, Florida sounds pretty sweet! Great job getting the hubby's thumbs up! I'm not a good hill person either but that is the second thing I'm working on when I can start riding again; after some base mileage build up!

So, I was wondering about how both you and Denise decided to do the IM distance... what was the catalyst? AND, how much time each week do you each spend training?

What is the Soma? Sorry, newbie here! I have agood friend who's done the IMHI a couple of times but I'm not familiar with all of the various events!!

Well, gotta go track down the chickletts... too quiet here...

Tracy

[mommelisa]

I had some really bad experiences w/ the folks at Landis in Scottsdale, so I just headed where I knew they would be friendly.

Yea, I've heard the same about Landis, but I've heard it about BR, too. Funny thing, the first time I went there for a fitting, I didn't even own a bike or a pair of bike shorts or anything! I'm sure they got a good laugh, but I figured if I was going to buy something, I wanted to be sure I got the right thing. I had an appointment with the head fitter, but he had an "emergency" that day and pawned me off on the other guy, Chris, who has been a really great person to work with. The funny thing about my new bike - I only had a few questions about the components, he fitted me in the shop and we ordered it up straight away, but it took us a series of 8 or so emails to get the paint scheme figured out... I am having her painted.... pink!

I did Soma this last year - did you do it? I think on that course (pretty flat) my time was 3:08 or something for the bike. It was probably a little under 18 mph. I tend to try to push it too much and I'm hoping during my training this year, to ease into the long rides. I've been riding with some guys that are faster than I am, so I try to keep up - my heart rate goes sky high and I'm trashed for the rest of the day. Not good. I would bet you'll gain at least one or two mph with your new bike. Plus, I am SOOOO not a climber, I really need to work on that! I'd love to ride sometime, you just let me know. We could do a weekday ride (are you reading "shorter" in that??) sometime!

- Melisa