7 replies to this topic

[Muzman]

I was seriously toying with the idea of doing this race in August (provided I can get a slot) and was wondering if any CRs had ever done the race in its most recent form?

I realise the race is sold out but there is a chance that travel companies can get hold of slots caused by withdrawals.

M

[littleblackpug]

I will be there in 2010 supporting a friend who is doing his 3rd IM Canada, I've trained with him for this one before and I know the ride has a big climb in it and the location is beautiful, but that's all I know! If the difficulty of getting a spot is anything to go by (i.e. line up at the ticket office!) it's a great race.

Hope you get in Muzman.

[SpartaJen]

Muz, my uncle did it a couple of years ago (maybe 3). I don't know how much the course has changed since then. But I'd be happy to pass on your contact details to him if you want to pick his brain. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to chat.

[axe69]

I haven't done the race, but I lived in the area for 3 years. Beautiful spot, great time of the year, lots of vineyards. The water will be cold (compared to NQ anyway), the climate is very dry. The big climb out of Oliver up Richter Pass would be amazing. My little Toyota had a hard enough time climbing it.

[pastyboy]

Yeah, I've done IM Canada and raced around Penticton many many times.

What do you want to know except that it is a fantastic (fresh water) swim, a tough bike course, and a scenic run. As an example of how tough it can be, I had falling snow over one of the passes one year, and they actually had a hot tub in transition! I actually think the climb to Yellow Lake is harder than Richter because it is later in the day.

What specifically do you want to know except - do it!

[Muzman]

pastyboy, on Dec 15 2009, 01:06 PM, said:

Yeah, I've done IM Canada and raced around Penticton many many times.

Thanks Pastboy! I guess what I really want to know is about the bike course and I think you have gone a long way to answering my questions already!

I usually use a 52/44 with a 12-23 cluster but was thinking about switching to 52/39 and a 13-25. Given that most of the rides and races I do are flat to undulating, I should be ready for some serious climbing. I even used this combo in IMNZ and had little trouble with the hills there.

Someone else I know said the run was hillier than NZ but he didn't mind the bike. I guess it is all down to your mental approach, your race prep and your power/weight ratio on the day!

I keep hearing "Do it! Do it!" though. Here's hoping I score a slot.

Thanks all for your replies.

Muz

[pastyboy]

Hi Muzman,

Yeah, I'd recommend the 13-25 cluster on the IM Canada course. The climb up to Richter pass can be pretty hard on the legs though it is early in the day. I found the out-and-back part of the course pretty hard (windy) and usually unpatrolled for drafting.

The run course does have a few hills in it; one that I can remember well.

Yeah, you should go for it - it is a great place. Narramatta has good wineries, great climbing at Skaha bluffs, and the town is very IM friendly.

[Danny]

Hey - I am not looking at Ironman Canada but Ironman NZ is on my short list