Hi everyone...just wanting a bit of advice on accommodation and start times. I am struggling to find any accommodation that is closer that about a 25-30 min drive from Wimbleball lake (not that keen on camping). Does anyone have anywhere they can recommend? I have an Aunt who lives in Taunton and according to google maps, would take 45 mins to get to the lake. Do people think this is too far to drive on the morning of the race? Also, does anyone know the start time and what time we would have to be there/ you would recommend getting there on the morning of the race? As you can tell from all the questions, this is my first time doing the IM 70.3! Thanks for your help in advance!
I stopped at the Premier Inn which was about a 45 minute drive and had no problems, but give yourself plenty of time on race day as the drive in the morning is fine up until the small country lane to the car park which takes ages!!
Sorry, can't remember the start time, I know their were two waves, but as long as you don't leave everything to the last minute you'll be fine.
JP - When do you find out you have been accepted to help out? And do they say which section you will be on or is it just turn up on the day and see where you get put?
How do I find out about the campsite? I can't find any details. I know this really is a ridiculous question but is there any kind of after-celebration/party? I won't be in any fit state but I'd like to know if it's an option!!
Anthony, you should be able to sort it through the website, if not contact the organisers through the website
Bristolsparks, I'm pretty sure volunteers get a free camping spot at the event.
Once you have filled out the volunteer form they usually contact you through Facebook or email, Its a very nice lady (whos name escapes me) you basically turn up at volunteer registration pick up your tshirt food voucher (which you can use at any of the food stalls) and bag for your stuff, then you are allocated a post, your then collected by your area leader and if your doing the bike course, you get thrown from the van on your spot and your usually with a couple of others or within screaming distance of someone else. theres also other marshals travelling the course with radios keeping everything safe and checking on marshal welfare, If you get close to the rotary club they have a barbecue and are keen to feed the volunteers with a smashing brekky, I was very well looked after last year, I said I'd keep it quiet, but they wanted me to spread the word, what lovelly people they where. Im looking forward to it again this year
Just a heads up on the camping, you can only book via the phone for the 70.3 weekend (or so it said on the site). I had real difficulty getting through. When I did they mentioned they only have skeleton staff throughout winter so best to e-mail. I've done this and they confirmed pretty much straight away. Red zone pitch 56 is where I'll be calling home that weekend
did red 22 and red 80 two years apart , great location! Had to have a word with some supporters as they kept me awake for hours and hours before I broke, 11.30pm on a Saturday night is well past everyone's bed time right? . I must have looked angry because they complied perfectly, they wern't racing!
- Some triathlons have somewhere you can change (ie a tent) between swim and cycle, so you can put on cycling shorts and equally from cycle-run to put on running shorts. I don't have a tri suit and my previous Olympic Distance tri's I've worn running shorts and vest under my wet suit and put up with a pain in the ar5e on the cycle, but obviously cycling a bit further this time. Is there a tent (or equally can I get changed next to my bike, with a towel round my waist?
- I wear glasses. Obviously I will want these on the bike and run, but not on the swim (my vision is good enough to get from swim to bike area). Normally I would leave my glasses in my cycle helmet just before I walk down to the water for the start, but it looks like you can't have access to your bike in the morning - any advice much appreciated
but it looks like you can't have access to your bike in the morning - any advice much
It would be the only event on the planet where you couldn't access your bike on the morning of the race, How do you check the tyre pressures and put your drinks bottles on it ?
Hi everyone. Aside from training having gone really badly due to family issues and therefore kacking it about the race I have a question about the parking.
I've had an email about getting a parking pass but I am camping on site. Do I need a parking pass or can I just leave the car at the camp site and walk over?
Morning Tychlien, I'm the same and I don't believe you need a separate parking pass as it is walking distance (matter of minutes looking at the map). See you there.
Last year i stood up by the cafe for the run, you can move around a few hundred metres and see at least for parts of the run plus its by the red carpet so get to see people finish.
Last year it was raining so being by the cafe was a good place as could nip in and get coffee and cake
Start at the back of the swim if you're nervous, ignore your legs, write mantras on your hands/legs/bottles, put flipflops and baby wipes in your post race bag, eat pizza (not necessarily in that order!)
I hope you have an brilliant time, I'll be there Sunday - wimping out with just the run leg of the relay this year.
Comments
Hi everyone...just wanting a bit of advice on accommodation and start times. I am struggling to find any accommodation that is closer that about a 25-30 min drive from Wimbleball lake (not that keen on camping). Does anyone have anywhere they can recommend? I have an Aunt who lives in Taunton and according to google maps, would take 45 mins to get to the lake. Do people think this is too far to drive on the morning of the race? Also, does anyone know the start time and what time we would have to be there/ you would recommend getting there on the morning of the race? As you can tell from all the questions, this is my first time doing the IM 70.3! Thanks for your help in advance!
I stopped at the Premier Inn which was about a 45 minute drive and had no problems, but give yourself plenty of time on race day as the drive in the morning is fine up until the small country lane to the car park which takes ages!!
Sorry, can't remember the start time, I know their were two waves, but as long as you don't leave everything to the last minute you'll be fine.
Enjoy the race
JP - When do you find out you have been accepted to help out? And do they say which section you will be on or is it just turn up on the day and see where you get put?
How do I find out about the campsite? I can't find any details. I know this really is a ridiculous question but is there any kind of after-celebration/party? I won't be in any fit state but I'd like to know if it's an option!!
Thanks
Anthony, you should be able to sort it through the website, if not contact the organisers through the website
Bristolsparks, I'm pretty sure volunteers get a free camping spot at the event.
Once you have filled out the volunteer form they usually contact you through Facebook or email, Its a very nice lady (whos name escapes me) you basically turn up at volunteer registration pick up your tshirt food voucher (which you can use at any of the food stalls) and bag for your stuff, then you are allocated a post, your then collected by your area leader and if your doing the bike course, you get thrown from the van on your spot and your usually with a couple of others or within screaming distance of someone else. theres also other marshals travelling the course with radios keeping everything safe and checking on marshal welfare, If you get close to the rotary club they have a barbecue and are keen to feed the volunteers with a smashing brekky, I was very well looked after last year, I said I'd keep it quiet, but they wanted me to spread the word, what lovelly people they where. Im looking forward to it again this year
Heres a link to the acomodation http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/uk/athletes/accommodation.aspx
And an old post on it http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/triathlon/ironman-703--wimbleball-lake/87991.html
Toms Blog is good too http://www.triradar.com/blog/toms-triathlon-blog-ironman-70-3-uk/
Just a heads up on the camping, you can only book via the phone for the 70.3 weekend (or so it said on the site). I had real difficulty getting through. When I did they mentioned they only have skeleton staff throughout winter so best to e-mail. I've done this and they confirmed pretty much straight away. Red zone pitch 56 is where I'll be calling home that weekend
did red 22 and red 80 two years apart , great location! Had to have a word with some supporters as they kept me awake for hours and hours before I broke, 11.30pm on a Saturday night is well past everyone's bed time right? . I must have looked angry because they complied perfectly, they wern't racing!
A couple more dumb questions from me ...
- Some triathlons have somewhere you can change (ie a tent) between swim and cycle, so you can put on cycling shorts and equally from cycle-run to put on running shorts. I don't have a tri suit and my previous Olympic Distance tri's I've worn running shorts and vest under my wet suit and put up with a pain in the ar5e on the cycle, but obviously cycling a bit further this time. Is there a tent (or equally can I get changed next to my bike, with a towel round my waist?
- I wear glasses. Obviously I will want these on the bike and run, but not on the swim (my vision is good enough to get from swim to bike area). Normally I would leave my glasses in my cycle helmet just before I walk down to the water for the start, but it looks like you can't have access to your bike in the morning - any advice much appreciated
Thanks
Matt
It would be the only event on the planet where you couldn't access your bike on the morning of the race, How do you check the tyre pressures and put your drinks bottles on it ?
Are there showers available after the finish line? (Apologies for the newbie question but wimbleball will be my first HIM.)
There are showers on the campsite on the lake
Another (potentially stupid) question. I can't believe I'm asking this. Do you wear a tri suit beneath a wetsuit?
I would do Anthony, in fact I will be. See you there
Thanks Stanners
Hi everyone. Aside from training having gone really badly due to family issues and therefore kacking it about the race I have a question about the parking.
I've had an email about getting a parking pass but I am camping on site. Do I need a parking pass or can I just leave the car at the camp site and walk over?
I've no idea of the distance involved.
Thanks
Oh, and I'm in Yellow 250, just seen the letter. Maybe I don't need parking from reading it...
Morning Tychlien, I'm the same and I don't believe you need a separate parking pass as it is walking distance (matter of minutes looking at the map). See you there.
Just had my conformation email stating i will be on the bike mount/dismount line helping out.
Nice one Bristol, make sure you give us a Pirates "Yaaaarrrrgghh"
Yeah will be shouting all morning. Will def cheer for the pirates as hope to be one next year.
Give us a push off Bristol sparks Will say hi each lap - race number 1354 in pirate kit
where is a good place to watch? Both bike and run? is there a main pirate hotspot?
Will do Red Stripe, will give you a big shout
Hi Blue Steel,
Last year i stood up by the cafe for the run, you can move around a few hundred metres and see at least for parts of the run plus its by the red carpet so get to see people finish.
Last year it was raining so being by the cafe was a good place as could nip in and get coffee and cake
Thanks Bristol, being next to food sounds like a plan!
One week to go, very nervous but also very excited! Any last minute tips appreciated!!
I hope you have an brilliant time, I'll be there Sunday - wimping out with just the run leg of the relay this year.
ENJOY IT!
Just the standard advice for these parts.
Don't be shit
Two varied responses from the Goblin Princess and Stanners- Both equally priceless- Thanks
Ps (I won't be shit).