The Unofficial IMC FAQ

Brought to you by Eric Weiss, Jason Mayfield, Rolf Arands, Gordo Byrn, Ian Brownlee

While the info in this FAQ is believed to be correct, you are advised to consult the official race rules in your race booklet and on the official IMC website. We don't accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. The pre-race briefing is a good place to get any final questions cleared up.

Rolf Arands shares some thoughts on the IMC Bike Course

Eric Weiss talks you through the day and gives strategies for dealing with the pre-race doubts that we all experience.

Jason Mayfield (I think) answers a hundred questions on all aspects of the race.

Gordo Byrn and Ian Brownlee share some thoughts on IM pacing.

Gordo again on Ironman Nutrition.

Travel Tips.

Jon Little shares some Directions to Penticton.

My favorite question, which tends to come up once a month, is…. What gearing for Richter Pass? By the way, it is not about Richter... it's the rollers, out & back and Yellow Lake that get you!

I ride 650 wheels and rode 5:55 in 1999 (a year with very good cycling conditions and light winds). I used a 55/44 with a 12-25. I used the 44/25 going up Richter because I was dying. Going up Yellow Lake, I used the 44/23. I would say that a cyclist looking at a 6 hour bike split with small wheels will be fine with a 39/23 (or equivalent). Others may differ. I think it is best to have a bail out gear for your first time. I know that I appreciated mine. However, I like to spin. If you are prepared to grind your way up Richter then you might disagree. Here is an interesting stat for you (courtesy of Graham Kissack)… In 1999, a four hour marathon would place you in the top 12% of run splits. I ran a 3:55 and will be spinning again this year (with either an 11-21 or 11-23).

Date: Fri May 19 14:14 Comment 358
The Bike Barn of Penticton email: BikeBarn@vip.net

RE: shipping bicycles across the border: Due to a number of customs complications associated with shipping and receiving personal bicycles, The Bike Barn will no longer be able to receive or ship personal bicycles for Ironman Canada. Although The Bike Barn has accepted bicycles in the past in the effort to accommodate athletes, they are not equipped to act as a high volume shipping/receiving depot. As an alternative, we recommend the following: Send your bicycle to: YOUR NAME Name and address of where you are staying in Penticton Write "HOLD FOR PICK-UP" on the box This will get your bike delivered to: Fern’s Airfreight Ltd. (This is the UPS office in Penticton.) 190 – 1652 Fairview Penticton, B.C. Canada V2A 6A7 Ph#. 250 490-8344 Fax. 250 490-9344 If you would like Fern’s to deliver your bike to The Bike Barn for assembly before your arrival, you will need to call them to release your bike with your Visa or MC # (as customs and brokerage will probably be charged) and ask them to deliver the bike to us. Fern’s is open from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. DO NOT WRITE ANYWHERE ON THE BOX the name or address of The Bike Barn or Fern’s Airfreight. Allow at least 10 business days when shipping ground and possibly longer if there is a hold up at the border. When shipping goods across the border, you may be charged customs, brokerage, and GST (goods and services tax), even though you believe that you have pre-paid all charges. To avoid these charges you must ship FREE DOMICILE and mark "send charges to shipper" (not "pre-paid"). You will probably still be charged a customs and brokerage fee, depending on if you ship ground or air, but you will avoid GST, which can be as high as $250.00 Cdn. Please check with your shipper! There will be a form that you need to fill out to confirm that this is a personal item intended for personal use, and that it will be returning with you. Include as much detail as possible regarding contents of the box and arrival and departure dates. The Bike Barn is, as always, happy to assemble, service, and package (after Ironman) your bicycle. Athletes must then make all return shipping arrangements. Please call us if you have any questions regarding shipping your bicycle, repairs and maintenance, or bicycle rentals. We would like to make this aspect of Ironman as stress free and cost efficient for you as possible. We look forward to seeing you in August 2000. Until then, happy and safe training!

I hope you find this helpful and I look forward to seeing you in Penticton.

gordo