Hawaii Ironman race week - - pro sightings, parade of nations and the awesome course

Yesterday Joey, Pete Trav and myself went for a drive yesterday to scope the bike course. The endless slick black tarmac is the first thing that strikes you. The roads are pretty slick and fast for the most part. That's a relief as everything on QueenK is BIG. big rolling hills, big winds, big cuttings and big amounts of black, hot lava.

This was our recon drive, the first time that Jo had seen the bike course. The wind would of changed direction 6-7times during the drive. seems like if you don't like the wind direction, wait 15min and it will change! The winds are gusty and depending on the terrain, can blow from 10mph to 60mph. We jumped out of the car near hawi (the turnaround) and took a couple of shots, and the wind was 42mph, from the side and gusting. Think this was where the reality hit home, there are ironman courses, then there is the Hawaii Ironman course, and its elements. A whole different ball game.

Later in the day we had the parade of nations, where the athletes are grouped into their nationalities and walk as one under their flag. The yanks seem to love us, and we got lots of cheers and support along the route, with rev ups from dudes on loud speakers. Bumped into Brad Bullock, Billy Sinclair, Belinda Seccombe, Snowy Johnson amongst many other Aussies.
The parade finished at the expo, which had just opened, lots of stalls and bike porn to drool over. Kestrel, Cervelo, Ceepo, Felt, all the brands were there, and some mean machines with awesome paint jobs.
KSwiss had some thumping dance music with a DJ, their stands were very popular and the gear looked great.

OK, onto pro sightings. Terenzo Bozzone is out, in a boot after surgery, Crowie looked very cut, saw Faris in something other than DT's! the swiss miss Natascha Badman was looking fit. Macca was at the Specialised expo, and drinking beer and introing the current stars of specialised
But my best was Chris Lieto, just prior to my massage today, got a great pic with him in his full cycling gear and Trek bike. awesome. The pro dudes have all been very nice and accommodating.

Onto today, did my last ride, felt great, especially on the climbs, which is a good sign.
Then Kristy, Jo and myself registered at the race office. Jo and i actually registered next to Faris al Sultan, another happy snap! this is not my normal thing, but i have taken the attitude into this Hawaii that i am going to soak up the experience that is Kona. Awesome.

Ok time to put the feet up, check in shortly!

Foz