May training camp

On the May long weekend the Ironteam leaders organize a training camp in Penticton to give us a chance to try out some of the Ironman course before the big event. It is promoted as a fun atmosphere with some riding thrown in. The cost is supposed to be 10 dollars (for beer). 

More than 20 of us made the trip and we all stayed at a nice place on the end of town called the Rivershore Motel.  It was nice and clean and had a courtyard where we could hang out and discuss the days activities.











Friday afternoon we went on a 40k ride thru the Naramata bench area.  It was fast and fun with a few good climbs and a nice warm up.

The big ride was on Saturday the goal was the Ironman course from Okanogan Falls to Osoyoos and then up the Richter pass over the seven rollers and up to the highest point of the Ironman bike course the Yellow Lake Summit. Deb drove the SAG wagon so everyone could put extra water and supplies in the car and she took these great shots.
It was about 120 kms with a strong wind that made for a difficult day.  It felt very good to get this ride under my belt.

On Sunday morning it was raining so we hung out at a local coffee shop until noon. When the rain stopped we did an easier ride, the first part of the Ironman course from Penticton to OK Falls and back. Not too many climbs and up McLean Creek road, past some vineyards and ranches, very nice.

After the ride, some of us went to Oliver for an open water swim.  Up to this point I had never done an open water swim in a wet suit before. It was a cooler day and there seemed to be some concern about the water temperature and how cold it was going to be. We changed into our wetsuits right on the beach and jumped in. It was a bit cool but the suit did its job and kept me warm and with it I was able to swim about just fine. What a great feeling!

The Monday most people left early to head home.  Deb had a great idea for me. She suggested that run the last half of the marathon course. So in the morning she dropped me off at the halfway point of the Ironman run at Okanogan Falls and I ran back to Penticton, through town and to the finish line.

I ran great and loved the experience.