Diamond in the Rough (Perryville, MD)

I have never done DITR before, but I am doing it this year.  Like you, I too, am concerned about the course.  I am going to go and ride the bike section this coming weekend (July 2nd).

From my fellow tri club members I've heard some of the turns are a bit rough and the hill at mile 20ish is a killer.  Apparently, they are doing work on some of the roads on the bike route (which explains their poor condition).  People have been told that it should be completed by race day.  Cross your fingers.  I can update you on the road situation next weekend if it would be helpful.

They were paving Dr. Jack Rd, and consequently was in good shape, but the stretch of Rt 222 between Conowingo and Port Deposit was horrible.  Repairs to a wooden bridge at Frenchtown Rd were almost finished.  Please let me know if any further improvements have been made.  The biggest factor to me was the traffic/no shoulder situation.  Hopefully the locals will stay off the road and the trucks won't be as prevalent come 9 July. 

He ignored the part about it being closed to traffic...

sorry it has taken me so long to post a "road-condition" update, but here you go (better late than never):

There are definitely still some bad sections.  One in particular somewhere between miles 9-13 that is really rough.

However, the newly paved parts are super fast.  And, who knows maybe they will have manged to pave more sections by Saturday.  

To get to the traffic question: the traffic was pretty light (we were riding in the same time frame as the race).  The part that I am most concerned about is traffic in the poorly paved section.  I don't want to be swevering to avoid potholes and have to worry about cars as well.  But, apparently we will all just have to take our chances.

To be honest, I think it might be possible to pave a significant portion of the problem area, but not the whole thing.  We will see on Saturday...

Also, at this point (especially knowing how many people have been riding and memorizing the course) I am actually more concerned about them changing it.  But, I guess that disclaimer about course changes was known from the start.

Anyway, hope to see you all there.

Thanks for the update.  I hope they have paved Rt 222(?) between Conowingo and Port Deposit.  That would be a fun stretch of road if it were smoother.   

Well, they are calling for heavy rain today and tomorrow in Perryville and then isolated T-storms Saturday.  Supposed to be a high of 82 on Saturday and get down to mid-60s Friday night so it should be a cool morning for the race.  Since the swim is in the mouth of the Susquehanna I wouldn't be shocked if they decide to drop the swim because the currents are moving too fast from all the rains. 

The website gives this disclaimer:

There is NO rain date for the event.  In cases of inclement weather, natural disaster, acts of God, acts of war or other unforeseen extraordinary circumstances, management reserves the right to cancel the event and/or modify the race course for safety concerns. Under such circumstances, there will be absolutely no refunds or transfer of entries to future Piranha Sports events. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid.  All monies collected are used to develop and produce the event, including all race supplies, staffing, and administration. We pledge to make every effort to produce a fair, safe and exciting event for all.  Management reserves the right to reject or accept a race entry for any reason.

I sent the following email to the race director...I'll post an update when I get a response:

Hi Neil-

Looks like they are calling for heavy rains the next two days in Perryville.  What are the plans for the race should the river be flowing too fast to safely hold the swim?  Will it become a run-bike-run, or just drop the swim and hold the bike-run as currently planned?

One other question on the distances...the website says "International Distance:  Swim = 1 mile; Bike = 27 miles; Run = 5 miles" but those aren't the standard International distances.  Are those distances accurate or will it really be an International distance race (1.5k, 40k, 10k)?

Thanks-

Joel

Well, I'm afraid we won't know what the situation is till Friday at packet pick-up.  Neil's reply:

I am out of the office today setting up for the 3rd Annual Diamond in the Rough
Triathlon.  I will not have my phone on during this setup - please do not try to
call.

Any concerns relating to this weekend's triathlon can be addressed at packet
pickup Friday from 5pm to 8pm.  Some key pointers:

1.  Online registration for this race has been turned off Wednesday night.  We
will accept registrations in person on Friday from 5pm to 8pm.  No signs up on
the day of race.
2.  Race is on rain or shine.
3.  Bring your ID, USAT card (if you're a member), bike and helmet for packet
pickup Friday from 5pm to 8pm.
4.  Updated and official Club list for the Club Championship will be displayed
at packet pickup.
5.  Women 45-49 will be starting in the 6th wave.
6.  For athlete guide and further information about the race, please go to
www.piranha-sports.com.

See you this weekend. 

Regards,

Neil

I don't think you have to worry much about the river currents.  There is a lag between rainfall and downstream flow.  In addition, we've had very little rain this season, so I doubt they're going to be opening more gates at Conowingo Dam anytime soon.  The biggest concern may be wind.

The park sits on a peninsula and if push came to shove they could hold the swim in the Northeast River.  There is actually a small boat ramp there instead of a steep bank.

Are you making fun of me or will you be there too? 

Yes, I was thinking of going.  At the very least we can get the latest info on the road conditions, swim start and all the other things we have been chewing over in this thread.  So, see some of you there?