B2B or ChesapeakeMan for first 140.6?

Hi. I just did the ChesMan "swimfest" and rode one loop of the bike course afterward for training. I'm also registered for the B2B iron distance aquabike this year, with the goal of doing the full iron at B2B next year. Here's what I can tell you.

The swim at ChesMan is definitely rougher than at  B2B. Afterall, there's a reason they call if the "CHOPtank" river. It's an isosceles triangle, and you never really swim with the current. Plus, although it is in a protected cove, the "top" of the triangle is more exposed and much rougher. I got slapped pretty good by a couple of waves. Also, I had a hard time sighting because of the triangle layout--at least three times ended up sighting on buoys that turned out to be on other legs of the triangle.

In contrast, the B2B swim is a point to point swim with the current--and has a reputation for being really fast.

Bikes and runs may be similar, and here is where time of year may play a big role. There isn't a speck of shade on the ChesMan course (which is also what I expect to find at B2B). The ride I did was really hot, and later in the day, I saw a lot of folks stopping on the ride and run to re-group.

B2B can be on the cool side for the bike and run,

ChesMan is a much smaller event. I think there were less than 200 for the full iron distance. B2B already has 600 registered.

Setup Events, which runs B2B always does a great job. I always know exactly what to expect from their event details.

ChesMan is run by a local tri group (I think), and there were some organizational details that were not done well. For example, maps were given out with directions to the race start that included going over a bridge that had clearly been closed for a long period of time. And athletes racing only the swim were instructed to park on side streets at the race start. Unfortunately, all the side streets were posted no parking by order of the police. I ended up parking blocks away, only to find out that in fact there was parking on site at the start. Race course maps and instructions were also not entirely clear. For instance, white buoys marked a line up for the swim start, but this information was not included anywhere in the race instructions.

If you have family, particularly kids in tow, B2B might be more friendly. There did not appear to be any food or beverages available for purchase at the ChesMan finish, and it looked like the best families could do was bring a cooler and hope to get a spot under a shady tree.

ChesMan did offer a camping option at the high school where the finish was, for $25. It would have been one hot night out the day before a race, but if you're on a budget it's lodging that can't be beat.

Either way, my impression is they are both good races. Hope this helps.

I'm in the same place as you; let me know which race you choose and why. I don't think Cheasapeakeman resgistrations opens until the 25th so I'm holding out until then to make a decision.

I'm in the same place as you; let me know which race you choose and why. I don't think Cheasapeakeman resgistrations opens until the 25th so I'm holding out until then to make a decision.

I did B2B last year as my first full.  I understand your concern about the pool closing Labor day but as was mentioned with B2B---the current WILL help.  If you can get a swim in a few times during Sept/Oct you'll be fine.  Set-up does a great job with this race that seems like it could be a logistical nightmare since it's a point-to-point type race...start at the beach swim to another place then bike to the battleship and then run a couple laps...no issues at all---Set-up has this down/figured out!

If you have any other specific questions about B2B ask!!!

Edit to add:  I almost forgot---plenty of places to stay for B2B in all ranges---from low price to high price, from family friendly to I'm by myself and don't care as long as it's dry...

Edited by Skippy74 2010-10-06 8:12 AM

I don't think the favorite pool closing Labor day for the OP is a big deal as at that point in your 140.6 training you will be doing open water swims. I would recommend getting as much OWS practice in as possible. I found a couple of really great spots that I could ride my bike to swim then ride home. Great training and at that point you will want a change.

Kevin

If I had to pick between the two... that alone would make me pick B2B. Smaller races can be lonely.

Think about it... if you are "slower" and finishing in the last 2 hours... how many runners will be out on the dark course with you? Misery loves company.

Thanks everyone, this is a lot of good information.  I am nervous about the ChesMan swim, but the location being closer, and time of year being earlier does play a big role for me.  I am hoping my wife will get pregnant soon, and whenever that happens will also play a HUGE role in which race I choose.  Either way, i am very excited.  I think I would prefer B2B, but I will be happy with either one.

Swimming against the current in the Choptank without a wetsuit sucks.

......hmmmmmm sounds like a racer from Eagleman 2010.

Even Terrenzo Bozzone said of this June's 70.3 race "The current was a lot worse than other years .... we started against the current .... should have had the current with us on the way in, but we didn't"

If you decide to go for Chessy 2011, I'll see you there, but I will only be doing the aqua-velo. Long in 2012, hopefully. 

I'm also debating between these two for my first full distance. I'm also considering Rev3 Cedar Point, and possibly Vineman, which would mean flying, but just looks amazing. I'd love to hear more comparisons of these races. I heard the roads for the bike at Rev3 were pretty lousy, but otherwise people have said good things. I think I read something about the run at B2B having a fair amount of concrete... true? Is it the bridges? Is it significant? I worry for my knees. Thanks all!

I have done two small IM races. First is local one, Plymouth Rock,  in the inaugural year as a relay I did the bike. Less than 85 folks started and when our runner finished at 12 hours maybe 10 people at the finish line....great fun to do an IM distance race as a relay, but I would never do it if I had options as my A race of the year.

This year I did ChesapeakeMan IM Aquavelo. Great race, very cool swag, but small field with less than 200? doing the full IM. 3 out and backs on the run means being on the same road 6x. If I had a choice for a A race again I'd go with a race with more racers so there were people around me and fans some places. Bike aid station were well stocked but with 2 sometimes more workers you couldn't do 2 hand offs at one aid station like you can in an M Dot IM race which meant having to stop. I had to stop to get a gel as they couldn't have everything ready for racers. They were wonderful, traffic is minimal almost no cars, 2 cops at all the intersections plus a volunteer.On the bike often I couldn't see any other racers. Post race you can take a shower in the gym, they have air conditioning with post race food. I just find with smaller race the vibe is different, fans are quiet. When I finish looped one and saw maybe 40 fans on side of road none cheered for me until I said something silly to get them to cheer for me. If you do this race, consider renting through VBro or a Bed and Breakfast. Not many hotels in the town and they fill up. It is off season so rentals are cheap and plentiful. We stayed about 25-30 miles away in a Holiday Inn that was dreadful.

so I was pretty set on ChesMan 2011 till i read this thread.  I live a few hours from ChesMan but may consider Rev3 Cedar Point or the B2B.  I dont want to be out there all alone with no one to motivate me on my first IM distance tri.

I didnt realize ChesMan was that small.

B2B was voted one of the top 5 iron distance races in the world by Triathlete magazine.  Set up Events runs great races.

I second Set Up events putting on great races. I do alot of them throughout the year! If I can't get into IMFL then I may consider B2B.