PSOF Championships 2013 - Challenge Henley

RafikiD wrote (see)

my mother always said i was Special

You are Rafi. You and Gastank are very special.

Nobody sends me emails. 

I think Doozer beat Jalalalalalalalalalabert out of the swim in France 2008. Quick.

gastank wrote (see)

Doozer I'm assuming you're male correct?

indeed I was last time I looked

Dustboy wrote (see)

I think Doozer beat Jalalalalalalalalalabert out of the swim in France 2008. Quick.

It took him ages to catch me on the bike too

but then I believe he left you for dead if memory serves me right??  he came 6th and you came??   

fat buddha wrote (see)

but then I believe he left you for dead if memory serves me right??  he came 6th and you came??   

Yeah lets not bring that part up lol - my marathon took longer than his bike leg

Doozer. wrote (see)

fat buddha wrote (see)

but then I believe he left you for dead if memory serves me right??  he came 6th and you came??   

Yeah lets not bring that part up lol - my marathon took longer than his bike leg

 Jalabert at IM Nice 2008!

Has Henley been decided on, then?

Regards Barley's point that he would like to see the Ship go abroad etc etc, I do hear what you're saying, but I think with the economic climate being what it is, that precludes it for some many people. I also think that as a group, surely we create the atmosphere where we are and don't need to travel for it? I would also say that the 'abroad' ones fill up so quickly these days, that too precludes many from entering. I'm not sure that insisting we travel is a good plan or all that fair.

Henley for the paupers, M.in
Lanza for the playboys (and girls)
Seems like a good plan!

Is that you, Doozer, on the rollerblades, by the way???

I agree, Min, I wasnt saying we shouldnt stay in UK next year, I was just questioning the relative dynamics and the difference going abroad makes.  Its certainly up to us to make the atmosphere but it will be different in terms of build up when people are staying at a number of dispursed hotels, camping and wotnot. 

Outlaw will be special this year, there are so many people going, im looking forward to it more than ive done a lot of Ironman races.

Im certainly aware that people are under financial pressure and therefore its important to make the whole thing as inclusive as possible.  That said we've in the UK this year, and planning to be next year?  I was just making the point that id like to see us abroad again in 2014, not making a habit of home grown races.  I also think we need to consider newbies who want to do a 'big ticket' branded Ironman as their first race.

Cost is obviously a consideration but should it be the overriding one?  We've been abroad many times before, im not sure that an extra £400-£500 (flights, higher race entry) has or should be an overriding consideration?, but it is there to weigh up with other factors.

I guess the other factors for me cant easily be counted in the same way as money. 

- Staying in a hotel in a foreign city ive never been to before with a few dozen other nutters, exploring new places.
- Getting lapped by the top pro's (letching at Chrissie)
- Being buzzed by helicopters during the swim start, having a huey and camera crew flying alongside me during a climb at Lanza
- 100'000+ people on the course supporting
- Crazy crowds parting in front of you as you climb 'The Beast' or X hill.
- Massive Ironman Expo, finishline crowds,
- 2500 people at the swim start
- Full closed roads
- Higher liklihood for warmer weather

I utterley agree, Coach. Just had my sensible head on for a moment there. Fret not, I've taken it off again. If we were to do abroad in 2014, I'd quite like Challenge Vichy to be in the mix too. Or next year. That said, Sweden could be fun. Downside of Henley of course is it might be cold....

Let's face it - if there's a fence knocking about, I'll sit on!

No doubt we'll put it to the vote and Meldy will decide

its not just the flights for abroad though

Hotel costs
 travel insurance
all food and drink
motel night before flying
car parking at airport
passport
currency exchange 

and i think a few more 

where as in this country you can just turn up with your tent and the contents of your food and drinks cupboards.......

But I do agree that there is something brilliant about an overseas one................It will be interesting to see the atmosphere at Outlaw with a large homegrown one..........and the home ones are definitely easier to get a few days off to support at or get your family too

Mmm Vichy.. quality spectating place.. cheap wine, great food and sun....