cotswold 113

Cotswold 113 = June
Cotswold Classic = Aug

Seren, you are seriously hard.
Like I say, any navigable water is available for swimming, but I'd be wary of the Severn. The G-S canal is usually deathly quiet from boats.
The Avon, above the confluence with the Severn is usually a very slow flowing river, and absolutely gorgeous. Easy access too (M50 j1), but can be boaty in summer.

Ah, looks like I'm planning the Classic then. 

I'll fit in with you Soupy dear, looks like Classic then. June can be a bit parky in the water still for this namby pamby Southerner.

Are both races over the same course given that they're both middle distance?

You fancy it Podds?

Podds - yes, exactly the same course, exactly the same set up.  They market the Classic as being a 'close of season' race

And you get the same gawjuss girl on the bike feed station too

How do you feed the bikes?

Schmunkee, building back from injury but will certainly take you up on offer beginning next year if ok. Would be lovely to have some insider knowledge and company!

Mrs D - ok, will pencil you in my diary for Feb/Mar time weather permitting

Thanks lady, will mark my calendar appropriately! 

Well, I've entered and have had confirmation.

Hello, I've entered this as my fist middle distance tri.  I've not done an open water swim before but I am very local to Lake 32 so hoping to get there a few times before June.  Seems a bit cold at the moment, when do "normal" people start venturing into the open water?

Anyway, hope everyone's training is going well .

I'm told it's when they can lift the ice sheet up.

Brrrr

Personally, I think June 16th is a bit early for the UK......

Superb race - you won't regret it!

I've done two out of the three they have put on so far - and hope to add the Classic (August) again this year but have other plans for June

The water is crystal clear and been fine temperature-wise in the ones I have done. The organisation is brilliant and a really welcoming feel for first-timers to the distance.

They usually put on a 'training day' a few weeks before the race, including some time in the water there - so keep an eye out for that.

I enjoyed the Classic last year. Watching the sun rise as we all waited to get in the water fo the swim. For ages I was wondering how we were supposed to seee our way round the swim course in the dark.

It got blooming hot on the run though

I shall be entering on Friday, when I get paid

Matt - I know what you mean! I did the 2011 one (which was June or July) and it was much lighter first thing.

The Classic last year was spooky lining up for the swim - but I had plenty of bobbing heads to follow so no problems with route-finding!!!

Hope to repeat the Classic this year, too - not sure if I can go quicker than last year though, I thought the run was a little short due to the change in route with the horrific rain leading up to the event? Not complaining tho

Hi guys I've signed up for this event in June and while i am perfectly content camping there's more chance of me getting a Kona slot after my 1st ironman this coming August than convincing my wife and kids to stay in a tent.Can anybody recommend a nice (cheap) hotels close to the course?

thanks in advance