We are staying in the Galt House. It is a twin tower set up on the river.
We are on the upper floors which makes for a great veiw.
The Expo is down stairs in one of the ballrooms. Very convenient! Also, there is plenty of food around. Being right in downtown we have the opportunity to walk just a few blocks for dinner and there is a great choice of places to eat. We have not needed it yet as it has been very nice here so far, but there is some outdoor air conditioning in this one part of town.
Louisville is the home of Muhamid Ali.
Also lots of river boats. I ran past them in the mornings.
On the night before the race we went to World Fest which was right next to our hotel. A street fest with foods and music from all parts of the world. We each had something to eat from a different country. Later we found some Kettle Corn being made on the spot. There was also this really big guy walking around.
There are lots of river side parks including "the Great Lawn" Where the swim / bike tranistion was located. As usual I was sent out to transition on Saturday to take care of last minute repairs as the athletes put their bikes in place for the race. Bill was out there with me for a while and then was called back indoors because they were slammed in there.
Before things got super busy Chuck a very parttime worker for us gave haircuts to the whole gang. He also competed in the Ironman. He's 68 yrs old! There's more on him further in the blog.
At times on days before the race we were super busy. We fixed everything from simple tire changes to setting up a whole new bike for a woman who damaged hers while out on a training ride a few days before the race.
B.O.B. At the "fish bowl" (a hotel bar that had a fish tank as counter for a bar)after a long day in the trenches.
On race morning (4:30 am to be exact)we all headed to transition to pump tires and see if anyone needed any more last minute repairs. Some of the athletes are so nervous they can hardly hold on to their bikes. This particular morning some of the retail guys came out to help us pump.
Dennis.
Wayne.
Also, Cid Jr is helping Les out at the home base.
We were treated to an absolutely awesome sunrise.
As the swimmers make their way to the swim start further up the Ohio river we prepared to load our support vehiciles for our on course support. This race they gave us rental Fords (the race sponsor is Ford) and local volunteers to drive for us.
My driver was an avid cyclist named Bobbie. She was awesome!
While we were loading the cars there were hot air ballons being filled near by. All part of the show, but not something done at every race.
Out on the course there were some beautiful sights.
After a very long day on the course we were treated to the best VIP dinner this year thus far at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was long enough and late enough that the whole gang got to go. This is the crew that was there when I was there.
Bob, Bill, Lawrence and his girlfriend (from KS) Meghan, Judith, and Angie.
After the VIP dinner is when the real excitement for the week happened. Chuck the 68 year old guy above that was giving the hair cuts was about to come in to the finish line. We hung out and waited for him after being up since 4 am working. Just about the whole gang went about 100 yds down the street to meet him and cheer him on. There was a security guard hanging out down there. When Chuck came we were hollering and screaming for him. Then as he passed by us we fell right in with him overwheling the security guard and ran to the finish line side by side with Chuck. It was so awesome. He ended up coming in first place and now he is going to Kona in Oct for the championships!
The following is an excerpt from Judith our Sugoi Rep. (That's a clothing company.)
When you all waited for Chuck to finish that Sunday and when you guys ran with him through the finish, I was very moved by the scene. When I came back to the hotel I suddenly found myself writing a few lines.....I called it "FRIENDS".
"Someone who makes you laugh and inspires your soul. He is not the entire puzzle but adds a huge piece, you would miss it, if it disappeared. Someone you can tell to shut up and is not being offended. Because he knows how to take you. You don't have to explain because he learned to hear you without speaking. Someone you want to join when you cross the finish line. Who wants to be there to see you finish. Someone you want to share joyful moments with and is greatful for it. It makes him happy, too. Someone who knows where you are on the course when it hurts the most. Who tricks security to shout you through the finish. They make you proud. You make them proud. Friends. Never take them for granted. Treat them as your treasure. Precious. Precious treasure."
Thanks Judith! We were all moved by the event as well. We also all had sore throats the next day from screaming for him.
Then loading day. Everyone was pretty tired and grumpy. Finally with the truck loaded and the sales numbers in Cid took us to dinner at the hotel resturant. The food was pretty good but the service was extremely slow. We ended up with free ice creams out of the deal.
The next day Les, Lawrence and I jumped in the truck and headed north to WI. Les is checking out the truck before the trip. Everyone else flew.
More Pics that were taken by Dennis.
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