About this Video

• Video Title: 70.3 Chattanooga course review with the legend Triathlon Joe
• Channel: Coach Steve Moody
• Speakers: Coach Steve Moody, Triathlon Joe
• Duration: 01:11:49

Introduction

This video is a course review for the 70.3 Chattanooga triathlon. Coach Steve Moody interviews Triathlon Joe, a local Chattanooga triathlon expert, to get his insights on the swim, bike, and run courses, providing valuable information for athletes planning to race.

Key Takeaways

• The Swim: A 1.4-mile point-to-point swim in the Tennessee River with a rolling start, seeded by estimated swim time. There's usually a current, making it wetsuit legal and potentially easier for less experienced swimmers. Three bridges mark the course.
• Transition 1 (T1): A single transition area where wetsuit removal assistance ("strippers") is provided near the swim exit. There's a short run (200-300 meters) to the transition area. Keep it simple and organized.
• The Bike: A 56.7-mile course with a mix of terrain. The first five miles are rougher, with railroad crossings to navigate carefully. The majority of the course is in North Georgia with smoother roads. Andrews Hill, a steep climb around mile 26, is a key challenge. The course offers scenic views, especially in Georgia.
• Transition 2 (T2): Another single transition area. A Ziploc bag for nutrition is suggested for efficient transition.
• The Run: A 13.1-mile half marathon course, starting and finishing near the transition area. It includes a significant hill ("Battery Hill") and some rollers but is largely flat, with a final downhill section. The course provides good crowd support.

Here are the answers based on the provided transcript:

Key Features of the Georgia vs. Tennessee Sections of the Bike Course:

The Georgia portion of the bike course (the majority, starting around mile 5) features mostly smooth, recently repaved roads, with gentle rollers. There are a couple of sections where getting out of the saddle is advised, but it is generally a less challenging section compared to Tennessee. In contrast, the Tennessee section (first 5 miles), especially the initial miles, has rougher roads, three railroad crossings, and a concrete hill right out of transition that requires extra care.

Triathlon Joe's Recommendations for Navigating Railroad Tracks:

Triathlon Joe strongly advises getting out of the aerobars and distributing your weight across the entire bike when encountering railroad tracks (especially those within the first three miles). He emphasizes that going over these tracks while in the aerobars is dangerous and can lead to accidents, potentially resulting in broken stems or front ends. He suggests a bunny hop or sitting off the saddle as a safer approach.

Based on the transcript, here are some additional tips Triathlon Joe provides regarding the biking portion of the 70.3 Chattanooga race:

• Andrews Hill: This significant climb around mile 26 requires preparation. He warns against approaching it at high speed in the wrong gear, as this can lead to dropped chains, gear problems, and wasted energy. He suggests shifting down early and preparing for the steep incline.

• Mile 28-29: There's a camera crew at approximately miles 28-29. Prepare for a photo opportunity by cleaning any snot or gel from your face, ensuring a presentable image.

• Descents: The course includes several descents, especially a fast section after the "climb out of Chickamauga." He advises being comfortable with descents, as there are some turns and the road narrows in this section.

• Aid Stations: Be aware of aid stations. One is located near the bottom of a fast descent and requires a quick decision about whether to stop for supplies or to maintain momentum.

• Wind: Be prepared for varying wind conditions. A tailwind going out might mean a headwind on the return trip.

• Bike Choice: Triathlon Joe recommends a triathlon bike (TT bike) unless you are not comfortable riding one. The course is suited to it.

• Course Beauty: The course in Georgia offers scenic views of Lookout Mountain.

• Road Conditions: He points out that road conditions improve significantly after mile 5, transitioning from rougher roads in Tennessee to smoother roads in Georgia.