Latest I just got from a mate on email who is already down there: Hi guys, just thought I could give you some news from down here, as I am sure that you are all packing etc for the weekend.. Wind has been picking up during the day to sometimes over 60km per hour. Gets quite hectic. Obvious problem is that the sea is mayhem! Can't swim in it. You can try, but strong chance you will drown...The wind is a S/Westerly. Great news however, according to Paul Wolff, this is the best weather for before the race, as the wind is due to change on Friday/Sat, to a S/Easterly, which will flatten the surf so race day should be great. The forecast for wind on Sat/Sun is 14km so it is really going to be a gently welcome breeze, as it is flippin hot during the day, even with the wind, 32 degrees…Come Sunday, it is forecast for the early 20's. Paul is fairly confident that the weather will be great for race conditions, although one wouldn't say so given the current situation, but he has done this many times, so he should know. Bad news however, is that irrespective, the water is going to be a tad on the chilly side, as the S/W has blown in all the nice cold water for you, and temp is going to be similar if not colder than last year, around the 12/13 degree mark… Those wetsuits are going to come in quite handy.. The wind is currently in your face on the outward run, and behind your back coming to the finish line.. So expect the opposite when/if the wind changes as forecast, which is great for Bunkers Hill, but not so cool on the beachfront. But as I said, it isn't going to be a huge wind. On the Bunkers Hill story. I was really hoping that the forces of nature would have flattened it a bit since last year, but alas, we haven't been assisted by the earth gods, as it is still long, and flippin, flippin, steep. Sorri…… There is a slight drizzle forecast, but again nothing too serious for Paul to be too concerned about. He is more worried about the cold water, and that there will be a bit of "surf" to get through, before you can really get going. But and I quote " if these guys can't swim through surf, they should be doing the f…….cking race!" So there you have it.. The beachfront is looking amazing. The road has been closed off, municipality is cleaning them like mad men possessed. We were here in December to do a recce for the set-up, and honestly it is literally a different city. Paul has done an amazing job! Other than that, the city is becoming alive, and you can feel the Ironman fervor coming to town. A few of the Pro's are here already, strutting their stuff up and down. Please also remember that the Expo, and registration are in different hotels this time round. Registration is at the same place, Holiday Inn, and Expo is at the Osner. But it is pretty well sign posted.. Best news however, is that Buccaneers have just installed Castle Milk Stout on tap! Just thought I would share that with you. Have a great flight, or whatever, and we will see you when you get down here.
