Tri Rock half in Cradle

[shawnvan]

can somebody please explain this brain-fart that tri-organizers had in recent with your with this whole "cycle on the right" BS? Never used to be the deal, but seems that since IM came along with the stay right pass left rule (apparently because its an international race with international rules), every race seems to follow suit. So now that everybody is on the wrong side of the road to start with, nobody knows whether they should stay left and pass right or stay right and pass left. The on-top of that, the support cars were driving on the "normal" side of the road, hence coming head-on towards the cyclists. One one or two occasions it was shockingly scary. Same stupid rule was enforces at Germiston tri a few weeks back? I didn't take part today, but was a normal cyclist on te road. I tried my best to stay out of the way of the athletes (and support cars) but because NO ONE understands the rules, it was impossible to do so. Please people we live in SA. SA has its own traffic rules, so lets keep to it. Nobody is impressed with this "international rules" BS and its just dangerous for everybody! PS i've taken part in more than 30 triathlons over the years, so I'm not anti-tri, I'm anti stupid rules

 

My understanding is that the route necessitated people riding on the fight hand side - with an anti-clockwise route - to avoid athletes having to cross over each other at the turns and turn around points.

 

I agree, though, perhaps they could have swithed the route around to avoid this - ie go to lion park first and then the Malibongwe stretch, which would have made it a clockwise route allowing people to ride on the left.

[Nancy Drew]

Wow, what an experience.

 

This was my first triathlon - ever... so I had nothing to compare it to.

 

I hated the keep right pass left rule, I had a few near misses on the fast downhills with regular cyclists out on their training rides.

 

Personally, I was happy about the route change because the R563 and beyond scared me. I attended Friday night's briefing and the explanation we received was that the residents of the area had threatened to ambush the event if the organizers closed all the roads. But I was disappointed that the distances weren't spot on.

 

A big concern for me is that there didn't seem to be any timing mats going into the water. In light of swimmers going missing in recent years at Midmar, I just wondered how the organizers were planning to account for every swimmer leaving the water.

 

Overall though, it was a great experience. I've never participated in an event where there was so much camaraderie and support. The water point people and marshals were fantastic and every athlete leaving the event while I was still out on the road shouted words of encouragement, hooted or waved, which just kept me going in that heat.

 

I hope these were just 'teething' problems that will be ironed out by the next event.

 

And yes, being my first triathlon, I was a bit disappointed at not receiving a medal 

[Bizzmark]

I really enjoyed the race but there were some major issues.  I think the Trirock team achieved a lot for an inaugural event but the let themselves and the athletes down in a number of avoidable ways.

 

The location was amazing.  Heia Safari is beautiful, the fact that we now have a tar road from the lake to the main road opens up a whole new world of triathlon action.  We can thank the Trirock event for that.

 

Registration

 

The first issue I have is the actual registration experience.  Both Trirock events I have done started off quite badly.  Technical issues, no apparent organisation, items required for registration missing.   

I always feel quite bad because I think the ladies tasked with this job are volunteers or if paid, doing the work more as a favour.  They are simply not given the training or systems they need to handle the registration process properly.   You just need to attend one of the bigger races – Ironman, Argus, 94.7 to see how jacked the actual people running the registration process are.  They have clearly gone through a few dry runs, and are up and ready by the time the first athlete arrives.

 

So that is my first bit of advice for the Trirock guys – get this right ….it sets the tone – athletes feel secure and in good hands.  That includes having transition bags, stickers, swim caps, timing chips ready and neatly packed.  This is the first impression – don’t blow it.

 

Manage expectations.

 

Don’t promise what you can’t deliver or at least highlight that something is still in negotiation.  I am not sure what happened – but if you had kept everyone up to date on the route changes and challenges, you would have had less unhappiness.  i.e. “Guys we are aiming for full road closure but still need the go ahead from ABC”…. “Guys we do not appear to be getting the go ahead, should we fail to obtain full road closure these are our other options” …….

Just communicate… which brings me to my 3^rd issue

 

Communication

 

Communication all round was poor.  I live in the area, and other than the odd sms about the tarring of the road, I missed any other media or announcements around the road closures, not everyone is on Facebook or twitter.  I wonder if the chaos on the roads and the resistance from the Cradle residents could have been managed if there had been more awareness and buy in.   Radio, local newspapers and clear road closure signage.  (The road closure signs that I did see where very bland and certainly only caught my eye as I was going to be doing the event)

 

Don’t be cheap

 

We pay a lot of money to take part in these events, not to mention the massive investment in time and equipment.  When you take short cuts – it is glaringly obvious and although some few this as petty (the lack of medal, the leftover promotional items) – we all have expectations when charged a premium rate for an event.  I for example give my medal to my young son… it is something he really looks forward to and is quite disappointed when I get home without one.  I read a post from the 1^st time triathlete… this would have been a meaningful event for them… so I don’t think it is petty.  It’s about the experience for many of us.   Don’t’ price yourself at an Ironman level if you are unable to even come close to delivering that type of an experience.

 

The road closure

 

This was a nightmare.  I agree with the other posts, riding on the wrong side of the road was a disaster.   In fact I have never seen the cradle so busy… if we had just left the roads open and raced on the correct side of the road it would have been safer and quieter.    I don’t understand why we do not have a circular route,  request residents and other cyclists to please give way, ride on the correct side of the road and there will be more than enough space to race, over take any casual cyclists and allow traffic through as normal.   (Or even only close one lane – I am sure the residents would be more open to that) 

 

Not sure if this is viable, but I hope we can figure something out as it really is a great location to race.  

[clivem]

Great to have an event like this on our doorstep.  

 

I think the organizers would do well reading the feedback in the earlier posts which is mainly centered around safety - this should never be compromised.  

 

We were ensured "road closure",  and understood that to mean the same as it means on the Cape Argus, 94.7 Cycle, Ironman, etc.  

 

A big positive is that they pulled it off, but they'll need to sharpen their pencil to grow this event to where it could and should be..

[bigjoe]

Well said Bizzmark! Could not have said it better myself. I have done Tri Rock Durban and now Cradle, and to be honest I don’t think i will be back for their events....not in the near future at least. They have loads to do before I will enter their events.

I firmly believe to rather under promise and over deliver.....than the other way around. But i suppose they need to over promise to attract the numbers. Suppose they will rather have the numbers and then worry about the consequences later.

A few things that really upset me:

1. Lack of communication. they have a number of social platforms to interact, but this is basically nonexistent when it comes to communication other than promoting the event.  People asked questions on numerous occasions without any reply.

2. The fact that there were no sponges in the heat, even though it was stated in the athletes guide is crazy. And then to be told not to spray the sachets over your head just upset me more.

3. On the 1st lap of the run there were no water at the turn around point.....so basically 6km of running with no water in that heat. Totally absurd.

4. Safety - bike course was ridiculous in terms of safety. Had 2 very close encounters with cars at 60km/h....

5. Getting a tri rock durban peak and a finisher shirt with the incorrect distance as a reward....well, what can i say.

6. Distances – how do you get the distances incorrect at 2 events in a row.  This is just crazy.  There is no way that i can judge my performance yesterday to any other ultra distance event as the distances were way off.  7-8km short on the bike and 3km short on the run.  Swim also seemed a bit short

 

Things that was really great:

1. Ice creams on the run and at the finish line.....awesome!!!  but then again this might be sponsored.

2. The way that the water points...and the people that manned them.  Awesome!

3. The fact that water was brought to the turn around point on the 2^nd lap.....and that people on the course made a plan to assist people.  Giving coke....and even getting sponges for the water point after the dreaded hill!

4. The venue is brilliant. 

 

Charging R1900 entry and getting what we got...shocking.  Charge people R50 extra and organise coke on the run.  If running races can do it with a entry fee of R50...surely they can do it as well!

 

Overall, i enjoyed the day out...challenging course and conditions didnt make it easier.  But there is no way that I will do their event soon.  

[MK Killer]

I anticipate that we will hear nothing from Tri Rock. All I want to know is WHY the distances were shorter

[ScottCM]

So after this event, is everyone still furious with IM for charging R500 more and making their Event 2 months before TriRock Durban?

[Rocket-Boy]

So after this event, is everyone still furious with IM for charging R500 more and making their Event 2 months before TriRock Durban?

With IM you know what you are getting, a well organised slick event that is exactly what they say it is.

Its worth the extra money in my opinion.

[IceCreamMan]

So after this event, is everyone still furious with IM for charging R500 more and making their Event 2 months before TriRock Durban?

you raise a valid point of course...but IM organization is not infallible ...I recall an event where the swim was way long and the timing a total and unmitigated disaster...

 

however your point is valid, although I had early bird for trirock an only paid 1300...1200 less than IM Durban....that's a lot of loot

[ScottCM]

you raise a valid point of course...but IM organization is not infallible ...I recall an event where the swim was way long and the timing a total and unmitigated disaster...

 

however your point is valid, although I had early bird for trirock an only paid 1300...1200 less than IM Durban....that's a lot of loot

 

As an aspiring Tri athlete i am not making a statement about either as i haven't partaken as of yet. My question is merely made from observing all the posts made after the announcement was made about the IM Durban event and how it was "copying" ,"Killing"  and "bullying" trirock.

 

Now after the latest event hosted by TR there has been quiet a few negativity about it and was just wondering if those who slammed IM have changed their minds or still feel the same?

[Bizzmark]

I think we are all mature enough to understand that the unexpected happens... even the very best event orginisors (and yes I do rate Ironman as the very best I have experienced), will get things wrong or stuff beyond their control disrupts the best laid plans.

 

The issue is how you deal with it... which has been mentioned a few times by a number of people.  Stuff like communication, managing expectations and without a doubt ensuring safety for all.

 

I love that we have choice and really do want the Trirock guys to get it right.  The more races we have the better for all of us.  

 

Lets hope they take note of the issues - I share BigJoe's sentiments, will not be signing up again in a hurry... in fact just went and registered for the Ironman in Durban.  Even though it is expensiveI - I know what I will get and  with them.

[MK Killer]

Wonder how long until we see Iron Man Cradle

[bigjoe]

I think the biggest message that the organiser can take from this is communication.  I wrote an email to Grant with concerns regarding the entire weekend in Durban...this ranging from no water for the ladies on a 9km run....to starting time not being followed and events starting 30 mins late.  I gave it another try on Sunday and a lot of the same mistakes were made.  Surely it is time to learn from the mistakes and make improvements.

 

Something like getting distances wrong is unforgivable.

 

I have seen that Freddy Lampret is now getting involved (maybe even before the event) and he is commenting on facebook on behalf of Tri Rock.  Huge respect for take notes and taking some of the brunt.  The question is....where is Grant.

 

Comments like - Grant is passionate and spent a crap load of money on the tarred road.  That upsets me.  It was stated from the beginning that the road will be tarred.  And I see it as an investment because he will get the benefit in the future as the money has been paid and wont need to fork it out again.

 

My take is that if there was open communication to the athletes people would have been a lot more understanding.  If the organisers gave me an option of tarred road vs medal....i would have said tarred road.  But things were never in the open.  Yes you want to attract people by painting this great picture before the time.  I would rather promise less....put up a great event and get the athletes to promote your event for the next year.  Now the opposite is true bacuse of their mistakes. 

 

I really hope that the event will be a success in the future, we need more events.  But like i have said before....at the price that they charged and what we got it would have been better to organise a group of friends to do a training event from heia safari by ourselves.

 

I really wish them well, and I hope that they take the time to get the basics right.  IM has built a brand....and it has taken time.  But the biggest thing is they offer athletes an experience that they talk about in a positive light.  Perhaps that is something that Grant and his team need to do.  Start small....attract a bigger field at a lower cost and get people talking about the great event. 

 

Enough moaning from my side!!  Time to train for IMSA and Sun City Ultra

[IceCreamMan]

 

 

Enough moaning from my side!!  Time to train for IMSA and Sun City Ultra

 

Amen.....glad I did the Cradle event , it was good to get into the race zone ...IMSA is 40 days away....

[SwissVan]

Wonder how long until we see Iron Man Cradle

 

I can just see the iron man adverts (and TV adverts)

 

"You to can evolve into an IRONNNN MAN "

 

 

[ScottCM]

For those who don't have FB,

 

Race response to various comments re Cradle of Humankind

February 17, 2015 at 4:31pm

We are under no illusions as to the shortcomings and problems experienced during the running of the inaugural eventin the Cradle.  We thank all of those who attended and our humble apologies to all who suffered any inconvenience in any way, shape or form. Our goal and desire is to produce world-class events in amazing locations, which the Cradle certainly is.

 

The task of tarring the road cost just short of R1,3 million and put the event at a distinct disadvantage from many angles. This is no justification for any of the mistakes made, however we are pointing out that this had massive implication on resources, budget, time and other factors.  We stayed true to the task to bring you a race and did it with limited time and remaining resources.  It is very hurtful to hear that our supporters feel that we are “out to make a quick buck” when we believe we are offering a good value proposition.  An investment in a road would hardly fall under making a quick buck but rather an investment into the future and a significant one at that.  How many race organizers have built a road to make a race happen in SA or anywhere else in the world?  We are short on triathlon friendly venues in SA and hence when we find one that needs investment to make it happen then we been prepared to do so.

 

Clearly, we did not deliver on this in Year 1 in the Cradle but again are asking you to bear in the mind the above initial event cost, before the gun had even fired.  

 

As you know, we were forced into late minute route changes on the cycle leg due to the threat from residents that they would sabotage the race.  This seems to be an undercurrent in the area and because we were the first to engage with them and became the victim of their rage from all previous incidents.  Traffic authorities were assisting where possible but residents were adamant that they would make the race difficult for all.  Your safety, being our primary concern, brought us to the decision to change the route.  However, the route change forced us to use the option of riding on the right hand side of the road due to the righthand turn to give you the extra distance.  In hindsight and with a clear mind that was obviously a wrong decision.  We were trying to please and accommodate all and ended up pleasing none.  The triathletes were operating as per the briefing but were up against it when seeing the number of other riders riding on the incorrect side of the road.  Then add to this,the residents who insisted on driving on the road to add to the confusion. This was an error and will never be made again.  

 

The distance was short due to the turn point being pushed forward by residents, refusing to allow us to turn at the agreed point (on the bridge), which would have given you the full distance.  This all happened on the day of the event and was completely out of our control, despite multiple meetings and engagements with the residents to make it all safe for all parties concerned. It was not and we acknowledge this.  We apologise.

 

With regards to the hydration on the run route we can only advise that there were 10 000 sachets ordered and only 900 remaining meaning that athletes had an average of 30 sachets each. In addition to this there was an isotonic drink available as well as bananas.  The aid stations were correctly spaced apart until one of the stations decided, on their own accord, to combine with another station (again on race day), thus obviating the benefit of having 3 stations. Hence we added the extra point at the turn as soon as we heard about this.  Ultimately we provided 4 x times the amount of hydration than what we did in TRIROCK Durban.  

 

With regards to the T-shirt distance error,this was simply a case of our supplier getting it wrong, and although we should have corrected and / or signed off on a sample only, we went with the graphic and not printed T, which was a mistake. Again, our apologies for any error in this regard however it would be incorrect of the triathletes to blame the race organisation for a T-shirt printing error, as much as we do accept the error.

 

With regards to the medals, our supplier did not deliver these and we have undertaken to deliver, at our cost, your finisher’s medal to each and every person.  The other items handed out were not as asubstitute but a gesture of good faith that the triathletes would understand the circumstances. Clearly this was not acceptable to some athletes.  We agree you need to be rewarded for finishing such a tough race under such hot conditions - you will receive your due reward.

 

However, we would like to focus on the positives of the event which were to bring an event of this distance to the Cradle for the first time ever, to make it possible for all local triathletes to now train there and so swim-cycle sessions in an amazing venue.  Not only are we adding more events onto the overall calendar, but also opening up the opportunity to other sponsors, partners and role players while other sports are losing sponsors and support due to financial constraints.  Having the event and having their support keeps the growth, development and hopes growing for all those who aspire to finish our race, and others.  

 

We can 100% confirm that the errors are unacceptable, both to yourselves and us and apologise for this.  Consider that we are working in a new community, under new circumstances, with a new team and incredibly limited resources. Our learnings will ensure a better race in the future.  Our commitment to improve is evident in what we continue to strive for, as seen in the second edition of the Durban event, and ask for your patience and support to keep this growth happening.   

 

What we won't do is hide from the mistakes. We have a world-class team in a tough new location and be assured their commitment to realize world class is absolute.   TRIROCK is still young and we don't profess to be perfect but we won't stop on our pursuit to reach thestandards we all would and keep the ethos of what TRIROCK is in spirit andlocation.

 

Whether accepted or not we care we give a damn and whether that slipped for resources, residents or any other reasons be assured they will be corrected. 

 

Lastly, we do want to say thank you for joining us.  There are positives to take away and thank you to those for your many kind emails.  

 

Next stop brings us back to more familiar territory, TRIROCK Durban.  We will be looking to build on last year’ssuccess and be assured this one will be the best one yet.

 

Yours in Tri,

 

Grant