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| The Cape May - Lewes Ferry heading out for the Escape the Cape Triathlon on June 14, 2015. The race starts with participants jumping off the boat and swimming a mile to shore. Photo courtesy of Amy McLaughlin. |
The race, run by Steve DelMonte and his boutique NJ race company, Delmo Sports, is in its third year and growing fast, having gone from 1,000 participants its first year to 1,700+ this year. For triathlons, that's huge.
Which was it? Were shuttles coming running from both spots on race day, or just one? It seemed like just one. The parking situation was made needlessly confusing by these conflicting statements.
THE LOCATION
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| The beach at Cape May, NJ. |
ETC is a "destination" race, meaning the majority of participants are driving in from out of town, staying at local hotels and making a weekend getaway of it, which was the case for me. I am a big fan of destination races because I love getting to explore spots I wouldn't see otherwise.
My wife and I stayed 15 minutes from the race venue, at the Hotel Icona - Diamond Beach in Wildwood, NJ. The ladies from my triathlon team, Jersey Girls Stay Strong Multisport, had booked a block of rooms there for a great rate and all recommended it who stayed there last year. More than 40 people from the team participated in the race and as always were a blast to meet and cheer with.
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| Hotel Icona - Diamond Beach, Wildwood, NJ. A perfect race hotel. |
I cannot say enough good things about our hotel, particularly from the perspective of a visiting athlete. The guys at the font desk were vigorously polite. The room was not only clean and comfortable, but also tasteful -- the sliver and blue color theme made sense and the soaps didn't smell like industrial strength grandma. The outdoor pools were warm and had lots of comfy lounge chairs. I saw the pool attendant checking the pool Ph balance, which is always a good sign. But the best thing by far was that the room had a full kitchenette.
Athletes must be able to "fuel" before a big race, and having a fridge and a place to prep food is huge. In a typical hotel room you get a tiny mini-fridge full of $15 cans of soda and $5 bags of yogurt pretzels. If you try to shove a bottle of your own water in there to keep cool, they charge you a fee just for opening the fridge's door. So it is a magical experience to be able to put a whole bowl of fruit and some bags of Bonbel cheeses, plus all the makings for a rockin' PB&J sandwich into a legit fridge. (Side note: We didn't have our daughter with us, but our friends who did have kids with them were similarly grateful to be able to prep food en suite). There was also a microwave, a sink, a can opener (Ikea), full dining set, and a Keurig coffee maker; you could bring your own or purchase K-cups in the commissary by the check in desk.
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| Go to One Fish Two Fish and order the scallops. You won't regret it. |
[NOTE: We found a wonderful restaurant in Wildwood called One Fish, Two Fish for pre-race dinner. The menu was short but everything on it was scrumptious, so good we went back the second night to try the dishes we didn't have the first night. This is a hidden gem. Thank you, Yelp.]
ARRIVAL
Traffic wasn't bad on the Garden State Parkway driving down to Cape May on Saturday. We had planned to leave early in the day to get to race check in around noon, but got distracted discussing racial politics (yes, Rachel Dolezal made us late) over breakfast, and by the time we were all packed out it was already 11:30am. No big deal. We were required to rack my bike and attend one of two pre race meetings, either at 1pm or at 4pm, so we just shifted our sights from the former to the latter.
There were some funky logistics about getting to the race venue -- the Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminal. Transporting people and gear from nearby parking lots to the terminal was one of those places where things didn't quite work and the glitch multiplied by 1,700 people stuck out.
Race director, Steve Del Monte, was adamant about requiring everyone to read the athlete guide pdf --which was posted on the race website several weeks before the event-- from end to end. The guide, he said, held all the answers to questions people kept emailing him about. He even got ticked off when, after sending out an email reiterating key information from the packet, some lady wrote back and said she was offended by his firm tone. He responded by posting a video to social media telling everyone that he didn't care if they didn't like his tone, because the info was important for safety's sake and he needed everyone to take it seriously. I didn't find his tone to be too bad, and it is hard to maintain safety in such a race, but it might be useful to consider whether it works better to encourage people to follow the safety rules, or to scold them for not doing so. He seemed to be thin skinned about the woman's criticism, which is a bit ironic.
THE ATHLETE GUIDE
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| The problematic 18 page Athlete Guide |
Now, here's the thing, if you are going to repeatedly underscore the importance of reading the athlete guide, then the athlete guide should be thorough and accurate.
The athlete guide did explain that you couldn't park on site at the venue and that shuttle buses would take people from the designated parking areas to the site. But it was not clear that the day before shuttles were running from a supermarket parking lot about a mile away, whereas the day of the race, the shuttles were running from a field at a vineyard that was farther away (about 2 miles).
In fact, on page 3 it said:
"NO RACE DAY PARKING AT THE FERRY TERMINAL. NO EXECPTIONS. You must park and walk in or utilize our shuttle service from the Cape May Winery Vineyard or North Cape May Shopping Mall" (I am just going to overlook the misspelling of "exceptions")
but on page 5 it said:
"PARKING OPENS AT CAPE MAY WINERY VINEYARD, Shunpike & Sandman Blvd Only."
Which was it? Were shuttles coming running from both spots on race day, or just one? It seemed like just one. The parking situation was made needlessly confusing by these conflicting statements.
The guide explained that you had to rack your bike the day before the event, and noted that spectators and friends could and should take the shuttle bus from the supermarket lot, but noted "It is wise to RIDE your bike from the shopping center and take the shuttle back."
It wasn't just wise, it was really the only way to get your bike to the event (other than walk it, I suppose).
The packet made no mention, however, that after the race you also would have to ride your bike back to the vineyard lot (2 miles away), because there was no way to get bikes onto the shuttles. A woman at the 4pm meeting specifically asked if the shuttles would take the bikes, and Steve DelMonte responded "Yes. I mean, they better, otherwise I'll need to make a call."
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| This race is very large by triathlon standards - 1700+ participants. Getting bikes to and from the event is a logistical issue without an obvious solution. |
This answer was wrong and made no sense. Del Monte has to know that charter busses do not carry bikes, and if they didn't carry them the day before the event, why would he believe they would carry them the day of?
Nowhere in the guide did it say you should be prepared to do a full triathlon, stay for a beer fest for several more hours (DelMonte mentioned many times that the shuttles would be running til 3pm so people could stay for the festival and specialty beer), then ride two more miles --possibly tipsy and probably carrying your heavy gear bag-- through blazing sun, back to the vineyard lot. That is not safe no matter how you slice it and that is what the majority of race participants had to do.
I was fortunate because a lady from my tri team tipped me off to park on a side street in the residential area near the venue, rather than messing with the shuttles. But the guide didn't mention or advocate parking anywhere but the vineyard lot. They probably can't advocate parking in the residential neighborhood, I get that, but then at least let cars come through the terminal area to pick up people and bikes at the end of the event.
The guide also didn't mention that to pick up your packet you'd need to go to a separate room in the terminal first and sign three waivers to take to the packet pick up area. It just said bring your photo ID and USAT card. This is not a major issue, but it is relevant information that was overlooked.
The packet mentioned that bags would be inspected and everyone could be searched at any time by law enforcement, but it might have been useful to add that there would be dogs sniffing every bag and bags would have to receive a blue tag identifying that they had been cleared before you could go anywhere (this process went quickly, but, again, it was relevant info that was left out).
The packet also said the swim staging for the race was on the Sky Bridge of the ferry terminal, though, in fact, it was on the grassy area by the boat deck. That issue was clarified at the pre-race meeting, but seriously, you can't be saying "READ THE GUIDE!!!" over and over and then have mistakes or omissions in it. The Sky Bridge thing, the dogs sniffing bags and the waiver singing were minor issues, but the fact of having to ride bikes back to the vineyard after the race was a major oversight that could have had safety consequences.
RACE DAY
All the parking and logistics and athlete guide issues aside, I had a great race day. Moreover, of the many triathlons I have done, Escape the Cape was better organized than most and by far my favorite. I will do it again and recommend it to friends.
THE START
It was tricky getting set up in transition because it was pouring rain when I arrived (around 4:45am). My sneakers got wet getting off the shuttle in the deluge (note to self: always wear flip-flops and carry sneakers to the event). I believe most people later faced slow transition times, myself included, because gear had to be kept in plastic bags to prevent it getting soaked, and even then, water snuck into everything. You roll with these things in triathlon.
We all boarded the ferry around 6:00am and then waited. I took advantage of the port-o-potties on the boat, then sat around with everyone on the car deck as the rain came down outside and lightning flashed on the ocean. It was announced that we'd be delayed by a half hour to let the storm clear, and that is precisely what occurred.
We were fortunate that the storm moved off quickly, but I found myself wondering exactly what Delmo would do if storm or water conditions made it too dangerous for a race. Since the boat jump is a key draw, inclement weather seems like it may be a more serious problem someday down the line.
Last year at TriRock Asbury Park the swim was cancelled because of riptides, so we did a run-bike-run course that sucked monkey butt. If there is a back up plan for Escape the Cape --and there needs to be-- it should be clarified in the athlete guide. That way, if the directors have to go to Plan B, participants will have been forewarned and will be prepared to accept it.
THE JUMP
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| It's a 12 foot jump to start your race. For many this is a major psychological challenge. Photo courtesy of: Amy McLaughlin. |
Once we were out on the water, things went according to plan. We got to the one mile spot for the international distance and lined up (more like clumped up) in five rows to start jumping.
I saw one woman who was balking at the boat's edge and felt bad for her because the helpers were telling the rest of us to count down 3-2-1 and then yell "JUMP!" That pressure seemed to freak her out even more. I don't know if she ever made it in, but I am sure she wasn't the only one who had trouble with the start. (If people couldn't make the jump they could opt to return to shore and start at the bike portion of the race.)
Although I'd been worrying a bit about the jump, when my time came I didn't hesitate. I think because I knew people were waiting behind me, and we'd been delayed, I was antsy and ready to go. I remember a moment in the air, seeing the water coming, holding my goggles tight, then a long view from beneath the surface rising up. I love that feeling.
Then I was off.
THE SWIM
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| The amount of support and safety personnel on the water at Escape The Cape was impressive. Photo courtesy of: Amy McLaughlin. |
This was the best race swim I've ever had. I loved it.
The unusual start kept people from being on top of one another. Out in the open ocean there was plenty of room for faster swimmers to pass if they needed. The buoys were close together and easy to sight, although they were yellow and we were wearing yellow caps, so once in a while I had to get my head up to be sure I was on track. The water temperature was a perfect 68. I sped along feeling great.
I have to hand it to Delmo Sports for having an incredible amount of support personnel out on the water. There were kayaks, skidoos, boats of every size. I have never seen a better secured distance swim. It was impressive and reassuring. Personally I love being on the open water, but a lot of triathletes find the swim the hardest part, so keeping the course safe was an accomplishment.
TRANSITION
My transition times were pathetic, but I don't think I could have done much better. Everything was wet and hard to get on. I had my sunglasses wrapped in a chamois cloth and they still got water on them when it dripped out of my bike helmet. I needed to hydrate (thank you to Skratch Labs!). I wasn't in this race to set a PR, so the fact that I left transition feeling like I hadn't forgotten anything was worth the extra minute or two it took to get organized.
THE BIKE
I set out slow on the 25 mile bike, just getting my legs under me. The course was scenic and fast despite some sharp turns (well marked). One portion of the first loop had some bumpy paving and I saw tons of people flatting out.
I saw one guy, still in his bike shoes, running along the last few miles bike course pushing his bike. That was just sad. There did not seem to be enough/any sag wagons out on the course to pick up stranded bikers and their bikes. A few locals with trucks took pity and hauled bikers back to transition of their own accord. This is another area Delmo needs to address for future years, both by reminding people (in the athlete guide) to pack spare tubes and a mini-pump, and also by having vehicles on the course that can retrieve stranded participants if need be.
Early on in the bike, as I was crawling slowly up the only real hill, some Santa Claus looking dude called out as he went by, "Holly, you have to move farther over to the right so people have more room to pass you!" Evidently he'd seen my name on my personalized race bib number (I wear my number on my race belt around in back on the bike so I don't forget it on the run).
First of all, there was ample room to pass on my left unless you were driving a tractor trailer with an oversize load. Second, just who did this guy think he was? He made it sound like I was such an inchworm that every person out there was going to have to pass me.
Usually I take things in stride; I just remember that I'm racing to push myself, not to compete with anyone else. But my hackles went up and my feet went down. Still heading up the last of that hill I pushed my legs to their max and went by that guy at a solid clip. Eat my dust, Santa!
For the rest of the bike course I imagined he was right behind me or might catch up at any moment. So I just kept pumping. I posted one of my fastest times ever over that distance, 17.8mph average, which is not fast by most standards, but is fast for me.
I never saw Santa again, but I probably owe him a thank you, since I would never have gone that fast without his patronizing comment.
THE "RUN"
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| Running on sand dunes for extra challenge? No thanks. |
Okay, the run wasn't great. It was terrible, in fact. By that point the heat was up, the course was steaming and my legs were shot. Plus, it is a tough course because long stretches go down from the nice flat, straight Beach Drive, onto the dunes and sand. I haven't practiced running on sand, and I have no interest in running on sand. I'd be grateful if the course didn't have this extra challenge, and I couldn't find anyone who said they liked it. The boat jump, people liked. The sand? Not so much.
I had to walk long portions of the "run." I could feel sand filling my already soaking wet shoes. Blisters began to form.
There is a point in every race where you hit what my friend Kath calls "The Pain Box." I was in it on the sand. Sometimes I can reach deep and push my way through, find some extra moxie. On this day I just kept slogging forward like an old mule. I probably could have pushed a little harder, but I didn't, and I still felt a sense of accomplishment crossing the finish.
POST RACE
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| Mission accomplished. Escape the Cape triathlon 2015 is in the books. |
The volunteers (who were terrific all the way around the course), handed me a box of cold water (yes, a box), and my snazzy race medal. Diane was there cheering and taking video, which was such a treat. I felt like a god. A hot, sweaty, sandy god.
After a few minutes resting at the Jersey Girls Stay Strong tent, I headed to the food tent. Where food is concerned, Delmo Sports is second to none. Oh, scrambled eggs that were fresh! Savory bacon and sausage, salty soft pretzels, fresh bagels and pastries of every kind, tons of fruit. I came in near the back of the pack, but there was still a vast food spread even for the slower folks.
On the other hand, there weren't many places to get out of the heat and enjoy the food. People were baking for lack of shade. Moreover, you had to stand in line to get your race shirt, instead of getting it in your packet the day before, as is customary. The slow moving line for shirts snaked through the crowd, and though DelMonte made it seem like you'd feel proud marching up to get your shirt, having earned it, people were basically crawling up on hands and knees, dying to get the thing and be able to go sit down. Diane was nice enough to get mine for me.
After the race I walked my bike and gear to our car which Diane had put on a side street near the terminal. Thank goodness I didn't have to ride it back to the vineyard! She drove back to the hotel and I took a blissful shower and then fixed up my blisters.
In the evening we went back to One Fish, Two Fish for dinner then had a lovely walk on the beach. It was heaven.
TAKE AWAYS
BEST BITS:
- The whole course was scenic and this is a great destination for athletes, their families and friends; who doesn't like a weekend at the beach?
- The jump from the boat was fun and the swim portion my fave of all races I've done.
- I watched the kids' Splash and Dash race the day before and it looked like everyone had a great time. I'd totally sign my daughter up for it if she'd been able to come. (Another note for the athlete guide: it probably should say Kids' --apostrophe after the s-- rather than Kid's for the race info and "medal," since more than one kid was participating, but that's a quibble)
- Security personnel and volunteers on the course were great. There was one really enthusiastic cop. He was awesome. I also loved the people out with garden hoses offering to cool down runners (one runner got ticked that her sun glasses got wet, though). The girls cheering along the course were super, too.
- There were the right number of water stops on the run. I was particularly grateful for the aid station that gave out cups of ice at mile 2.5.
- The medals and shirt were well designed and I'll be proud to wear the shirt, hoping people will ask me about the race.
- The post race food spread --typical of Delmo events-- was a cut above the rest.
- Considering the size of the event, most of the logistics went off without a hitch.
- The USAT official's comments at the pre-race meeting were brief and to the point.
- The hotel and restaurant we found were awesome.
AREAS THAT COULD BE IMPROVED
- Parking and transporting bikes and humans, as previously mentioned, did not go well.
- The athlete guide needs work as I explained above.
- Some people struggled with the jump. I heard last year my tri team had a sports psychologist come talk about how to handle it. That might be a great idea for the expo.
- The expo the day before the event was weak; more vendors are needed. The winery people were nice, but athletes are more interested in compression socks than wine.
- It would be great if the expo included services of a local cycle shop who could check out any bike issues and sell their wares before the event. My bike had a rattle that I later determined was just a loose screw on the cage for my water bottle; I heard it before the event but didn't have time to diagnose it. A cycle repair guy would have identified the problem in seconds.
- A system for picking up stranded bikers on the course is needed.
- I don't think more than three crazy, hard core people would mind if the sand dune running was eliminated from the course.
- More shady spots are needed for the post race area and cooling tents would be a huge help. NJ State Triathlon has them...I know they are out there. Participants could go into the ferry terminal to cool off, but the festival was outside and no one wanted to miss it.
EVALUATION OF THE EVENT = A-
Definitely worth doing again!
Thanks to my family and to:
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