For Race Information Call 1-888-634-8776 or 803-957-3347
Accommodations & Package Information:
1-877-540-9692
info@tropicalrez.com
Bikes Fly FREE!
Call Toll Free: 1-866-4SOLAIR
USEFUL LINKS:
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Bay Islands
International Triathlon
March 6, 2004
ITU Sanctioned - Cash Awards
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Please make sure you read all this if you're coming to the race...If you're not, you still might want to read it. I might not be able to send another newsletter so this might be IT. It's still not TOO late to come... I'm on my way back to Honduras, but you can still join. We have enough space in the race, and with some help we can find you a place to stay.Registration - Late registration ($125)has been postponed until Feb. 20th. If we have to, we'll postpone it for ever. We want you to come more than we want your money. I should have a fun ride to Tampa pulling our "mini-me Set-Up, Inc. trailer", where Jackson Shipping will sponsor 50% of our cost for bringing our race equipment into Rotan. I call it "mini-me", because it's about half the size of theirs, and it's officially our race trailer. Hotels are filling up on West Bay Beach. The host hotel, the Mayan Princess is full. Paradise Beach villas still has a few rooms. Fosters had 2 rooms left a week ago. But we can find you something. We still haven't made 100% use of all the available rooms in West Bay or West End. Most hotels are full with people wanting to come and watch. I'm not kidding, this is quite unexpected, but people all the way from Nicaragua and El Salvador want to come to Roatan simply to see YOU! So don't disappoint them, get going - it's still time. American Airlines still has good prices into San Pedro Sula. Sol Air is almost sold for Friday's flight, but has room on Tuesday's flight. US Air has good prices still, but don't wait too long - must make your mind in the next 7 days. Taca still has space too, and prices range around $370 Miami - Roatan If you call Sol Air, and you can't get the $250 + tax rate, please contact me. Packing Check list - I don't have to tell you not to forget your toothbrush, but here's a few things you cannot forget: Repellant (with DET), available at Wal Mart, or drug stores. Sunscreen - Race day nourishment as protein supplements - Your favorite race day breakfast (it might not be available there) - Extra swimming suits (that's all you'll wear) - Sandals, shorts, t-shirts, hats. You will only need to change from your swim suit into something else for the dinner awards. IF you dive, diving license. PASSPORT valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Honduras. Visa if you live in Hong Kong, Gambia, Trinidad Tobago, and a few others. Bike, helmet, bike shoes, goggles, tri-suit, more sunscreen, and more repellant. Plenty of $1's - they'll be helpful for tips and until you get some local currency. Try not to bring large dollar bills. They will help you pay your hotel, but will be hard to exchange. Currency: Lempiras are the local currency, and $1 = 17 or 18 Lempiras. If you get a chance change some at the San Pedro Airport. Ask somebody where you can change some dollars. BIKES: Bike Gears - Okay, it's time to tell you the truth. The first 3 hills out of the beach are killers. So you have two options unless you're a pro: Dismount once you can't go up anymore - no point in killing your legs, you will need them for the run! OR Get a third front chain ring. Yes, it's radical but practical. Most age groupers will have to dismount, so don't be too concerned about it. Pros, don't seem to be faced by "El Diablo", our 19 -21% incline hill. Hondubikes - If you will need assembly or disassembly of your bike, please contact Mario at hbikes02@hotmail.com, and make an appointment. He will be available starting Thursday March 4th, at the Mayan Princess. He has very good rates, and if you need a CO2 cartridge, you might want to let him know too. FLIGHTS VERY IMPORTANT - CONNECTING FLIGHTS FROM SAN PEDRO TO ROATAN : If you are waiting for me to make a reservation from San Pedro Sula to Roatan, we are actually ready to do something (FINALLY!). TWO options: If you would like to pay on-line and get a good fare ($120 or so against the regular $137), Isleņa Airlines now has on-line service at: Send me your itinerary (even if I already have it) for us to make a reservation on Atlantic Airlines. Atlantic Airlines might offer a slightly cheaper rate with the same itineraries. Price is not confirmed (we are asking for $100), but they will try to beat Islena's fares. We should know by Tuesday, Feb. 17th. Since they don't have on-line facilities, but actually have nicer planes than the others; we would keep a list and update it daily for them to record. This way they will know you're coming, and you pay for your ticket at the San Pedro Sula airport. BOTH airlines are very reliable. SOL AIR - Bikes Fly FREE! - Yes, you read that right. Bikes fly FREE on Honduras' premier Airline and our Official Event Airline. Call 866-4SOLAIR, mention the Bay Islands Triathlon and if you have any problems obtaining the fare, ask for Catalina. $250 Miami - Roatan More fares and flight info HERE. ACCOMMODATIONS As I said, hotels are filling up. We are having to look hard for spaces, but there are still some available on West Bay Beach. Sandra is the one to call at TropicalRez, 1-877-540-9692, or email info@tropicalrez.com Home Stay - No more home stays available. We have used them all. However, we have a list of these same pros who did not get home stay, who would love to share a room with somebody. If you have been "awarded" a home stay, please contact Leslie ASAP and confirm your arrival and departure. I have most of the itineraries, but I need to make sure I have them all updated. Email me at info@bayislandstriathlon.com Reservations - Please confirm your room reservations next week with Sandra or the person who is responsible to OTHER DETAILS: Make sure you know what the SCHEDULE is like.
Make sure you read the FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions If you have any questions, please contact us at info@bayislandstrithlon.com Once in Roatan - Visit the village of West End * Do some snorkeling (hotels rent the equipment for $5 or $6) * If you dive arrange for your diving through your hotel, it's normally $30 or $35 per dive * Try the Canopy Tours, it starts at the top of "El Diablo", our beloved "Beast" hill - about $35 * Swim with the dolphins, or have an "encounter" with the dolphins * Reservations are required in advance. Price is about $80 and less for the encounter. Please watch what you eat. We did very well last year - we had no reports of stomach problems; let's keep it that way this year too. CAUTIONS: Drink only bottled water, it's widely available everywhere and very cheap * Tap water is not potable * Don't eat/drink ice, unless you ask where it came from * Hotels are very good at using only purified water, so their ice is okay * Don't eat the skin on fruits * All CUT fruits are very safe, and delicious. You're in the Caribbean, so enjoy real sweet pineapples, melons, water melons, etc. * You will be better off if you don't eat lettuce or tomatoes. These fall under the category of "skin-on" fruits or vegetables. * On race day we will serve fresh cut fruit after the race. Eat all you want, we are paranoid about making sure it's extra clean. HAVE FUN!!! Try not thinking about the race until Friday. You've come TOO far to worry! NEWS
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Visit our webiste at www.bayislandstriathlon.com Email Leslie at: info@bayislandstriathlon.com Mail Registration is Open - REGISTER
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