PLAINS, TRAINS, AUTOMOBILES, & BIKES
What airport should I fly in to for the event?
SFO – San Francisco International Airport www.flysfo.com
Directions from SFO to Event Site
OAK – Oakland International Airport www.flyoakland.com
Directions from OAK to Event Site
What is the best way to ship my bicycle to San Francisco?
Click hear to learn about bike transport
What hotels are close enough to bike to the event?
The Official Hotel of the event is the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf. www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com
Map it
Other hotels within one (1) mile.
What is the best way to get around town?
Ride your bike – San Francisco is a bike friendly town! Learn more
Public Transportation – Learn more
San Francisco Cable Cars – Learn More
Where can I park on race day?
Crissy Field, just a couple miles past the Marina Green. Take the Presidio/Crissy Field exit off 101 and park under the freeway. No parking is allowed at Marina Green or on Marina Blvd. All vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed prior to the start of the race.
THE DAY BEFORE RACE DAY
Where is Packet Pick-up… the Fitness Festival… Marina Green?
Packet pick-up or Registration is located at the Fitness Festival which is located at Marina Green. But where is that? Marina Green is located at the intersection of Marina Blvd and Scott Street.
Registration/Packet pick-up is open from 11 AM – 7 PM.
Map it
Fitness Festival Site Map (pdf)
What do I need for Registration/Packet Pick Up?
Prior to race weekend, verify that your registration information is correct on the Participants List. This step will assist with a smooth pack pick up race weekend and ensure you are signed up in the correct age division. You must bring a photo ID to packet pick up. (If you are a USAT member, you must bring your current USAT card). Each participant must pick up his/her own race packet. Friends/Family CAN NOT pick up race packets for each other. Each member of relay teams must pick up his/her race packet. One relay member CAN NOT pick up all of the packets for the entire team.
When/Where are the athlete meetings? Are they mandatory?
There are three (3) scheduled athlete meetings on Saturday, June 7. They are located at the Fitness Festival Stage at Marina Green.
1:00 PM
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
These meetings are mandatory (all must attend at least one) for all athletes including each member of a relay team.
What is the Fitness Festival and should I bring my family/friends?
Located at the finish line of the Accenture Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, the 14th Annual Fitness Festival & Expo will take place Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm and Sunday, June 8th from 7:00am – 3:00 pm. This event is free and will showcase the latest products and services from the health and fitness industry. Festival elements include the event merchandise tent, 40 vendor booths, a food court, beer garden, and experiential displays all designed to entertain the 20,000 spectators who annually congregate on the Bay Area's Marina Green to participate in the event. YES! You should bring your family and friends!
Can I rack my bike on Saturday?
No, all bikes are racked in transition on Sunday morning.
RACE DAY!
Where is transition? When is it open?
Transition is located next to the Finish Line at Marina Green. Transition will be open from 4:30 AM – 7:00 AM Sunday morning to rack bicycles.
Fitness Festival Site Map (PDF)
Where do all of the race numbers go?
At registration you will receive several race numbers, bike ties and safety pins. There are no numbers or tags for the swim portion of the event. The bike number is secured to your bike frame using bike ties (road bike numbers must be visible from the sides; mountain bike numbers must be visible from the front). Helmet stickers should be placed accordingly: 1 sticker - front of the helmet, 2 stickers- front and back of helmet, 3 stickers- front, back and side of helmet. Bib numbers should be worn on the front of the body and worn during the run portion of the event.
How do I use my ChampionChip timing chip?
At registration, all participants will receive a white 6 x 9 envelope with a small black timing chip inside. Interlace the timing chip on a black Velcro ankle strap (either inside the envelope or pick one up at chip verification) and securely fastened Velcro ankle strap AND timing chip to your left ankle. Participants' times will be recorded as you cross the red mats at each timing location: Swim In, Bike Out, Bike In, Run Out and the Finish Line. Chips and Ankle straps will be collected by volunteers at the finish line.
Can I use my own ChampionChip?
Yes. During the online application, process there is a place to enter you own alpha-numeric chip code. (Please do not enter any spaces or dashes). You may also email your own chip code to email timing@tricalifornia.com. Please bring your personal ChampionChip with you to packet pick up. You may only use your chip if you have verified your information with the timing team onsite.
When/Where do I get body-marked?
You will get body-marked when you arrive at Pier 3 to board the boat. This means you should get there early enough to get properly body-marked and on board in a timely manner.
How do I get from Transition to the Start Boat?
Athlete shuttles will be available for you at Transition to transport you to the Start Boat – The San Francisco Belle – located at Pier 3. Map it.
Shuttles run from 4:45 AM – 6:45 AM and they will not wait for any late arrivals! You will be given a schedule at registration based on your age group or participant category. Please pay attention to when you should load on to the shuttles so you are not left behind.
Where does the Start Boat leave from? When does it leave?
The Start Boat – The San Francisco Belle – is located at Pier 3. All athletes must be on board by 7:00 AM sharp! The boat departs just after 7:00 AM and will NOT wait for any late arrivals!
What are the two Transitions bags for?
At Registration, all athletes will receive two white transitions bags with their Bib #. One bag is for all belongings left at the swim start as participants board the ship. Bags will be brought back to the Marina Green and available for athletes to pick up between 12-3 pm. The second transitions bag is for any belongings (shoes) athletes want to change into when they finish the swim before the warm up run to the Marina Green Transition area. Bring this bag with you to Transition Sunday morning to be transported to the Swim Finish for you.
How do relay teams compete?
A relay team must consist of two or three members (one person CAN NOT compete in all three legs of a relay). All relay team members must check in at registration to pick up their race packet. (Relay members CAN NOT pick up race packets for their teammates) A relay team will be assigned one bib number: the swimmer will pick up the swim cap and timing chip, the biker will pick up the bike number and helmet stickers and the runner will pick up the bib number. Relay teams will transfer the timing chip and ankle strap by their assigned bike rack. (The timing chip is the "baton").
Should I wear different shoes for the swim start and the run?
Yes, it is recommended to bring separate shoes for the swim start and run portion of the event. Transition bags will be returned to the transition area, however Tri-California can not guarantee your shoes will be available in time for the run portion of your event. In any case, dry shoes are always nicer to run in.
Does everyone start at once or in waves?
Everyone boards the boat together but the start is in waves. The start lasts from 8:00 AM to 8:06 AM. You will be assigned your wave at packet-pick up. Details will be discussed at the athlete meetings.
What is the water temperature in San Francisco Bay?
Approximately 55 degrees.
Are wetsuits allowed?
Yes, full and sleeveless wetsuits are allowed, but not required. Booties and squid lids are also okay.
Will I be swimming with or against the current?
You will swim with the current.
Will there be safety support on the swim?
Yes. There will be a team of small boats and kayaks in case you need assistance during the swim.
What happens if I don’t make the 1-hour cut-off for the swim?
Being afraid of the cut of times is a good thing. It will make you race faster. On the swim at the one hour mark, the swimmers are relocated to the shoreline and dropped off so they can finish the swim. There is no DQ for this.
I’m on a relay team. Does the swimmer do the transition run from the swim exit to Transition?
Yes. The swimmer is responsible for this portion of the race.
Are shoes required on the transition run from the swim exit to Transition?
No, but they are recommended as much of this run is on asphalt that could contain little rocks, glass, or other small debris.
The bike course looks difficult. What are some tips for a successful bike at Alcatraz?
* Brakes and braking: A course that has the terrain of this one requires your brakes to be in good working order and to be used properly. When descending shift your weight back on the bike and use both brakes in a ratio of 60-70% front and 30-40% rear. Do not lock up the rear brakes.
* Skills: Often overlooked is the need to work on your bike handling skills. Alcatraz takes no prisoners in this area. Work on you cornering skills first then work on your climbing and descending skills. The hills are relatively short and can be compensated with gearing, but nothing will compensate for good bike handling especially cornering ability.
* Tires: Make sure your tires are inflated properly and in good condition. The roads around the course are rough in many sections and tires in poor condition will go flat. I recommend tire pressure between 110-120, do not inflate to Max tire pressure listed on side of tire.
* Toe warmers: To help with the cold feet after the swim consider using toe warmers over your cycling shoes to help with numbs toes and better prepare your feet for the run. Warm feet are happy feet. Socks also help.
* Arm warmers: These can help, especially in the early part of the ride to warm you up and feel more comfortable. Note: Arm warmers are difficult to put on when your arms are cold, wet and sticky. So keep a towel in transition to wipe your arms and feet.
* Drive the course: To get a good feel of the course drive it 2-3 times before the race. Stop at intersections and look in both directions (Alcatraz is an out and back) and make notes road conditions.
* Ride the course: If you have the time riding the course is invaluable. There is no better way to understand the complexities and challenges of the course other than too ride it. Ride sections of greatest challenge more than once.
* Gearing: Alcatraz has a lot of variety in a small amount of mileage. Choose your gearing based on the Cliff house/ Seal Rock climb. If you get a chance to pre-ride the course use gearing that allows you to stay seated on the cliff house section and still maintain a descent cadence (70 to 85, more than that is inefficient) If you have to stand repeatedly to maintain cadence your gears are too high, get bigger gearing. Plan to stand on the Seal Rock section after the signal.
* Spin, stand, and sit: In the flats of the course spin a higher cadence to warm-up, recover and prepare for the next climb or run. On the shorter steep hills stand up to maintain momentum and keep up your speed. On the longer climbs stay seated to conserve energy. Note: it may be necessary to alternate between standing and sitting depending on your gearing choices and the steepness of the section.
* Don’t panic and stay to the right: If you have practiced your skills, driven and ridden the course, and made sure your bike is in good working order the next step is to just ride. Relax and take each section as it comes. Keep your eyes open and alert, pay attention to where you are going and what is coming up. And be aggressive: Alcatraz rewards the aggressive rider.
Tips by Phil Casanta, a well-known athlete, coach and Alcatraz bike course specialist.
What is the bike elevation throughout the bike course?
Elevation Map
What are the rules about crossing the centerline on the bike course?
In California, you may cross a broken centerline to pass only when it is safe to do so. Because of the high speeds and many turns you will encounter on the course, it will never be considered safe to cross the centerline under any circumstances during this race. Crossing a centerline, either broken or solid, even for a moment, will certainly result in a time penalty and possibly disqualification.
What is the preferred bike position? When can I pass another cyclist?
Ride to the right, pass to the left. You can only pass other cyclists on the left. Except when passing, you must ride as far to the right as possible. You have 15 seconds to complete a pass, and once it has been completed you must return to the right hand side of the road.
What are the rules on Drafting?
Keep three bike lengths of air between you and the cyclist in front of you, unless you're passing. If you try to pass someone, you have 15 seconds to complete the pass.
What do I do if I’m being overtaken?
If another cyclist passes you, you must immediately drop back behind that person, far enough so that you're out of the draft zone. This rule is hard to follow sometimes because your racing instincts will tell you to challenge the person who just passed you. However, it's required. You can only re-pass someone after you've dropped back out of the drafting zone.
Can I wear headphones during the bike or run?
No. Headphones are not allowed.
Can my friends or family join me during the bike or run?
No. Only participants are allowed on course. Having friends and family join you would be considered outside assistance, which is not allowed.
Where is the finish line?
The Finish Line is located at Marina Green.
When do I get my Finisher Medal?
You will receive your Finisher Medal as you enter the athlete area just after crossing the finish line.
Where do I return my timing Chip?
Volunteers will be located at the finish line to collect your chip.
What do I do with my ChampionChip if it is not returned at the finish line?
There is a $30 fee for all chips not collected within 30 days. Please mail your ChampionChip in a padded envelope to the address below:
Eternal Timing
179 Niblick Rd #184
Paso Robles, CA 93446
When and where are the awards?
The Award Ceremony will be located at the Fitness Festival Stage. Awards begin at 12:00 noon and usually last approximately two (2) hours.
If my wetsuit is lost in the transition area on race day, what should I do?
Check the lost and found dept. at the Information Tent on Marina Green. Please see an event staff person at the tent. If your wetsuit is not found at the race you may email event staff after the race at
events@tricalifornia.com or (831) 373-0678. Under no circumstances should you take someone else’s wetsuit. The best way to assure the return of your wetsuit is to write you name and phone number in the wetsuit with a permanent marker.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Where can I park?
We encourage everyone to ride their bike to the event or take public transportation. Special Bicycle parking will be available to the public at the Fitness Festival. If you do drive your car, you can park at Crissy Field, just a couple miles past the Marina Green. Take the Presidio/Crissy Field exit off 101 and park under the freeway. No parking is allowed at Marina Green or on Marina Blvd. All vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed prior to the start of the race
Where can I watch race Morning?
The Accenture Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon is an amazing event to watch. There are two main viewing areas within one (1) mile of each other. The swim start is located just above the St. Francis Yacht Club. The other is Marina Green where the athletes transition from swim to bike and from bike to run. Athletes also finish at the Marina Green. Bleachers are available for spectators along the finish chute.
How can I monitor the progress of my favorite athlete?
Visit the Accenture Athlete Tracking Tent located next to the stage at the Fitness Festival. Here, you will be able to sign up and track your favorite athlete with their Accenture Triathlon Alert System. Learn more.
Are there any fees to attend the event?
No. The event and Fitness Festival are free and public to all spectators.
Is there food available on site?
There is a food and beer garden located at the Fitness Festival. A post-race meal will be provided for all participants at the finish line. Volunteers will be provided with a meal as well.
Can I bring my pet?
Due to the large number of participants, volunteers and spectators, pets are not allowed in the festival or race areas.
Can I purchase an event souvenir?
Yes, Official Event Merchandise will be available at a Merchandise Tent located at the Fitness Festival.
AFTER THE RACE
Where can I view photos of the race?
All race photos will be available on brightroom.com. Here, you will be able to purchase photos and photo souvenirs from the race.
Where can I see results?
Results will be available on-site near the Information Tent at the Fitness Festival. Results will also be posted on the event website.
When will the event air on Television?
The 1-hour Accenture Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon show will air on local affiliates (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX) beginning June 20. Check you local listings for details.
Can I buy a DVD of the show?
Yes, DVD’s will be available soon for purchase on the Official Event Website.
When is the lottery open for next year?
The lottery for the 2009 event will be available in November/December of 2008. Check the Official Event Website for updates.