First, a big “thank you” to the racers who collectively made the 2017 Falmouth Triathlon one of the best ever. It was a terrific day, and we have been gratified to hear the positive reviews from our racers. The event was even selected as a finalist for this year’s Triathlete’s Choice Awards (consider voting here).
Bike course change:
During the off-season, we have reviewed race procedures. In particular we looked at Woods Hole Road, which has always been part of the bike route for miles 4 through 7. This is a Massachusetts state road that cannot be completely closed; so racers have had to share it with vehicles traveling to and from Woods Hole. With the assistance of Chief Edward Dunne and Sargeant Brian Loewen of the Falmouth Police Department we have mapped out a new bike route that does not include this road: instead following local roads which can be partially or fully closed.
See the map below…but here are turn-by-turn directions:
You will start your bike leg on Surf Drive from a different point: the far end of the transition area. Traveling on the right side of Surf Drive, you will ride for approximately a mile to Oyster Pond Road, where you turn right to gently climb away from the beach area, cross Woods Hole Road, and then turn left onto the quieter Quissett Avenue. This section with small rolling hills will take you past the Woods Hole Golf Club into the quaintest of Cape Cod villages, skirting the edge of the picturesque harbor and ferry docks and onto Woods Hole Road for a very short stretch before turning right onto Church Street. Now you’re on a familiar road from races past —except you will be heading back to Falmouth instead of the other way! This direction does offer wonderful views of Vineyard Sound and of Nobska Light — and is mostly downhill as you descend your way back to the start. Coming into transition, you will remain on the right side of the road — not left, as in years past — and will enter transition at the beginning of the Surf Drive Beach parking lot.
The only downside to this route (for some of us) is that the bike ride will be a half mile shorter. Our survey of athletes before making this change indicated they prefer safety first, and we agree. Simply ride faster!
The rest of the race:
The run remains the same. There may be a touch more of the beach run to maintain safe lanes of athletes starting/finishing their bike rides, but nothing significant.
Parking remains as years past: athletes must park off-site and walk or cycle in to the beach. Full instructions will be in the Athlete’s Guide, to be published this spring.
Below is the new map which shows the routes. And remember — you can always email us if you have any questions. See you in a few months!
