First-Time Half

Ray wrote to me the other day asking if the Musselman is appropriate for beginners who have never done a half-iron before. I'd like to share what I told him - that in my humble opinion, the Musselman is ideal for those looking to plunge into longer traithlons. Here's why:
750 competitors max I would rather have good organization and flawless logistics than a million people on the starting line, so I'm limiting entries to 750 people. The course can hold MANY more people than that, but I'd prefer to give you a little more room and be certain that you'll go the correct way. If you're going to prepare for a half-ironman, you should be guaranteed of staying on course and doing the right distance. no traffic on the roads The race will be in a beautiful corner of the world on roads devoid of traffic. It's all vineyards and small country towns out there in Seneca County, meaning you don't have to worry about honking motorists, engine exhaust, or anything else to distract you from gazing at the lakes. Or concentrating on the race, I mean. novice wave We have a separate wave for people doing the race for the first time or uncomfortable with big wave starts. This gives you a more relaxed swim. You don't have to enter the novice wave, but it's there if you want it. kinder, gentler hills The half includes some rolling hills, but only to make it more interesting. There are no major grades. crowd support on the run The run will go through the town of Geneva and its local college, Hobart & William Smith. The crowds should be out in force and will give you all the support you can handle to get you through the final 13 miles. scenery A half is a long race. Ideally you'd like something to look at as you spend the hours pursuing the finish. The bike leg of the Musselman follows the shoreline of two lakes for about 50% of its distance; the first and the last 2 miles of the run also hug the shore on a lakefront path through the park. And in addition to the lakes, there are vast vineyards of ripening grapes, small towns of early New England vintage, and forests of depth and beauty. Part of the run goes through Hobart's Art School, where you can see the latest in modern art lining the course.