REV3 Quassy, 2010

Since I've been so good about posting up my IMLP stuff, I figured it was high time I got around to doing the same for Rev3 Quassy, which happened back in June. June and July have been insanity around HFWT so apologies for the delay.
Anywho, we live near-ish the Quassy venue, about 40 minutes, so our personal experience with hotels is pretty useless...please feel free to add yours to the comments section. But, we have some good tips about other things! This is year 2 of the TheyTris participating at Quassy. Mr. TheyTri raced the half both years and I volunteered this year in transition. I can't say enough nice things about the volunteering bit...so much fun and great people to work with you should strongly consider signing up...makes for a fun day. Ok. on to tips:

General:

• Quassy is a great family venue. The amusement park will open during the morning so the kids will have a great time and you'll hear far fewer 'I'm boreds' at this race than nearly any other. 
• The park is open and therefore so are the food stands and bathrooms. This is great as you'll spend the bulk of your day on the Quassy property.
• While there is food, you can also consider bringing a cooler with food/drinks as the parking is very good right at the race venue and even if you have to make use of the satellite lot it's very nearby. 
• The bike and run courses are very windy and hilly. In 2009 it was not easy to get out on to course to watch people race as the bike in came down the huge hill in front of the park. In 2010 the course changed a bit allowing for exit by car from the top exit of the parking area without impediment to racers. If you have any intention of going out on to course and are unfamiliar with the Middlebury, CT are we strongly advise driving the course at least once before race morning. CT roads are not in any sort of systematic grid pattern!
• New England weather is ever-changing. Be prepared! In 2010 I got rained on, a sunburn and then nearly blown to Oz by crazy winds post-race (well, post race for Mr. TheyTri, some folks were still out on run). SUNBLOCK.
• Quassy is very conveniently located near I-84 which will speed you rapidly East to the larger town of Waterbury or West to the smaller, yet still very convenient, town of Southbury. In both places you can find most essentials. Additionally, at the junction of Rt. 64 and Rt. 6 (west of the venue), there is the small Middle Quarter Mall. Keep in mind, though, that this road is both bike and run course so getting down it will be a trick race day.
• Just in case: Waterbury Hospital is the largest hospital nearby. It is on Route 8 North off of I-84 EAST of the venue. 

Race Day:

• For on-site parking get there very early. Athletes and spectators can park in Quassy lot but it's first-come-first-served and I can assure you the athletes will get there darn early. If you cannot park in the Quassy lot, the satellite lot is under a mile away and there are shuttles. Don't fuss with the volunteers if they say the lot is full. No one wants an argument at 5 a.m. 
• Not all the food options will be open before swim start. Plan on eating before hand or bringing food. If you're coming from I-84 or the Crown Plaza hotel, there is a Mobile station where coffee can be had. There are not a ton of 24-hour options available near the race site so plan ahead. 
• The beach where swim goes off can get a bit crowded so stake out a good spot early. We'd suggest somewhere close to the chute to get a good pic of your athlete coming out of the water. Swim-start photos are fun but not very personal.
• For bike and run, if you choose to remain on site, a good spot is along the main road (rt. 64) to the right of the Quassy parking entrance. Both bike and run go this way and it's shaded. Stake out a spot and set up a chair. Just be mindful that you're not blocking the ambulance exit. If you choose to try and head out on course, please observe all posted signs and listen to officials and volunteers. (PS, speaking of signs, is that Body Marking sign not the most awesome sign ever? Stare at it a while. It'll come to you.)
• Enjoy the expo! They have a lot of nice booths set up
• Enjoy the park! Go ride a tilt-a-whirl! 
• After the race hang out for a bit and enjoy the cookout. Rev3's great attraction is that it feels like a big family cookout that just happens to have a triathlon going on. More than one friend of theytri.com has gone giddy because they were in line for the portaloo with Crowie or stood behind Matty Reed to get a hot dog. 
• Having said that, be respectful of the pros; they're there to race for a huge purse and race amazingly hard so they may not want to pose for snaps straight away after crossing line. In all fairness, in the 2 years we've been there we've never seen any of the pros being anything by amazingly gracious but courtesy is key! 
• Enjoy and have a fun time! We'll certainly be there in 2011 and we'll be at Cedar Point in Sept. 2010 and will file a report from there!