N.O.T.L. FAQ’S

Is there a fee to get into the park?
No. Just make sure you come early. There are at least 700 people who have to park, pick up their race kits, get  their timing chips all before the 8:30 start time.

What's the first thing I should do when I get to the race site?

  1. Please park in designated areas only. Remember that parking along the side of a road may interfere with the race.

  2. Take your bike, gear etc to the transition area (fenced in area) and find a spot on the bike rack.

  3. Now proceed to the registration area (ask a volunteer for directions) – usually not far from transition.

  4. Registration has a few different steps…

    • Step 1 - look your race # up on the alphabetical list

       

    • Step 2 - sign a waiver (you will hand this in when you pick up your race #)

    • Step 3 - pick up your race # and pins and hand in your waiver

    • Step 4 - pick up your race t-shirt .

    • Step 5 - go back up to the transition area where Sportstats will be set up. This is where you will pick up your timing chip. Show them your Race # and they will get you your chip. Wear it on your ankle.

    • Step 6 - next you will be getting bodymarked.  They will put your age on your Left calf and left arm.

  5. You are now ready to race! Listen to the announcer for last minute or specific instructions. Remember the earlier you get this done the more time you have to warm up and relax before your event. 

What time do I have to get there in order to race?
Give yourself at least an hour in order to be ready to race.

What’s the course like?
Beautiful. It’s why NOTL is so popular. Nice and flat bike course and very scenic, vineyard lined run course. If you are thinking about going to check it out in advance the route is now marked via orange spray paint on the road. Follow the arrows.

Where do athletes get their timing chips and bodymarking? 
At the SportStats tent located near the transition area

Where do I put my race number while competing?
Please have your race number pinned to your front when you cross the finish line. This helps us tremendously with timing. If you have access to a “race belt” this is very beneficial as you can put the belt on after the swim segment – spin your # around to your back for the bike and then spin it around again for the run. Race belts can be purchased at any sporting good store and are also available at our expo booths prior to the event.

How many waves are there in this race?
Traditionally there are 7 waves at this race. If you tend to do a lot of passing in this race you may want to consider our elite age group wave. Contact jfraser@skylinc.net for more info.

What is a “wave”?
Since there are a large amount of people all doing the same race we can’t have you all starting at the same time . We divide up the waves the Wed before the event . Typically there will be roughly 100 people or less per wave all starting at 3 minute intervals. We will post the wave starts by Thursday morning on the homepage of our website so you can see when you will be starting ahead of time.

What is the award break down for this race?
As you may already be aware, each race in our series is treated differently when it comes to awards ceremonies. Depending on the number of registered athletes the year previous. Some races dictate more awards. This race…

I currently sit 1st in the Series Points. Do you really have to do 5 races in order to be eligible for the series ending awards?
Yes, you have to have completed 5 races to be eligible for an award. However, the invitation to the banquet is open to everyone.  Full details will be posted on the Wednesday after Niagara on the Lake.

How do I rack my bike in the transition area?
Lots of space is provided in the transition area. One common mistake people make is racking your bike right next to the bike beside you. Please alternate the bikes from side to side of the rack. Also please help those that are new to the sport by passing this information along to them. It will help ensure that you will have plenty of room to spread your gear out underneath your bike.Take a look at our beginner's info page where there are also pictures of proper racking etiquette.

Are there aid stations on the run course?
Yes
- there will be 1 station that you will pass twice on each run segment.

What will they have?
Gatorade and water

I hear Niagara on the Lake is really beautiful and I am thinking about staying for the weekend. Do you have any suggestions?
Go to this popular website for lots of tourism information
http://www.infoniagara.com/bb/notl.html.

Good Luck to Everyone!!!