What You Had to Say about Johan's TriFest 2004


A. N.:
  I am writing this email to provide you with feedback regarding Johan's TriFest 
2004, which I learned about by searching the Michigan Tiathalator web site.  I have 
been comepeting in triathlons in Michigan for the past three years and this event 
was by far the best run triathlon I have participated in and was a truly enjoyable 
experience.  There was more than ample support on the course during the bike and run.  
Time was taken to mark all of the bumps or awkward spots on the road.  There was 
gatorade and water in every aid station.  The course itself was excellent, particularly 
the bike.  This is just a great location for a triathlon.
   I can offer only one suggestin that may improve the quality of the event, and that 
is wave starts for the swim.  Maybe this is just a personal preference, but the mass 
starts create large packs that are difficult to negotiate because of extremely tight 
spacing for all but the fastest of swimmers.
  I would like to commend the race director and all of the volunteers for a great job.  
See you next year.  


R. W.:
   What did you like best:  The weather, of course.  I know that Johan had a lot to 
do with that. The race organizers and volunteers are the best!
   What did you like least:  This is such an outstanding, well-run, and personally 
gratifying (with the association with Johan) event, that anything that I might name 
as "least" liked would also be something I liked tremendously.
   How did you hear about Johan's:  I first heard about the event from Johan himself.
   What improvements would you like to see:  I appreciate the problem of cost, especially 
without sponsorship, but I wish the event would have more publicity.  I think Johan's 
TriFest deserves to be a major midwest attraction.
   Thanks for a great race.


A. M.:   
   First of all--This was a great race.  This was only my 2nd TRI and my first of Olympic 
distance.  I really appreciated the prayer before the start and the national anthem was 
sung beautifully.  The number of volunteers was very helpful.  What I liked least about 
the race was the mass swim start, and it would be great if you could calm the wind a bit 
next year, it was brutal on the bike route.  Also I found the hills on the bike a bit 
challenging.  Overall it was a great day and a lot of fun.
   Looking forward to seeing some of the photos on Johan's website and via courtsidephotos.


B. J. T.:
   I really enjoyed the race on Saturday.  I thought you and your team organized it 
really well.  It was well planned out, and it was fun!  Nice work and I'm glad I 
participated in it.  Jenn and I will be there next year.


M. P.:
   An impressively well organized race.  Hats off to organizers as well as the volunteers. 
Really only one comment for next year:  For the run leg, I would suggest either shutting 
down the section of dirt road to traffic or enforcing a very low speed limit.  I had 2 
trucks tear down the road during my run which, aside from being dangerous kicked up dust, 
dirt and rocks.  It's no fun running for a 1/4 mile through a cloud of dirt.


Additional Comments:
   What did you like best:  The run through the campground.
   What did you like least:  A lot of traffic -- 2 tractors on the road during the bike 
(dangerous to pass).
   How did you hear about Johan's TriFest:  Triathlete friends
   What improvements would you like to see:  Closer transition areas [dismount to bike?]
   Additional comments:  Shirts or better yet tri-jerseys with sponsors names and date of 
the tri.  More food selection after tri.  Great weather this year!

   What did you like best:  Great course.  Very well organized, and lots of volunteers!
   What did you like least:  No countdown at beginning.  Would have liked a 2 min. 
warning.
   How did you hear about Johan's TriFest:  Did it the last 2 years.  
   What improvements would you like to see:  Possible ideas to improve the event would 
be the possibility of a sprint event in addition to the olympic distance event and/or a 
kids event either the Friday night before or after the race at like 11:30.

   What did you like best:  Great Volunteers!
   What did you like least:  ?
   How did you hear about Johan's TriFest:  Internet
   What improvements would you like to see:  Paved transition area; feet are dirty and difficult 
to get clean prior to putting shoes on.
   Additional comments:  There was one curve without anybody directing the runners and I 
think at least one person went the wrong way.


THANK YOU:

A sincere thank you to the volunteers who made Johan's TriFest 2004 such a success.  We 
received so many positive and encouraging comments from the athletes, spectators, Sandy 
Pines residents and volunteers themselves.  We couldn't have celebrated this event without 
YOU!  You all played a huge part in making Johan's the successful triathlon it is.

Thank you too to our sponsors:  DeBryun Seed Co., Herb Ritsema, Jay & Betty Van Andel 
Foundation, The Printery, Rohde, Sandy Pines, Spartan Stores, Steiner-Wolff, Striders, 
Triangle Window Fashions, Van Andel Institute Hope on the Hill, and Village Bike Shop.

We look forward to seeing you all again at the Johan's 2005 TriFest Event.

Johan's TriFest Race Committee