stacey Eagleman is a great early season race in the Northeast. Located in Cambridge, MD on the Eastern Shore, this location provides an opportunity for flat and fast racing. Almost always this race is HOT and HUMID and much of the course is exposed to both the sun and wind. The race is located in Gerry Boyle Park, this is a large park with plenty of space for transition and spectators. It does not have many amenities, so come prepared with food and water if you are spectating. There is also limited shade if you plan on staying for the day.
Lodging can be somewhat limited in Cambridge, so be prepared to book early or wait for last minute cancellations. Also Easton, MD is a good option for this race.
SWIM:
Held in the Choptank, this swim can be smooth as glass or have some serious CHOP to it. Aptly named, this river does have a current and depending on the tides and the current it can be challenging to navigate. Easiest to sight off the marina if you are heading out via the small beach at Gerry Boyle Park. The swim is a triangle shape and most often ends at the boat ramp. A word of caution, there can be oyster beds near the finish, so you are best to swim in as far as you can before putting your feet down. The swim usually has some current in one direction, and the course can vary depending on the tides and wind.
BIKE:
Road conditions are great on this course. After navigating your way through town, you head out towards the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge usually depending on the weather, you will most likely have a tailwind in the first part of the course and then a headwind coming back towards Gerry Boyle Park. Much of the course is not shaded, so take a moment to put some sunscreen on prior to leaving T1. Most of the loop in the refuge is on smaller roads with little traffic. As you turn to come back into town, you will ride on a busier stretch that has some rumble strips. Be cautious of other riders and traffic on this part of the course.
RUN:
If you want to experience running on the surface of the sun, this race course is for you. The two loop run, has limited shade and is often scorching hot! You head out running along the water, so the views are awesome. Most of the spectators stay near transition, so the cheering may be limited as you get closer to the turnaround. You head back towards transition and turn around right before you enter the park. More often then not, the neighbors turn on hoses and sprinklers for you to run through. The finish is right in the park, along the waterfront.
Eagleman is a great way to start off the season if you are long course racing. Be prepared with plenty of sunblock and salt for a steamy day.
