Thursday, September 11, 2025

Big Shoulders Race Report



                      https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19B9FDNoKz/



Krew at Big Shoulders; Brick, Abbey, Cindy, Tatoo'd lady, Mr. Anonymous, Anna, moondaug.


Evryone had a great swim at Big shoulders. It was an ideal end of the competition season. Nice sunny day with summer water tempeatures in the mid to high 60's. A beautiful venue and Chicago looked great going out later. Summer flowers still in bloom, and wonderfull weather to enjoy the city and all its amenities. And nice people all around, at least in the several districts I visited. 


Several of the Klode crew grabbed top spots in their group. I hear Brick and Cindy took first in their categories. I got swam over once and a couple of bumber car collisions. And some toe tickler leaving nail scratches on my lower legs. No one likes a toe tickler. But all in all, had a great time!


Congratulations also to Cap'n and Hawaii 4.0 for their finishes of Ironman and half Ironman. Cap'n amazingly is the last person standing to finish all 23 WI Ironman races. 


Delightful fall swimming still lies ahead. Taking an early afternoon swim (this afternoon) I ran into Itch and Brick exiting as I was entering. The water was a delightfully warm fall temperature of about low 60's. And leaves are starting to turn. Though waves were a bit like a wash machine on low. Best swim of the season.


P S. I didn't snap any pics myself, as I was wrapped up in the moment, but I know some did. Posts appreciated.

12 comments:

Super Hera said...

Any conditions updates? Atwater buoy says 68.

Halloran said...

The well attended swim this morning (Wed 9/17) featured water temps in mid 60s with considerably colder water lurking out there. It seemed the further north one swam the thinner the layer of relatively comfortable water temps was. It is still a very enjoyable (skin) swim!

Synchro said...

bomb pops tonight, if anyone's interested!

Synchro said...

Wed 5pm report:
Air temp: 80
Water temp: unscientific "feels like" 68
Clarity: 9/10
Waves: 6-12" from south
Kru: Synchro, Moondaug, two others-unaffiliated
Very nice conditions! Taking advantage of the clear water, I kept my eyes glued to the bottom while I swam south but did not see the "treasure chest" that was the subject of some chatter earlier in the season. Anyone know where it is? (I know, I know, X marks the spot, Yar!)

Moondaug said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Moondaug said...

I think Mr. Anonymous was there also, as there was another towel laid out when I arrived, and what appeared to be his Bad Motor Scooter at the top of Klode hill.

Synchro said...

Tues noon report
Air temp: 77
Water temp: 69
Clarity: 9.5/10
Waves: 6-12" from NE
Kru: Itch, Sunny, Brick, Wet Taco, Synchro
Wow! What a summery surprise! I arrived late and donned my neoprene cap and sleeves, not having taken a temp for myself. I assumed it would be colder than where I left off a week ago...but instead I was delighted to find nearly-tropical conditions. Fun to mingle and muse in and out of the water and hear tales of far-off destinations like Trash Livingroom and the S.S. Rockbottom?

Kahuna said...

Sat., 10/4 noon report
Air temp: 85
Water temp: 69
Clarity: 9.5/10
Waves: 1 from S
Kru: Itch, Sandie, Diablo, We'tac, Peaches, Kahuna, others

Moondaug said...


Sun 8 AM., 10/5
Air temp: 60's
Water temp: 61
Clarity: clear view of bed
Waves: playful organized swell with something to grap and ride
Kru: Dragonfly, Magic Mike, Moondaug, Show Girl, Tattoed lady, early rising triathlete looking woman

Lieutenant MJ said...

Monday morning - clear, gentle swells...wait for it....54-56. Really cold just outside the south rocks. Lake Michigan finally figured out it's fall :)

Moondaug said...

For those full moonies, 99.2% moon shines tonight at 6:26. And sun sets at 6: 22. So you can moonlight ride right on to the fresh fall tide. At least for awhile. If you like. Under the clear fall sky.

Moondaug said...

Tue. full moon rise (gorgeous 99.2%), 10/7
Air temp: 60's
Water temp: 63-64
Clarity: moon sparkly
Waves: gravity feed pull sway of pulsating waves and shimmering rays.
Kru: Moondaug
Support: Eastern Screeching Owl