The biggest thing I've heard about that course is that there is a hill on the bike course referred to as "The Beast".

Looks like that one (and cancun) won't happen next year as we can only do one big travel race and have signed up for the Muskoka 70.3.

See, I'm looking for a spring half (that's not the FL 70.3 or the Gulf Coast half) because I have ultra plans in the fall. There aren't many spring races to choose from....well, that I can afford ;)

Also thinking about St. Croix this year. The beast is scary, but how's the descent? My climbing is adequete but my handling skills are weak.

(Sorry to revive a dead thread)

Completed St. Croix in 2007 and it was my first half iron. Coming from Western New York training in cold weather does not translate well to the Carribiean climate. So needless to say I suffered from hydration and salt imbalance because of the heat/humidity. Quite the learning experience in nutrition management. Segment breakdown: SWIM: You'll get a nice 300 yard warm up swim since the swim is start is on the Island of Cay. The swim for 2007 was calm and uneventful which meant enjoyable. I did not wear a wetsuit and had zero problems and there are divers under the water. BIKE: The roads are in rough condition. Littered with uneven pavement, speed bumbs, and sand in the road. I saw a lot of flat tires that day. Also make sure all cages, seat post, and add-ons are bolted tight or they will rattle loose. Course is extremely challenging with Beast being the main culprit. Make sure you have proper gearing. I got up the Beast with-out walking but gassed myself in the process. Need to remember after the Beast you still have 30+ miles to go and there are more hills and head winds. RUN: The run portion is two loop through roads in Christiansted and the Buccaneer Resort and Golf Course. The course is not flat. Lots of slight grades and few short aggressive grades. Cool thing during my second loop is that Chris McCormack was working an aid station and pushing us AG's to finish strong. Got to have a few words with and him and that made my day. One major problem is that they ran out of water and gatorade at the finish line so I had to suck on soda. It was a hot day and they must have underestimated the amount of fluids needed. Let me know if you would like greater detail regarding equipment, race, or whatever. Hope this info helps.