Hey gang!

I hope this finds you all well and that I might be able to get some
feedback on 2 races this summer and also advice on wetsuits.

I am seriously considering entering the Escape from The
Rock/Alcatraz tri in August. It's my understanding that unlike the
other Alcatraz race, making a qualifying time is not a prerequisite
to enter. Can anyone confirm? I'm also investigating how to get my
bike out there for the race instead of renting one from a local SF
bike shop..

I've been told that the water temp for this race is typically in the
low 60s and as such I've now found myself in the market for a
wetsuit! I know there was some discussion on the wetsuit topic last
summer but I thought I'd check in to see if there were any
additional opinions or updates. As of now it seems like the most
popular names are the full length Orca Speedsuit and the full length
Ironman Instinct or Stealth. I'm trying to shop around and hopefully
find a 2004 model thats on clearance, and a review mentioned that
the Orcas may not be best for a "bigger" guy like me - I am 6'4",
215lbs. The place in Westchester that I know of that carry tri
wetsuits is the Road Runner in White Plains; I've also been going to
the Ultimate Triathlon shop in NYC (I live and work there) but
havent been crazy about their prices or products..

Has anyone done the Ford NYC triathlon held in July? Any negative
reviews?

Thanks for your time, any and all input is greatly appreciated!
-Colin