The number one reason why we are recommending a stay of 7 days or more is to get your body acclimated to the island heat. By spending 5 days or more on St. Croix enjoying the sites or doing some moderate training and course familiarization, you will be better prepared physically and mentally for race day.

But there are other persuasive reasons as well. This race will give you a great sense of accomplishment—especially for those that conquer the Beast—so giving yourself some time to soak up the paradise that is St. Croix is a great way to savor the moment. Visit places like Buck Island, for example, which is only an hour from Christiansted by catamaran. The snorkeling there is world class, and the beach is the purest definition of unspoiled you will ever find.

A little extra time will give you the physiological advantages of acclimating before racing in the tropics, and the psychological reward of savoring time on one of the jewels of the Caribbean. The itineraries below are only a snapshot, you can add or subtract things as the week progresses. So, stay as long as you can and make the most of this trip to paradise!

	Arrival mid-day, assemble bike, chill-out, dinner in Christiansted to view swim course.
	Bike to the Beast in the am, Ride Beast, snack/lunch at Carambola, leisurely ride "home". Spend afternoon at Hotel on the Cay, which is start of swim, and take sunset cruise.
	Early Seaplane to St. John, enjoy full day at 2-3 magnificent beaches.
	Morning or Afternoon Buck Island trip on Mile Mark Charters, spend opposite time period playing tennis, golf or running grounds at the Buccaneer.
	Ride more of the bike course, and spend afternoon at Divi Divi resort area and Grapetree Beach, a secluded local favorite.
	Souvenir shopping in Christiansted in the morning, pick-up race packet, and do pre-race swim if first-time St. Croix participant. Attend Jump-Up, but get to bed early.
	Don't run or bike, spend morning at one of a few beaches and/or a pool, spend the afternoon in Frederiksted, Sandy Point and/or the Divi Divi Resort area.
	Race Day.
	Do full-day Buck Island trip, even if you did the half-day, or take a horse back ride through the rain forest which is very near the Beast.
	Do opposite of Day #9's choice, or just relax.
	Get organized for departure.