The 31st Annual Wildflower Triathlon will be held May 3-5 in Central California. The venue will once again be at Lake San Antonio in Monterey County, CA. The site is 2-hours south of Monterey and generally is in a remote area off State Highway 101. Point your GPS to 2610 San Antonio Drive, Bradley, CA 93426
The Wildflower Tri is the largest multi-day triathlon event in the world. Over 7,500 participants and 30,000 spectators converge with motor homes and tents for 3 days of multi-level competition. In addition to the races, dozens of booths are set up by sports fitness companies. Clinics are held and lively atmosphere permeates the rolling hills. Evening live music adds to the festive environment. Food vendors abound selling every gastronomical delight from Greek Wraps to hot dogs.
On May 3 many participants take practice rides on bikes up the hilly course or take a short warm up swim in the lake. Lake San Antonio is a lot warmer than similar ocean tri’s but wetsuits are needed – and are available for rent.
The Long Course Triathlon (felt by many to be the toughest Long Course race in the US) is held on Saturday, May 4th with an 8 am start. That same day a Mountain Bike Triathlon kicks off at 9:45 am. The Olympic Distinct Tri rolls out on Sunday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m.
Over 1,000 students from nearby Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo help keep things moving smoothly. While most athletes are US citizens, the race draws contestants from as far away as New Zealand and Australia.
Carpe Diem!
Rick Deutsch
HikeHalfDome.com
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