I had the pleasure of racing the Olympic distance triathlon at Cal Tri Los Angeles in its new Playa Del Rey location. October 2021 was my first time racing since … MORE
I had the pleasure of racing the Olympic distance triathlon at Cal Tri Los Angeles in its new Playa Del Rey location. October 2021 was my first time racing since organized endurance events in Southern California had been largely shut down by the pandemic. The race staff and volunteers were fantastic, and included experienced triathletes who really knew the course and had a deep understanding and appreciation of the sport.
The course itself was fantastic: conveniently located, great weather even in the fall, mostly flat and fast, scenic (ocean views, palm trees, airplanes overhead). and safe. The swim in the ocean felt great with water temperature in the low 60’s and enough waves to keep things interesting. The bike course includes a nice stretch of Westchester Parkway, a favorite spot for cyclists, and unlike at some other events, the bike course was closed to cars, so really safe and well marked. The run takes place on the beach path, mostly flat with stunning ocean views. Yes there were others on the path too, but it’s big enough, well marked, and staffed by volunteers so it was never an issue.
I highly recommend taking advantage of the free clinic offered the day before the race, which includes a practice swim (get used to the ocean) and a preview of the bike course. This is a feature I love about all Cal Tri Events.
Please login to reply to this review.
Can’t Miss Race in Playa Del Rey!
I had the pleasure of racing the Olympic distance triathlon at Cal Tri Los Angeles in its new Playa Del Rey location. October 2021 was my first time racing since … MORE
I had the pleasure of racing the Olympic distance triathlon at Cal Tri Los Angeles in its new Playa Del Rey location. October 2021 was my first time racing since organized endurance events in Southern California had been largely shut down by the pandemic. The race staff and volunteers were fantastic, and included experienced triathletes who really knew the course and had a deep understanding and appreciation of the sport.
The course itself was fantastic: conveniently located, great weather even in the fall, mostly flat and fast, scenic (ocean views, palm trees, airplanes overhead). and safe. The swim in the ocean felt great with water temperature in the low 60’s and enough waves to keep things interesting. The bike course includes a nice stretch of Westchester Parkway, a favorite spot for cyclists, and unlike at some other events, the bike course was closed to cars, so really safe and well marked. The run takes place on the beach path, mostly flat with stunning ocean views. Yes there were others on the path too, but it’s big enough, well marked, and staffed by volunteers so it was never an issue.
I highly recommend taking advantage of the free clinic offered the day before the race, which includes a practice swim (get used to the ocean) and a preview of the bike course. This is a feature I love about all Cal Tri Events.
Fast Flat and Furious
First time Swimming at Santa Fe Dam , CAL TRI EVENTS LA race used to be called TRICK Or TRI. And it also a new incarnation of the IronBruin. Since … MORE
First time Swimming at Santa Fe Dam , CAL TRI EVENTS LA race used to be called TRICK Or TRI. And it also a new incarnation of the IronBruin. Since it serves at the UCLA home race. The lake water is clean , unlike ocean swims it is flat calm , no current or surf or undertow to negotiate like in ocean swims. The Race Director Thom had all the swimmers start every 5 seconds with self seeding . This spaced out the athletes right away and is the best way to ensure a safe swim. There was no contact with other swimmers on the course . I felt really safe with dozen of lifeguards looking after us. The race is now in October so the water temperature is comfortable. The transition and bike course was well marked with a completely closed course and no intersections to negotiate. No Cars = much safer for bikes.
The course is pancake flat so i got her done likety split and had fresh legs for the run which for the sprint was 1 lap around the lake. Plenty of well stocked aid stations . 1 every mile. Ran a good pace and Finished without any older folks passing me . Stayed after and mingled with the friendly Cal Tri volunteers and watched other finishers . Checking Results i found out i had placed 1st in my AG !! I usually run clydesdale since i am linebacker sized but that was not an option . Great fun sharing a race with the very enthousiastic collegiates. Can’t wait to have another go and knocking out some minutes off my time.