Triathlon - Off-road Triathlons?

I'm signed up for the one at Wildflower (and cheering on the people I know who are doing the long course), and it looks like it will be a lot of fun. Since I've taken up mountain biking regularly (in addition to cycling, and occasionally running and swimming), I've been learning a lot about handling the bike in interesting situations, namely going downhill on bumpy trails fast, and climbing very steep hills.

Has anyone done any off-road triathlons? Any tips or tricks? Are there any good websites that talk about them, and any different training methodolgies?

Hawkear,
I've done one...the Adventure Triathlon in Maxwell, Nebraska. I posted my race story on my team's triathlon website if you want to read it. http://www.teamnebraska.org/RaceStoriesWebPage/JayFerreiraAdventureTriathlonStory.html
It was my second tri; however, I did alot of mountain biking when I lived in Arizona. My biggest suggestion would be to swim in open water. It was alot different than swimming in the pool. It was the hardest tri I've done but the most rewarding. I really enjoyed it. Good luck. I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes for you.

Nice story, Jaybird.

You're from North Platte? What a small world - my girlfriend's family lives there (at least part of the time - they go between there and Ogallala right now).

This will be my first competitive swim in a lake - all my open water training so far has been in the ocean (easier access, since I live on the coast). I'll be sure to watch out for that beaver fever. ;)

Hawkear,
I do a lot of off-road duathlons and it's definitely a change of pace. It's harder to find a good rythm or pace on the bike, especially on technical trails. Some basic tips I would suggest: pay close attention to your footing and the terrain on the run; wear gloves on the bike; if you aren't a good Mt biker and it's a technical trail, don't clip in!

Good luck,

JDWard