Looking for help (SoCal Triathletes)

[HJR]

Hi all, I was looking to do my first tri of the season back at the strawberry fileds tri in Oxnard a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, I came down with a really bad flu and didn't do it.

Anyways, I am looking to add another early, short swim (my weak spot) sprint and found the Toyota Desert International Triathlon at Lake Cahuilla. Here is the link:

http://www.kleinclarksports.com/deserttriathion.html

Is anyone familar with this event or area? What is it like? Flat or hilly course? Well organized or not?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[cjbruin]

You didn't miss anything with Oxnard.

The Palm Springs event you listed is a pretty good one IMO. Last year the "lake" was only about 4' deep so if anyone got uncomfortable during the swim all they had to do was stop and stand up. The water is clean but very murky. The bike and run are very flat. There is one section of the bike that gets a pretty good headwind but it's not too terrible. The run has a few sections where you might turn an ankle if you're not careful but overall I think it's cool.

I will *probably* do the Int'l (if I ever get off my butt and register) and my wife is thinking about doing the Sprint.

If you want to know anything else, let me know. I just remembered that I did a race review on it last year...check this out... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=101554

[HJR]

Thanks cjbruin,

That's the kind of info I was looking for. How easy is it to find and get to the race sight? I'll be coming from Pasadena and figure the drive is about 2 hours. Should I leave extra time for manuevering around once I get there?

[cjbruin]

The site is pretty easy to find, it's near the PGA West resort. Google Maps directions are right on if I remember correctly. Are you planning to come out the day before for packet pickup?

[HJR]

No, I'll pick up the morning of, which means I'll be heading out at 3:30am. Ouch! Hopefully I get to bed by 8pm or so. I always have trouble sleeping before a race anyways.