Hi-
Barb's race was my first 1/2 IM a couple of years ago and I loved it. The support and other racers were awesome. The swim is in the Russian River and it is not that deep. Some people were even taking walking breaks. The bike course is one of my favorite rides in N. Cal. The first part of it has some rollers, but I 'm always paying attention to the vines, its so beautiful! Then, there is a flat section where if there is a tailwind, you can go pretty fast. The last part has a climb called Chalk Hill which really isn't too bad and then its flat and downhill to the transition area. The run used to be 2 out and backs which was nice because you get to see family/ friends when you come around the first time. The only thing is it might get a little hot. Aug. temp. are usually cool in the morning (fog) and then warm up throughout the day. I'd recommend the race. I've done it a few times and Vineman 70.3 and I almost like Barb's better.
Let me know if you have any more questions.

I've done Barb's Race multiple times (6?) and full Vineman and Half Vineman (9x), plus, I've been riding up there for over 15 years, so I know the course blindfolded. We rode up there yesterday on most of the course and it was cool to start, then sunny and warm, but windy.

Swim: easiest triathlon swim you will ever do. Up the river, down the river. Usually very shallow (like you can stand up and walk). Water is usually on the too warm for a full suit for me. Last year I wore the DeSoto wetsuit pants only.

Bike: About 2,500 ft of climbing, mostly in rollers. Lots of rollers, but you can get into a rhythm and actually go too hard from about mile 6 to 20. One short, very steep climb at about mile 5 when you cross under River Road. Another longer climb over Canyon Road. Then faux Chalk Hill (short) and then real Chalk Hill (about 0.6 mile long, thought it gets steeper towards the top). Nothing too hard, but Chalk Hill can be hot and no wind (making it hotter). It's much worse the second time around in the full Vineman.

Run: First and last mile are flat. The rest is rollers and two steep hills. It's a 1.5 lap course. One long out and back (about 4 miles) where you hit both steep hills, then a shorter out/back where you turn around just before the first steep hill. Some shade, some sections flat out hot and shadeless.

Excellent support and volunteers. Two transition areas about 10 miles apart, but they have a shuttle bus.

These are some of my favorite races. I'm bummed to be missing BR/VM this year, but will be at Half VM for the 10th year in a row.

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com

Thanks for the info!

I'm coming out of Houston and did IMAZ this year...so the hot part doesn't scare me so much, especially when it at least starts off cool. The hills, on the other hand, they scare me and will probably scare me until I'm done, but I think I'm leaning towards going.

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Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/

Wow! Sounds like you are the right person to ask!

It sounds like lots of fun and maybe a good excuse to head west for a weekend in August. Sure beats training in Houston for the weekend.

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Kathleen
http://kcwoodhead.blogspot.com/

Cathy, I thought the climbing amounted to more like ~1700 feet? But I can't recall where I got that figure.

The hills are very gentle.

Someone had a garmin last year at the full VM and it showed around 5K. I was surprised.

clm

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clm
Nashville, TN
https://twitter.com/ironclm | http://ironclm.typepad.com