Looking at heading to the US towards the end of next season. I’m after recommendations for a fun, well organised long-course race in California sometime after the 6th August.
Would be a bonus if it was a fast course and near a beach and had plenty of women in attendance to woo with my British accent and devilish charm.
Thanks for any suggestions.
If you can get here a week or so earlier, the half-vineman is a great race in Northern California. It’s usually around July 30th.
What’s that race in early Fall in Santa Cruz? Name escapes me at the moment, but it has all the elements you are looking for.
Big Kahuna! Remembered right as I hit send. Check that race out.
That bike course is too dangerous for me from what I have been told. I think some folks were killed in the race on the bike in the past?
Dave
That’s a name being bandied around by a few guys at the moment actually. However, there’s a race in London the next weekend which some of us are doing - so no kandui.
That bike course is too dangerous for me from what I have been told. I think some folks were killed in the race on the bike in the past?
Dave
What are you talking about? That is not correct.
Where is the bike course? I have heard some race was on highway 101.
But as I said, I was not sure.
dave
Big Kahuna goes up (and back) Highway 1 but in the two times I’ve done it and the 4 times I’ve done the Sentinel (which uses the same route but doesn’t go up as far) I’ve never felt like it was dangerous in the least bit. The shoulders are broad, traffic is pretty light and the drivers have been very courteous.
ot
Highway 1, not 101. I have ridden that - shoulders are pretty wide.
Nobody has ever been killed at that race. From all reports it is a really good event.
Okay, close. I would not want to ride my bike on Highway 1.
Dave
The only thing arguably dangerous about the Kahuna bike course is the railroad crossing that runs at an odd angle to the road. I know last year some newbie types caught their front wheels in the tracks and launched. Most folks were bunny hopping the tracks and no worries.
There definitely is fast moving traffic and some sections with minimal shoulder but the worst thing last few years is the nasty head wind. Of course it made for a nice tail wind on the way back. Overall I would call this a very nice and scenic course…especially if you are coming from some inland location.
I think Napa is doing another HIM in Sept. of this year. Am I correct? Me, I’m doing Big Kahuna and really looking forward to the pier swim and cooler temps than Vineman:)
I think the napa half is in October. I did the race in May and it had issues.
dave
I rode the Big Kahuna course this last Saturday, as I’m doing the event. Couple narrow spots, but highway 1 is primarily used by beach goers and surfers, and an occasional tractor, so fairly mellow. All in all a nice course, I’m looking forward to the race. The views are amazing.
Racing on 101 would be a challenge! Like frogger.
Yep, a little concerned about the swim, but, sure has to be better than the water ski holes they were considering.
Dave