Hi folks. Care to share some thoughts on the Redwood Trails MTB races in California (Angel Island, Lake del Valle, High Sierra, Whiskeytown Lake)?
How popular (i.e. crowded) have they become? Are they well-run? Fun to do? Scenic courses? If I were to pick one to do this year, which one should it be?
Anything else special you’d mention about the races? Thanks for your help!
kind regards,
Jeff
I’ve only done the Angel Island one, but they do a nice job. Excellent (hard) and scenic course, and it was very well organized.
clm
Hey Jeff:
I did the inaugural Angel Island Tri last year. Because they are relatively new to the tri game (I believe runs are their mainstay), their set up is a little thin. They didn’t have many or very good racks and they are not chip timed but rather tag and spotter timers. Also, these are not USAT events (that I know of) so rules are kind of “honor system”.
That said, the event was very well done and much fun was had by all. The feeling of this race is very intimate (even though it filled, the numbers were limited to enhance the intimate feeling), you get the Island all to yourself in the morning, and you cannot beat the views period. Also, super snacks at the end and serious schwag was handed out. They were a little thin on volunteer staff but a couple of us jumped in to help and that made it all the more fun (at least for me).
The ferry rides were a blast too. I’d say give them a try, especially the Angel Island race.
i’ve never done the MTB races but have done a ton of the trail races. The guy who runs them, Eric I believe, made a run at pro triathlon and seems to be a good guy. He sponsored a volunteer trail maintenence on Mt. Tam last year and I believe does quite a bit of stuff like that to give back.
The races attract some pretty good athletes as well compared to Envirosports, etc and the courses have all been super scenic and challenging. I’m a fan of anybody out organizing trail events around here for MTB or running. I’d give it a shot.