I am competing in the Western States Police and Fire Games this year and the triathlon is at Donner Lake. I have heard there is a wicked climb to Donner Summit. Anyone have any info on that race? Info appreciated thanks in advance.
B.
The transition area is at West End Beach parkng lot. About 30 yards from that is the start of the climb to Donner Summit. It goes on for about 3.5 - 4 miles. Its pretty steep in some parts so its a grind (I dont know how much vertical it gains). After going over the summit there are some rollers before crossing the highway then a very quick slight downhill to the turnaround point then go back up the gradual hill to the summit. Be careful on the downhill, there are a couple good turns. They usually have a “foot down stop” at the bottom of the decent right before crossing the road back into transition.
Hope that helps a little. Its a beautiful ride. Save some for the last half of the run.
Like the others said - tough race. The climb is about 1200 ft in 3.5 miles. IMO it is not really that steep at 6.5% or so, but you have no warm up after the swim. You just hit the climb right away out of transition. That climb will get you on the run if you go too hard. You also have a good climb on the way back, which some people underestimate. You can easily hit 50 on the decent down to Kinsgsvale. Total climbing for the bike is about 2500 ft. for 24.8. The run is about 6.7 miles, so it has a little extra. Very cool venue and a great race.
Take an oxygen bottle!
I have cross-country skiied at the Donner Nordic centre in the winter which is near there and the 10,000’+ elevation was a killer. I live pretty much at sea-level, so was/am not really adjusted to altitude, but it was like skiing with one lung and one arm tied behind my back!
Fleck
didn’t they eat people here?
is that on the post race menu?
Thanks for the post. I too am planning on doing that race, but after reading the description of that climb…I dunno. I’m a pretty sucky climber.
I’m trying to get a point of reference on this bike course. I’ve done the Ralph’s 1/2. I couldn’t find any stats on that bike course. Do you happen to know how Donner would compare to Ralph’s? Or does anyone know the grades for Ralph’s?
Awesome race…one of my fav’s. The climb is tough but really I always thought the toughest part of the bike was after the turn around and you have a long grind back up to the I-5 overpass. Pretty technical bike course but have done in on both tri and converted road bike. All three legs of this course are really beautiful and post race scene is cool with nice beach for family at West End. A small race but a cool vibe.
I always remember before the start looking up at the mountains with the bright morning sun illuminating the Sierra granite and creating beautiful colors of orange and purple. Have fun!!
Unfortunately my HRM died right before Ralph’s last year, so no elevation data. I believe it is around 3K though, so Donner has more climbing. The grade at Ralphs on the last there climb is steeper/shorter than Donner as I recall. If you can do a 1/2 then you can certainly do Donner. The views are spectacular and there are tons of things to do in the area.
Re: elevation- the highest point is 7200 ft. Not sure if you live at altitude or raced at altitude before - try not to get there too early. Morning of the race is ideal or the night before - 3 days before is death.
Hey Grumpy, you say "Morning of the race is ideal or the night before - 3 days before is death. " I don’t understand what you mean and it stuck out cause that’s what I’m doing. Going up early w/ the family.
And thanks for everyones input. I’m starting to get a picture of this race in my minds eye 
B
Bassman, the “three days before” reference was from Jason D not me, but I assume he was talking about altitude acclimatization. I believe the current school of thought is that if you can’t arrive 7 - 10 days ahead of time, show up the day before. Otherwise you may feel worse since your body is in a transition phase. This is only what i’ve read. I have no actual experience with altitude issues since I live at 3000’ and race at or near sea level.
Bassman,
I wouldn’t worry too much about it - esp. if its family time, but conventional wisdom says go up morning of the race or at least 7-10 days early to acclimate. I’ve even heard that you need longer than 7-10…
Where will you be sleeping? Tahoe itself isn’t all that high…and where you sleep is what matters (altitude wise).
Now Mammoth - we’re talking 8000 feet in town - thats getting a bit higher…I doubt the “altitude advantage” I have will overcome my lack of climbing ability on the bike though…
Dave