I will be moving to Arlington in september and am looking for some feedback on the Outback Big Lick Triathlon. I would imagine that the course is rather hilly. Has anybody here ever done this race or know the course? The course info on the website just shows a map but does not discuss the bike or run course profiles. Thanks! Also, any other suggestions for late in the season races in the mid-atlantic region?
Don’t know anything about the race, but that area is definitely hilly. I’ve done one other race with Set-Up (running that race) and they are a good organization. Another good low-key end-of-season race is the Osprey sprint out on the eastern shore of Maryland. First sat in October. Short bay swim, pancake flat bike and run.
Welcome to the nation’s Capitol. There are a great deal of tri clubs and rides in the District and surrounding areas. Set-up trumps most race management teams in the area. Go for it.
B
Did this race back in 2000, in addition to several of the sprints staged in the same area. The races are well run, and I’ve always found them to be challenging. The area is rural and rolling. No exceptionally long climbs, but a few short and steep hills mixed in with some medium length stuff.
As far as the oly course goes, the bike begins with a steady climb - not too intense - towards the exit of the park. Before you exit onto route 626, you’ll do an out and back. On this little section, you’ll hit one of the significant hills on the course. Pretty short but it is steep. Definitely check it out pre-race if you have time (check it out the day before and you can enjoy the nice beach near the transition area). The rest of the bike is a mixture of nice flats for cruising along with some rollers. Coming back into the park for T2 is a nice downhill; good for spinning and getting ready for the run.
The run covers the first part of the bike course, and contains the hill on the out and back section. This is definitely the main feature of the run course. Aside from a quick hill up to the finish, the last mile or so is downhill.
Good luck!
I believe Mid-Atlantic triathletes would be found at www.bta.bm or perhaps at the social events for the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club (www.maac.bm).
I was there last year and planning on it again for this year.
Fun course. Well run. Nice lake swim. Rolling bike course, nothing that kills you. Run is a challenge with some nice hills and last mile finish is all down hill! Some good scenery last year as it was host to the mid-atlantic college championship with some fit co-eds to help the motivation.
Pretty good post race meal with Outback Steak House’s chicken, steak, and ceaser salad.
Definately recommended!
I can’t help you with the Bick Lick, but there are a few late season races.
The Delaware Diamondman (1/2) on September 11 (http://www.piranha-sports.com/half%20ironman.html)
The Make-a-Wish in Bethany Beach, DE is the end of September. Ocean swim, pancake flat bike and run. (http://www.tricolumbia.org/make_a_wish.html)
The Cape Henlopen Tri and Du in Delaware in October (http://www.piranha-sports.com/capehenlopen.html)
These really aren’t that far from DC.
I’ve done Big Lick the last two years and will probably go back again this year. I think it’s a really well-run race with a nice course. As someone already mentioned, it seems to be an East Coast collegiate championship of some sort, so there are lots of college teams out there. Oh, and I can’t believe nobody’s mentioned the post-race meal…Outback catered steak and chicken. Sure beats cold pizza…
Post race meal rocks. I’m on the Navy Tri team, and it serves as our regional championships each year. Great race, and beautiful scenery…Lot’s of rolling hills! See you there!!
Check out dctriclub.org for a full list of areas around. Welcome to DC!