I’d love to see these races, but didn’t know if ralphs was worth it because of the bike course being restricted and the crowds at wildflower. there are some big names in ralphs and peter reid in wildflower. we’d have to travel on race day (arrive in town just before starts).
Injury prevented me from entering these races, and it’s our first year in california, so i’m not sure what the courses/crowds/parking/atmosphere are like.
any tips/insights/suggestions are extremely appreciated.
dave.
I went to Wildflower a few years ago as a spectator and had a blast. I hung around the transition until my then GF exited the water and got on her bike and then I hiked up the hill, lawn chair in on hand cooler of beer in the other and parked myself at the turn right at the top of the hill.
Sat there drinking the rest of the race.
was it okay to get there right when the race started, or will we have to trek to get to see the start?
We camped the night before so I don’t know what it would be like arriving race day. I think the parking fills up pretty fast.
Race day, NUTS. Driving in can be a bitch. Long lines just to enter the park. Try to camp overnight if possible, like Matt said. Fun to watch as a spectator, but really makes you feel like you should be in the mix of things. Decent expo (at least a few years ago). I haven’t been to Wildflower in three years, mainly due to the huge crowds and outrageous costs. But, if you’ve never been, go and have fun and don’t worry about $$$, get there EARLY!
Chris
I can’t believe this hasn’t been pointed out. Ralphs doesn’t have the legendary mile 4 aid station. But God willing, the girls of CalPoly will once again make the run memorable.
thanks for the info!
do you know if i have to pay to park my car in the area if it’s just for the day? or is there a spot we could park and walk from (park outside of the park and walk through gates)?
Definitely go to Wildflower and watch, you’ll have a great time! You can’t really park outside and walk in. I suggest you just plan on arriving on Friday, paying for camping, and either leaving Sat. or Sun. evening when the gate re-opens. One you get there and parked, you can just walk around; be prepared for the heat. You can’t leave while people are racing (more or less), so on Sunday this means ~15:00-16:00.
Don’t know about Ralph’s, I’m racing, but never done that race before.