Lake Tahoe Triathlon

August 14, 2011

By Chris Dugan

The inaugural Lake Tahoe Triathlon, put on by Big Blue Adventure, was a great success this first year. The international distance race is especially sure to draw big numbers in the future with a technical bike and run course that features Emerald Bay, one of the most famous tourist locations in the world.

The .9 mile swim is held in beautiful Lake Tahoe, world renowned for its pure blue water and mountain setting. This is followed by a 26 mile out-and-back bike course that is one of the more technical triathlon bike courses I have ever done and features several climbs into and out of Emerald Bay. The highlight of the bike comes on top of a ridge many refer to as “the spine” where riders can see Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe on one side and Fallen Leaf Lake on the other. I have not ridden on a more scenic stretch of road ever in my life. This is followed by a gorgeous 7.3 mile trail run, featuring some technical single track, which is sure to remind you why you love running.

The race is followed by a barbeque and everyone’s favorite, free beer, provided by New Belgium. Good times!