Charlottesville
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Charlottesville Sprint Triathlon
Under overcast skies and unseasonably cool conditions, some
300 entrants survived the Charlottesville Triathlon. In some respects, it
was more like an adventure race than a tri. Both Joe and Major Kira
participated.
The swim was in a lake, about 600 yards, but featured a
quicksand like bottom that sucked you in up to your ankles. Water a tepid
78, buoys well laid out, course out/across/in to a tiny beach, run up a
steep hill to bike transition. Kira cleverly left flip flops at the finish
so she could arrive at her bike in style.
Ah yes, the bike. Without question the most difficult bike
course I have ever been on. I would say only 5% was flat-- rest up and
down. While the hills were steep, they were also much longer than I had
experienced. Kira, being from Colorado, was more into it but conceded it
was difficult for the east coast. You knew it would be bad when the 1.3
mile stretch that took you from the lake involved about .8 mile uphill with
everyone riding single digits. Perhaps even more frightening were the down-
hills where you careened down twisting country roads with a sharp drop off
on the side at 35-38 mph---------and that is if you don't pedal. I must day
it was a good feeling when you returned into the park to go down the big
hill for .8 mile at 35 mph--------not as twisty and you could really enjoy
it. Just like Lance on the flat parts!
Well I was looking forward to the run, which would be a piece
of cake after the bike!? Well, 100 yards in we turned into the woods and
went straight down a near vertical rock covered trail. This trail made
Madeira school look tame and also flat. Through the woods, over rocks,
roots and logs, as well as a few large mud bogs, for 3+ miles until
mercifully a final straightaway on a road.
An interesting experience. Average speeds and anything you
were used to doing were irrelevant. It was a survival course, much more
like an off road tri. Absolutely the most lovely
surroundings--------mountains, woods, creeks-------too bad it was either too
painful or too terrifying to fully enjoy at all times. I would recommend
it, but would not do it twice.
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