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Race Reports for Napa Valley Vintage Triathlon

[1]
Reported by:
Race rating (2)
User photo
  • Organised?No
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?No

  • Post race activities? Bad
  • Overall course based on my ability: Too hard

  • Comments: I thought it would be a good idea to review this half iron distance (1.2mi swim, 56 mi ride, 13 mi run) since there are not many reviews on it. These are the things that ***I*** experienced. I know there were several other people who shared my same concerns and even more. I will just touch on a few First the good things I experienced: - The smaller (less than 200) number of participants was nice. - The volunteers were very supportive and helpful. - The run aid stations were set up at ideal locations. - No confusion on where to go on courses. Now on to the bad things (which unfortunately there were several): - The bike profile and elevation show a total climb of around 1,900 feet on the races website. My garmin and strava both showed over 4,000 feet of climb. That is a huge difference and I would have adjusted my training accordingly. With that much climb it could be a deal breaker during the race for a lot of people. - The bike "aid stations" were lacking. There were
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[2]
Reported by:
Race rating (3)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: This race was a gauge to let me know where I am with conditioning while taining for the Vineman Full in July. I'm halfway through the BT 20 week RPE plan and am satisfied with my results. I'll do this event next year because it's close to home, the scenery was great, and my family enjoyed the small venue feel.
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[3]
Reported by:
Race rating (2)
User photo
  • Organised?No
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?No
  • Plenty of drink stations?No

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: This is a small backwater race. I get that. The volunteers were great people but they didn't have the instructions and supplies to do a good job. Drink stations ran out of water on the run, course was not clearly marked (mile marker on run, T2 entrance, finish line location). The top prize was a wetsuit. I think if you are fast enough to win a race like this one you already own a pretty awesome wetsuit. How about giving the wetsuit to the top person in a rental or better yet to the top finisher who braves the 63 degree water without one. Give the top male and female a case of wine instead.
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[4]
Reported by:
Race rating (4)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Too hard

  • Comments: Really well run race in a great area.
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[5]
Reported by:
Race rating (3)
User photo
  • Organised?
  • Events on time?

  • Lots of volunteers to help?
  • Plenty of drink stations?

  • Post race activities?
  • Overall course based on my ability:

  • Comments: The bike was sparse with volunteers and drink/food. Run was well served with volunteers and food/drink at turnaround point. Overall, my goal was to finish and I did that. Given the sub-optimal weather conditions, this was race that I can look back on to draw strength from the experience. My time was really poor but I'm proud that I completed it!
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[6]
Reported by:
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities?
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: First triathlon -- 5:09. Bring it.
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[7]
Reported by:
Race rating (4)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: Even though this race didn't have a lot of amenities, the volunteers and local officials (police/med techs) and race staff did an admirable job in difficult conditions, due to the ongoing rain and cold temps. I'd definitely do this race again and pray for clear skies--it's a beautiful ride, but tough terrain.
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[8]
Reported by:
Race rating (4)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Too hard

  • Comments: If you want a challenging early-season half-Iron, this is your race. Be prepared for sustained climbs on the bike, and a rolling hills run course. This is a low-key event (250-300 racers) on the same weekend as Wildflower (2500-3500 racers)--with minimal frills, but a good overall vibe. Be forewarned though, that this is not the "Napa" of fine wines and gourmet dining. This is the "sticks" of Napa, and you're likely to get honked at and flipped off by good 'ol boys in their Trans-Ams (like myself and another racer actually were!). But, that doesn't detract from what is some seriously world class scenery. Post-race food consisted of some snacks and mediocre pizza. Better than nothing, but not by much. If you're looking to refuel, I'd suggest checking out Taylor's Refresher in the town of Napa.
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[9]
Reported by:
Race rating (4)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?No

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: Good race, still on the small side of things. But I'm sure will get better in time! This is a great training race for IMCDA as the bike course is full of rolling hills unlike WF LC. Which basically has a long flater section then a tough couple of climbs near the end. I would recommend this race, but be prepared for a rough road to bike on. Don't expect any flat spots on the bike. It is a great race and will likely do this race several more times.
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[10]
Reported by:
Race rating (3)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: the first rest stops didn't have much. and no gels on the run,
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[11]
Reported by:
Race rating (3)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?No

  • Post race activities? Below average
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: This is definitely a low-key race. The host campground is in need of major renovation, and the roads were in horrible condition. If the roads had been repaved, I might do this one again. It is a challenging course in a beautiful area. And it was great to have family there to cheer me on!
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[12]
Reported by:
Race rating (3)
User photo
  • Organised?Yes
  • Events on time?Yes

  • Lots of volunteers to help?Yes
  • Plenty of drink stations?Yes

  • Post race activities? Bad
  • Overall course based on my ability: Just right

  • Comments: Post race food consisted of some pasta and beans. Ick. This was a pretty low key event. It's definitely a challenging course but not one I'd travel to do again. If I lived in the area and wanted an early season HIM primer, I'd consider it.
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