Carpinteria Triathlon - Olympic Distance

Carpinteria in Sept 28  .    Two weeks after Malibu .

 Better course and less crowded .   $75 for the sprint  and $95 for Olympic  . 

Bump...

Race is getting closer

"100% Pure California Grown, Accept No Substitutes"

Oh Sorry

I guess I am getting a little ahead of the game here.

mjrizon - 2008-07-26 7:47 AM Im in! This will be my first triathlon im pretty excited im doing the sprint one though not the olympic distance.

Congratulations for signing up for your first tri!! Maybe I'll see you there.

My question to anyone out there -- I'm considering this as my first oly. The timing is right for me and I'll  have completed at least 4 sprints this year, perhaps 5 by the time this one rolls around. I was considering the OC Tri, but it's new and I've heard not so flattering comments about it like you have to set up transition the day before? Plus it's pretty expensive. The positive with the OC is that I can just drive up that morning to race and wouldn't need a hotel.

My question -- what's the carpinteria like? Organized? Good volunteer support?  Big hills for the bike/run? Is the swim gnarly? -- I'm just doing my first ocean swim in a tri tomorrow and i'll probably have a better idea after that. 'd need a hotel room for this one since it's further North. Is it worth it?  Any input -- much appreciated!

I am a bit biased because the Carp Olympic was my first Tri.

I think this is an excellent race with great organization and a fairly relaxed atmosphere, an open course very doable for a first timer to the distance. The swim is in the Ocean but protected by the Channel Islands. (Rarely any surf at all) Carp is billed as the world's safest beach.

The bike course has a few hills (Toro Canyon being the most challenging) and one short steep decent. You won't spend too much time on the little chainring and there are plenty of places to make up time. The scenery is excellent especially the part that winds up into Montecito.  

The run course is flat and very fast with an even mix of trail and road. (Trails up on the cliffs overlooking the ocean)

The race is well established and has been a signature USAT event in past years. I think it is the best little race in the SoCal area. Being not far from Santa Barbara, there is plenty to do that makes this race a great weekend getaway.

I might be adding this one (oly), thought I had a sched. conflict but don't\

Tim - Website says packet pickup is Sat.   Has there been race day pickup in the past?

Sorry Chris, just noticed this post. I don't think they have race day packet pickup but I believe that I can pick up your packet for you. (I am getting into town Saturday Afternoon)

I will EMail Ann (The RD) and make sure I can do this but it should work out fine

Just got a reply back from Ann, they will have packet pickup booth open from 6:00AM to 7:00AM on Sunday morning and I won't be able to pick up anyone elses packet but mine.

Hope to see you there Chris

Unlikely I'll be making it, but a plea for you folks to be careful out there.... I think Carp goes around Gobenater Canyon?  Just be aware of the potholes/road conditions and take it easy out there. 

As for Toro Canyon, I discovered this weekend that it's really a stairstep climb.  There are short steep sections interspersed with short flattish sections.  Work up the steep part, then recover on the flat part, then do it again until you hit the top, where you can recover with the rollers and mostly downhill section.

Hey Chris ,

I dont think the Carp course  uses gobernador  but  pretty much follow  HWY 192 .  Speaking of hills  There is a second smaller but noticable  climb up  Ortega Ridge  after  Toro (up)  and  Sheffield  (down) .

I am Still on the fence on this one ,   Anyone know how many spots are left ?   

Yeah, just re looked at the map, looks like it doesn't go up there.   That's good....

In years past, it has not sold out until just before the race.

But if your interested, EMail Ann the RD and ask her. (Her EMail address is on the Website)