Lake Lure

I'm participating this year, so I rode the course last weekend. It makes all of charlotte seem alot flatter!  There are no flat sections of the bike or run course.  Right out of the gate there is a long tough hill to start the bike but what goes up must come down.  One minute I was coasting at 42mph the next my lungs were busting to maintain 9mph.  Road conditions are fair to good and the scenery is spectacular, if you are not holding on for dear life.  Very steep winding downhill coming back into transiton area so get your gel/water about mile 15.  Downhill approach allows you to wind your legs out prior to the run also. Run is an out and back that is a manageable uphill out and gentle downhill back.  Feeling real strong? go for the three races in three days. Friday night 5mile dam run (hilly), saturday tri, sunday 7K bike or 3k run ride up chimney rock park rd.  Look up hickorynutolympiad.  Lots of events for the whole family.  Sign up, we'll see you there!
sp8

Glad you're in! Lake lure inn is on the other side of the lake from the event. Can't speak for the accommodations. Rumbling bald resort, site of the event, rents some of their condos for weekend rates and fairfeild resort is just down the road also. Nothing worth staying in is ever cheap, but post race comfort can be priceless!

I did Lake Lure last year and am doing it again this year.  In all fairness, I was born and raised on the Lake, you will not find a more beautiful venue anywhere!  But the course is tough, the bike is not hilly, it is mountainous, so if you don't like hills this will be tough.  The lake is, well it's God's Country, no other way to describe it.  The race is part of an annual three day event called the Hickory Nut Gorge Triathlon and is well supported, encouraged, and celebrated by the locals.