Chilliwack Tri

Water was 10 degrees. I couldn't feel my feet after being in for 10mins. That's why they moved the tri from mid-May to Sept.

Planning on doing this for my first sprint. Wondering what the course is like. The website has pictures of the bike course and it looks fairly flat on quiet rural roads. Any surprises? I am super new to all this and my bike handling skills on the fast tri bike are not that great. 

Also, those from Vancouver doing this tri: what do people usually do - drive there early in the morning or travel the day before and stay at a hotel overnight?

Any info appreciated. Thanks! 

Hi, Shame you missed the Walnut Grove tri - that would've been a great first Sprint tri (pool swim)! But Cultus tri is run by Joe and Sarah Dixon and they do an excellent job of running events. The bike drops down from Cultus Lake to pass through Yarrow and out on flat rural roads then climbs back up to Cultus Lake (nothing too severe though). The run is half on trail on the lakefront, the other half goes around a few of the Cultus Lake roads. I did this (shortened and cold in May) event last year - really enjoyed it. Wish I was here to do it again this year!! oh yeah, I've been swimming in the lake recently and the water temp is great. Enjoy!

I am a little worried about the swim for my first tri. does anyone know if the swim is in a level of water that you can stand up in or is it all or nothing? I looked at the swim course online but it's pretty vague and i can't tell by looking at it where it starts to go and check it out.

Seems there are a few people wanting to check out the Cultus Lake Tri race route.

The Chilliwack Tri Club is thinking of hosting an informal get-together for those new to the Cultus Lake Tri or just wanna come out to meet some new people from other clubs/groups and get out of the city. How can you beat rolling country roads?! We'll try out the race route together. No pressure for speed, but no problemo if the speedsters want more of a sweat fest.

How about Saturday, Aug 22nd or Sept 5th? Maybe the 5th so it doesn't interfere with those wanting to do the Kelowna Apple (#8 in TriBC race series). If there's any interest, we'll post more info here and on our website. (Oh, shameless club promotion!)

Any takers? Any date preferences?

This is an awesome idea. I would welcome the opportunity to try out the course. I prefer August because September might be cutting it close to the race. Any chance doing it on a Sunday? Look forward to more updates here. Thanks, shameless club promotion notwithstanding ;-)

I'm good for Aug 23 or Sept 5. I'm doing the Vancouver version of the amazing race in Vancouver on the 22nd and it's my sons birthday on the 6th. Do you know if the swim is a sink or swim? or are there parts where you can rest if needed. As a first i'm a little worried about the open water and distance. I noticed that your club had a lactate testing night. Just wondering if you thought it was worth it?

Look forward to the prerace run!

The swim course is too deep to stand up, but there will be kayakers present. You can call them over and hang onto them to rest.

We had one member do the lactate testing. Probably more beneficial and cost-effective if you're already pretty fit. No reason why you couldn't have one done yourself regardless of fitness level, though. We're just thrilled we now have a facility in the Wack that provides this service.

Thanks for the interest in a social get-together to check out the Cultus Lake Tri race route! An invitation was also sent to Lower Mainland tri clubs, but members of other BC clubs or other triathletes are welcome to join in should they "just happen to be passing through" Chilliwack at the time...

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2009
Swim start at 10:00am
Main Beach park gates open at about 8:00-ish.

To simplify things, just go to the Chilliwack Triathlon Club Blog for more details at:
www.triclub.wordpress.com

Looking forward to meeting you!

Sweet I will be there!

What's your best estimate: Will the water be cold enough for a wetsuit on the 23rd, or will it be warm? Need to know if I need to rent a wetsuit. Thanks!

We had an informal race today and there was 3 - 4  athletes with no wetsuits. One person stated it was a little cool at first but after 25m it was all smooth sailin'. BBQ followed and Grace our club pres. had some great prizes! With the warm weather predicted for next week the Lake should be awesome for Aug. 23

Cool! Thanks for the info!