Bartlett Lake Olympic Triathlon : Official Thread

I raced the Olympic last year. Yes, it was quite a challenge, really hilly. I think it's one of more fun races in the valley. The water is cold, the bike course is hilly, and the run is RIDICULOUSLY hilly. I recommend everyone do this race at least once.

Everyone should do it once to do know how much they'll hate it. It is brutal and I don't recommend it for anyone as a first-time race. x2 on it being ridiculously hilly (it was hot LY too!). If you're looking for a early season challenge - - this it it.

I think I am going out there to do the 1500m OWS this year.

I did it last year as my first triathlon. Awesome course that brings a challenge. I do recommend as a first because it will make any other race you do seem like nothing. My only gripe is that they did not have the sprint bike course turn around marked off during the start of the race and I biked an extra 4 miles on a full suspension mountain bike. Yeah I got last place in 2009 but I never stopped cranking the pedals or slacking on my run. Just gotta be in it to finish that's what matters. We'll see how I do this year. I'll make sure this year to ask about the turnoff being marked during the race director Q and A. Good luck

It's definitely the most scenic tri in the valley.

Is the transition/starting point in the main parking lot? Map didn't seem to clear.....

I'm not sure if you can see it from google maps, but there are a couple of palingenesis areas near the picnic area and waterfront. The transition is in the closest one to the water. The parking is the next one out. Parking can get full fast door that race.

Although I have hotels booked, I'm still kinda debating between this and Havasu. The biggest reason for not doing this one would be the fact that everyone rated the on course drink availability so poor. Is it really that bad? Keep in mind I'm a very heavy sweater. So, my hydration needs are pretty high.

The plus side to this is the rest of the week, I'm planning on staying in Tempe for Spring Training. So, I wouldn't have to use 6 hours of my vacation commuting up and back from Havasu.

On the Olympic run course there were 3 drink stations (over 6.2 miles). I thought that was plenty as it wasn't hot.

This was by far one of the hardest physical challenges I've ever had. Coming out of the cold water, I was last and full of lactic acid. That did not help going on the bike and that brutal uphill course. I did not properly hydrate and cramped up on the bike so that made the run up the hill even harder.

Great course, very scenic, I need to train better and smarter, not harder, so that I can do better next year.

Everyone should do this course at least once. It was awesome! And then you can curse me out later after you've finished.

Dito, this was an awsome course.  I agree with azitpros..  This was my 1st oly tri, and I am very happy it was my 1st.  Now I am ready for the SOMA Half!!! hahaha.  As for the training, I aggree..  Smarter not harder.  Quality vs. Quanitity..  I wasn't pleased with my ride time, so I will take on this beast again next year..

That SOMA half is going to be a cakewalk compared to the Bartlett Oly.  I did both last year, and I thought Bartlett was much harder.

I'm glad you say that man..  I want the half IM under my belt before then end of this year.  I'll be signing up for it pretty soon here.  I'll be there, and I'll be more happy once I cross that finish line!!!

Soma will be pancake flat compare to Bartlett.. the key to Soma is making sure you are acclimated to the heat at those distances. It may be in October, but some of the past few years have been very hot.

Speaking of heat acclimation..........so in prep for SOMA, during the summer, any rules of thumb for hydration? I work from 6:30am to 2:30pm. Any ideas on when would be best to workout during the dog daze on the horizon??