General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Watauga Lake Tri Rss Feed  
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2011-05-16 10:04 PM

Veteran
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Roanoke, VA
Subject: Watauga Lake Tri

Hi -

I'm considering doing the Watauga Lake Tri in August.  Has anyone done this race? Opinions?

Thanks!

Mike



2011-05-17 8:15 AM
in reply to: #3503011

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New user
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Franklin, TN
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri

I did it last year and will be there again this year.

Pros:  It's a fun and beautiful course.  Obviously, hilly - especially on the bike.  Only about 100 people race.  Super laid back atmosphere. 

Cons:  Not as organized or well-run or professional as other races.  Small staff and low on volunteers.  Not really many spectators if that helps fuel you. No expo or sponsors on-site since it's such a small race field (don't even remember if there was bike support.)  Very back-woods country feel.

But unique in it's own way and I'm hoping it will grow a little so it can up it's game.

2011-05-17 9:17 AM
in reply to: #3503454

Veteran
329
10010010025
Roanoke, VA
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri

Thanks very much for the feedback.  That actually sounds like my kind of race - just what I'm looking for.

Now I need to get ready for the hills!

2011-05-17 11:08 AM
in reply to: #3503011

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Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri
I've raced twice as an individual (2008 and 2010) and a couple of times as a relay with my wife because she didn't want to swim in the cold water in early October. Luckily, the race is in early August this year, so the water and air temperature should be much warmer.

I really like this race and think the organizers do a great job. Great post-race food (home made plus a local barbecue place provides sandwiches) and hand made pottery awards. The course is really difficult, especially the last hill on the run, but I figure it's difficult for everybody so I can't really complain.

Highly recommended.
2011-07-02 8:11 AM
in reply to: #3503011

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri
Do it. Great course, great atmosphere, great race. I've been there 4 years; every year I am happy.
2011-07-02 8:56 AM
in reply to: #3503011

Veteran
329
10010010025
Roanoke, VA
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  Sounds like a great race - I am signed up and looking forward to it.

Mike



2011-08-03 1:17 PM
in reply to: #3503011

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New user
14

Franklin, TN
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri

Water temp looks like it will be about 80 degrees.  Anybody planning on wearing a wetsuit for the added buoyancy  - or will I be the only one?

2011-08-03 2:15 PM
in reply to: #3503011

Veteran
329
10010010025
Roanoke, VA
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri

If it's 80 I'm going to do it without the wetsuit. 

2011-08-05 3:55 PM
in reply to: #3627481

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Veteran
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10010010025
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri
No wetsuit here.
2011-08-07 6:23 PM
in reply to: #3503011

Veteran
329
10010010025
Roanoke, VA
Subject: RE: Watauga Lake Tri
What a great event.  Tough bike/run course, but a really nice friendly race.  Thanks to all the race organizers and volunteers.  The mugs they gave out for awards are really cool too.
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