Best CT Tri for a newbie

I would recommend the Niantic Triathlon. Guaging from last season, it will most likely be in early July 2006. I can't speak for many other triathlons in CT, other than I would NOT recommend doing the Danbury Triathlon. The Biking and Running course is constant hills and not a fun first triathlon.

Two recommendations:

1) Early July, the Pat Griskus Sprint. A challenging, but not killer course. Really caters to beginners, with a beginner's guide and first-timer medals. Swim course is very beginner friendly, in a lake with very big buoys. Well marked and tons of volunteers.
2) The Terramuggus series. A nice, no frills race with a very short swim. Starts early (mid-June, I think). Only $15 with USAT (no T-shirts or anything, but who cares). Attracts a mostly hard-core but very nice contingent who always had a nice word for me when lapping me on my $220 bike.

Niantic Bay was nice (Hartford Marathon foundation events always are), but it wasn't until August this year. I have to admit that I hold a grudge because this is the race where I basically doubled the swim distance by swimming towards the wrong #&*@*#@*(@# buoy.

Thanks oldskool and summer...I ended up registering for a women's-only tri in Philadelphia in early July... my best friend lives down near there and we are going to race together. After that I will probably give one in CT a tri!

I second the vote for Terramuggus. That's where I got my feet wet and there are a few of us BTers that do the series--Nice to hook up with friends before/after the race. Hope to see you there!

A late 3rd for Terramengus. Like the Capt, it was my first triathlon. Very low key and very friendly, supportive. You could always try one of the Terramungus races before heading to Philly.

Mark

Terrawhaterverus is going to be my first tri! I chose it because of the short distance swim and the low key aspect of the race.

Although not in CT,  last year I cut my teeth at the Tri the Tri race in Bristol, RI.  Nice little low key race geared to the first timer.  Bike and run were basically as flat as a sheet of paper.

While it's unlikely I'll be able to fit any of the Terramugus races into my schedule I'd be interested in joining you all for a test run of the course. 

A test run sounds good. Is there a course description around anywhere? I'm thinking that the arrows might have worn off by now (and I remember the run course being a little weird).

Count me in! I'm going to need all the practice I can get!

I'm in!

I'm in!

As long as you don't walk that hill