Has anyone done the Grand Columbian Super tri in Washington?

No experience but also interested in the race, although only in the 140.6 distance as opposed to the Super distance. I have found bits of information saying the climb out of the Gorge is a killer and the winds can get pretty nasty, but anymore past experiences would be great!

Jack

Never done the race but the wind will be blowing.  I am familiar with the area and the wind never stops there.  It is well known for wind surfing, and now has lots of wind farms also.

I did the HIM as a relay (bike leg) and the Olympic another year.  The course has changed a few times over the years and I have not raced the latest iteration but much of the bike is still the same.

The climb out of the gorge is indeed a killer and each time I do it I vow I will never do it again.  It is so early in the bike that you have little warmup and than it hits you.  When you get to the top of the plateau the winds can be brutal and it is not flat with some pretty good sized rollers.  There is also the possiblity of wildfire smoke.  Several years ago it was pretty bad and this year the first Central Washington wildfire is causing some problems around Lake Chelan which will be hosting Chelanman in a couple of weeks.

Definately not a PR course but it is indeed a challenge and the scenery is different.  Very desolate rolling through the wheat fields.

I've been having a hard time finding personal stories of folks who've done the actual race. I went to grad school in Pullman, so relatively familiar with the area. It's not the prettiest scenery there! So much wheat! LOL

Enginerd - how'd you do on the the double silicon valley? I think we are in the age group! Did a 5:34 on the half and then a 2:42 on the oly. I definitely would do another double again.

I was something like 5:44 on the half (no chip time ) and 2:44 on the oly.  The races were well run, but the logistics were a bit of a pain.  I've done doubles at Widlflower a couple times and was supposed to also do it this year, but ended up sick after Melbourne and have been dealing with knee and calf issued so ended up deferring Wildflower to next year.