Oktoberfest in Houston - Olympic distance

Tina puts on a great event. I haven't been to this one but to the half she put on in Onalaska the first year. Also free beer after if you like beer.

Have Fun Scott

You wont Regret it!!

I did the sprint version last year and did Springs Back Olympic this year (exact same course).

Lake is ok. Like most lakes around Houston, can't see your hands in front of your face. I can't remember the swim exit from Oktoberfest but at Springs Back we had to climb over rocks to get out of the water. A bit of a pain.

This is the only race I have done where the bike portion is not completely monitored by police. Not a big deal as it is out far enough to not really need it but you do need to watch out for traffic. Road quality is ok. Also, there are usually a lot of non racing cyclists riding on the course. I had a group in front of me at Springs Back that I thought were drafting. I was going to say something but as I caught them I realized they were not racing, just out for a group ride. It can also be tough to pass these groups on the busy roads.

The run is all on sidewalks through the neighborhood. The Olympic is 2 loops. At Springs Back I was in the last swim wave and by the time I got to the run one of the water stations was out of water so there was only one station (that we passed twice) for the whole run.

They were also out of beer and water by the time I finished (was one of the last to cross the line but still timed ahead of about 30 athletes. I was just one of the last to start). They seemed to have more beer at Oktoberfest but since I did the sprint then that may have been an illusion.

The only real bright side is that I was the only Clydesdale doing the Olympic so I got first place and a bike jersey.

I signed up for Oktoberfest when I signed up for Springs Back but I am not sure I am going to do it. Just too many variables that concern me. Tina actually said she was going to refund my entry for Oktoberfest but I am not holding my breath on that one.

I did a race report for Springs Back that you can search for.

Thanks for the feedback!

~Scott

Scott

honestly i podium on this one at Clydesdale div because all of you Clydes are at Fullshear Tri .

You will enjoy this one more

Goodluck!!!