AVIA Wildflower Triathlons Festival Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike S.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-10-2009)

"Easily the most challenging race around. Tough course, often harsh weather conditions, camping at distance from the start/finnish, lot's of crowds to keep you company in long lines. Well organized and a great weekend. It's the Woodstock of Triathlon.
I've done long course multiple times. It's the only race I ever brag about even though I regularly post much slower times than usual. You finnish this and you can be proud regardless of your time. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Kathryn S.
Fresno, CA

  (07-15-2009)

"Amazing race. Beautiful course. Awesome expo. Huge crowds to cheer you on."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

matt l.
Moraga, CA

  (06-28-2009)

"This is a fun triathlon. Very different as you camp or RV ahead of time. But large and joyous."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

David N.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-15-2009)

"Wildflower is a great venue. I have raced all of the distances, from the MTB, right up to the Half IM (not on the same weekend...yet) and each time I have always enjoyed myself.

It's an opportunity to get away from the city, enjoy camping and the comradery of other athletes.

While both the olympic and half IM are very challenging courses, I recommend this race to anyone and everyone."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Kevin H.
San Francisco, CA

  (06-08-2009)

"A great experience, challenging course, great festival atmosphere, fun camping experience, warm lake"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

David G.
brooklyn, NY

  (05-12-2009)

"An amazing race for a first-timer, though the run was brutal until the last mile. But there were enormous crowds, friendly athletes, and awesome aid stations along the way. Just make sure to get there early so you're not constantly hauling all of your crap up and over the mountain in between the race start and the overflow camping sections. And bring stuff to do at night, as there's not much organized after 7 pm."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Damon K.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-06-2009)

"Sure, the run is tough and the heat can be oppressive, but I hear too much about how hilly the bike is. This is just not true, IMHO. There is a climb very early and a climb late (Nasty Grade), but the meat of this course is extremely flat. Be prepared for a long time in aerobars just hammering. There are also significant downhills to recover on. This year the wind did not seem to be as big an issue in years past, but can clearly add to the "culture" of the course. My time here was 15 minutes longer than expected, and that was due to climbing the final ascent really slowly, but I think that reflects my fitness more that the difficulty of this course.

Easily the toughest part of this race is getting from the transition area back to the campsites! I was sweating more on that ascent than during the race :) Also, this year there was no (zero) swag. Not cool...I do recognize that this is a tough economy for retail companies but still disappointing. (I hope the offenders are reading this...)"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Brett M.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-04-2009)

"Long Course Review

This is an awesome race, but not for the casual triathlete. Multiple day camping is required, so a lot of gear is necessary, as well as preparation for a hot or cold day. This year it was supposed to rain all weekend, but what did we have, sun all day both days!

The run is the hardest part of this race, with many hills on trails. The run is supported very well by the college students and other groups running aid stations, and all the spectators just about push you along for the second half of the race.

I knock one star off the course review because I have a Pro friend, and a club friend who were cut on their foot from glass on their way out of the swim.

I recommend it to anyone who puts their time in to training. It could be very harsh if under-prepared. Do the Olympic if this is your first time."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Tim B.
Danville, CA

  (04-26-2009)

"Wildflower is an event I will attend every season! The race is well organized and the SLO college students do a great job with the volunteering. Look out for the 'sunburn' water station halfway throught the run...
If you have never done the race, find a way to sign up."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2007

Jeremiah S.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-23-2009)

"One of the most challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable races I've ever seen. The bike and run are rather hilly, and the weather can change a lot during the day. Very well organized and attended."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008