Naylor's Beach Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Chuck W.
Bel Air, MD

  (10-13-2010)

"Laurie,

I had a blast at the Naylor’s Beach Olympic Triathlon yesterday. Kudos to you, your staff, the volunteers and the police assistance. The course was well-marked and supported. I particularly like it when the timing mat out of the water is not ¼ mile away.

I’ll be back next year and will be bringing some friends. Please keep me on your email list. My other email address is chuckwienckowski@comcast.net.

Go Spiders! 1970

Best Regards,

Chuck"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Stefani M.
Alexandria, VA

  (10-05-2010)

"I competed in the Naylor Beach Sprint Tri, my first tri ever. I cannot say enough good things about race and set-up. While this was my first race, it exceeded my expectations and more. Everything was very organized, the volunteers were great and helpful, and plenty of water and food after the race. I didn't think the showers were bad, either (for a campground). I could not have asked for a better experience. I loved the shirts - soft, and also had a women's fit to them.

I agree with another reviewer who suggested the bouys in a straight line, instead of angling in.

I am already planning on competing in next year's Naylor Beach and my boyfriend, who was there to cheer me on, wants to do the aquabike."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Wilkie C.
New York, NY

  (10-01-2010)

"This was the first time i'd raced Naylor and certainly won't be my last. this is currently ranked as my favorite tri for the following reasons:
(1) really enjoyed the park / campground. had heard negative things about it beforehand - but it's a great venue to hang w/ friends, eat picnic lunch after
(2) logistics of the smaller race facilitated great audience participation. unlike other bigger races (St. Anthony's, NYC, DC, etc.) the friends / family who come to watch are actually able to "participate" given the relatively small/intimate setting
(3) swim course was very nice - perfect water temp, few waves. one change i would have is for the bouys to track the swim course in a straight line (instead of "bowing" in
(4) bike was legit. great rolling hills. challenging but not too difficult
(5) run was okay - good but the least favorite part of the race. i'm guessing the run course is the best that can be done given the location - but it's a little on the "open field boring side". if there's a possibility to wind through a tree-lined road would be better."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Whit B.
RIchmond, VA

  (10-01-2010)

"My first tri ever and it was AWESOME! I alomst drowned (kidding), my chain came off, dropped my water bottle (first time ever), cramped up on the run and absolutley loved it. I am counting the days until my next tri.

This race was very well organized, especially for a first timer. Great venue on the river, campground, scenic, can't say enough good things. Please hold it next year as I hope to participate in the olympic distance."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jonathan K.
Richmond, VA

  (09-30-2010)

"My email to the race coordinator:

I was very thrilled with the format and ease of use and understanding for a first time triathlete.

I enjoyed the swim, even though, I had to turn around and swim back up to get that first yellow buoy, killer. The bike was great, I enjoyed the winding country roads. Very peaceful and really allowed great focus. The run was tougher than I thought it would be. Felt longer than 3.1 miles but was a fair course. Although I wish there had been water, etc. at the middle of the 1.5 loop as well. Mostly because the day was hotter than anticipated.

Otherwise I loved it!! I want to do more and do them sooner than later. I am already prepping for this race next year and am excited to hear about the April race.

Thank you very much for your hard work"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Bill D.
NORFOLK, VA

  (09-30-2010)

"This was only my 2nd solo tri although I have done 5 relays. The location was easy to get to. The 10 am start was a great break from the ones at the crack of dawn. The race leadership was very organized and very friendly. Who cannot give them credit for going green!!! That's not cheap, hits hard in costs but shows a real committment to the environment. The Rappahanock was only as murky as any lake swim and the current just made it a more interesting challenge. The bike was fun rollers with only one tough climb. Even the neighborhood was out to root you on at the end. I am no runner but even that wasn't bad with all the volunteers shouting support. I placed in my age group (only because I figured out the current) but think I would have loved it in any case. Great experience with a down home kind of feeling!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Liz S.
Va Beach, VA

  (09-29-2010)

"This was my first tri, and although I didnt do well, I had a great experience. I thought the bike part would be my strongest, but that was not the case... My bike got stuck on the smallest front ring (dont ask me how it even got there!) and I couldnt get it to switch gears. I was spinning and spinning -- going 6 mph for the first 5 miles of the course (cursing most of the way.) Finally, in a last ditch effort, I dismounted to try and move the chain manually. Some really nice tri veteran stopped and helped me hold the back wheel while I tried to change the gears. It worked. I don't know if he was even allowed to help me, but it kept me from having to quit. And it slowed him down considerably. What a selfless thing for him to do. It really left me with a great feeling about the people who do tris, and about this one in particular. Although i didnt do very well, at least I know how to improve my time for the next tri -- check my bike that morning!!! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Nicole C.
Virginia Beach, VA

  (09-29-2010)

"I personally think that Laurie Mehler always does such a nice job with her races. I really enjoyed Naylors. Both my hubby and I raced the Duathlon. He won the duathlon by like 7 seconds. He's like part Kenyan and part Lance Armstrong (maddening fast). I am slow and I don't care. I am in it for the fun. In the past I have raced the Naylors Olympic Tri 3 times. In the past year or so, I have developed panic attacks in open water and had to quit swimming competitively. So... I am VERY greatful that Laurie has something for everyone and the duathlon race is just the thing for me. I absolutely love the bike course with such little traffic and no cogestion with the bikers. Although I am not the most experienced person in managing my gears on my P3, the hills on the bike course are a good challenge and force me to work at my edge. The run course is also great. I think it is awsome that Laurie goes green with her races. Nothing annoys me more than going to a race and coming home with a plastic bag of flyers that I place in the trash to send to the local land fill. Yes,mad props for Laurie on going green!!!!! I also like her choice of t-shirts... the fabric is so nice and soft. I might also add that our beloved Belgian Shepherd, Rikki passed away unexpectedly at 6 years old the day before Naylors. I really had to talk myself into putting forth the effort to race. I almost backed out of the race. In retrospect, I think it was good for my spirit and I know that my dog was looking down on me as I sailed along on the bike course, passing vast beautiful fields of country. Thank you Naylor's Beach Du and thank you Laurie for putting this race together!!!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Kevin B.
Chantilly, VA

  (09-30-2009)

"Great race. The race venue is superb. The Rappahannok river is murky and muddy but calm. The bike course is one loop through the beautiful countryside of Virginia. The run course is an out-and-back, which is much easier mentally than a loop.

There were a couple of areas of improvement. I had a hard time finding the end of the swim course. The bouys were poorly placed. Also, the post-race food was atrotious. Greasy food like french fries and crab cakes is a poor way to refuel after a race. They should've had bagels, fruit, bread, peanut butter, or maybe even some vegetarian chili as a hot meal. Someone else mentioned the trash. It was a problem. Cans were overflowing, and there were no recycling or compost bins. Triathlons need to be as environmentally-benign as possible.

Overall, a great race that I'll definitely recommned."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jeff M.
Williamsburg, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"the swim course was outstanding... barely any current. the bike course was designed by an artist.
on a negative note, there were a few winners announced who actually didn't finish the race. also, i wasn't happy with the aquabike finish (having the racers run accross the finish line). some racers are in the aquabike because of running injuries, and running that last little bit in cycling shoes might have been painful (they signed up for the "aquabike" for a reason)."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Gavin M.
Moseley, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"I actually participated in the Duathlon and enjoyed it thoroughly (Ok, I won so that helped make it fun :)). The race was very well organized as all of the RMS races always are, and Laurie and her team did a great job convincing the weather to cooperate at the last minute. I will say that the bike course was technical and had some challenging hills, but it was fun to get out of the saddle and drop into my small ring for a change. The run was nice and flat and I liked the fact that it was out and back with few turns. There was very little traffic out on the course which was a big plus! Aid stations were positioned appropriately and the volunteers were very friendly.

I want to personally thank Laurie and RMS for offering the duathlon this year, and I hope that there are even more folks that want to do the Du next year. It is a great opportunity to get some variety from triathlon and more fun for those of us that are not great swimmers.

Also, the post race food was GREAT. Having grown up in Maryland, I am very critical of crabcakes and I must say that the one I had on Sunday was quite tasty! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jason F.
Richmond, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"Great event. Pre-race rain storms were a concern until the sky opened up and the sun made an appearance with a beautiful rainbow just prior to the start of the event. Swim was nice - good temp and river current was steady; Bike was tough with wet roads and tough hills; Run was nice with flat course - plenty of water stations. Volunteers were friendly and encouraging. Music, post-race food, and beautiful river view all made the entire experience a great event.

Only recommended changes: Serve beer with the great crab cakes; more trash cans (many were overflowing), add recycling containers for cans/plastic bottles, have water at finish line - had to search for water after finish.

Laurie and the RMS team always do a great job running these events. Great job - I can not wait until next year!!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

susan p.
mechanicsville, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"Great overall course--bike leg is challenging with some steep hills but fun to ride with little to no auto traffic. First opportunity to race a Richmond multisports event and loved it! Wonderful people!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Stan G.
Colonial Heights, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"I do not know what could have been done to make this a better race or day. The venue is one of the better kept secrets in the Richmond area."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Amy M.
Charlottesville, VA

  (09-28-2009)

"Well organized race! Love the music and support! Incredible volunteers. The river is scenic, but surrounding area has lots of dead corn and soy. Nice and flat."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009