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Bass Lake Classic Triathlon Opens Registration

BASS LAKE – Voted Cycle California! Magazine’s Best Olympic Distance Triathlon for 2015, The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon returns in 2016 with a new name and a new challenge.

“Yosemite National Park is Bass Lake’s playground and our course reflects the beauty of the area,” said Jonathan Grinder, owner of Tucson Racing. “We wanted the name of the triathlon to reflect that as well.”

The event has been renamed the Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon, and in addition to the updated name, event organizers are excited to introduce a new challenge involving Yosemite.

Triathletes are asked to snap a photo of themselves somewhere in Yosemite wearing a Bass Lake Tri shirt (from any year) for chance to win admission for themselves and three friends into the 2017 Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon.

“Many of the competitors who come out for this race plan extra time to spend in Yosemite,” said Rhonda Salisbury, CEO of Visit Yosemite | Madera County. “We thought a Bass Lake Tri t-shirt selfie competition would be a fun element to add to the mix.”

Stay tuned on their Facebook page and BassLakeTri.com for more details on the selfie challenge.

Preparations are underway, and registrations are currently being accepted for the 2016 Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon.

Crowd at Bass Lake Tri - photo by Annie StarkeyBass Lake has a long and rich history in the sport of triathlon. In fact, the original Bass Lake Triathlon was home to the 1983 and 1984 United States Triathlon Series (USTS) as well as the Tri-Fed National Championships and ran most years thru 1998. The triathlon was brought back in 2011 by Visit Yosemite | Madera County and Tucson Racing, a professional triathlon promoter with races in Arizona, Ohio and California.

With it’s location in the Sierra National Forest just 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake is the perfect spot for a picturesque triathlon rivaled by few. Triathletes are treated to a swim in clear mountain waters, followed by a challenging yet beautiful ride around the lake and through the Sierra National Forest to finish with a run along glistening lake shores.

This year the race is expected see a full lake, changing the Triathlon look a bit. Previously the swimmers gathered to begin the race at the Pines Resort beach. This year competitors need only look a little further to the Bass Lake Watersports boat ramp located nearby.

“Newcomers to the sport have loved coming here while triathlon veterans know the history and have enjoyed coming back,” said Grinder.

Runner in Bass Lake Tri - photo by Annie StarkeyNearly 500 athletes took part in the competition in 2015, and race organizers expect another successful year. Now in its sixth year, Bass Lake continues Triathlon traditions, including the pre-race pasta dinner tradition, begun in the 80s. This year’s event features a gourmet dining experience on the Gazebo Deck at Ducey’s On the Lake.

In addition the post-race BBQ returns and there is even FREE BEER for athletes (21 and older only)! To top it all off, The Pines Bar will serve special drinks in the Triathlon’s honor.

The race itself includes the following options:

  • Olympic Triathlon – 1500m swim, 40k bike, 5k run
  • Sprint Triathlon – 500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
  • 5k Poker & Go Fish – Run/Walk for kids and adults

The Bass Lake 5K Poker & Go Fish Run/Walk for adults and kids’ fundraiser benefits the Yosemite High School Scholarship Fund and Athletic Programs as well as other local youth charities.

Finish Line Bass Lake Tri - photo by Annie StarkeyImmediately following the race this year is the Michelob Ultra Awards Party, with a bluegrass band and BBQ lunch presented by the Bass Lake Lions Club.

“The athletes really have fun at the party, as does the community that comes out to support the racers every year,” said Grinder.

Competitors and friends are invited to stay the weekend and enjoy the South Shore Car & Boat on Sunday, June 5, at Miller’s Landing.

The race takes place Saturday, June 4. For more information or to register, visit www.BassLakeTri.com.

(Photos by Annie Starkey photography)

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