BASS LAKE – Preparations are underway and registrations are currently being accepted for the 5th annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon. The Bass Lake venue creates a picturesque triathlon rivaled by few.
Triathletes are treated to a swim in clear mountain waters, followed by a challenging and beautiful ride around the lake and through the Sierra National Forest to finish with a run along the glistening shores of Bass Lake.
Bass 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 through 1998. The triathlon was brought back in 2011 by the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau and Tucson Racing, a professional triathlon promoter with races in Arizona, Ohio and California.
Nearly 500 athletes took part in the revived competition in 2014, and race organizers are expecting another successful event. Now in its 5th year, Bass Lake continues the tradition of the triathlon and all it entails including the pre-race pasta dinner tradition which was started in the 80s. This year’s pasta dinner will feature a gourmet dining experience on the Gazebo Deck at Ducey’s on the Lake.
In addition, the post-race BBQ will return and there is even free beer for athletes (21 and older only)! To top it all off, the Pines Bar will be serving up a special cocktail, “Gatortinis.” How can a cocktail made with Gatorade be anything but great, they ask?
The race itself will include the following options:
- Olympic Triathlon – 1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run
- Sprint Triathlon – 500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- Bass Lake 5k – Poker and Go Fish Run/Walk for kids and adults
The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon has been noted to be a great race for beginners as well as seasoned triathlete professionals.
“Bass Lake really is a great location for a race,” says Jonathan Grinder, owner of Tucson Racing. “Newcomers to the sport have loved coming here while triathlon veterans know the history and have enjoyed coming back.”
“The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon is the best race around,” says another competitor on the race’s Facebook page. “Perfect for beginners or seasoned athletes.”
Along with the Triathlon, there will be a 5K Poker & Go Fish Run/Walk fundraiser for adults and kids. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Yosemite High School Scholarship Fund and Athletic Programs. The 5K run brought in $3,100 in 2013 and $2,974 in 2014 for local charities.
Immediately following the race this year will be the Michelob Ultra Awards Party with bluegrass band and a BBQ lunch put on by the Bass Lake Lions Club.
“The athletes really have fun at the party, as do the community members who come out to support the racers every year,” says Grinder.
It’s that community support, combined with the scenic beauty of the venue itself, which has helped give the Bass Lake Classic Triathlon the quick resurgence that it has enjoyed.
The race takes place Saturday, May 30. For more information or to register, visit www.BassLakeTri.com.
