BASS LAKE – Excitement is building up as preparations are under way and registrations are being accepted for the 8th annual Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon.
Bass Lake, located in the Sierra National Forest about 20 minutes south of Yosemite National Park, is 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, finishing 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 – renamed Visit Yosemite Madera County – and Tucson Racing, a professional triathlon promoter with races in Arizona, Ohio and California.
Nearly 500 athletes took part in the revived competition in 2017 and race organizers are expecting another successful year. Now in its eighth year, Bass Lake continues to play host to the triathlon and all it entails including the pre-race events.
The race itself will include the following options:
- Olympic Triathlon – 1500m swim, 40k bike, 5k run
- Sprint Triathlon – 500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
- 5k Poker and Go Fish – Run/Walk for kids and adults
The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon has been noted as 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 here and have enjoyed coming back.”
“The Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon is one of the best races around,” says Therese Williams, Director of Public Relations for Visit Yosemite Madera County. “I competed a few years back with my husband and it is perfect for all athletes and it attracts people from all over the world.”
Along with the Triathlon, there will be a 5K Poker & Go Fish Run/Walk for adults and kids fundraiser. One hundred percent of proceeds from this event will go to local charities.
The Bass Lake Lions Club will cook a BBQ lunch with all proceeds from the Bluegrass and BBQ event at the Finish Line going to the Bass Lake Lions Club and local charities.
It’s that community support, combined with the scenic beauty of the venue itself, that has helped give the Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon the quick resurgence that it has enjoyed.
Bass Lake Yosemite Triathlon Schedule
Friday, June 1
- 4 – 7 p.m. – New Registration and Packet Pick Up at the Finish Line (next to Bass Lake Realty)
- 5 – 8 p.m. – Optional Bike Drop Off
- 7 p.m.- Pre-Race Meeting at the Finish Line
Race Day, June 2
- 5 a.m. – Transition Area Opens
- 6 a.m. – Triathlon Packet Pick Up and Registration (No new triathlon registration, to avoid lines please pick up your packet on 6/1)
- 6:45 a.m. – Packet Pick Up Ends (5K registration continues to 6:55 a.m.)
- 6:50 a.m. – Transition Area Closes
- 7 a.m. – Triathlon Start
- 7 a.m. – 5K Start
- 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – BBQ lunch cooked by the Bass Lake Lions Club (Free for Participants, BBQ available for purchase for spectators and family)
- 9:30 a.m. – 5K Awards Party
- 10 a.m. – Bluegrass band plays until 1 p.m., break, then from 2 to 3 p.m.
- 11 a.m. – tba Drinks Specials ALL DAY at the Pines Bar
- 1 p.m. – Awards Ceremony – Sprint and Oly Triathlon, Finish Line
For more information or to register, visit www.BassLakeTri.com.
