For those of you who haven't raced Wildflower, it's a race you have to do at least once - it's nicknamed "the Woodstock of Triathlon" for a good reason. The atmosphere is amazing - it's a tri-junkie's dream of pros, amateurs, equipment and buzz. The Long Course is grueling - a lot of hills, especially late on the bike course, and then you hit the run. More hills, trails, and more likely than not, heat. That said, it's a very scenic course and if you complete it you can do any 1/2 IM anywhere. The support is good and I've never suffered for need of water, Gatorade or Gu on course. A key benefit to racing the long course is that you get to enjoy yourself Saturday night after the race - while the Olympic distance racers are stressing out getting ready for the next day. The only reason I don't rate this a 5 is that organizer, TriCalifornia, comes across as greedy with the steep entry, camping, etc. fees and weak refund policy.

This was my first triathlon, both to compete in and volunteer for. It is a great time. The triathlon village is outstanding and the support from the fans is amazing. I have never heard so man people cheering each and every competitor on. That said this is a VERy difficult triathlon. I have done a few triathlons since then and nothing I have done compares to the amount of hills that I rode and ran over at wildflower. I would suggest that everybody do it at least once though as it is very special.