4th Annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon is Saturday

BASS LAKE – Athletes are gearing up for the 4th Annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon taking place this Saturday, May 31 at the popular resort area.

Bass Lake is located in the Sierra National Forest of eastern Madera County, about half an hour from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. It’s known for its blue waters and ample recreational activities that attract numerous vacationers each summer. Bass Lake was also once a premier triathlon destination, a reputation the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is happy to have brought back.

“Bass Lake hosted the first two national championships for the sport of triathlon in 1983 and 1984,” said Rhonda Salisbury with the YSVB. “The race continued at Bass Lake through the mid 1990’s until the race director retired,” she said.

The YSVB teamed up with esteemed race director Jonathan Grinder of Tucson Racing who has put on notable events around the U.S. and beyond to resurrect the event four years ago. The inaugural event was a success, and each year gets bigger and bigger.

“Last year we had about 530 competitors take part in the triathlon,” Salisbury said. “This year we’re on a pace to have at least 650. People are excited about triathlon returning to Bass Lake.”

Paul Thomas was the overall winner of the inaugural event in 2010. He said the location certainly made the race memorable.

“The venue is what brings you to races,” Thomas said.  ”With all the bike racing I do, ultimately you have to had a good venue. A beautiful place that is even a smaller race will always bring me versus a more prestigious race without the venue. This definitely has that.”

The triathlon will be taking place at The Pines Resort starting at 7 a.m. There is the Olympic distance, which encompasses a 1500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bike ride and 10 kilometer run. The sprint distance is a 500 meter swim, 20K ride and 5K run. Relay teams can also sign up at both the Olympic and Sprint level.

For pricing or to register, visit www.BassLakeTri.com.

In addition to the triathlon, there is a 5K run with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst. Cost to enter the 5K is only $25.