What an amazing event! So well organized from start to finish. But the best part of the race is the crowd. Coming off the queensboro bridge in to Manhattan gave me the chills. I now know what professional athletes feel like when they step on the field and hear the roar

The race takes place in a nice bay - fair visibility and some jellyfish, but obviously can't control the jellyfish. The bike is the flattest ride I've ever encountered. There is no shade, I mean NONE. Some wind on the course, but overall fairly decent. Well marked,

In 2021 the water was surprisingly warm (62F!) which made for a great swim in a wetsuit. The marine layer was thick but we were able to sight the next buoy and the course was patrolled by Cal Fire lifeguards, which was reassuring. The bike is harder than it looks! It's