What a terrific way for antsy athletes and triathlon enthusiasts to get off the bike trainers and treadmills and hit the road!  RaceTri's Icebreaker is unique in that it really appeals to both serious competitors and first timers, not to mention kids for the youth race. This year was filled with some amazing competition! The transition area was opened up nice and early so racers could get all their gear set up; obviously, the early birds scored the best spots in the transition zone. Racetri put on a super organized race and kept right to their schedule with race meeting, and - most importantly - the start time.

Once it was about go-time, racers were gathered up into the swim bubble and split up into groups based on estimated swim times.  Once the first participant was in the water, others joined in about one every five seconds.  There was great energy in the swim with lots of observers cheering everyone on.  Once out of the water, you got to towel off, or just book it out through the parking lot to the transition area to get on the bike.

The bike included a couple of good hills within the first mile, after which you got some good flat roads and an even better downhill coming back to where you repeated the loop.  The shoulders were pretty clear and bike congestion wasn't too bad at all.  All the turns were well marked, and all the intersections had a couple volunteers helping to monitor and direct traffic which is a bonus; because no one racing wants to stop at a traffic light!

Bike to run transition included a bit of running with your bike over the grass into and through transition, but it wasn't too bad.  The running portion of the Icebreaker also had those two hills from the bike, which in all honesty, weren't that great, but mentally you knew once you hit the first mile, you were in the clear!  After the hills there was only flat and downhill into the finish area!

At the finish, there were tons of volunteers helping to take timing chips, provide medals, and of course water and some post-race snacks.  There were great award prizes and raffle prizes, and everything went down in a timely manner!  Did I mention the amazing weather!?  Well, it was gorgeous; warm, sunny, and just a little breezy.  I would give this race a 5 out of 5.  I was a happy racer, and totally satisfied with this race.  I don't know of a better way to shake off the winter months of training than to get out there and compete!

For more information about other RaceTri events, go to: www.racetri.com