I started doing triathlons a little over a year ago, but I don't consider myself a
triathlete. I know I will never win a race, never end up on the podium. I do them
in a futile attempt to fight off an expanding waistline during the onset of middle
age. But I found along the way, the best part is the friends you make. So, when my
job took Mary Ann and I from Colorado to Malaysia last year, I thought I done my
last. But, whether you are good or bad, there is something about triathlons that
keeps you coming back. So, you figure out how to get some workouts in around a move,
a job, travel and family because you just don't want to give it up. I'm sure no
different than any of you.
Since the move, I have done a couple of small events around Malaysia, but nothing too
serious - only hot, I mean really, really, hot. Living in Malaysia is a big change
and every now and then you get the urge to venture out to someplace a little more
like home - a place like Australia. And, hmmm, if you plan it right, you can put a
triathlon on your itinerary. So, Mary Ann and I decided to pack the bicycle and go
for the big time - the Noosa Triathlon Festival in Australia. It's held the first
of November on the Gold Coast (technically the Sunshine Coast), about a two hour
drive north of Brisbane. It's the biggest race in Australia and attracts over 5000
competitors with about 2500 individuals and 900 teams.
Noosa is a resort town that gets it's name from the Aboriginal word meaning "shade"
or "shadows". It's a place to enjoy the cool afternoon breezes that come off the
turquoise green water while building a castle on the white sandy beaches. The Gold
Coast is a famous tourist destination that extends south of Brisbane past where the
ITU World Championships will be held next year. November is the start of summer in
Australia, so it's cool in the evening and warm during the day, with highs about 80
degrees. There are national parks within walking distance where it's easy to find
yourself among the koalas and kangaroos.
It's a festival over 4 days which attracts all the big time triathletes from
Australia, including Gold Medal winner Emma Snowsill. There is a 1000 meter ocean
swim (which this year was held in 4 foot seas), a kids triathlon, a fun run and a 5K
sprint. They even have a cycling criterium, which by the way was won by Robbie
McEwen. Yes, the same Robbie McEwen who has won two or three green jerseys in Le
Tour de France.
The triathlon is an Olympic distance race which starts with a swim around a small
island in the Noosa River. Wetsuits weren't allowed this year (much to my
disappointment) as the water temperature was just above 24 degrees (Celsius that
is). Even though it's called a river, it's sal*censored*er from the tide that brings the
ocean in.
The bicycle course is out and back and snakes through town around various "round
abouts" then up a climb simply called "the hill". A few more rolling hills and it's
time to turnaround and head back into town.
The run is flat out and back with a lot spectators lining the road (I particularly
liked those with spray hoses). It goes along the river, finishes in front of a big
grand stand full of people - who cheer for you, no matter what your finishing time.
So, if you ever get a chance, you ought to go to Noosa. Not just for the race, but
to spend a few days. The food is good, the gelato even better and the people are
great. It's a lot of fun if you like combining a little sight seeing with a little
racing.
And, oh, by the way, where else can you get a Practical Coaching cap with an Emma
Snowsill autograph - And "No, mine's not for sale".
