On September 25, 1974, Don Shanahan and Jack Johnstone put on this crazy idea of a competition that tacked on a bicycle race to a swim/run event on Fiesta Island. Who would have guessed that their one-off event would give birth to what we know as the modern triathlon. Now approaching its 49th anniversary, their crazy idea has become a globally popular athletic category competed by Olympians and IronMan athletes throughout the world. Just the clothing market size has grown to $1.2 billlion in 2023. Imagine back on that September day, Don and Jack charged only a dollar for the 46 friends who took part.
This populaire is to celebrate the triathlon's 49th birthday by retracing parts of its original route. To satisfy our randonneuring 100k minimum, you'll head out from Liberty Station in Point Loma to the former Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista as a break from our usual "along the bay" route. On the return, the route will head up to Mission Bay to retrace the original "run" route along Sea World Dr followed by a larger loop around Mission Bay. Riding south on East Mission Bay Dr, you'll hop on the pedestrian/bike path that was used as the "2nd" run section of the first triathlon route before heading to Fiesta Island to retrace the bike route. As recounted by the first participants, they rode the smaller loop twice.
For the finish, you'll head back to Liberty Station to quaff a beer or three to recreate the "swim" segment at Stone Brewing to eliminate any risk of drowning. Here's the link to a KPBS Evening Edition segment on the 40th anniversary (https://www.kpbs.org/news/evening-edition/2014/12/11/san-diegans-remember-first-triathlon-40-years-ago).
Your humble RBA riding with the triathlon legend and co-founder, Mr. Don Shanahan.
Registration is free for all RUSA members. Only RUSA members may register.
If you are joining us for the first time, you will need:
ALL SAN DIEGO RANDONNEURS EVENTS ARE ONLY OPEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHOSE RUSA MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENT.
You will need to register for this ride in advance. There is no day-of registration. Start/Finish will not be staffed. There will be no SAG support and staffing at a control.
All riders must follow RUSA rules. Helmet is a must. Lights and reflective gear are required and must be worn between dusk to dawn for events that will start, finish or continue through the night. Riders must follow all local traffic laws and regulations.
Although bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same rules and regulations, it is crucial that bicyclists pay attention to traffic signs and signals and follow all rules to reduce the risk of collisions, while on the road. Refer to the California Driver Handbook to become familiar with these rules. This excerpt is found at the DMV website for Sharing the Road (FFDL37) and can be read here.