Tri Travel
CHECKING IN
DESTINATION: VENTURA, CALIF.
Sandwiched between its more recognizable
neighbors, Los Angeles to the south and Santa
Barbara to the north, Ventura, Calif., inevitably
gets forgotten as a point of interest for active
travelers. Well, unless you’re a surfer, then you’re
more than aware of the Rincon surf break that
attracts surfers from all over Southern California
and beyond. But, if you’re a triathlete, and you’re
looking for a low-key locale that has lots of
swim, bike and run options, healthy cuisine
in all price ranges and picturesque state parks,
canyons and beaches, then Ventura is worthy
of a second glance.
To help uncover the ultimate places to train,
race and recover in the area, the Ventura triathlon
club, Rincón, shared some of their best-kept secrets.
BY LAUREN VENTURA
WHERE TO TRAIN
S WIM: I don’t know about you, but swim-
ming with dolphins is a top 10 on my bucket
list. And if you’re looking to do that while
getting in an open-water swim practice, check
out the Channel Islands National Park where
a variety of species frolic daily. This stretch
of ecologically diverse islands nestled off the
Ventura coast can be accessed off the Ventura
Pier or Carpinteria State Beach, and it’s also
host to the Rincón Triathlon Club’s open-water
swim sessions. If you’d rather just relax and
absorb one of the most unique ecosystems the
U.S. National Parks Service has to offer, then
take a trip to one of the surrounding islands for
a tour. Whether it’s tidepooling, whale watch-
ing, hiking or just being a nature voyeur, the
Channel Islands truly live up to their homage
as the “Galapagos Islands of North America.”
32 triathlete.com
october 2010
