Donner Lake Aquabike

Sunday July 28, 2024

Half Aquabike

• swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles

Olympic Aquabike

• swim 1500 meters, bike 24 miles

Course | Aid Stations

Swim: The AQUABIKE swim course is one 1.2 mile or 1500 meter lap in Donner Lake. Two left turns. Corners are marked by large buoys and support (kayaks/SUP/boats) are along the course to ensure your safety. The average water temperature of Donner Lake in July is 64-69 degrees. Wetsuits are optional. The swim course maps are posted on our Course Maps page.

Bike: The bike course takes place on Donner Pass Road/Old Highway 40. The entire course is paved. The bike course is open to vehicle traffic.

The Aquabike bike HALF course is 56 miles, same course as the HALF. The course continues 4 miles past the Olympic turnaround point. From the far end of the course, near Cisco Grove, you will ride a 12 mile out and back section. Once you reach the far end of the course the second time you head back to the transition area. Cyclists start their ride with a climb up to the top of Donner Pass (about 1125’). This portion, first and last 4 miles, of the bike course is closed to all vehicular traffic (except emergency vehicles). Upon reaching the pass you will have a great view of Donner Lake and the Truckee Valley. You continue westbound along Old Highway 40, passing Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch, cabins, ponds and other wonderful scenery. This portion of the course is relatively flat with small rolling hills. Upon reaching I-80, you will cross over the freeway and continue past Kingvale, and towards Cisco Grove. This portion of the course is surrounded by trees and you can often glimpse the South Yuba River. The turn-a-round point will include an aid station where you can toss your water bottle in exchange for a new one (either filled with water or fluid replacement). The course concludes with a curvy and speedy descent down Scenic Old Highway 40 where we remind you to use extreme caution.

The Aquabike Olympic bike course is 40K (24.8 miles) and is also an out-and-back course. Cyclists start their ride with a climb up to the top of Donner Pass (about 1125’). This portion, first and last 4 miles, of the bike course is closed to all vehicular traffic (except emergency vehicles). Upon reaching the pass you will have a great view of Donner Lake and the Truckee Valley. You continue westbound along Donner Pass Road/Old Highway 40, passing Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch, cabins, ponds and other wonderful scenery. This portion of the course is relatively flat with small rolling hills. Upon reaching I-80, you will cross over the freeway and continue towards Kingvale. This portion of the course is surrounded by trees and you can often glimpse the South Yuba River. The turn-a-round point will include an aid station where you can toss your water bottle in exchange for a new one (either filled with water or fluid replacement). The course concludes with a curvy and speedy descent down Scenic Old Highway 40 where we remind you to use extreme caution.

The Foot Down Bike Stop: Whether you are competing in the Olympic, Half or Aquabike distance, you will be required to perform a foot down stop at the bottom of the descent, before continuing on to re-enter the transition area. A foot down stop means one of your feet comes out of your bike clips (or off your pedal) and rests on the ground in a designated spot while your bike is at a complete stop for a minimum of 3 seconds. The reason for the foot down stop is a safety issue. Should the foot down not be enforced, we would be cleaning up cyclists’ carnage as they attempted (unsuccessfully) to make the 130 degree turn back into the transition area at 45 mph. Everyone has to do the foot down stop so there is no advantage/disadvantage for anyone. Failure to comply will result in a DQ and there are absolutely no exceptions.

Mount/Dismount Area: At the Donner Lake Triathlon, you are not permitted to ride your bike in the transition area. There is a mount and dismount area outside of the bike start/bike finish tents.

Aid Stations

Bike Aid Stations

There are two Bike Aid Stations with the following:

• Water
• Electrolyte beverage

Your container can be refilled at the bike aid stations.

Race Recovery Aid Station

• Water
• Recovery beverage
• Cola
• Other items TBD year to year