Five nights downtown for a full-distance triathlon, at one of the race's host hotels booked months ahead, then two nights at a small inn in Calistoga with a concierge, a driver and breakfast.
One of the race's host hotels, downtown. Race-weekend rates in a host city climb, and quoted rooms here have gone unavailable two months before the race, so I booked about eight months ahead on a refundable rate and held it. It is on IHG's partner rate for advisors, which adds daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit and a welcome amenity, plus an upgrade and early check-in or late checkout when the hotel has space. A room with two queen beds and a city view.
A small historic inn for the two nights after the race. After a full-distance race the legs want quiet: breakfast on site, and someone at the inn who books the massage. A suite by the pool, about 548 square feet, with a steam sauna in the room and breakfast included. The concierge plans winery visits, restaurants, biking, hiking, yoga and massage, and the inn runs its own driving service, because Uber and Lyft are not reliable in that part of the valley. Adults only.
Fly into Sacramento and pick up a minivan at the airport. Not a sedan: it has to take a hard bike case. Then downtown to the hotel and on to athlete check-in at the race village, with the first athlete briefings that afternoon. Checking in on Thursday, or by noon on Friday, is what gets you into the practice swim.
The practice swim in the river in the morning, with a timing chip required. More athlete briefings, a question-and-answer session for first-timers, and the welcome ceremony downtown in the evening. Supporters have their own briefing.
Mandatory bike check-in at transition. After that the job is food and rest. Lay out the race-morning gear and get to bed early.
Race day. Transition opens before dawn, and athlete shuttles run to the swim start on the American River until it closes. Spectators are not allowed at the swim start, so supporters head for the course and the finish downtown. Bike and gear check-out runs late into the night, so decide ahead of time who collects the bike.
Awards and world championship slot allocation downtown in the morning, for anyone who qualified or wants to be there. Otherwise a quiet day and a last night downtown, with breakfast on the rate.
Check out and drive to Calistoga, about 1.5 to 2 hours. The inn asks you to text the concierge your arrival time and any dietary needs before you arrive. Check-in is from 4 PM.
A day kept open for wine country at recovery pace. The concierge books winery visits, restaurants and massage, and the inn's driving service means nobody drives after a tasting.
Breakfast, then back to Sacramento to return the minivan at the airport and fly home.