Logistics: Two Transitions 20 km Apart, a Car Is Essential, and Lodging Is Pricey

The Setup: Two Separate Venues

This race has split-venue logistics. T1 is at Lake Cahuilla, where you swim and where the mandatory wetsuit decontamination happens. T2, the expo, and the finish are at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The two sites are about 20 km apart, roughly a 25-minute drive. Entry to both venues is free and, according to race reports, parking is well organized. But the distance between transitions shapes your whole weekend: plan accordingly.

The Day Before: The Key Day

Setup for both transitions happens the day before, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. At the lake you rack your bike in T1 and, as a non-negotiable step, dip your wetsuit in the decontamination solution: Lake Cahuilla is a protected area and the procedure prevents the introduction of non-native species. Skip this step and you don't swim. At T2 at the Tennis Garden, you just drop your run bag. The practical tip: hit the lake first, then the Tennis Garden, and leave yourself plenty of buffer. Between bib pickup at the expo, the briefing, driving between venues, and lines, race eve is a solid half day. Don't schedule anything else.

You Need a Car, Period

Without a vehicle this race gets complicated: you have to bring your wetsuit and bike to the lake the day before and move between the expo, your lodging, and the venues. If you're flying in, book a rental car with room for your bike. If you're traveling with a bike bag, factor in build time and a shakeout ride before bike check-in.

Race Morning: Shuttles to the Lake

On race morning, athletes get to Lake Cahuilla by shuttle from the T2/finish area. That means: early wake-up, a minimal morning bag (your bike has been at the lake since the day before), and warm throwaway or drop-off layers, since the low can hit 12 °C. Check the official shuttle schedule as soon as it's published and aim for the earliest run: the shuttle line is not where you want to start your race stressed.

Spectators: The Swim Is the Weak Spot

Multiple race reports note that watching the swim start is logistically tough: the spectator shuttles from the lake are inconvenient. The practical advice for family and friends: skip the swim start and plan to catch the bike and especially the run, which with its two loops through the golf resort offers more viewing points plus the finish in the same area as T2. Less stress for everyone and more cheering where it actually matters, in the hot hours.

Where to Stay: Houses Beat Hotels

Hotels in the Palm Springs / Indian Wells area are very expensive on race weekend. The option recommended by veterans is renting a house, which also works well if you split costs with other athletes or travel with family: you get a kitchen for your pre-race dinner and space for your bike. Book early: it's a high-demand weekend in the valley.

Operational Checklist

• Book lodging and a car as soon as you register: prices go up.
• Day before: lake (bike in T1 + wetsuit decontamination) → Tennis Garden (run bag in T2), all between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Pack two separate bags the night before: one for T1/the lake, one for T2.
• Race morning: shuttle from the finish area to the lake, warm layers for the wait.
• Tell your supporters: skip the swim start, bike and run are better.
• Check the official page for final shuttle, transition, and briefing times: this guide is based on public sources and should be confirmed.