This is Adventure Grrl, back to report about a truly insane event that happens on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe every year. On October 2, my brother, Greg, completed the Nissan Xterra USA Championship triathlon. The course, which is considered the toughest and most scenic in the Nissan Xterra Championship Series, combined a 1 mile swim in Lake Tahoe (which was 60 degrees and had white caps the day of the race), a 22 mile mountain bike ride that clumbed 2,500 feet in the Sierras, and a 6.2 mile run.

Greg said that something like 50 swimmers were pulled out of the water that day because the water was so rough. It was a windy, cloudy, and rainy day up at the lake. Luckily, my brother didn’t have to be pulled out of the water. Instead, he went on to a strong finish, despite having a cold and a touch of the stomach flu (hence, he didn’t eat anything the morning of the race).

Wow. Pure insanity, but the man is a machine. Any person that can complete this race is a machine! I mean, regular triathlons are tough, but this one adds in extreme mountain biking and trail running. I’m amazed.

Pics of my bro below… What’s next, Greg? The Ironman?!

This portion of the bike was so steep that it was mandatory to walk your bike.

And here he is running across the finish line, with his 4 year old son cheering him on!

September and October offer a host of special events in the Reno-Tahoe area. Over Labor Day, the hubby and I frequented the Best of the West Rib Cookoff. Victorian Square in Sparks was filled with arts and crafts booths, and the smell of ribs cooking on numerous bar-b-ques.

There was music playing all day long, with a variety of local bands, Bay Area bands, and headliners such as Collin Raye and Cracker.

This past weekend was the Great Reno Balloon Race, where colorful balloons fill up the morning sky. Balloons compete in a variety of races, and also features a Dawn Patrol balloon glow.

Coming up this weekend is the National Championship Air Races out at Stead airport. It is literally the fastest race you’ll ever see. In addition to races, there are military demonstrations and the Thunderbirds will even be performing this year.

One of Reno’s most exciting special events is Street Vibrations, where Harley riders from all around come thundering into town for cruises, food, music and entertainment. Even if you don’t ride a Hog, it’s fun to join in the friendly atmosphere of the bikers as you walk through the displays and see all of the shiny chrome.