This May will be the 3rd time doing this race. I think it’s one of my favorites all year long. The registration process and packet pick-up are easy. And they usually have a few “course discussions” in the weeks before the race. Probably worth your time to go because you get to run the course. The swim is great in fresh warm water. The bike has some climbing but does finish with a long downhill into T2. From there you’re running downhill to start then finish towards the end with a pretty good size hill. The finish line is same as start line @ Lake Mission Viejo. Not a real spectator friendly race because T2 is at a different location. Which is the only thing about this race I don’t like. Kind of a pain to set up T2 the day before the race then have to go back after the race to pick up your bike. But overall the race is excellent and very well run!