Temecula

Just got back from Temecula, CA last night.
Amy and I were in the mood for a road trip so decided to drive to the race (1,000miles).
We stayed in Mesquite, NV while on the road. $34 for a decent room and I gambled a whole $1 which turned into $16. Huge night and to top it off Sammy A beers were only $2.
Got to Temecula and pre rode the course with Matt Balzer, it was hot out there but fun. Matt said I even rode over a rattler to top off the ride. Conrad Stoltz turned out to be at the campsite across from us. He was very friendly and gave Matt and I some tips for the bike course.
The race started a bit poorly as I got boxed in on the swim and had to half paddle for the first couple hundred. Once we got around the 1st buoy things opened up but by then the guys who I wanted to draft off of were long gone. From there I swam well on my own and ended up catching some guys going into transition. Swam about 2 minutes off the leaders which isn't bad for me at this point. Felt OK but not great on the bike and it was HOT. I had two water bottles and wish I had more. A few guys caught me on the trail, I felt a tad sloppy, need to get out on the mountain bike more. Into the run with Will Kelsay who thought we were in about 17th place. Top 12 got money so I got on it.
It was absolutely roasting and the course was brutal, out in the sun with horrible sandy hills. I wasn't running very fast but no one was so I was fine. Passed a few guys and almost caught Cody Waite at the finish but just couldn't get past him. Got my place and...13th. Solid but a bummer not to get into the money.