A really nice, low key race is held every year during the last weekend of July/first weekend of Aug called the Colchester Triathlon in Colechester, VT (10 mins north of Burlington, VT). This race is designed to be the way races in the 1980's used to be - really no frills and cheap ($35). The swim (1/2 mile) is in Lake Champlain. It was so warm this year that I got really warm in my wetsuit. 
T1 is different than most races as there are no bike racks. Instead the race director gives you a stick with a fork at the end. You stick one end into the ground and lean your bike against the other end with the fork bracing the cross tube. Transition area is huge so they accommodate the "triathlon barbeque" syndrome (blankets for transition spots). The bike is rolling and fast (12 miles). T2 is in a separate area so you have to drop off your running shoes approximately 1/2 mile from T1. Again, your bike is placed on your transition blanket after the bike. The run is flat and slightly downhill but short (2.8 miles). At the end, the athletes and families are treated to a feast VT style. Prizes are usually 16 oz beer glasses. 
All in all, a nice race in beautiful VT!
PS. The tee shirts are cool, too!
T1 is different than most races as there are no bike racks. Instead the race director gives you a stick with a fork at the end. You stick one end into the ground and lean your bike against the other end with the fork bracing the cross tube. Transition area is huge so they accommodate the "triathlon barbeque" syndrome (blankets for transition spots). The bike is rolling and fast (12 miles). T2 is in a separate area so you have to drop off your running shoes approximately 1/2 mile from T1. Again, your bike is placed on your transition blanket after the bike. The run is flat and slightly downhill but short (2.8 miles). At the end, the athletes and families are treated to a feast VT style. Prizes are usually 16 oz beer glasses. All in all, a nice race in beautiful VT!PS. The tee shirts are cool, too!
