June gloom has recently brought overcast skies and choppy seas to Southern California, but conditions were different for the 2009 Redondo Beach triathlon. On June 14 the sun was shining and the sea was calm as a young bugler played the Star Spangled Banner at the 4th annual sprint race. Lifeguards and paddlers flanked athletes as they entered the water for the .5 mile swim from north of the Redondo jetty to just south of the pier. Crowds, including LA Tri Club volunteers, lined the course to cheer for their fellow clubbers. The transition from the waves included an incline to the transition area and the extra voices helped motivate this racer up to her bike! The LA Tri Club had a strong showing on the mostly flat and very fast two-loop six mile course and single loop 2 mile run. Race organizers welcomed many first-timers and young triathletes while also making the course safe and open for more experienced racers. Tri Club volunteers were a great cheering squad and support group. It turned out to be a clear and sunny morning for a race. The only complaint from this participant was that it was so short!