First Oly - Over the mountain versus Stumpy Creek?

I have not raced Over the Mountain.  I've heard it is a great race with lots of support, but what is a fact is that it has 2 transitions.  You will have to decide if that is an issue for yourself.

I have raced at Stumpy Creek (both Oly and Sprint) and enjoyed the races very much.  The swim is like most lake swims in the summer....hot water and little visibility.  The bike was challenging and scenic (partly through a state park).  In fact, I set my highest mph in a race during the Stumpy Creek Oly this year.  The run is also challenging and 2 loops (I liked that, some people don't).  We did have somewhat cool weather this year, so that was a plus.  I would like to do a race at Stumpy Creek again when it fits into my schedule.

Hope this helps.

Alan

I have not raced Stumpy Creek, but I HAVE raced OTM, and it is awesome.  It was my first Oly as well.  Prerace spaghetti dinner, with local bluegrass, was awesome when I did it in '07.

Point to point swim was my longest swim to that point, and I had a little nausea rounding the 3/4 buoy, but once I got my feet on land, felt great. 

My friend did it with me (much stronger athlete), and he and I discussed beforehand that there would be one hill on the bike where I would start laughing out loud while climbing.  He was right.  And then some!  But the scenery is wonderful there. 

The run is a double out and back, but the town's residents (King's Mtn) were great, coming out to their front lawns and cheering us on, spraying us down with water hoses.  The venue is quaint but fun. 

This was back before Setup was issuing dri-fit race shirts, and the cotton tee is still one of my favorite to wear just from a pride standpoint. 

As someone else posted though, go for both!

The run is now just an out and back, no double loop. 

Which is one of the reasons I didn't like Stumpy Creek.  Double loop through boring neighborhood with no one out.  Blah.

Ditto in '10.  Over the mountain bike is 2 letter grades better and swim and run are 1 letter grade better.  Plus its early and sets the tone for winter/spring training and summer racing.  Do yourself a favor and train on both of the bike courses whenever possible.