What began as a weekend of bluegrass music and rustic camping in the early 1980s has grown into one of the most beloved endurance events in the world. The one and only Wildflower Triathlon - set on the stunning shoreline of Lake San Antonio in Monterey County - is more than a race. It’s a return to community, connection and the simple joy of being outdoors.
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Back then, there were no giant start arches or slick finish-line tape—just a few friends, acoustic guitars and a new sport called triathlon taking root among the California oaks. But from the beginning, Wildflower was different. It had soul. It had spirit. And it had one man’s wild idea that racing could be about more than just the clock.
That man was Terry Davis.
As the founder of the Wildflower Triathlon, Terry viewed the event not just as a test of physical endurance, but also as a celebration of everything he loved about the Central Coast: community, live music, good food and the rugged beauty of nature. For him, and for thousands of athletes who would follow, Wildflower was as much about the experience as it was about the competition.
And his daughter, Colleen Bousman, was there from the very beginning. Colleen grew up at Lake San Antonio—setting up bike racks, helping her dad paint course signs, and watching the event grow from a grassroots gathering into a global phenomenon. Today, as President and Race Director of the Wildflower Experience, Colleen is leading the charge in keeping that spirit alive, while growing it for the next generation.
“I don’t really remember a time when Wildflower wasn’t part of our lives. It taught me grit, resilience and what happens when you build something meaningful with your community.”
Colleen Bousman, President and Race Director of the Wildflower Experience
Now, her daughter Emaly Bousman, age 21, is part of the legacy—helping lead the charge on marketing and club outreach, just as Colleen once did alongside her own dad, who remains actively involved in the event.
“It’s full circle,” Colleen says. “Watching Emaly step into this with passion, creativity, and ownership - a continuation of the family spirit my dad started and still helps nurture today.”
While the triathlon courses (including long-course, Olympic, sprint, and gravel options) remain the cornerstone of the event, Wildflower has evolved into a full-blown festival. It’s now a three-day experience that brings together athletes, families, and fans to enjoy the best of the Central Coast lifestyle.
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Each day, participants can enjoy yoga at sunrise, trail runs through wildflower-covered hills, and open-water swims in one of California’s most picturesque lakes. In the evenings, the venue comes alive with local food trucks, wine tastings, and live music that pays homage to the event’s bluegrass roots—now expanded to include a range of genres from folk to rock.
Campsites become pop-up neighborhoods, where families roast marshmallows, swap stories from the course, and let the kids run free under the stars.
“It’s a full weekend away,” says Colleen. “Yes, there’s world-class racing, but it’s also about unplugging, being with your people, and soaking in the best of what this region offers.”
Like many great events, Wildflower faced tough times. When the California drought hit in the mid-2010s, water levels at Lake San Antonio dropped, and the race was forced into hiatus. For the athletes and families who returned year after year, it was heartbreaking.
But for Colleen, it was a chance to rebuild. She rallied support from the community, reimagined what Wildflower could be, and, in true triathlete fashion, never stopped moving forward. The result is today’s Wildflower Experience—bigger, bolder, and celebrates the best of the Central Coast!
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The 2025 Wildflower Experience is taking place May 2–4 and promises to be a can’t-miss celebration. With expanded music lineups featuring local bands, delicious food trucks, and activities for all ages, the weekend offers something for everyone to enjoy. Participants can choose from a variety of race options, including long-course, Olympic, sprint, and gravel triathlons, as well as a 5K, 10K, trail run, and open-water swim. Off the course, enjoy yoga sessions, wine tastings, and a vibrant festival atmosphere celebrating community, wellness, and the spirit of the Central Coast. The one and only Wildflower is ready to welcome thousands back to the lake.
Come for the challenge. Stay for the experience. And become part of the story that’s still being written. For more information or to register for a race, visit WildflowerExperience.com.
