THIS holiday season, save the stampede for the swim start. That's right, registration is now open for next season's triathlons. From the Silicon Valley Olympic Triathlon to Wildflower in Big Sur, it's time to log in and sign up.  Keep in mind that a sport that has grown so quickly in such a short span of time will surely have Black-Friday-like lines for registration. And for many events, earlier registration is cheaper, so don't put it off. Also, some organizers have a new name and face as they have expanded to include more events, like veterans J & A Productions, who are now USA Productions. In the past they have been responsible for the San Jose International and the UVAS South Bay triathlons. This year the SJIT will be known as The Silicon Valley Olympic Triathlon and for you swimmers they will include another open water swim in the East Bay.  Meanwhile Tri California will be keeping with tradition in their lineup of events for 2009. Wildflower as usual will be the first big event of the season while Scott Tinley's Adventures in San Luis Obispo will cap it off.

Send a letter to the editor about this story.