ROKA Wetsuit Giveaway Winner Barry Vince Returns to the Legendary Wildflower

Excitement is building as Barry Vince from Long Beach, CA, prepares to return to the legendary Wildflower Experience this year—this time with a little extra motivation. Barry was the lucky winner of last month’s Wildflower ROKA wetsuit raffle, adding another layer of excitement to his Wildflower comeback. ROKA, known for its high-performance gear trusted by athletes worldwide, has outfitted Barry with a top-notch wetsuit to tackle the swim in style and comfort. A huge shoutout to ROKA Multisport for their continued support of the triathlon community and for helping athletes like Barry perform at their best.

For Barry, Wildflower isn’t just another race—it’s a return to where his triathlon journey truly began. Back in 2011, Wildflower was one of his first triathlons, and the experience left a lasting impression. The community spirit at WF is unlike anything else campfires with friends, the festival energy, cheering along the run course, and the unforgettable feeling of crossing that finish line. After being away for a few years, Barry is eager to be part of it all again.

Now, as Barry approaches 60, his goals look a little different. His training over the past five years has focused primarily on ultra-running and long-distance swimming, so he feels ready for those aspects. But the bike? That’s another story. The Wildflower bike course is notoriously tough, with a brutal initial climb right out of transition and the infamous Nasty Grade ready to push his limits.

It’s this challenge that has reignited his motivation to get back on the bike and put in the work. With only a month to go before race day, he’s pounding the inclines and adding heavy-tension spin classes to build strength. His mission? To get his “old legs” strong enough to conquer the course and finish what he started.

Over the years, Barry has had some unforgettable experiences at Wildflower. One memory that stands out was the time, at mile 55 of the bike course, a spectator offered him a margarita. He didn’t just take a sip—he pulled over, soaked in the moment, and stayed for an hour. Good times indeed!

But Wildflower is about more than just the race—it’s about the community, the energy, and the memories made along the way. Barry is looking forward to spending time with his amazing wife, connecting with his tri clubs—TRIBE and Betty Designs—and meeting a whole new group of friends.

For Barry, returning to Wildflower isn’t just about finishing a race; it’s about coming back to the heart of an event that fueled his passion for triathlons. And no matter what the course throws his way, he’s ready to embrace every moment—one climb, one mile, and maybe even one margarita at a time.

Come Join the Fun at Wildflower!

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete, a runner, a swimmer, or just someone looking for an unforgettable adventure, Wildflower offers something for everyone. From challenging courses to vibrant community vibes and unforgettable memories, the Wildflower experience is like no other. Don’t miss out—come join the fun and be part of the magic this year!