Aquabike — Texas City Triathlon
Athletes charging into Galveston Bay at the Aquabike swim start

Aquabike

The swim-bike race

Swim & bike. No run required.

Aquabike combines the Triathlon’s open-water swim and complete 15-mile bike course. It is a strong option for swimmers and cyclists, athletes managing a running limitation or anyone who wants a focused two-discipline challenge.

Aquabike athlete riding the coastal course
Be part of all the action.
Course & distances

Swim. Bike.

Begin with the open-water swim in Galveston Bay, move through transition and finish after riding the complete coastal bike course.

Male athletes exiting the Aquabike swim
Leg one · Galveston Bay

Swim

500 meters

The race begins with a running beach start into Galveston Bay and a clearly marked open-water course.

  • Shin- to waist-deep water approaching the first buoy.
  • Approximately 6–7 feet deep between the course buoys.
  • Return to the beach and follow the route into transition.
Female athlete riding the Texas City Aquabike course
Leg two · Texas City Dike

Bike

15 miles

The mostly flat and mostly closed course follows the Texas City Dike and nearby coastal roads.

  • Long, flat stretches make this a potentially fast course.
  • Galveston Bay views extend across much of the ride.
  • The exposed dike can make coastal wind part of the challenge.
Official finish at Bike In

How the race finishes.

Your official time stops after you dismount and cross the Bike-In timing mat. The main finish-line celebration follows in Rainbow Park.

01Start at
the beach

Report to your assigned swim wave wearing the correct swim cap.

02Swim Exit
to Transition

Complete the swim and follow the marked route into transition.

03Complete the
bike course

Buckle your helmet before touching your bike and mount only after the marked line.

04Finish at
Bike In

Dismount before the line. Your official time stops when you cross the Bike-In timing mat.

05Collect gear &
join the celebration

Collect your equipment, return your chip and ankle strap, then walk to Rainbow Park for your medal, food, results and awards.

Smiling cyclist returning through Bike In
Your time stops at Bike In

Finish the bike. Celebrate in the park.

Cross the Bike-In timing mat, collect your equipment, return your timing chip and join everyone in Rainbow Park for your medal and the post-race celebration.

Ways to participate

Individual Aquabike divisions.

Aquabike is an individual event and does not include a relay division.

Open

The standard division for individual Aquabike athletes. Open athletes are automatically considered for applicable Overall and Masters awards.

AWD/Para

Available for athletes with a disability or impairment who are eligible to compete in para sports.

Race-day support

What is available on course.

Plan ahead for restrooms, hydration and medical support throughout the venue and course.

01Restrooms

Restrooms are available in transition, with additional portable restrooms near the post-race parking area.

02Hydration Stations

Water and Gatorade are available at the transition exit. There are no hydration stations on the swim or bike courses.

03Course Medical

Medical personnel are stationed at the main finish area and patrol the courses throughout the race.

After you finish: Gather your bike and equipment, return your timing chip and strap to your assigned rack or directly to the timer, and then walk to Rainbow Park to collect your medal.

Choose the division that fits you.

Most athletes choose Open. AWD/Para is available for eligible athletes who want it. Aquabike does not include a relay division.

View Divisions & Awards
Texas City race finish-line celebration
Swim · Bike

Ready to swim and ride?

Swim Galveston Bay, ride the Texas City Dike and complete your Aquabike at the Bike-In timing mat.