Girls Just Wanna Tri - and Sip Riesling
Top reasons why IRONMAN 70.3 Musselman is the ultimate girls’ weekend in the Finger Lakes
There’s a certain magic to Geneva, New York, in July. The way the morning mist curls off Seneca Lake, the way vineyards stretch in green waves up the hillsides, the way locals can’t help but wave from historical home porches as cyclists glide by. By the time you roll into town, you’ll understand why Musselman regulars call this race “vacation miles.” Yes, it’s still 70.3 miles of swim-bike-run, but the setting makes it feel like a weekend escape wrapped around a personal challenge.
I returned to Geneva and IRONMAN 70.3 Musselman for the second time this summer, armed with a partner in crime (thanks, Barb!), and ready to test my theory of IRONMAN 70.3 Musselman as the best spot for a girls' weekend on the circuit!
The Story Behind the Mussel
The Musselman name?
That comes from the region’s old days as a center of mussel shell harvesting, back when those shells were turned into pearl buttons. Today, it’s a nod to the freshwater mussels that live in Seneca Lake and its tributaries—tiny but mighty creatures that quietly filter and clean the water. When race founder Jeff Henderson launched the event in 2004, he wanted a name that was rooted in the place, as unique and enduring as the community that would embrace it. The race grew from a grassroots local event to an IRONMAN 70.3 that still feels personal, like a hometown race that just happens to draw athletes from around the world.
The Course: Equal Parts Challenge and Charm
The swim is a straight-up gift: crystal-clear, calm (most of the time) waters in Seneca Lake, with the kind of visibility that makes you forget you’re in a race and not just out for a summer dip.
The bike course is an award-winning, 56-mile tour of Finger Lakes beauty. You’ll trace the edge of Seneca Lake before cutting inland through open farmland, past old barns and sun-dappled roads. The wind here can be playful or punishing, but either way, the scenery distracts you. The final stretch takes you past rolling vineyards and tasting rooms, the siren call of post-race wine already in your ears.
The run is two laps, hugging the lakefront to start, then weaves through shady neighborhoods close to the Geneva shoreline. There’s a calm that comes with running by the water, even as your quads are screaming. Maybe it’s the crowd’s cheers, maybe it’s the lake breeze, maybe it’s knowing there’s a cold drink waiting at the finish line.
Why It’s Perfect for a Girls’ Trip
1. Race all or part, Your Choice
For a girls’ trip, this event is tailor-made. You can tackle the whole 70.3, split it up in a relay, or volunteer and cheer. It’s as competitive or as chill as your crew makes it.
2. The bike course is pure eye candy.
Voted one of the most beautiful on the IRONMAN circuit, the 56-mile loop hugs Seneca Lake’s shoreline before climbing through farmland, cutting past red barns, rolling vineyards, and roadside farm stands.
3. The swim is crystal clear.
Seneca Lake’s water is cool and clean in the early morning, framed by misty hills in the distance.
4. The run is a postcard.
It follows the Geneva waterfront and into shaded neighborhoods where locals set up sprinklers, cheer with cowbells, and—true story—sometimes hand out popsicles.
The Post-Race Plan: Wine, Laughter, Repeat
You’ve crossed the finish line, medal around your neck, and the only thing you’re chasing now is food and fun. Geneva and the surrounding Finger Lakes region deliver in spades—wineries, breweries, lakefront patios, and enough farm-to-table spots to keep you well-fed for the whole weekend.
Girls’ Weekend Guide to Geneva & the Finger Lakes
Where to fuel, sip, shop, and soak in the race-cation glow.
Sip & Savor
Three Brothers Wineries & Estates – Three unique wineries + a brewery, all on one property. Perfect for tasting flights without driving.
Belhurst Castle & Winery – Founded in 1885, this castle has options for lodging, spa, pub and winery
Boundary Breaks Vineyard – Award-winning Rieslings, unbeatable Seneca Lake sunsets.
Ventosa Vineyards - A warm Tuscan setting with a terrace & cafe overlooking the vineyard & Seneca Lake.
Seneca Lake Wine Trail - More than 30 wineries, breweries, and cideries circling the water like a liquid necklace.
Eat Well (and Late)
Kindred Fare – Elevated comfort food, farm-to-table style. Don’t skip the house bread.
FLX Table – An intimate chef’s table experience—book early if you’re celebrating a race finish.
The Rusty Pig – Classic rustic spot for cold beer and great BBQ (try ALL the sauces!)
Shop & Stroll
Lake Drum Brewing – Great beer, cider, and kombucha for the non-wine drinkers.
Stomping Grounds – Browse books, art, and vintage finds.
Geneva Farmers Market – Saturday mornings on the lakefront—fresh pastries, honey, and flowers for your Airbnb.
Play in the Water
Seneca Lake State Park – Beach, splash pad, and swimming.
Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals – Paddle from Geneva’s waterfront toward vineyard views.
Sunset Cruise – Bring snacks, bubbly, and your medal.
Pro Tip:
If you’re doing the race relay-style, plan your “leg trade-off” celebrations—wine slushies in transition are frowned upon, but highly encouraged afterward :-)
Bottom line: Musselman is the rare triathlon where you can go all-in on racing and all-in on fun. You’ll leave Geneva with sore legs, a full heart, and a camera roll full of lakeside sunsets.
Bonus: As part of my adventure, I scooped up one of the eclectic Airbnbs in the area. This one, located in Seneca Falls, is a gem that includes a tiny house AND the option of sleeping on their small wooden boat on the lake. Wait.. what?