On the eve of battle at the California Ironman 70.3 at Oceanside.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Defending champion Andy Potts signs posters.

Oceanside expo.

Looking south from the Oceanside Pier.

Ben Hoffman signs posters.

Heather Jackson, last year's close second place finisher to Mirinda Carfrae, laughs as she displays her recent Lava Magazine cover.

Amanda Grant works the Rudy Project booth.

John Howard, 1979 Ironman Hawaii champion, three-time Olympian, gives a talk on bike tech.

Jim Curl, co-founder of the groundbreaking USTS series, at the Oceanside expo.

Mike Plant, pioneer triathlon writer, photographer and announcer and author of Iron Will, at the Oceanside expo.

Good friends and Purple Patch triathletes coached by Matt Dixon, Linsey Corbin and Meredith Kessler.

Lesley Paterson, 2011 XTERRA World Champion, ready to race Oceanside.

Leon Griffin, 2006 ITU Duathlon World Champion.

Matt Reed and two of his lively children.

Richie Cunningham, coming to Oceanside after a fine third place at Ironman 70.3 Panama.

Ben Hoffman suited up for a test swim in cold waters.

The chief designer of Betty sportswear.

Specialized mechanic preparing Ben Hoffman's disc wheel.

High fashion compression socks.

Kerrry Classen, 39, former top pro and Navy SEAL, is in town to ride but not compete.

Loree, a local singer-songwriter, plays and sings real good for free on the Oceanside Pier.