Start on the beach and exit on the beach. I am usually a middle of the pack swimmer in large events.

Could have pushed it harder, but it was different today.

There were no bike racks, bikes went on the ground. It was huge transition area for the number of people participating. I had some trouble getting out of my wetsuit, but overall it went pretty smoothly. There were several teams competing that passed me in the transition zone while I was changing. http://www.friendsoflakesylvia.org/FriendsofLakeSylvia/Photos.html#...

smile more

Super volunteers, awesome course maintenance, and perfect course markings. I felt confident that I was on course the entire route, which I was a bit concerned with in the off-road setting particularly at a small event. I had never led a race before and that is pretty fun actually.

I rode a fully suspended Specialized Epic. I think a lighter, front-suspension bike would be the 'weapon of choice' for this intermediate course.

T2 went better as I was able to switch out shoes. This was my first test of the speedcross shoes and the pull laces. It is good. I should have converted my running shoes for the regular triathlons for the other races.

Tried to keep my pace up even though there was not any pressure.

enjoy the surroundings

Soaking up the sunshine lakeside looking at the fall colors. It is an incredibly intimate setting at Lake Sylvia. Talked with a local newspaper. Listened to the banjo band that was on-stage. Visited the vendors and had a hot breakfast of eggs and pancakes. There were no lines, no waiting.


At least in it's 1st year, this was not a very competitive race.


I think most participants had the course to themselves. I had not been in a community race before. It has a completely different atmosphere, plus to be in the woods and sunshine. It is a lot of fun for competitive people, those interested in trying an off-road triathlon, but especially intermediate/beginners and families. The people, the volunteers and the intimate lake-side scene make this a great place to spend the day (weather permitting).

I agree with one of the local riders, Ki Shin, with all the growth in triathlon... the off-road market is set to grow substantially. If the word gets out about Lake Sylvia many more people will arrive. I learned about this race from active.com and also found the details at beginnertriathlete.com