9/22/2018

Ledges To The Lake Adventure Triathlon

Hinckley, Ohio

Scott Orlando

Finish Time:  1:18:42

Overall Finish:  7th Place

Division Place:  1st Place

Race Review By Scott Orlando

This was the 7th year for the annual Ledges To The Lake Adventure Triathlon in Hinckley, Ohio.  The race consists of a 3.5 mile run, 5K kayak, and 9 mile bike.  The run is on done on the trails around Hinckley Lake that change between paved, gravel and dirt.  The course has lots of hills and turns as it makes its way around the lake to the boat house to the kayak leg.  I was a little slow on the run but I knew I could make up time in the kayak so a conserved energy and stayed at a nice easy pace.  I chose to use my Stellar SR Multisport for the kayak leg.  I had a fast transition into the 19′ surf ski and quickly started passing the runners that had gotten ahead of me.  The speed of the SR was not match for any of the slower recreational boats and I quickly got back to the front of the race.  I have to admit that I enjoyed the look on the faces of the kayakers in the slower boats as I flew past them with ease!  Another clean transition to the bike and I was off to tackle the 3 laps of hills.  I was back and forth the entire bike course with a much younger but very fast competitor.  My only advantage was my faster triathlon bike compared to his basic hybrid.  I would pass him on the flat and declined parts of the course and he would catch me on the hills.  The last lap I really dug in, got the lead, and held on to the finish beating him less then a minute.  The race was well organized.  They provide an award for 1st place overall (no 2nd or 3rd overall)  and age groups are configured strangely.  Awards were a little lacking in quality but the shirts were nice and I did when a nice raffle prize of a free entry to next year’s race.  I always enjoy this race and look forward to returning in the future.