Half-Triathlon Bike Course

So, I've ridden a LOT of miles over the years. Most notably training for Ironman Lake Placid for the 2015 race. That training schedule had me log mile after mile all around the Adirondacks, and while the Ironman loop out of Lake Placid holds a special place in my heart, I've always been a huge fan of the roads leading in and out of Tupper Lake. I didn't know it at the time I rode it, but my favorite direction to Tupper Lake also happens to be the Tupper Lake Tinman course!

I had a friend once describe the course as "easy." After checking it out, I honestly think the more correct term is "relaxed." You'll notice from the elevation changes that there isn't much going on in terms of up and down, and at first I thought that might lead to a more mundane course. Especially given that other areas I've ridden in the Adirondacks have resulted in a bit of a white-knuckle experience at times — by choice mind you, my friends often ask me if I know where the brakes are :-). However, when combined with a run workout, I found it was an awesome course for training.  I was able to focus on being consistent before turning on the heat for an aggressive run.

I think I hinted at it above, but to say that this would be one of the more scenic triathlon courses I've ever ridden would be an understatement. It is absolutely gorgeous almost the entire ride with views like this to look at down most straightaways.

I've been on some beautiful back roads in the Adirondacks and sometimes they are not as well maintained as I'd like. Quite rideable, but you need a bit more attention devoted to the road than watching the scenery at times. Some of these back roads also have great corners and make for fun immersive riding, but again, you need to devote your attention to the road, and not the views. On the other hand, one of the things I love about the Tinman course is not only how great the road is in terms of condition, but also how straight the scenic vistas are. Very few rides do I find myself so relaxed and settled in my pace. There are no insane climbs or 50 mph downhills. It is just a consistently beautiful ride.

I'm super-stoked about hitting up the course for real! There are probably even some slots left in the Tupper Lake Tinman. Wish me luck!