Tully Lake Triathlon

A little throwback to one of my favorite western ma races, the Tully Lake Triathlon. I will miss this years event (2014) as I will be expecting my first daughter, Rose, to be born.

The Tully Lake Tri is a 5 mile paddle, 4.5 mile trail run, and 7.5 mile mountain bike. The paddle is scenic and the single track flowy.  The entire course is situated in the Trustees of Reservation Tully Lake in the peak of fall season. In technicality, I would rate the run as easy to moderate and the mountain bike intermediate with a few more technical stretches.

The race begins at Tully Lake Campground which makes for a super fun weekend getaway, Earlier, I raced the Peaked Mountain Birthday Trail run, another great Trustees race located in Monson, Ma and took home a 2 night stay at the Tully Lake campground (Peaked Mountain Birthday Run Race Report).  I am looking to using that prize to bring Rose to her first camping trip so she and mommy can ring some cowbell while daddy races the 2015 race.

Here is the 2013 video put together by Kevin Murphy. Thanks Kevin for the great footage!

Peaked Mountain 10k Birthday Run, Monson

Peaked Mountain 10k

Monson, Ma

pronounced "peak-ed"

                                                     

The Peaked Mountain 10k, or Peaked Mountain Birthday run is a hidden trail race gem. After running the race I am surprised there are not more runners coming down to Monson. Meandering along Monson's back roads to get to the nature reserve in itself is a selling point. While you are in the area, consider checking out my favorite brewery Tree House. http://treehousebrew.com/ This years race date was Sept 20 (2014).

The course is not very technical but still provides some challenges and is extremely well marked. There is a big climb with a short rocky scramble to  to the top of Peaked Mt, including a scenic view northward up to Quabbin.  The downhill from peaked mountain is fast and serious fun. There are 2 stretches of pavement connecting 2 of the Trustee reservation, Peaked Mountain and Miller Forrest, but the stretch is not too long and gave spectators a chance to cheer on racers. The pavement finish also allowed some runners to push hard at the end. 

  

                                                 photo credit: Ted Ruegsegger 
                   
Both trail sections are great! I loved the view from Peaked Mountain, the flowy single and double track, fast downhills, the climbs, and the views around Lunden Pond.

I especially loved the laid back, grassroots feel to the race. The post race had 2 varieties of delicious homemade birthday, chocolate zucchini and I forgot the second. to celebrate \Peaked's birthday of being incorporated by the Trustees and now has its land protected. 

               

       Zucchini Cake

Music!

There was also a guitarist playing and signing some great music. The music added to the small town country style feel. Crystal and I hung out for awhile sitting in the sun, cheering on racers, listening to the music, and ringing some cowbell.

I ended up winning this years race and scored 2 free nights at Tully Lake Campground. Pretty sweet deal!  I had a great time and hope to make back it next year.