Even though many East End residents and visitors take their bike out at a leisurely
pace, navigating the network of roadways and trails that are apt to undulate, those
who feel the need for speed aren't without options to fill their weekend agendas.
In order to get on the bike in a competitive situation, often you'll be required
to package the experience with a swim and run. Montauk holds a trio of triathlons
in the span of a month, including two in one weekend. They're three of the most
popular multi-pronged events on the Island – the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon on September
11, the MightyMan Sprint Triathlon on October 1, and the MightyMan Half Triathlon
the next day.
The bike portion (23.8 miles) for the Mighty Hamptons is roughly a fifth of Ironman
length (112 miles), but despite the lengthy trek, "The End" provides a picturesque
backdrop all along the way. The same goes for the sprint triathlon, a 17K bike,
and the half consists of two 28-mile loops that guide bikers along the shore of
Lake Montauk and out to the Montauk Point Lighthouse.
Like with most triathlons, interested parties can register as an individual or as
a relay team.
While some cyclists prefer the asphalt, mountain bikers want to get down and dirty.
That's what makes the Quogue Wild! Mountain Bike Race ideal. The star of the event,
which takes place on August 27, is an eight-mile loop that will challenge even the
most technically advanced rider. The race accepts entrants at three levels – beginner,
sports, and elite/ pro – with tests in one, two- and three-lap increments respectively.
The hundreds of 5Ks that take place on the Island each year oftentimes have charities
attached to them, and triathlons are no different. The Quogue race will donate a
portion of proceeds to the John Thiessen Children's Foundation, which comes to the
aid of needy families.
Some of the East End's most competitive riders are shoo-ins for the Serpent's Back
Mountain Bike Duathlon on October 7. It begins with a 2.4-mile trail run from Eddie
Ecker State Park in Montauk, continues with an 11-mile mountain bike, and a second
2.4-mile trail run winds along the shore of Napeague Bay. The trek isn't just challenging,
with sometimes steep single-track riding through Hither Hills, it makes for magnificent
views.
A month later in the same neighborhood with an added element, the Tour of the Shore
Triathlon celebrates its 10th installment on November 5. It begins with a 2.5-mile
kayak paddle across Napeague Harbor, turns into an 11.5-mile ride by bike through
Hither Hills, and concludes with a 4.5-mile run from Napeague Harbor Road to Lazy
Point in Amagansett.
The Tour benefits the Paddlers for Humanity Fund which has raised close to $600,000
since its inception. The money has been put toward projects like funding surf camps
for East End children with autism, the preservation of East End trails, and building
a school in Nicaragua through the non-profit buildOn.
On November 6, the Schiff Scout Reservation in Wading River hosts the Fall Mountain
Bike Sprint Duathlon & Relay, which features a 10 mile mountain bike ride bookended
by a pair of twomile trail runs. More information can be found by visiting www.dirtyevents.com/
FallRace.htm.
Like the East End in general, there's a little bit of something for everyone.
