Foxlake is primarily a cable wake boarding centre. They also host other events, trail runs and the Durty Events Night tri. The same team puts on Craggy Island and Aviemore triathlons. It promised to be a bit of fun, demonstrated by the fact – you drink a small quantity of beer and have 30 secs deducted for each of three possible refreshment opportunities. I did Gullane Beach tri and finished hobbling with a sore calf. I was uncertain until the day. It was 10 minutes ride from home and something a bit different on a Saturday night, decision made. First time I’ve asked for an on the night entry.
The floodlights made a modest impact. However wasteful the glow sticks were, they were colourful as I watched the first wave splash up the dark water. Only 200m, but decided on wetsuit, it was chilly waiting in the water. A few went without.
The additional tactics of making your bike visible in transition and avoiding navigational errors in the dark added to the experience. I left my back light on ready. Straight into trail shoes and flats with pins I sped off from transition onto familiar trails for a 5.7km ride. My rigid 29er mtn bike was just the job for the almost entirely flat course. The variety of lighting options made for quite a spectacle as the participants cycled and ran around the lake. My “Mary” bars made for tricky light mounting, I was glad for additional helmet lighting. Embarrassingly at the start of the 1.8km run I managed to choose a different path from everyone else, giving me incentive to run a bit harder.
I avoided the beers but having been put in the second wave with the women and the vintage was unsure of my position, it being dark added to the uncertainty. I was happy my calf held up and it certainly helped knowing the local trails.
Recommended for a fast and furious outing. Make a day or an afternoon and visit Dunbar, John Muir Birth Place.
http://www.durtyevents.com/foxlake-night-triathlon.html
Mark James