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Taken from the White Lake Beacon (posted 9-7-05)

Going the Distance

Greg Bowman of Holland won his first triathlon at the YMCA Camp Pendalouan triathlon/duathlon on Aug. 27.

Greg Bowman won the first YMCA Camp Pendalouan triathlon/duathlon held Aug. 27 in impressive time, swimming, biking and running in 1:40:05.

Bowman, originally of Muskegon, now lives in Holland. It was his first triathlon and he said the event was a great way to use the resources located in Blue Lake Township.

“This was a great, great way to take advantage of both camps,” said Bowman. The event began at Y’s Camp Pendalouan, where the race got started with a swim in Blue Lake. The second leg of the triathlon included a mountain bike course, following trails within Owasippe Boy Scout Reservation, a neighboring camp to Pendalouan.

Bowman said he’s had experience running and swimming, but the biking portion of the event was new to him. Bowman completed the triathlon in 1:40.05. Another competitor, Scott Campau finished in second place, overall. He said Bowman’s effort was amazing. “In these events, when I lose I always try and look and back and think, I could have done better here, or I should have done something different there. Greg finished 15 minutes ahead of me. I know there’s nothing I could have done to have kept close to him.”

Montague resident Stu Scholl has participated in triathlons around the country and said the late August event was outstanding.

“It truly was one of the best I’ve competed in,” he said. “Where can you get this kind of usable space in Michigan? It’s another reason why we need to do everything possible to save Owasippe from development. Scholl said because of early morning rain on the day of the event he nearly skipped the triathlon. “Look what I would have missed,” he said, gesturing to sunlight breaking through the heavily forested trail.

Matt VanderSys, owner of Endurance Sports, LLC, sponsored the triathlon/duathlon and Family Fun Run at the Y Camp and its neighbors.