Weekend Athlete Hits the Elkhart Lake Triathlon in a 2009 Kia Sedona
It’s summer, and that means it’s time to switch to triathlons, camping and trail-running. The Weekend Athlete feature is also changing things up, adding a more real-life, real-use look at whatever car — sometimes, gasp! rentals — I’m taking on my adventures.
Destination: Racing the Elkhart Lake Triathlon
Car: 2009 Kia Sedona
Distance: About 338 miles
The Trip: I’ve done this triathlon several times over the past few years, and it might just be my favorite because it gives me an excuse to take a long drive in the country on one or two lightly traveled roads. The racecourse is also super-fun, with good hills.
My bike obviously comes along, and because it’s early in the year the wetsuit does too. I like to stay up in Wisconsin the night before, so I bring more gear than normal: Food, extra clothes, etc. To my mind, all of this means that it’s the best triathlon to test a car. (In a weird coincidence, the first time I did this race I had a Kia Optima sedan.)
One feature that I really wish the Sedona had: A telescoping steering wheel with audio controls. I think it’s best to keep your hands on the wheel if possible, and I couldn’t quite position the steering wheel exactly where I wanted it. Small potatoes, of course, but it’s honestly the only thing I really wanted.
Feature I found I didn’t need: Removable second-row seats. I had plenty of room just folding the seats, and who wants to put up with storing the things? Now, if I were moving furniture…
A feature I found surprisingly useful: The ability to tumble the second-row seats forward. When they were tumbled that way and secured with the strap, I had exactly the right amount of room for my bike and gear.
Drive report: As you’d expect — and can see from the pictures — hauling stuff in a minivan is pretty easy. I was a bit worried the Sedona would be tossed around by the wind during my drive, but it didn’t seem to be badly affected. Visibility was excellent, which helped a lot when I was parking for the race and driving through the crowded parking areas.
Athlete notes: All the doors and hatches were manual — no power open or close features — but loading my bike and gear was still pretty easy. Also, as you can see, the second-row seats fold over, or you can fold them even farther and secure them with a cloth strap. The first way meant I had to take my front wheel off to fit my bike, but the second way let me leave the wheel on.
The Sedona also has a large gas tank, which is nice when you just want to sit down, drive away from the race and be home as fast as you can.
Comfort vs. Convenience: There was no issue with this, even in the relative no-frill zone that is the Sedona. The minivan was both comfortable and convenient. Maybe later in the summer, when I get different cars, this will be a category worth watching.
Final thoughts: This was an easy vehicle to live with as an athlete. I didn’t have to leave any toys behind. In fact, I could’ve easily brought friends and their equipment along as well. The Sedona is a car I’d pick for my racing again if I had the chance.
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Easy...
where is the locker cred...? LOL...
Actually I know a couple who came to the US in a exchange to teach 2 years and they bought an used Dodge Gran Caravan and they have driven all across the country, even sleeping in the minivan and they loved it.
The KIA minivan ranks the lowest among the Honda,Toyota,Nissan,Chrysler offerings.I would stick with Chrysler.We need to show some support for the original minivan maker.
Rented a Sedona last yr for trip to Florida. Great Space but all of interior felt cheap and like a very basic Chrysler. Engine did have great pickup but overall was not impressed. Bought used Honda Odyssey great van but transmission issues. Bottom line Minivans are Great Vehicles for any trip....
Thanks for the Weekend Athlete blog. This is very useful. I highly recommend the Honday CR-V for triathletes. I bought my daughter one recently and we've been thrilled with it. The split rear seats tumble forward to create a huge cargo area with high clearance floor to ceiling. With one seat up, she can fit her bike in the back, wheel on and standing up, while still carrying a passenger in the remaining back seat. Generally, only minivans can accommodate bikes standing up; not even the big SUVs usually manage the trick. We can even carry two bikes in back with the front wheels off, again with the bikes upright and three occupants in seats. Of course, keeping the bikes standing reduces the risk of damage to the derailleurs or grease on the carpet. Plus, they are easier to load that way. A rear seatbelt around the seatpost helps keep them in place. The CR-V's mileage is fantastic, its price is reasonable and the ride is great. As to reliabibility, it's a Honda. All in all, this may be the perfect weekend athlete vehicle.
Actually you don't need to remove your seats with a Dodge Grand Caravan Stow n'Go... and you can sleep there, if you need to, nothing new under the sun.