Triathlon (or Mini-Tri) Anyone?

[syzygy314]

With all you athletic people here, I was hoping to pick your brains about storage of your things between legs. My DH is doing his first one tomorrow and is a little unsure about what to do with his wetsuit/swimsuit and other things when changing over to the the bike, then the run. The information pages are useless, even the one for beginners, in that regard.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[meowracer]

Hi there - first of all, all the best to your DH tomorrow! Is he nervous? I was a wreck before my first one. Here, we don't wear wetsuits. Where are you? A wetsuit in the summer - must be cccooolllldddd. They are not allowed if the water temp is over 83 degrees, I think it is. Anyway, there will be the transition area and he will see a sea of bikes with racks. Depending on the type of bike he has, he can either rack his bike by putting the handlebars over the top of the rack, or the front of the seat over the top of the rack. This puts the front tire on the ground that that is the area that he will use to store his stuff - that said, not all races are exactly like this and not everyone follows that rule. Once he gets there, there will be people all over to help out. Some races have assigned spots for your bike, some have generally assigned spots - as in, you are on this rack. The bikes are usually placed one facing one way, one the other, etc so that there is ample space for your stuff. He should take a hand size towel to establish his space and put his stuff on. I hang my helmet from my bike and have my sunglasses in it. I use a race belt for my number when running. The transition area will look like a mess when it is all said and done b/c people just throw their stuff in a hurry but I've never had a problem with anybody messing with my stuff or space. I have read that people will put their wetsuits over the bike rack when they come in. Here, I just wear a tri suit (2 piece) and swim, bike and run in it. Let me know if he has any other questions. I am doing another one tomorrow! It is addicting

 

[meowracer]

Oops - forgot to post this link: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1488

It has some good info - this is a video that talks specifically about the transition area.

 

[syzygy314]

Thanks for the info! I'll pass it on. The triathlon is in Niantic Bay in Connecticut, so, yes, the water doesn't really ever get very high, especially not 83! According to the rules of this one (it's the Amica Triathlon), he can't leave stuff anywhere, he has to take it all with him as he goes.

He's not really nervous, just worried about being disqualified because of something stupid. He won't get his packet until he gets there which stinks. Why they don't just post them on the website, I'll never know!

 

[meowracer]

I have never heard of taking your stuff with you. That is just odd. And here, the ones that I know of, we only have packet pickup on the days leading up to the race - absolutely no pickup the day of. I will be interested to hear how this one works! Let me know. Best of luck to him. Oh, and they virtually never DQ people, especially a first timer. You have to totally screw up. He will have to have his helmet on at all times that his legs are over the bars of his bike, and the helmet has to be strapped. That is a big one. No drafting on the bike, but you just lose points for that. No outside help - so you can't stand there and hand him something, etc. It will all be FUN!