Newbie first race question

[Fred]

Hi,

I have a couple of questions related to my first triathlon attempt. I guess there is probably nothing original in my questions but I'll ask anyway.
My questions are specifically geared toward the Cleveland Triathlon taking place on July 17th.

I am curious as to how the transition area is organized. How much space do we have per rider? Is it true that even if you organize your stuff, they might be kicked around by other riders? Also, how do you locate your gear in the middle of 400 bikes ? Any other info/recommendation to organize the transitions/transition area ?

I am pretty excited about this first time triathlon.
Thanks a lot,
Fred

[robreddy]

I've done this race the last two years. Transition is located right where you climb out from the swim (exit up a boat ramp) so there is really no long run to transition. I would say in terms of room - it is about average to any other tri. Not a whole lot of space, but you can get what you need into your area. Be prepared to have about a 2-3 foot wide by 5 foot long space. It is possible that your stuff will be bumped around, but not in terms of being moved significant distances. Everything stays around your bkie. You will very generally be assigned to a bike rack. The racks will be numbered or lettered. That is the first way to find your stuff - kinda like finding your car in a big parking lot - you have to remembers that you parked in row C mid way down. I have seen folks tie helium balloons to their race (not bike) or use colored chalk to mark their row.

If this is your first tri and your concerned about transition (or really anything else) I might suggest attening as a spectator another race before yours. Maybe even volunteer - this will give you a birds eye view of everything.

[andrewjoyce]

Hi Fred

It will be a great race - the team putting it together is very well organized and experienced.

The transition area is generally going to be fairly free lowing - meaning that there is only going to be one entry point from the swim - and one exit point to the mount line - from where you commence the ride.

The racks may be numbered - or may not - this will become clearer closer to race day. I would say it is fairly safe to assume the racks will not be numbered - so the best advice would be to get to the race early on race day - and rack your bike immediately after the transition area opens.

The racks will be fairly tight in terms of the number of bikes - generally each rack will have an alternating pattern of bikes - ie - every other bike will be facing the opposite direction with a few inches either side.

So - efficiency is important - do some transition practices prior to the race day - know what you need in the transition area and how you will set it up.

Normally - helmet, sunglasses go on top of your bars - facing up so you remember to put them on before un-racking your bike.

Shoes etc on a small towel on the ground immediately next to your bike.

Everyone has the same restricted space to work with - so you will find almost everybody being considerate of each other.

Bike racking is like seeding yourself before a swim start - those bikes racked nearest the bike exit are typically grabbed by the faster athletes - the farther back from the exit - you tend to have a little more room.

yes - you do have to jog withyour bike farther to the bike start - but you make it up when you get back into T2 - when you have a shorter distance to jog your bike.

So...it really is a wash!

See if you can rack right on the end of a rack - or adjacent to a light pole or some other distinguishable feature in the transition area - or perhaps have a family member stand nearby your bike rack (outside of transition obviously)

Some people even tie a small helium filled balloon to their bars - making it REAL easy to find your bike, but if you don;t take it off - it will be a nuisance on the ride - and if you let it go - it is littering - but you get my drift.

Most importantly - once you have your bike racked - simulate your transition with a walk through - pre-race - walk into the T area as if you were exiting the swim - know where to find your bike- go to your bike and visualize getting your gear on - then visualize running to the mount line and riding off.

If you choose to go for a quick spin on race morning - after racking your gear - be sure to leave a towel/wetsuit or even a friend - at your rack place - to ensure it is not taken by a late comer!!

Most importantly - use the transition area as an opportunity to get your heart rate down - and prepared for the next leg.

I suggest going to several local races and watching a transition area in full swing, plus - watch our for our transition clinic - which we will be arranging as part of a group training ride soon.

Andrew

[Fred]

Guys,

Thanks so much for the info. I can definitely better visualize the transition area and the organization involved.
I'll be checking the site for the clinic...I would definitely be interested.
Thanks again,
Fred