Tri Etiquette

[CycleAloha]

Doing my first Sprint Tri in a couple of months and was wondering if there is any etiquette that I should know about. I don't know how competitive I will be but doing it more for the self-satisfaction of completing it...at the same time I don't want to slow anyone else down. Thanks

[H2OChick]

Hmmm... I'm sure others with more experience can add to this, but here are a few that come to mind - also be sure to read the rules and regs, usually posted on the event's website.

1. Don't touch anybody else's stuff in the transition area, i.e. don't move anything that isn't yours.
2. Don't take up more room in the transition area than the width of a towel
3. Don't breaststroke kick when in close proximity with other competitors
4. Buckle your helmet before unracking your bike
5. If you stop to mount your bike, don't stand in the middle of the roadway - this allows all those advanced types who do running mounts to keep their momentum going
6. Don't be afraid to use your voice when you're on the bike - passing and such

That's all I can think of... I'm sure the more-experienced folks can add more...

[auto208562]

I agree with H2OChick about transition but want to add something. Some people can really be space hogs so just use common sense and be considerate but don't let people overrun your space. Especially the ones that come late and try to squeeze in.

Also, if you are a MOP'er or BOP'er, then for the swim, don't start out in the front of the pack. Not only for etiquette but also for your safety. Actually, I'd advise to start out on the far right or far left, not in the middle. At least for your first one.

On the bike, usually the "slow" lane is to the right, so don't take up all the space if it's tight. People will pass on the left.

[CycleAloha]

Also, if you are a MOP'er or BOP'er,.....?????
What is MOP'er or BOP'er?????

[RoadToad]

MOP - middle of pack
BOP - back of pack

Best suggestion - have fun!

[Jaybird]

My suggestions...Have fun & Don't quit!!!!

[CycleAloha]

AHHHHHHHH....why does BOP'er just feel right!!!! Anyway, I'm very hyped and training hard so we'll see. Thank you guys for your info. Take care.

[sweetharriet]

mostly it's about being safe:

check out this post o mine (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=142251&highlight=rules)

:) ...and having fun! if you know the rules, you can settle down to enjoying the race experience.

[CycleAloha]

Great info....there is a safety/rules mtg b/f my race so I'm sure they'll hit on this stuff too, but if not thank you all for your help.

[cjbruin]

The two most important things...

#1 - Stay to the right on the bike unless you are passing someone.

#2 - Stay to the right on the bike unless you are passing someone!!!

[Triguy]

I have to reitterate what cjbruin said. not only does not sticking to the right slow people who are passing down, it also makes them more likely to look like drafters. Most of all just have fun and be aware of your surroundings.

Good luck

[Anbaric Cog]

Dear CycleAloha
I have done a couple of Triathlons now and the one piece of etiquette that I would beg for is please don't kick the slow swimmer to your right in the head--it is probably me. I think the adrenalin rush gets some people who are trying to be nice and start out in the back of the pack--then they surge forward (and over) those of us who are moving at a slower but steady pace.

I think Tri is wonderful for focus, in your workouts and in your life!

a.c.
:D

[dorepsol2]

remember where your bike is in the traansition area. if you can, bring a ballon and tie it to the rack where your bike is located. your bike is now flagged and you know exactly where to go. on my first sprint, i wasted a good 2 to 3 min trying to find my bike. i had a mountain bike at the time and still couldnt find it. i was soo dam tired from the swim it took me what seemed like forever. also bring something to rinse/wipe your feet when transitioning from the swim to the bike. youll most likely have to run thorugh dirt after the swim unless its in a pool and its annoying have to have to put your socks on with the sand/mud in them, then still have to bike and run. youll be fine. there alot of fun. just focus on finishing, dont worry about place.

[CycleAloha]

Great info...thanks all. I'm hyped about it, just over a month now. Not worried about my place just wanna finish...but don't want to to get in anyones's way. Should be alot of fun. Thanks again

[RugbyToTri]

I wouldn't worry much about getting in someone's way or kicking them or much of anything else. As long as you know the rules (the major ones are usually reviewed at the start of most sprints and olympics) and you are not trying to be a jerk, the rest will fall into place. If a faster swimmer is behind you and wants to pass, it is his/her problem. Either they positioned themselves poorly or showed up to the start too late.

99.9% of the time, anything bad that happens to you (e.g. getting kicked) wasn't intentional. Go out there knowing that you are properly trained and (short of a mojor crash on the bike or run-in with a vehicle) nothing terrible will happen. The sport became 100 times more enjoyable once I stopped worrying about the potential negatives.

[Ironwoman]

Here's my motto:

SWIM, BIKE, RUN, HAVE FUN!!!!

What I told myself on my first triathlon (which was a 1/2 Ironman) is: All you've got to do is finish!
I read many books and articles on triathlon training/racing. My favorite was Dave Scott's book. There is a section in that book that goes over all the stuff you need to remember/do before your race (Like when to get up, when to eat/take a shower/etc, how to review the race in your mind and think through what you will need to do, what to pack in your transition bag, how to set up your stuff at the bike rack (if they let you), and much more. It is an old book...and some of the advice is old, but it is still very helpful.
One thing that helped me in my first race was to remember that however bad my legs were feeling at the beginning of the run would get better. BTW, I was sick with the flu for that first triathlon. I didn't know if I'd even be able to do it. But, I made it, I enjoyed the whole way (except that first couple of miles on the run when I was thinking "How can I run 13 miles when my legs feel like this?), and I qualified for Ironman Hawaii. So my advice: go have fun!!!