Triathlon - first tri packing list?

So my first tri ever will be an Olympic-distance in Tuscaloosa this weekend. I browsed the forum for past questions like this, but the search function has not been working for me, so sorry if it's a repeat.

What must-haves would you recommend I bring that I might not think of myself? All tips and tricks appreciated.

I found this list helpful when i was prepping for my first event last year:

http://www.tri-ecoach.com/art29.htm

The one that I have done since my first race that a lot people love in transition but for some reason I haven't seen catch on, make or buy a flag. My wife made a little green flag for me and attached it to wooden dowel. The dowel is attached to a bit plastic clamp thing that I just clamp onto the bike rack in transition. The people on my row and next to me always love it because they get to use it too. Works wonders having to think a bit less going in and out of transition. No looking for numbers on the ends of racks or anything.

Other than that, the usual. Clothes, bike shoes, towel to dry feet off or at least quickly step on, gu gels, powerbars whatever, helmet, run shoes, race belt (I like these as they are easy and fast to put my number), etc.

Good luck in your first race.

One trick that I have is to use a 5 gallon bucket: you can carry all your stuff to transition and then use it as a stool to put on your shoes. I don't know about you, but I"m always a little dizzy in T1 and there's nothing more embarrassing than tipping over trying to put on your shoes.

Here's another nice race day check list:
http://www.coremultisport.com/Documents/RaceDayChecklist.pdf

Thanks, everyone! These are all great, the lists and especially the tips. I love the flag idea (shades of the bandana tied to the checked luggage) and the bucket/seat. It's the little things like that that make you feel just a little bit more ready, a little bit more confident.

+1 for the flag idea. I'm going to do that too!

+1 for the bucket, that's genius.

I was thinking of a helium balloon tied to the bike to float above my gear??? Pop it when you get there and stuff it in you pocket?

WHat do you guys think?

Good idea, crazy, or just silly?

Here another...

http://www.coremultisport.com/Documents/RaceDayChecklist.pdf

I can tell you the one thing that I tend to forget is Body Glide...but that's because I'm a dumbass :) I hate when I do that. I also forgot my race belt once...because I'm a dumbass. I keep saying that I'm going to make a checklist but I keep forgetting...I think we all know why.

I was thinking of a helium balloon tied to the bike to float above my gear??? Pop it when you get there and stuff it in you pocket?

WHat do you guys think?

Good idea, crazy, or just silly?

Why pop it? Just leave it up for when you come back for T2. Get rid of it after the race. I think it is a good idea if the racks are not labeled or you can't really find a landmark for yourself to run to.

when I go for a check in and pick up my # and stuff I'll ask if it's ok.

My biggest fear is I am blind as a bat and if I lose a contact lens in the water then I'll never find my bike

One thing you can do is a practice run into transition so you can line up the landmarks on the way to the bike.

I was thinking of a helium balloon tied to the bike to float above my gear??? Pop it when you get there and stuff it in you pocket?

Banned under UK rules:

15.8 Competitors must not use any device to mark their position in transition. Any device or marker will be removed by the referee but if this is not possible a penalty will be applied – see Penalties.

There are workarounds, of course. A big splash of talc on the tarmac is good. Bright towels and buckets are great. I had a soft toy on my handlebars last weekend (but he was more for moral support, and he fell into a puddle). But flags, balloons, etc are not allowed.

If you're looking for your bike, you didn't walk through transition often enough before the race started! Practice both T1 and T2 remembering which aisle and rack your bike's on. Easy way: count the number of racks from the entrance.

Banned under UK rules

frickin' limeys

frickin' limeys

Let the international conflict begin!!

are markings legal in the US of A?

As far as I can see, yes. I was at the Collegiate National race last month, a USAT event, and lots of people marked their spots with colored chalk.