Triathlon - Voiding during a Tri

I have a peculiar problem, at least I've never heard others talk of it. I can only hold urine so long, and as I get older, its more of a problem. So, if I'm well hydrated and drinking a lot during the bike and the run, I have to pee at some point! This isn't much of a problem when the tri is in a rural area, as I can just jump in the woods, but it is a big problem when its in a heavily populated area, like at the recent NYC Tri. I can't just pee on the bike, as that would cause a lot of problems with chafing (besides it would be ugly!). I guess part of looking at the transition areas is figuring out where to pee. Any other thoughts on how people handle this would be welcome.

take a little extra time getting out of the water :)

I can't pee while I'm riding my bike. I've tried, just to see if I could, but I just could not get relaxed enough to allow the stream to start. I guess if the urge is really that bad during a race, look for a public restroom along the course. As a last resort, I might just turn into the nearest alley and pee against the wall. I'm assuming you're a guy. Just imagine the difficulty if you were a girl in a one-piece trisuit!

Peeing on the run is easy. Just find a bush or a tree and go. Even in an event like the NYC Triathlon, it shouldn't be a problem. Any New Yorker would tell you that the sight of a man urinating against a wall isn't shocking/unusual.

Many years ago, my wife and I went to watch the Ironman in Kona. Rob Mackle, one of the top men pros, passed by us on his way out of town. We were watching him from behind as he made his way up the Queen K, and he started to pee WHILE HE WAS STILL RUNNING!!! I could never do that - I'd be too worried about messing up my shoes.

but there were camera crews at the NYC tri, and i wouldn't care if Johnny or Judy Tribar saw me pee, but i would care if the camera crew got it on tape...

How long is this race? I've never had to go up to a half distance time frame.

Olympic distance...

The older you are, the harder it becomes not to need to void during an event. At 61 I find it hard to complete an Oly with out voiding. A sprint is not a problem.

I'm female, and tried very hard with no sucess to pee while on the bike

Not tri, but in my first half-marathon I had to stop for a pee - the spectators were greatly amused as I barged into the public loo and barged out again with a beatific smile...

In an urban area, if you know you're going to have to go, recce the course for public or portaloos. The race organisers may be able to help with some local knowledge too.