Originally Posted by
rpeterson
As a triathlete myself I get really annoyed by a lot of the participants. You know, the people who want to look like they're doing something active but don't really train, then brag that they finished a triathlon. The 13 hour Ironman finishers are the worst because they have a big tattoo and wear a finishers shirt everywhere. I see them once or twice a week at the pool, and maybe running laps around the park telling everyone about their last Ironman finish. I also see them at the back of the pack at local Olympic distance races. However unlike cycling this is what makes up the bulk of triathletes, people who aren't trying to win races or make it pro, just have a good time and maybe have something to tell the coworkers about Monday.
On the other hand, the top guys seem to be very nice, unlike the Cat 2 and 3 cyclists around here who want a resume before they'll let you join their group ride any of the local elite triathletes will join you on an easy ride, or head up to the pool in the afternoon to swim laps with you. The competitive edge is there in races and you'll fight like Hell for that win, but the attitude between races seems much more laid back.
Cycling and triathlon are just very different sports that attract very different crowds.
Being recently reunited with cycling, and peripherally attached to a college tri club (I make them breakfast on Sunday mornings sometimes, and take pics at races)......
I have found the local "hardcore" cyclists (not talking racers here, just the hardcore members of local clubs) to be insufferable. Whether equipment, the righteousness of cycling, or the evilness of all automobile drivers, they manage to turn me off and I have NO plans to join a local club.
On the other hand, the college kids and adults that I know that are doing tri's are welcoming, are enthused that you are interested, and in the case of the college kids are really excited that someone their dad's age (actually older) is interested in trying a tri. I actually went to the collegiate nationals this past spring, and had a blast - both watching the ten kids I knew and chatting with the other racers and spectators there.
Personally, my interest in tri is pointed toward getting my butt back in the pool (used to swim a mile a day before work), running a bit, and having an excuse to be fit. Prepping for a sprint or olympic is a great motivation for me to eat right, exercise beyond just commuting, and I like the idea of competing for me and not looking like I don't belong there.
I'm sure there are jerks in all competitive sports (cycling, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, mountain climbing....), just like the general population. And when you bump into folks at work that don't understand what a criterium is, just smile inside. And invite the trijerk in the office for a bike ride (or, if you do tri's, invite the bikejerk for a swim or run....).
Do it for YOU.