Originally Posted by david58

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.