More Than Our Story

Triathlon Tips: Getting Race Ready

Our bikes loaded up and ready to go!

Table of Contents

Biking: Part 4

Your training is all done, you just need to show up and perform – but showing up with your bike intact and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience comes with its own set of logistical considerations. Let’s get down to it:

Checklist

  • Make a Checklist: Everything you’ll need – not just for the bike leg – but the whole trip, the whole race, everything, should be recorded in a spreadsheet or checklist. As you do more races you can add to the list.

CHECKLIST:
This is the single most important thing when prepping for a triathlon. As you do more races you can add to and refine your checklist.

 Download Sample Triathlon Checklist

Travel

  • Transportation: Whether you’re coming in from the next town or from out of country,  you‘ll need to sort out your travel arrangement – be it plane, train or automobile 🙂
  • Bike-Friendly Accommodations: As not all triathlons are a single day affair – often taking place over a whole weekend when factoring mandatory things including athlete check-in, bike check-in and athlete meetings. Finding a local bike-friendly accommodation is a must. Research and book accommodations that cater to cyclists. Many hotels offer secure bike storage or allow bikes in rooms. Camping is also an option for those who enjoy the outdoors. My wife and I made the mistake of driving from Toronto to Atlantic City only to find out no bikes were allowed in the room, nor did they have somewhere to store them. This led us to breaking down our bikes and storing them in our compact hybrid car overnight – which was more than unsettling given the city’s reputation. This also holds true for anywhere you will need to stay on the way there, and the trip home. Always call ahead to confirm your hotel or AirBNB’s policy on bikes in the rooms.
  • Local Transportation: If you didn’t drive to the race, will you need to rent a car or is public transport or walking sufficient? If using trains or buses, check their policies on transporting bikes. Some services require bikes to be disassembled or stored in specific compartments.
  • Local Bike Shops: Research bike shops around your race venue in case you need repairs or additional supplies. Knowing where to find help can save you from being stranded due to mechanical issues.

Preparing Your Bike for Travel

  • Bike Maintenance: Before you set off, ensure your bike is in top condition. Check the tires for wear, inspect the brakes and gears, and clean and lubricate the chain. A professional tune-up is a smart investment to avoid mechanical issues on the road.
  • Packing Your Bike: If you’re flying or taking long-distance public transport, you’ll need to pack your bike securely. Invest in a quality bike bag or box. Disassemble necessary parts like the wheels, handlebars, and pedals, and use plenty of padding to protect delicate components. If you’re driving, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality bike rack if your bike does not fit securely inside your car/truck.
  • Essential Tools: Bring a set of bike tools for reassembly and any on-the-road repairs. Key tools include a multi-tool, tire levers, spare tubes, a mini pump, and a patch kit.
  • Charge Your Bike: Some high-end bikes have built in power meters, bike computers, or electronic gear-shifting. Make sure to charge prior to packing and bring and chargers with you.

Know The Course

  • Ride or Drive the Course: Something I always do is bike or ride the course before race day. It gives you firsthand knowledge of road conditions, and serves as a great way of land marking along the route.
  • Weather Check: Research historical conditions on race weekend and always check the weather forecast for your race dates. Pack appropriate gear for potential changes in weather – prepared for the worst, and hope for the best – this includes rain, wind, and heat.
  • Navigation Tools: Memorize the course and always follow race signs and the other racers. Consider purchasing a bike computer with mapping and GPS.

Setting Up In Transition

  • Bike Check-In: Some races you are required to check your bike the night prior. If this is the case, it’s best to set up just your bike and bring everything in the morning (the rest of your gear, your bike computer, helmet, shoes, sunglasses, nutrition). I also like to bring a plastic bag to place over my seat and electronic components.
  • Race Day Setup: Time to bring everything you’ll need for the race and after. I like to wear my trisuit to the venue, along with my Hoka Recovery Slides. Then I lay down my towel, and place my things in order of usage: swimming gear in back, bike gear in the middle, and finally my running gear in front (along with sunscreen to be re-applied prior to each leg). I then take a final moment to check my tires, add hydration and nutrition to my bike. Then grab my carb drink and head down to the swim start.

Staying Safe

  • Safety Gear: Safety should be your top priority. Always wear a helmet and reflective gear. Use front and rear lights, especially if riding in low-light conditions.
  • Hydration and Nutrition: Carry enough water and snacks. Dehydration and hunger can lead to poor performance, fatigue and poor decision-making. Make sure to bring your nutrition and hydration as your race location may not have what you’re used to training with.
  • First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies for minor injuries, and wear a medic-alert bracelet with any pertinent information on it.
  • Follow Local Road Laws: Always follow the local rules of the road.

By preparing thoroughly and methodically all that’s left to do now is go enjoy your race!

Picture of Daniel

Daniel

Daniel is an extremely curious person, a wealth of random knowledge and facts. Extremely passionate about a vast array of interests ranging from health to history, science to athletics, everything culinary and the list goes on. Trust us, you would want to be on his team for Trivial Pursuit. Daniel is also years into his battle with brain cancer. He experienced a seizure while on a Zoom call at work in late 2020 and quite literally, his life changed within minutes. After his operation he started to talk about his story but had always known it was more than just him. From then, More Than Our Story became a PROJECT that has evolved into the starting point it is today.

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