Transition Tips

Pre Race

· Arrive at least one hour before start

· Check your packet for correct Race Number, Get Pins to hold it to your clothing. Find out which wave you are in and what time it starts

· Get body marked. Put on your chip

· Take your bike to the transition area. Make sure that you put the bike in the rack that corresponds to your Race Number.

· Set up your gear in order of use.  Remember sunglasses before Helmet. Make sure that your helmet straps are not twisted. Make sure that you have nothing stuck in your shoes. Make sure that you have water in your Water Bottles and that the lids are tight.

· Keep your area as lean as possible. Take the bare minimum items that you will need. Washtubs are a distraction and will get in your way. The fewer things you change, the faster your time.

· Only clip you bike shoes to your pedals if you have practiced that process many times. You will save a few seconds if you do it right but will loose minutes if you do it wrong.

· Check out the Transition area. Go to the Place you will be entering it from the Swim.  Make sure that you know exactly where your bike is.  Count rows or look for some landmark.

· Make sure your bike is ready to ride. Check the tires. Check the gear.  It should be in an easy gear to start. Put your water bottle in the cage.  Reset your computer to zero

· Warm up with a 5 to 10 minute easy run. You can bring your shoes back to the transition area after you finish.  If you feel comfortable with it, swim for 5 minutes.  Stretch. Drink some fluids.

· If you need to go Potty, go early!  The lines get long and slow. You don't want to choose between a call of nature and the starting gun.

Swim to Bike

· Remember, control first - then speed! Be as quick as you can but maintain control.

· Take your goggles and swim cap off as soon as you leave the water

· Unzip your wet suit and pull it off your arms as you are running to the TA

· Think about where your bike is located before you get to the TA. Look at your body marking if you need a reminder of your race number.

· You may need to sit to finish taking off your wetsuit. An application of body guide prior to putting it on will help get it off quicker

· Pay attention to where you put your goggles. You may want them for the next race

· You can put your bike shoes on while standing if you lift your leg across your body -s left leg to right side. If you need to sit, sit.

· Remember, sunglasses before helmet.

· Fasten the helmet strap before moving your bike

· Walk or run your bike completely out of the TA before mounting

· Watch for other racers stopping in front of you! If you need to stop, move to the side so you do not get run over.

· Most wrecks occur as the bikes leave the TA

Bike to Run

• Remember, control first - then speed!
• Do not ride in the TA and do not unhook your helmet until your bike is racked
• Change shoes and leave. You can put your race number belt on as you are running
• Save the drinking and eating for the trip. 
• Time is the TA is dead time. It is better to be on the course moving slowly.