How not to look like a total noob on race day? (Page 2)

McFuzz - 2010-08-14 1:44 PM Even if you look like a Noob, you're a good lookin' Noob!  

If you like the reflectors leave them on.  I have them on my road bike and don't bother with the "critiques" from my cycling friends about them.  I'll take my chances being seen, thankyouverymuch.  (This is your cross bike, right?  It's not like 32 grams is going to make you 0.072 mph slower or anything...) 

Show up with enough time to methodically set up for the race.  You don't need to be there at 3:58 (1 hour and 2 minutes before transition opens), but also don't show up at 6:57, 3 minutes before the race starts (and make sure you know when transition closes, which might be 15 minutes before the race starts). 

Don't throw up before you start swimming (nerves).  Don't throw up in the water or in T1.  Throwing up after the finish line is acceptable, just don't hit the volunteers.   

Thank the volunteers.  Encourage other participants.  Thank any spectators going above and beyond to cheer for you even though they don't know you. 

GaryRM - 2010-08-14 10:27 AM Lots of great advice here, keep the reflectors.  Heck, I don't have any on my bike and am going to get some.  We put all sorts of lights front and back so we can see and be seen.  Why not have reflectors on the wheels so we can be seen from the side. 

I did read that with reflectors you will drop 10-20 watts and thats the difference between 20 and 21 mph (yes that was a joke )

nc452010 - 2010-08-14 6:41 PM Here's one I never see mentioned....

Timing chip strap = left ankle.

tri808 - 2010-08-14 8:43 PM

If they design reflectors so they can mount on the spokes closest to the edge of the rim...does that now make the rim aero?  You could get 80mm reflectors and turn your training wheel into a zipp 1080 equivalent.  Brilliant!

the bear - 2010-08-14 7:43 PM

Never heard this. Any particular reason for the left ankle?I know it doesn't matter to the timer, at least not the one I work with.

tri808 - 2010-08-14 7:43 PM

If they design reflectors so they can mount on the spokes closest to the edge of the rim...does that now make the rim aero?  You could get 80mm reflectors and turn your training wheel into a zipp 1080 equivalent.  Brilliant!

trigal38 - 2010-08-14 8:06 PM Take a look at my photo, don't do that Waving at the family at each transition is a sure sign of a newbie.......
Don't care, I had a blast.
This year the family hasn't come to watch and my photos all look like I'm mad!

Far Left Texas - 2010-08-16 4:31 PM My first Tri will be three weeks from yesterday.  I'm printing out this thread the day before my race; so a huge thanks to all who have contributed.

Newby Question 1 - can I carry a handkerchief sized piece of cloth to use to wipe away sweat while I run?

Newby Question 2 - Can I pin my race number onto the front of my shirt the night before?  I'll just put on my shirt before getting on the bike, my number will already be attached.

NQ3 - Is it poor etiquette to spray my legs and arms with bug repellent at T1?  Mosquitoes really like me.

NQ4 - Can I print a cheat sheet (pre-flight checklist is what pilots call them) and refer to it at T1 and T2?  Something like: 1-Put on helmet.  2-Put on shirt.  3-Socks and Shoes.  4-Sunglasses.  5-Bugspray.  6-Drink water.  7-Walk bike to mount line.

I'm sure I could print the checklist onto a notecard page and attach it to my towel or something.  I think the only T2 items would be: 1-Take off helmet.  2-Put on hat.

Far Left Texas - 2010-08-16 5:31 PM My first Tri will be three weeks from yesterday.  I'm printing out this thread the day before my race; so a huge thanks to all who have contributed.

Newby Question 1 - can I carry a handkerchief sized piece of cloth to use to wipe away sweat while I run?

Newby Question 2 - Can I pin my race number onto the front of my shirt the night before?  I'll just put on my shirt before getting on the bike, my number will already be attached.

NQ3 - Is it poor etiquette to spray my legs and arms with bug repellent at T1?  Mosquitoes really like me.

NQ4 - Can I print a cheat sheet (pre-flight checklist is what pilots call them) and refer to it at T1 and T2?  Something like: 1-Put on helmet.  2-Put on shirt.  3-Socks and Shoes.  4-Sunglasses.  5-Bugspray.  6-Drink water.  7-Walk bike to mount line.

I'm sure I could print the checklist onto a notecard page and attach it to my towel or something.  I think the only T2 items would be: 1-Take off helmet.  2-Put on hat.