McFuzz's Mentor Group-2010 Vintage CLOSED (Page 6)

So keep the mentor group active!  Keep logging, and keep inspiring one another (that's what it takes to keep it active, there is no "official" process). 

The tri-bike versus road bike is a common dilemma.  A road bike is usually a little more versitile, so could work for touring as well as triathlons and would be welcome in group rides (if you remove the aerobars).  (Using aerobars in a group is generally considered a NO NO.  Some road groups balk at even having them on the bike even if you're not using them (there is a legitimate safety issue with the forward-pointing aerobars, but the bigger prejudice is the alleged lack of bike handling skills for anyone who shows up with aerobars...i.e. rides solo most of the time where an aero position is more desirable than handling characteristics). 

Some people have only a tri-bike and still tour or do long, leisurely rides.  Others race on road bikes.   Whatever you choose, see if you can arrange a long-term test ride (2-4 weeks) to really get comfortable.  You may find you like the fit of a road bike with aerobars better than a  tri-bike.  It does take time to get adjusted to the different position, so an initial "uncomfortable" period shouldn't be a surprise. 

The other consideration is a tri-bike is usually more expensive than an equivalent-spec road bike (which is a bit unusual, since the integrated shifters on road bikes are far more expensive than bar-end shifters found on tri-bikes).  From all I've read, an aero helmet provides better benefit than aero bike components (once you're in an appropriate aero position on either type of bike). 

Go easy on the swim.

Smile.

Thank the volunteers, officials, and spectators.

Will do. 

Thanks.  BTW, got the new wetsuit last week.  Went for a test swim in it... very nice.  I learned one thing too, for me anyway.  Wear ear plugs when the water's cold.  I didn't for my test swim and boy was I dizzy after I got out. 

EP

Thanks!  Will do!!

I'm actually kind of pumped to do more tri's this year.  I think I'm going to keep on training.  The Vineman was tough but I've recovered very well.  I've got the next Sprint scheduled on Memorial Day.  And I'm probably going to do a 10K here in my hometown on May 1st. 

I'm hoping I can get an Olympic distance also sometime in the next 3 months.  We'll see...  Thanks for the advice!

Watch out, marathons are addicting!!! Hubby was so inspired on Sunday that, on the spur of the moment signed us up for the Vegas RNR marathon on Dec 5! So looks like I'll be training for the rest of the year

Hi,

On a different topic... I was planning to take my family out to Disney World next January and participate in the Marathon they have out there.  Well, then I found out about the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge.  That's where you run the Half Mary on Saturday, then the Full Mary on Sunday.  They call it the Goofy because you have to be goofy to do it.  So I signed up... because I guess I'm goofy!!  LOL.  Anyway, it should be challenging.

Enrique