etiquette question...

Depending on how the race is run, you may not have a choice as to where your rack is. Usually racks are assigned in some manner - sometimes even spaces on the rack are assigned.

That being said, don't hog all of transition. I like to get there early because I can usually get a spot on the end of my rack, which means I can consolidate my stuff into a small space. People who lay out their crap 10 feet in either direction are annoying. Those racks are big enough to fit everyone's stuff, but you're not moving in. So be mindful of that. You will most likely have ot put your stuff right next to someone else's.

-in the swim, unless you're competitive, don't go to the front of the wave...

-on the bike, don't throw trash on the road. i see tons of ppl littering w/ their gu/gels/nutrition. volunteers have to pick it up

-on the run, don't touch pace booty. staring is ok.

-at the finish, sprint in. don't let anyone get in front of you. if they do, hitting them is ok.

have fun, bro!

thanks everyone for the quick responses.  i particularly like the spitting/snot rocket advice (i was actually just thinking about that last night on one of my rides) and the hitting someone if they get in front of me at the finish!  thanks for the links also!

on the swim, i'll definately be in the back right.  i'm not a weak swimmer, but i figured i better hang back and use this first go as a learning experiance and not a true race.  i know if the tides were turned and a rookie with too much zeal broke my nose in the swim i'd have a hard time not putting them in the death roll.

seriously though, great advice! keep it coming, the more the better.

Not sure if your swim is open water or pool.  If it's a pool swim, the following thread on passing in the pool may be helpful.

http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=124549&posts=13&highlight=passing%20swim&highlightmode=1#M1546381

- If someone tries to pass you on the bike, don't speed up to race them if you can't hold the pace.  If it's a faster cyclist, just let them go.  My last race I had a guy that kept sprinting to keep me from passing him in the first few miles of the bike, but wore himself out and eventually dropped back and finished well back of the pack.  He accomplished nothing but annoying me, looking foolish and smoking himself. 

- Don't mess with other people's stuff in transition.

- Be prepared.  Don't plan on borrowing other peoples supplies on race day.

- Have fun!

If you can, wait to cheer for the last person to cross the finish line...they always get one of the biggest (if not the biggest) cheer.

One that actually happened to me was I had arrived at a race early to pick my spot on the rack since it was not an assigned rack space type of race. I went out for a litle warmup ride and left my towel and shoes and bag right under where I was going to rack my bike. Well upon returning I found some guy with his bike racked where mine was with all of my stuff pushed to the side in a big heap. I politely asked him to please scoot down the rack since I was there first and that there was plenty of room. He got really mad and starting throwing a fit about how he was older and should be allowed to pick his spot over me( I am 18 but was 17 at the time). Well everyone started looking at him so he picked his stuff up and walked away. Now im not the fastest person out there by far but I do compete to win my age group in all of my races. Hence the reason I got there early to pick the best spot.

So my advice to you is its a first come first serve basis on rack placement unless you are assigned a place. So get there early if you want a good spot and if there is a little room where someone has spread their stuff out a little politely ask them if they could scoot over so you could also rack your bike there. And if some one racks over your spot while you are out just be nice and ask them to move. Most people out there would not have a problem like my guy did. Hope this helps. Good Luck.