Need Direction...

Welcome!

Certainly take advantage of this site, there's a heap of info out there and some good training plans available at little to no cost.

There's a fair few clubs on the Peninsula and I know there's a tri tomorrow at safety beach, would have been awesome for you to have signed up and had a crack.

In terms of a bike, I know you're getting fitted today, but the other option would be to have a look on bike exchange/ebay when you know your size. You might be able to pick up a slightly cheaper second hand model. You may hate riding or triathlons in general! (Unlikely, but hey...something to think about before dropping all the money, like a friend of mine did). For me the bike is all about the fit. I ride an '07 Specialized (female specific) that I love (old school carbon forks, alloy frame), because its the right size. Along the way Ive upgraded/changed the group set (to help my knees), recently upgraded the wheels and of course I have some clip on tri bars. Lets face it, I'd love a new bike, but I also like going overseas and paying my mortgage

I joined a club after my first season of the mini tris. Made some great friends and had some awesome training partners and learned a lot. I had a small hiatus from racing tris and during that time my work situation has since changed to shift work/varying hours so I can't commit to a club, I now train when I can. I have friends who are coached via email and am looking at going down that path.

You need to work out whats going to make the most of your time and finances.

Good luck!