bike mounting

It's not a skill that is so technical that your normal AG'er should have too much trouble perfecting the more advanced mounts... IF YOU PRACTICE.

Simple and easy is a good place to start when you're building confidence... then maybe work your way up to an intermediate level (shoes on the bike but no flying mount) and then slowly make it up to flying mount.

If you can't land it in a parking lot 10/10 times, don't do it in a race. Also, be smart in the race itself... I've seen a lot of guys locked into doing a flying mount once they know how, even if the exit to T1 is very crowded / jammed... most of the time they make it, but I've seen a few take a dive when the crowded area shifts in front of them.

It's a tool to work on, not a rule. :D

I practiced every ride for about a year by starting with my shoes clipped in. I don't do a flying mount. At the mount line I either slide my left foot in and go or put my foot on shoe and go. I wanted it to be second nature so that's why I spent so long practicing it.