Gear Checklist 2019

I’m participating in my first tri of the season tomorrow (Saturday) in Hyannis. Hopefully, I won’t get eaten by a shark!!!

As I begin packing my bags and cleaning my bike and making sure I enough gas in the car I realize I did not send out my annual Gear Checklist. The day before the race I will lay everything out and pack it and check it to make sure I’m not the person running around the transition area asking people if they have an extra pair of goggles or a helmet or how sad it would be to forget your bike shoes (which has happened to people in the past).

I happen to have a lot of gear. You may not find all of this gear necessary. Especially if you’re just racing sprints. This list should not be used to see what you are missing, it’s just a guide. However, I strongly suggest you keep your own list, print it out and double check it. An ounce of prevention and two ounces of preparedness equals a good mindset and a better race! I think Ben Franklin said that, but don’t quote me.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Ron P.

Gear List:

USAT Membership Card – (don’t need one if you bought the $10 one day license)
Picture ID – needed for check in
Full tank of gas (day before)
Shaved (day before, you know what I mean…..)
Gear Bag
Cliff Shot Blocks – electrolyte cubes
Energy Goos
Salt Pills
Sunscreen
Body Glide/Tri-Glide
Wet Suit/swim suit/tri suit
Two pairs of goggles – one tinted for sunny days and one clear (I actually take about 5 pairs of googles)
Silicon ear plugs – (helps me with my bi-lateral breathing)
Towel
Garmin GPS watch – fully charged the day before
Race Number Belt with nutrition pouch – If you don’t have one, get one. Safety pins will not suffice in a triathlon.
Bike – Chain cleaned and lubed the night before
Extra tire tube in post pouch with tire levers and CO2 cartridge and dispenser
Bike Pump – Always check tire pressure at the race site. Tires can lose 10% of PSI overnight.
Three water bottles filled with electrolyte drink for the Bike
Aero bar drink container
Bike Helmet (make sure visor is clean)
Bike Shoes
Bike Gloves – although I don’t plan to use them
Sun glasses
Running Hat
Running Shoes
Extra pair of shoelaces
socks – 2 pairs
2 plastic bags to keep things dry in the rain
T-Shirt – something dry and comfortable to wear after the race
Flip Flops/Tivas – something dry and comfortable to wear after the race

Open Water Swimming – Where to go?

The weather is getting warmer and people have already begun swimming outside.  Here’s a couple of spots where you can meet up with swimmers to train in the open water.

If you are new to open water swimming and want to join a group swimming in an environment that is welcoming and where the conditions are not as challenging, check out the Georgiaveille Pond Tri Training Group Facebook page.  Swimmers are frequently posting when they are swimming and it’s great place to literally get your feet wet as you move from the pool to open water.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/GVPNadadores/1361932757153889/

If you feel like you want to try to some salt water swimming in a more challenging environment (waves and current) I swim with a group at the Barrington Town Beach on Mondays at 6pm.  We usually swim out about 100 yards off the beach and gather.  Swim about a half mile down the beach and gather, and then swim back.  The only thing we ask is that you wear a bright colored swim cap and that you are ready to swim at 6pm.  There’s actually two Facebook groups of swimmers here.

https://www.facebook.com/barringtonbeach/  – Barrington Beach Swims

https://www.facebook.com/groups/216842328944513/  – Barrington Beach Swims Group

Also, if you are closer to the South County area, you may want to check out Fred Bartlett’s group.  Information can be found using the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/278586400191/Fred%20Bartlett%20Open%20Water%20Training/10158803727445192/

I hope this helps.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Ron P.