2. Ship your bike. This requires a little planning ahead of time but can be significantly cheaper than flying with the bike. “Especially if you are staying with someone you know and can ship the bike a couple weeks ahead of time, it’s easier and less costly,” says Curtis Staples, manager of Inside Out Sports, a triathlon shop in Cary, N.C. “If you’re packing your bike, make sure you have spacers on the front fork and rear triangle to support the bike in the case,” advises Olson. If you are having trouble breaking the bike down for shipment, your local bike or triathlon shop is usually happy to lend a hand.
3. Use a transport service. While these aren’t available everywhere, and they tend only to transport to the big competitions, they can be an ideal option. “These services are great,” says Olson. “You simply hand off your bike to them and they take it there without requiring you to disassemble it.”
In-Flight
Flying and racing can be nerve-racking, so it is important to make yourself as comfortable as possible during your trip. Springing for extra legroom is a luxury if you can afford it. If not, Elliot suggests, “get up and walk around as much as you can. Sitting in that position can make you stiff and tends to bother your hip flexors.”
Staples advocates for the use of compression socks. “If I’m on a longer flight I definitely wear compression socks. I’d like to think it helps keep my legs feeling fresh,” he explains. Wearing comfortable athletic shoes also will assist in avoiding last minute hotspots or injuries.
Nutrition is another important component of triathlon travel. “Usually the first thing I do after going through the TSA check is to get a bottle of water and an EmergenC pack to fight colds,” says Elliot. “I try to eat fruit and high protein energy bars while I’m flying.”
“I always bring food with me,” adds Olson. “I try to avoid eating in the airport or eating airplane food; then you’re not introducing anything new.” His in-flight menu includes protein bars, blocks, gels, bananas and other snacks that are easily digested.
Arrival
If possible, it is best to fly in one or two days before a competition so you can acclimate to the temperature, surroundings, and be sure you have all your gear in order. “If you can get there a couple days before, it’s nice to be able to track stuff down if anything is lost, forgotten or broken, and to settle into the location,” says Olson. The more time zones you have to fly across, the more fatigued you will tend to be, so plan extra lead time prior to far away races.
If you are able to arrive early, you will have the chance to check out the topography of the bike and run courses. This is a significant advantage as you work to visualize your race. “It’s nice to at least drive the bike course so you know where you’re going; the unknown can be stressful,” says Elliot.
The night before the race, go for an early dinner. Try to choose something that isn’t foreign to your system and will provide adequate energy for the following day. Set your alarm clock for bright and early the next morning to allow for one more fueling session before start time. “I usually bring steel cut oatmeal and dried cherries with me so I can make my own breakfast in the room,” says Olson. “Just be sure not to change anything up the day of the race. Try it in training before you get to race day.”
Indeed, triathlon travel is a competition in and of itself. As you gain experience, you’ll find each subsequent trip to be slightly less anxiety-ridden. “You just can’t plan for everything that could possibly go wrong,” advises Olson. “Be willing to adapt, overcome and relax. It’s all an adventure no matter what you do.”
TRAVEL CHECKLIST
SWIM:
Tri suit or swimsuit
Wetsuit
Towel
Swim cap
Goggles
Antifog solution
Earplugs
BIKE:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses
Water bottles
Spare tube
Bike shorts/tri shorts
Jersey
Patch kit
Minipump
Bike shoes
Bike gloves
Socks
Tool w/allen wrench
RUN:
Running shoes
Quick laces
Race belt/Fuel belt
Socks
Visor/cap
OTHER:
Sandals
Change of clothes
Sunscreen
Body Glide
First-aid kit
Transition towel
Rain gear
Black permanent marker
Safety pins
Packaging tape
Tissues
USAT Membership Card
NUTRITION:
Race fuel (gels, blocks, mixes)
Race morning breakfast
Travel food
WHAT TO BUY THERE:
CO2 cartridge
USATRIATHLON.ORG USA TRIATHLON 73
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