Slowtwitch.com Main Index MAIN
INDEX 		Forum Rules & Legend RULES &
LEGEND 		Log in LOG
IN 		 
 
 
Search for (options)
Newsletter Signup

Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Ironman Florida - Bike Shop

 
  Tri ForumClassifiedsLavender RoomJobsThe Womens


ironmandreamer

Aug 23, 08 21:26

Post #1 of 4 (182 views)
Ironman Florida - Bike Shop Can't Post
In Australia the best thing that can happen to a bike shop owner other than win the lottery is have an Ironman Race established in his town! It's like getting Christmas twice a year.

I am surprised I haven't been able to find a quality bike shop in the Panama City area that has a web presence. I've contacted a few shops who have advised me they're just too far away from where I'll be to help.

I'd appreciate a contact that is verified that comes with a recommendation for experience and service. I don't need the world but want to ensure that I have my bike booked in for assembly as soon as I arrive only six days before the race and repacking as I'm flying to Orlando the day following presentations. I'll also need little things like gas cartridges that can't be taken on an plane.

The people at NAS have been of no help and I don't have one kind word to say about them whatsoever, they need to take a real good look at themselves and how they assist, (or don't) international visitors. I'd be surprised if one international vistor to Ironman Australia at Forster and now Port Macquarie or Ironman Western Australia, Busselton, would have a similar view of their experience with "our" race organisers.

That said, a few of the "locals" have been fantastic that I've made contact with through Mile High Forums and have been a real help in answering my questions and helping with accomodation and even planning my Disney Holiday after the race. Unfortunately a contact provided through Mile High Forums regarding a bike shop led to nothing.


(This post was edited by ironmandreamer on Aug 23, 08 21:31)


coconutbug

Aug 24, 08 3:22

Post #2 of 4 (164 views)
Re: Ironman Florida - Bike Shop [ironmandreamer] [In reply to] Can't Post
There's not much here in the Panama City area. I usually go to Dragon Sports in Fort Walton Beach, which is west of PCB. There's also Steve's Bike and Tri, which has locations in Panama City and Panama City Beach, but it's been a bit hit and miss for me. There's also Bay Cycles in Panama City, but I've only been there to browse.

(This post was edited by coconutbug on Aug 24, 08 5:03)


FLA Jill

Aug 24, 08 6:10

Post #3 of 4 (135 views)
Re: Ironman Florida - Bike Shop [ironmandreamer] [In reply to] Can't Post
NAS wants you to use their national sponsor which, hey, it's their business model and seems to work for them and all, but they really don't seem to want to interface with the locals more than necessary.

I'll second having good dealings with Dragon Sports. They're located about an hour west of PCB but are generally in the area and at the bandit expo for IMFL.

http://www.dragonsports.net/


Mike Prevost

Aug 24, 08 10:28

Post #4 of 4 (108 views)
Re: Ironman Florida - Bike Shop [ironmandreamer] [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes, Dragon Sports will be set up in a tent, just down the road from the official hotel. Bruce and his bunch are great people. Give them a call or send Bruce an e-mail if you need anything at all. Bruce has been very active in helping to establish the local triathlon scene in the Panhandle and is a great guy. Always has a nice setup at the off site expo too.

Mike