Just an FYI for rental cars. We rented our car in July through Budget, and paid in full at the time that I made the reservation. We arrived Wednesday in the afternoon, only to find out that Budget had NO cars, and there were 30+ people on the waiting list ahead of us. They said we could either wait there for someone to return a car, or they would drop a car off where we were staying the following morning. Um...it's an island, how could they not know they were going to run out of cars?! Waiting till the next morning was simply not possible on our schedule, so I went next door to rent a car (I think it was Dollar) and the manager informed me that Budget did this every single year.

Budget did reimburse my fee, as well as pay the difference for my rental at Dollar, but it was not worth the stress.

Are there taxi that are big enough to carry bike boxes? I can't think of why we'd need a car.

Grant and Janet Miller own Bike Works and do a terrific job helping all the triathletes.

They offer a storage service for bikes/bike boxes and have a number of very capable mechanics working almost around the clock leading up to the race for any bike repairs. The shop also offers a full range of bikes, components, clothing, nutrition, etc. and usuallly opens a second location downtown during race week.

As a helpful tip, if you want a bike tune-up then book it in advance as the service department is extremely busy during race week. Same goes if you aren't racing but wish to rent a bike during the week. Online forms are available for both. And Vern is the go-to guy for assistance.

Check their website (http://bikeworkskona.com/).


Cheers, Brian

p.s. I am not a Bike Works employee or supplier - just a satisfied customer.

OK, race question here. Are non-pros allowed to rubberband their shoes to the bike in transition? I don't think most IM races allow it, but I didn't know the rule there.

As far as I am aware last racing there in 2010 you were allowed to have your shoes clipped in.