My first IM will have two transition areas (one for swim/bike and one for bike/run/finish). Typically, when do I have to get my gear? Can someone else get my gear for me?
Yes, these are the thoughts that trouble me!
Usually post race and some races give you a card that you can fill out someone else’s info and have them pick up your bags post race.
They will give you a pass that you can then give to someone else to get your stuff so no big deal on getting your stuff. For an IM normally either by 11 or 12pm race night.
I have never been to a race with 2 different transition zones, is it a point to point type of race?
Which race is it ?
The 3 I’ve done with split transitions they have transported your gear (dry kit + swim bag) to the finish for you.
They will give you a pass that you can then give to someone else to get your stuff so no big deal on getting your stuff. For an IM normally either by 11 or 12pm race night.
I have never been to a race with 2 different transition zones, is it a point to point type of race?
Inaugural St George IM. “The swim start, swim finish and swim-to-bike transition (T1) are located at Sand Hollow Reservoir, less than 30 minutes northeast of downtown St. George. The bike-to-run transition (T2), the finish and all post-race activities are at Town Square (Main Street and Tabernacle Street) in downtown St. George.”
i’m sure they will let you know before the race but i’d bet they take your T1 bag (which has your wet suit and swim stuff in it) and truck it to T2 and put them in a pile in T2. Next to the T2 pile from the changing tent.
In T1 you are leaving with your bike so there should be nothing left behind that did not go into your T1 bag.
Just to back up a second - you will get 5 plastic bages and 5 extra race number stickers on check in. They will be labeled for each purpose - T1/T2/Sp needs run/Sp need bike/Dry Clothes {to change into after the race}. When you come in on race day they will have a place for you to drop off special needs bags and they will take them out to the spot on the course… You’ll get a bag for T1 and T2 - everything goes in those bags except your bike and what you bring on race morning. You come to the race with your swim stuff on or in hand. After the swim you get your T1 bag and go to the changing tent. Put all your swim stuff in the bag (goggles, cap, wetsuit). Take all your bike stuff out of the bag (shoes {can’t be left on the bike in IM}, helmet, sunglasses, any clothing you are changing into, etc, etc. Usually you get help in the tent from a volunteer. You leave the tent and get your bike and go. So, nothing is left in T1 except the bag you put all your stuff in. I’ll bet they throw all the bags on a truck and take them to the finish area.
Hope that helps.
this seems to have been answered, but I wanted to clarify. A point to point race should bring all your T1 gear to the finish, but some races have two different transitions close to each other (IMNZ, they are ~0.5 mile apart I think, IMKY its the same transition, but a nice walk from the finish). Those, you, or your family/friends, have to go pick up the gear. If you don’t go, then whoever does needs your ‘gear pickup card.’
All of that should be specified out in the athlete guide and discussed at the pre race briefing.
Good luck, and have fun.
Rob
The Boise 70.3 also has 2 transitions. I raced in 2008. At T1, you stuff your wetsuit and swim-related gear into a specific bag, that will be provided. It will then be trucked to a location at the Finish of the race. Your bike stuff will be left at T2, which is also in the area of the Finish. Your race number is sufficient to get all of your stuff after the race. At registration, IM will also give you a card to leave with someone who can also pick up your gear. Gear pickup usually ends just a touch after midnight…
Shoot - here I thought I was going to have a quick transition - I hadn’t thought about the logistics of having to bag everything, etc.
I have another question that is related to the Special Needs area - Typically how fast is your special needs bag given to you?
At IMCDA, your number was shouted down a line in the special needs area and your bag was waiting for you when you got to the appropriate spot. It seemed like a pretty fast process; it shouldn’t slow you down.
you can still have a quick transition. usually you have a volunteer to help bag your stuff. strippers take off your wetsuit. if you are not in the middle of the pack it takes a little longer and you may not have a volunteer to help.
you will notice some people avoid the mayhem of the changing tent and get their stuff on outside the tent (they are already wearing their bike clothes) that’s easy to practice.
Special needs is usually pretty quick as said above. Of course that too can depend on where you are in the field. If you are near a bunch of other riders it may take a few seconds to get the bag to you. Also, be careful, that area is dangerous with people suddenly stoping and trying to get started again with a bunch of crap in their hands. Always all kinds of stuff on the ground. Watch out. Think about what you want in the bag and how you are going to take it with you on the bike. Try it in training.
good luck