How difficult is it to get the SN bag on the bike? I hear all of these horror stories and was just wondering if it is that hectic to the point where you wont get your bag??
There is always a chance that you’ll not grab it, or that you’ll drop it, or that it’ll be lost. That being said as long as you slow down (even stop if you have to) you’ll be able to get your bag and whatever you need out of it…If you keep riding you’re probably taking more of a chance that you’ll not grab it, drop it, etc. But I have never once had a problem. Best of luck!
…If you keep riding you’re probably taking more of a chance that you’ll not grab it, drop it, etc. But I have never once had a problem. Best of luck!
Here is another scenario…you keep riding after picking up your SN bag, the bag slips and it get caught in your front wheel, you go over your handlebars ending your IM at mile 60 or whatever…
Yeah, I’m no IM vet (IMLP will be my first) so you can tell me I’m full of it, but I think grabbing it, pulling over and getting what I need out of it before moving on is a wise strategy…at least that is what has been suggested to me.
Of course, a TdF-style SN bag pickup at 20mph earns enough cool points to gamble your whole race on the maneuver! 
…you keep riding after picking up your SN bag, the bag slips and it get caught in your front wheel, you go over your handlebars ending your IM at mile 60 or whatever…
HA! Never really thought of that one…I have only done 3 IM’s, and used SN bags in 2 of them…It comes down to a few things (in my mind):
- Bike handling skills (if you’re endangering yourself, or worse, someone else…might want to just stop)
- Time (does :30-1:00 really matter to you?)
I’d almost say you’re more likely to hit a waterbottle someone else dropped and wreck than drop your own…keep your eye’s open and be cautious!
Hope you have a great race!!