So I just got these silly AWA bike stickers and luggage tag in the mail. The letter said to “proudly display them” on my bike, but the Ironman rules state that you can’t race with any stickers other than the original manufacturers stickers. I’m confused on what I’m supposed to do with these things?
Side rant - when did luggage tags become a coveted prize? They talk about this AWA luggage tag like it’s the holy grail, but they also over pimp the free luggage tag you get with each race. I have enough of these super special M-dot luggage tags for about 30 suitcases by now. Am I supposed to be stoked about a luggage tag?
The rules are meant to outlaw race stickers with bib numbers from previous races (not stickers in general)… Like those folks who keep their kona bike sticker on their bike for 3 years until they qualify again.
My 2 cents… don’t rock an AWA sticker on your bike. Don’t be that guy.
Side rant - when did luggage tags become a coveted prize? They talk about this AWA luggage tag like it’s the holy grail, but they also over pimp the free luggage tag you get with each race. I have enough of these super special M-dot luggage tags for about 30 suitcases by now. Am I supposed to be stoked about a luggage tag?
“Excuse me mate (triathlete dressed in full IM gear with recovery socks on to boot), is that your or my bag…wait, I see the AWA tag on it…cheers mate”.
My bike sticker went straight to the trash. I have always thrown the metal AWA tags right away but this year’s seems nicer. I haven’t decided what to do with it. But Ironman isn’t marketing to you and me, they are trying to hook the first time crowd and those who only race sporadically.
Meanwhile, here on Slowtwitch the same people that worry about the future of the sport have no problem bashing the very people the make it up. You can find numerous examples of people on social media for whom AWA is a huge personal achievement and for whom these trinkets are a big deal. I applaud them and move on. If you don’t like the TV show then change the channel. Side rant over.
The luggage tags are getting more and more ridiculous each year. I can’t imagine using them at all.
As for the sticker, I must admit that after years of not even thinking about it, I have put this year’s sticker on my bike to cover a nasty scratch, that was bugging me, and in the heat of the moment it was the only sticker available large enough to cover it. My bike time has not become better or worse after that, and absolutely nothing in the universe has changed. So I forgot about it, and remembered only when I saw this thread. From this I can only conclude - it does not matter. If anyone wants to put their AWA sticker, let them be, they are not worse off. Just like not putting up the sticker does not make you a better athlete or a person.
Yeah, first year were metal. I quite liked mine, but never used it for the intended reason (but it made a nice book mark instead of one of the Rapha500 postcards).
The luggage tags are getting more and more ridiculous each year. I can’t imagine using them at all.
As for the sticker, I must admit that after years of not even thinking about it, I have put this year’s sticker on my bike to cover a nasty scratch, that was bugging me, and in the heat of the moment it was the only sticker available large enough to cover it. My bike time has not become better or worse after that, and absolutely nothing in the universe has changed. So I forgot about it, and remembered only when I saw this thread. From this I can only conclude - it does not matter. If anyone wants to put their AWA sticker, let them be, they are not worse off. Just like not putting up the sticker does not make you a better athlete or a person.
Holysmokesbatman!
Your sticker usage is exactly the same as what I did - covers a deep nasty the airlines thought would enhance the appearance of my ride. Come to think of it, that sticker is likely the only thing holding my bike together.
I don’t recall seeing a luggage tag, but, it could be laying around in a drawer somewhere. Oh, I just found it along with a bunch of brand new “regular” IM luggage tags.
Perhaps I should sell my never used IM Lake Tahoe tag. Bidding starts at $1,000 (tri-geeks have money to burn, right?)
At least when Delta recognizes my frequent flier status by sending me luggage tags it sort of makes sense … The connection between Ironman frequent flier status and luggage tags is lost on me.
I’ll be that guy - I like the luggage tags; the big plastic ones everyone gets. Easy to write on, the ink stays put, they’re pretty good (at least relative to some of the other swag). And if you periodically move you need new ones anyway :).
The metal AWA one from last year I didn’t care for, but I didn’t get AWA this year so haven’t seen the current edition…