Can anyone help a complete novice (actually first timer) on the issue of race day numbers.
Is there a way to avoid having to pin numbers to yourself on the bike and run? I’ve seen number belts at trisports, etc. - but can you use them for the bike and run? The sites seem to imply the number belts are for the run only - what do you do on the bike? How do you (i.e. those who have done this before and think this question is idiotic) deal with numbers on race day? What is the best option?
I have yet to participate in a race where the paper number was required during the bike (usually they supply a number to put on the bike), however, I have seen people put on the race number belt, turn it aroound so the number is on the back, then turn it back around during the run.
I’ve never had a race where you were requied to have a number pinned on your shirt while on the bike.
I use a race belt during the run. After I get my shoes on I just grab it and put it on while running out of transition. I supposed you could turn it around and use it on the bike.
This year I will bring my own marker for body marking. Last year I kept getting the guy that couldn’t draw numbers marking me.
jaretj
Those, who get too big for their britches, will be exposed in the end.
The belts are great. And cheap, by triathlon standards. They work fine on the bike. Just crumple up the number so it’s not so stiff and noisy. I put the number behind me on the bike and then swing it around front for the run. No more poking pins into your fingers on clothing.
Don’t rely on the little snap buttons to hold the number to the belt. Use safety pins. The buttons pop off. You don’t want to have to pull your bike over and chase after your number.
Ditto. In my last race last year, one of the buttons popped off and the stupid number was flapping around. I just ripped it off and hoped I wouldn’t get spotted and penalized. This year I’m going to safety pin the number to the race belt. I’ve lost both snaps anyway. One other piece of advice - pin the number on such that there is some slack in the number, so that when you pull the race belt around your waist, the number becomes taut. Otherwise, you’ll rip the number out of the pins if you don’t allow for the belt to lengthen.
Better solution (and cheaper) buy some 1/4 in elastic at the fabric store. Cut to correct length, thread thru holes in number, tie in a knot, just slip it over your head. Works better than a $7 belt, costs about $.25
Never required a number for the race? Try racing in France. In a race a few years ago, I got about a hundred yards on the bike when the race officials started screaming at me about my number. I had to drop my bike, go back to tranistion and get my number. (I also had to get a note from a doctor to participate in the race because I did not have my USAT card).
If it’s a wetsuit swim, I put my # on my race belt and kind of roll it around the belt, put the belt on with the # in the back and wear it that way for the bike and run. Then when it’s run time, I just spin it around and unroll the number as I’m running. Keeps it from flapping around on the bike and I don’t have to worry about forgetting to put my # on…did that once.