Hi all, it has been awhile since I have asked any questions or posted any remarks so here goes.
I lost my job at the beginning of summer and was able to only do the three races that I signed up for back in the winter. I live in Steamboat Springs, CO and not only did I lose my job I had a major calf injury that didn’t allow me to finish Half Ironman Boulder. Very depressing.
Last November when I didn’t think or know I would be out of work I signed up for IronMan Florida. I am injury free and with one month to go still feel confident that I can train and race well. I have two questions for you all.
First question: Do you all know of any sponsorships that would help me get to Florida and race? I had to sell my race rims just to pay some bills. I would contact anyone and do anything to get this opportunity. I just don’t know where to start, or how to start and what to say or ask. I know that being without a job I have bigger concerns but I am just wondering if there is any way that it could be done.
Second: If anyone is driving to Florida for the race from the Rocky Mountain region I would love to ride along.
This has been a tough and emotional summer so please all I ask for is some ideas and recommendations. Thanks again
Todd
No ideas, but good luck.
Greyhound will take 2 days one way for $110 advanced purchase. They will charge $30-40 for you packed bike. Pack most of your stuff with the bike and the rest in your carry on. Ride the bike home from Florida 
Unless something has changed within the last 3 weeks, they will not let you take your bike ON the bus. You have to go to a Greyhound hub, buy their crate, and pay to ship it. (250.00)
I just went through this with a friend I drove to the Greyhound station about 3 weeks ago.
PM me. If my wife decides not to go with me I “may” be able to offer you a ride from St. Louis and a free place to stay.
Having trouble trying to PM you. If you would PM me that would be great. Much appreciated Todd
Their info is somewhat vague then.
Greyhound baggage restrictions:
One (1) piece of baggage is checked free of charge for adults and children. One (1) additional piece of baggage may be checked for a charge of $10.00 for adults only. Baggage carried beyond two (2) pieces will be charged based on Greyhound Package Express rates. One (1) small bag up to 25 pounds can be taken on board for each adult or child. Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. The maximum allowable weight for checked baggage is 50 pounds per individual piece of baggage. A charge of $30 - $40 (depending on the distance traveled) will be charged for any baggage above the 50 pound limit. Baggage must not exceed 62 inches when adding the total exterior dimensions of the piece (length + width + height). A charge of $30 - $40 (depending on the distance traveled) will be applied to any baggage above the 62-inch limit.
Packaging exceptions will only be made for the following items: bicycles, skis and ski poles must be packed in wood, canvas or other substantial container, and securely fastened; towing equipment must be enclosed in rigid containers or wrapped in a strong material such as canvas and securely strapped or tied. Towing equipment is limited to 100 pounds actual weight. These items are not exempt from oversize charges. If bags exceed maximum size and/or weight, customers must ship the item via Greyhound Package Express.
Shipping your bike would suck. worse than the airlines.
Hate to be the buzzkill,but did you consider simply not going to Florida to race? If I were long-term unemployed, and selling personal property just to pay bills, the last thing I’d want is another outstanding expense. The money you payed for the race is gone, but the money you will shell over for travel and other associated expenses is still in your pocket. IMFL (or some other version) will always be there when you’re back on your feet.
Hate to be the buzzkill,but did you consider simply not going to Florida to race? If I were long-term unemployed, and selling personal property just to pay bills, the last thing I’d want is another outstanding expense. The money you payed for the race is gone, but the money you will shell over for travel and other associated expenses is still in your pocket. IMFL (or some other version) will always be there when you’re back on your feet.
+1… Of course you shouldn’t worry about the race. Take some time to get your life in order… there will always be another race.
If you’re unemloyed why not move to Florida and find some employment there. It seems everyone is leaving the Frozen North for better climates anyway. For me, being land locked is the worst kind of existence.
I’ll never leave Steamboat Springs, CO. Don’t get me wrong there are beautiful places to live all around this country but for me being able to ski, fly fish, hunt, swim, bike, and run are only part of what I love about this place. I can’t imagine raising my family anywhere else. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place that has such an incredible energy. Just looking up at the mountains is enough to fill my heart. Taking me out of Steamboat would crush my soul. I know that sounds crazy but I am very passionate about the town I live in and a place that I am proud to call home.
In a recent poll Colorado was the healthiest state to live in. And Routt County was the healthiest county in Colorado, so I feel like I live in the healthiest most fitness conscious place I have every been.
Even though I am going through a tough time right now, things will turn around for me. I believe a positive attitude is one of the most important things a person can have.
Thanks again everyone for your posts, please keep them coming.
I feel the same about where I live on most days. I’m in Charleston,SC. Other than the skiing you can do all that right here and much more all year long. I wouldn’t want to move my family for a trifling reason like my sport. Good luck with racing and job hunting.
If you are looking for free cash then I would hit up the big national Steamboat brands with an offer for advertisement for cash (see Moots, Kent Eriksen, Honey Stinger, Boa, Smartwool, etc). Then create a kit with said sponsors for the race. Wear/advertise their product and/or pitch their stuff around the race.
Better yet, find a part-time job and make a few hundred bucks to pay for your trip. Then camp out on the trip to cut costs. And find a Denver/Boulder group to hitch a ride with. The Boulder Tri Club must have some folks heading to Panama City who would want to split fuel costs.
I love Steamboat and have spoken to potential employers about moving there, so I understand your plight. Unfortunately, jobs are scarce in professional fields, the pay sucks, and the cost of living is very high. We never made the move. Luckily we have family there and get to visit often.
Good luck with your job situation and your race.