Does anyone know the name of a good LBS in Bellingham Washington. If you are familiar with the area, is there one that stays open late? I am in need of someone to build my bike back up quiclky for a race. I’ll fly in on Thursday and the race is an IM distance on a saturday.
Thanks,
J-Mo
I live in Bellingham but don’t know all the hours and such, but here are a few I know of.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/shops/Whatcom.htm
Robert does good work and has a mobile shop, and may be available later in the evening…
whats the IM?
Mohole15,
Here are couple links:
I know Fanatik does some tri stuff. Kulshan does not. There is also a Tri shop across the street from Fanatik, they are now just opening up cannot remember the name.
Another thought is Speedy Reedy in Seattle.
ahh, Robert good call…
I had signed up to do the Bigfoot in August just outside of Vancouver, but my plans have changed substantially in the last week. I can’t get the time off of work and so at the last minute, I’ve decided to do the Grand Columbian.
We fly into Bellingham at 7:10 PM on Thursday and the race is Saturday morning. I’d really rather get the bike set up ASAP thursday night if possible. That way, if there are any problems, I still have Friday to make adjustments.
I’d rather have flown in on Wednesday, but allegiant doesn’t fly on Wednesdays, and I’ve already got the tickets.
Who is this Robert person? Again, any information is extremely appreciated. I know it’s early on, but this is the one thing I really want to have squared away before anything else. After the race, I’ll be inVancouver for a week with no stress, but I am already stressing over this.
Actually Kulshan Cylcles is the Tri bike store in Bellingham. They are the bike support for the Baker’s ITU race, Lake Padden Tri and 2004 Olympic trials. Moe (owner) is a multitime Iron finisher. As to the TGC… Speedy Reedy from Seattle and Moses Lake Multi-sport will be onsite Friday to tune up your bike. We may be arranging for a LBS to receive shipped bikes and transport them to the site but that in negotiations…watch the site for updates.
Dood you do not want to do that race.
Seriously. Do the Grand Columbian instead.
Sorry, I read your post too fast - good decision there mate. 
I just looked up on Mapquest. How far from bellingham are you? For some reason, I thought the race was really close. Am I seeing things wrong or is the race like 300 miles from Bellingham?
Its about 300 miles. A beautiful drive. Most people fly into Spokane which is 90 miles away
What’s the safest way to drive there. We fly in on the Thursday night before the race. It’s my first at this distance and I’m usually a bundle of nerves the day before a race of any length. Should we try to drive Thursday night after the flight, or wake up real early on Friday and make the trek. Flying into Spokane is out of the question unfortunately.
My concern is that I won’t get to see the course at all before the race. or get all my stuff ready…
Hey y’all - any suggestions are helpful. I know it’s a long time from now, but panic suddenly set in this afternoon while talking to my girlfriend. She asked a lot of simple questions I couldn’t answer.
Thanks,
J-Mo
Depending upon when you fly in. The drive over Hwy 20 through Sedro Wooley then down through Pateros is absolutely beautiful. Its about 5.5 hours. You’ll arrive in plenty time. The bike shop will be up and running on Friday. Send me you e-mail at info@thegrandcolumbian.com and join the yahoo groups. The best option would be to ship your bike ahead and have it waiting if we get that out together. The other good news is Bellingham is a small airport so no lost luggage or hassle. BTW if you haven’t gotten your room yet I’d recomment the Four Winds BB – contact numbers on the website.
Ironotter,
Are you the RD for the Grand Columbian? If so, I met you last year at Wildflower. You did the long course. My buddy and I did the Oly. His girlfriend (now fiancee) was really sick the whole weekend.
Let me know
I would take ironotters advice on this. I did that exact thing last year when I raced at the Grand Columbian. I drove from Bellingham to the race site on Friday night. I wouldn’t worry about it; you’ll make it just fine. The last thing you want to do is to psyche yourself out the day before the race. The course is well described on the web site and is easy to follow once you arrive at the race site. There is one tough hill out of the swim transition and the rest are rollers. The run is flat and follows the river the whole way.
Feel free to send me an email with any other questions.
Adam