I have a B-race coming up early next year (Tauranga 1/2) and am thinking of getting back to our tri roots and doing it in a retro set-up. Just brainstorming some ideas at the moment and would appreciate any input.
Swim
Wetsuit legal, but I’m thinking just a pair of heinous brown stubbies? Ya know, the ones with the tiny key pocket on the front that are a little too short.
Bike
Pretty keen to be use the Bianchi fixed gear. Granted, it was made in the early 90s, but it is steel and that’s what counts right? I’m pretty sure the stubbies would lead to a good amount of chafing, so what did those early cats ride in?
I’ll be using a modern helmet, cause “safety first”. I do have a pair of silver aviators from the 80s, but am thinking of something a little more classic, so what sort of sunglasses were worn in races?
“Cutter” t-shirt will be worn on top.
Pedals - thinking of using the spd-r setup as have no experience with clips. Will this wash or look like a cop out?
Run
Will use said stubbies and cutter t-shirt. Has anyone run in chucks before? I’m kinda nervous as I have the worst flat feet in the world and do run in orthotics and am a bit nervy about potential injuries when the A-race is two months after. Thinking of wimping out and running in the usual setup.
Nutrition
Am leaning towards just using products available at the time, so bananas, chocolate, sweets and water? Would it be keeping with the theme if I made up my own sports drink with some sugar and salt?
Misc
Shaven, mustache, side burns or full beard (I can’t grow handlebars)?
dude…Tom Selleck stache is a must have…long long Kenny Souza hair…go with a set of Scott DH bars…with bmx brake levers and a cable splitter…one of those under the seat pump up type water bladders…anything neon…especially in a speedo…Oakley factory pilot sunglasses…what else here…hmmm
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don’t forget the thompson pedal adapters (ride your clipless pedals in your running shoes!), the Uni-disc cover, and the horrible neon print Tinley spandex shorts.
I’ll be sure to post some pics. The damn dodgy thing is on the fixed gear I have some foot overlap with my front wheel. The bike course is four freekin loops, so that is seven 180-degree turns I’ll be doing with only one foot clipped in so I can actually turn.
I am leaning towards the Tom Selleck mustache as well. The little lady has expressed some concern about this, but I’d still pash her if she had a mo.
Me thinks I’ll take a spare back brake up – the last thing I want to do is check the bike in and have it rejected for only having one on the front. I’m sure all the pleading in the world about how it is my handling the officials should be worried about the most won’t wash.
Kentiger – I’m thinking of even going back further than the DH bars and just doing it on the drops! Ya know, head down baby and just letting her roll. I ride her with some boxy 36 spokers too. She is the anti-aero and one of my best friends.
I gotta go buy me some chucks and start doing a few retro race sims.
Chucks are ok to run in but you will probably get a set of world class shinsplints in a half.
Tube socks with wide stripes, not too matching are always needed.
Fig Newtons and bananas for food.
An Aloha shirt and or hula skirt are good for the run.
The track bike is ok, but a Pee Wee Herman bike or beach cruzer with a basket is better.
Of course a pointy aerohelmet worn backwards adds to the “image” but may mean a DQ.
The rules are a bit shakey on a boombox in the basket on the ride. They are now looking at headphones and Ipods as the bad guys. If you can find an 8 track portable player you are all aces.
Carrying a six pack of beer on the run is good, but may mean DQ.
Bowling balls on the run make for a long day.
If you wear a dress be sure your stride is not cut too short.
Having the wife make cookies or brownies to pass out along the way is nice.
I am guilty of all of the above, but honest mister official I found the bowling ball and didn’t want to litter along the course.
Damn G-man, the boom box is a great idea. Are you suggesting I make a tape of Flock of Seagulls, Pseudo Echo and Duran Duran and loop it over and over? The eight D-size batteries could add some weight, but hey, Tinley wouldn’t have complained would he?