I think this really sucks. It can really throw a stick in your spokes(pun intended). I'd say push pretty hard, I'm sure there are dozens of other people that hadn't planned on spending the night in DC just so they can rack their bikes the night before. Also, they'd better have 24 hr security watching those bikes if they really do want racking the night before. I'd say get in touch with the race director and bring up all these points and maybe he'll/she'll make an exception or scrap the idea all together. Good luck to all the trifuelers doing this race, hopefully it goes well and doesn't screw up your plans with this whole fiasco.

so - i'm guessing i should bring a bike lock too?

Usually the bikes are racked in a secure area with overnight security. So I wouldn't worry about a bike lock. With all the bikes there worth thousands each, the race director wouldn't take a chance of having any stolen.

While racking the night before isn't common for smaller races, big ones such as this commonly have bike check and rack the day before.

That being said, at Eagleman this year, I did notice people driving up with bikes the morning of, and they were not turned away at race-day. If you just email the directors and ask for permission, citing a reason why you can't rack the night before, you should be alright.

Bikes DO get stolen out of transition, but its usually after the race is over. And you have to think, is YOUR bike the one a thief would choose over the other 1,999 bikes?

I have a friend who is always worried about her bike, and I have to remind her that if someone wanted to steal something, the would be better off stealing a front wheel that is worth 3x what her bike is worth.

Any M-Dot event does this. I have done the NYC tri the last 5 or 6 years and they have well over 2000 competitors. They require you to rack you bike in transition the day before. They have security and they are insured if your bike is stolen.
If you try and bring your bike the day of you are turned away.
If you want to try and get an exception you should contact the RD, and expect your request to be turned down.

Most races I've been to require you to rack your bicycle the day before. Large races(over 1000 competitors) usually do so. It is safe and I've never heard of anyone losing anything. In any case, it is better that you cover your bicycle with a garbage bag and remove your bike computer. You can set up your transition in the morning.

I've worked the transition at NYC for two years now and we'd actually allow "morning of" bike drop offs. Not a ton, but if you get a hold of the race coordnators, tell them you've got a good reason. The Transition areas usually end up closed completely 30 min before the 1st wave goes. So don't be late.

For a race like the nations that may be more concerned with the fact your missing the manditory safety meeting then when your bike got dropped off.

Fine, jersey pockets too. But I do cram it in there. I get hungry :(

Meh, mandatory-shmandatory. "Wave start, wear your swim cap, wear you helmet with chinstraps too, note the mount and dismount line, don't draft, course is open to traffic, sag wagons sweep, cut off time, hydrate hydrate hydrate, no outside assistance or pacing, be nice to volunteers, awards ceremony (but no beer) after the race, blah blah blah." Got it, thanks.

Usually that's the deal. But I got a real kick out of two fast age-groupers at USAT long course regionals who were bitching out the race officials after the course because they took a wrong turn. Guess what? At the mandatory pre-race briefing they just happened to mention that because a bridge had gone out, they had to change the course from the map at the last minute. There were arrows painted on the pavement, but these guys must've missed them. Must've missed that mandatory briefing too. It never hurts to go...

You will be fine. The next time it is not such a shock.

BTW - after a couple rejections, i was informed by the race folks that i can bring my bike the day of - i just have to be there REALLY early. well - early for me.

so lets here it again for this race organizer's magnamity! yeah

i'd like to think it was my persuasive disposition, but i think after a couple days they were hearing it from so many people about this last minute rule change that they had to allow an alternative.