Is it a Bag check OR special needs bag? Difference.
*Bag check- you hand over any warm clothes, shoes you are wearing to the race , like in a marathon then you pick it up at the end of your race.
*Special needs- just that and its used for nutrition, extra spare, co2, warm shirt if you think you will be out after dark in the cold, etc. You don't get these back.

I have only heard of a special needs in an IM race but then I have never done an OLY and there was no special needs on my HIM

WOW - I am very new to this and I do not know what a HIM or an OLY is........is there a triathlon dicationary???

newtrigrl -- HIM is a Half Ironman (1.2mi swim, 56mi bike, 13.1mi run). Oly is an Olympic distance triathlon (1500m or 1mi swim, ~40K bike, and a 10K run). Welcome and keep asking questions.

[quote=TonisTri]Thanks Brittda, I just read all the fine print more carefully and it is a bag for your clothes and stuff since we have to take a bus to the swim start. thanks, as always, for your help![/quote]

Sure thing!
Good luck, and remember to have fun :)

I think the RD may be referring to a transition bag, all the goodies you will need for the race and race prep. The bag is to be left in transition and some of the items such as helmet and shoes may be laid out within your numbered space area, T1, T2.

This may not be complete, everyone is different, but this will get you going. Walk around before a race to see how people set up their transition area.

General items:
Sunscreen, Bodyglide, Vaseline
Towel
Extra gels
Extra water bottles filled with sports drink or water
Duct tape, electrical tape
Tire repair kit, on bike
Bucket (water to wash your feet if you have a sandy water exit)

Swim:
Goggles, extra pair just in case
Cap, cap is usually provided, but a spare never hurts
Wetsuit (if legal for that particular race)

Bike:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses - Protects the eyes from the sun and insects or debris
Floor pump, check tire pressure before race
Cycling shoes

Run:
Shoes/socks
Hat
Number belt
Sunglasses

Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for the info and the list - I did buy the book and I am really excited. I think my training is going pretty well so far, I think I underestimate myself on my abilities. Thanks again and I love this site and your right, everyone is so helpful and friendly!!

[quote=TonisTri][quote=cayman]I think the RD may be referring to a transition bag, all the goodies you will need for the race and race prep. The bag is to be left in transition and some of the items such as helmet and shoes may be laid out within your numbered space area, T1, T2.

This may not be complete, everyone is different, but this will get you going. Walk around before a race to see how people set up their transition area.

General items:
Sunscreen, Bodyglide, Vaseline
Towel

Extra gels
Extra water bottles filled with sports drink or water
Duct tape, electrical tape
Tire repair kit, on bike
Bucket (water to wash your feet if you have a sandy water exit)

Swim:
Goggles, extra pair just in case
Cap, cap is usually provided, but a spare never hurts
Wetsuit (if legal for that particular race)

Bike:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses - Protects the eyes from the sun and insects or debris
Floor pump, check tire pressure before race
Cycling shoes

Run:
Shoes/socks
Hat
Number belt
Sunglasses

Good luck and have fun!

[/quote]

Cayman, thanks for the list. I am stepping up from Sprint to Oly this season, so I need to be even more careful about my transition area than last year. This is my first wetsuit race. I rented one for this season and I have hopes of buying one next year. Do I for sure need body glide? I get my suit this week and I will try it out at my local pool a few times. Should I assume I will need glide or wait and see how hard it is to get it on and off.

Do you really take a floor pump into transition? I was just going to check my tires at home before I put my bike in the car. I have a small pump on my bike and there will be bike assistance at the race at the transition area ( I always get there waaaaay early so no lines generally).

Okay, one more thing. This is my first race with both men and women. My other races have been chick only! My other races had tons of newbies and this one will probably not have many (Philadelphia Triathlon). Any advice for a) racing Oly vs. Sprint and b) racing with men in the mix vs. a bunch of gals? Thanks everybody!
[/quote]

Bodyglide--- well, you will you have a chance to try it out before the race, but I am betting you will want some. With mine(and it's sleveless) I need to wear some around the neck. Keep in mind though I have only worn it for HIM and full IM. It wouldn't hurt to put some on to keep it from rubbing. The swim isn't that long to get too rubbed but do you want to risk it? Its a good thing to have anyway as you get into longer distances.

Floor pump-- If you have a family/friend member joining you this is easy. you take it in, pump your tires and then hand it off. Now if you aren't racking your bike overnight the need is not so big (IMO) as you will have checked them before leaving in the morning. Rest assured though if you do not have one, someone will, so you will probably be fine. It wouldn't hurt to throw it in the car with you incase something happens on your way over.

Have fun with the guys! I have never done an all girl race, but enjoy the co-ed scenery. Plus it always makes me feel good to pass a skinny 25 yr old guy (not that it happens often). One thing to know--not sure how your swim start is staged. I have found that men can be more agressive in the water, and in general. They just can't help themselves :)
I like to tell myself it's not on purpose but just know the swim can be dicy if there is a mass start or you are starting by AG with men as well (some are all women by AG, some are mix). I have found starting with just women in AG is often less "turbulent".

Philly, great race!

2nd the BodyGlide, it can't hurt with wetsuit, use on release points: forearms, wrists, lower legs and ankles, back of neck for chaffing--just makes it easier. For bike, friction points: inner thighs and crotch if you don't butter up.

I do take a floor pump into transition for longer races, just OCD I guess. I've seen stem tops snapped in the early morning line-ups and just prefer to handle my own tires. Sprints and olys, I'll have it handy in the car.

Agree, guys can go a little Tarzan on the swim, although I've been kicked, punched and run over by some pretty aggressive Tarzinas too:) Advice, just relax, find your spot and run your own race.

Have a great time!

[quote=TonisTri]Any advice for a) racing Oly vs. Sprint and b) racing with men in the mix vs. a bunch of gals? [/quote]

Addressing part B, I went and looked for '08 finishers and their race result website is terrible. I was going to look to see the overall M/F ratio. I imagine it is mostly men (probably 2/3 or more?). Regardless of the percentage, if they have a wave start there will invariably be men (and older women) in waves behind you that pass you on the swim. And that's when the swim becomes full contact.

[quote=TriSooner][quote=TonisTri]Any advice for a) racing Oly vs. Sprint and b) racing with men in the mix vs. a bunch of gals? [/quote]

Addressing part B, I went and looked for '08 finishers and their race result website is terrible. I was going to look to see the overall M/F ratio. I imagine it is mostly men (probably 2/3 or more?). Regardless of the percentage, if they have a wave start there will invariably be men (and older women) in waves behind you that pass you on the swim. And that's when the swim becomes full contact. [/quote]

AHAHAHAHAH YES! I did a local sprint here a few years ago and was passing a guy in a wave 2 waves ahead of me. He would have nothing of it (different color caps and no wetsuit so It was easy to tell). I just don't get it. I am sure women do the same, I have just never experienced it. Not saying ALL guys are like that, just a select few. On the flip side I have never had more supportive guys than in my first HIM last year. EVERY guy who passed me (and no, I am not exaggerating) had something encouraging to say.
I get out of the water quickly but then am soon passed on the bike :)

[quote=brittda][quote=TriSooner][quote=TonisTri]Any advice for a) racing Oly vs. Sprint and b) racing with men in the mix vs. a bunch of gals? [/quote]

Addressing part B, I went and looked for '08 finishers and their race result website is terrible. I was going to look to see the overall M/F ratio. I imagine it is mostly men (probably 2/3 or more?). Regardless of the percentage, if they have a wave start there will invariably be men (and older women) in waves behind you that pass you on the swim. And that's when the swim becomes full contact. [/quote]

AHAHAHAHAH YES! I did a local sprint here a few years ago and was passing a guy in a wave 2 waves ahead of me. He would have nothing of it (different color caps and no wetsuit so It was easy to tell). I just don't get it. I am sure women do the same, I have just never experienced it. Not saying ALL guys are like that, just a select few. On the flip side I have never had more supportive guys than in my first HIM last year. EVERY guy who passed me (and no, I am not exaggerating) had something encouraging to say.
I get out of the water quickly but then am soon passed on the bike :)
[/quote]

Us guys don't want to do it, but there's a lot of pressure on us. If our friends found out that we were passed by a girl, they would kick us out of the club. That's why we speed up when there's a girl passing us on the bike. Sorry, it's unfair, but it's the truth. The sad thing is that speeding up for 5 seconds doesn't prevent the women from passing, it just delays it. Our hope is that the guy Gods will view that as sufficient effort and have mercy.

Now you know.

Hi girl! I know nothing about bag checks for OLYs so I'm just sitting here imagining you getting kicked in the head by the M35-39s and being happy that my first OLY is at least a year out. And letting you know that I've been lurking on the forums for weeks. I'm still your official documenter--I'm bringing my big lens.

if they get too aggressive, switch to breast stroke.. that seems to get people to give you some room. :-)

[quote=TonisTri][quote=TriSooner][quote=TonisTri]Any advice for a) racing Oly vs. Sprint and b) racing with men in the mix vs. a bunch of gals? [/quote]

Addressing part B, I went and looked for '08 finishers and their race result website is terrible. I was going to look to see the overall M/F ratio. I imagine it is mostly men (probably 2/3 or more?). Regardless of the percentage, if they have a wave start there will invariably be men (and older women) in waves behind you that pass you on the swim. And that's when the swim becomes full contact. [/quote]

Ugh! I just looked at the wave order and you are right! I go off in wave 4 and wave 5 & 6 is M35-39, the most competitive group! Everybody who is eyeballing turning 40 is out to prove something. They will go off 5 min. after me so no doubt they will catch up. So what should I do? I got kicked in the head last year. Not the end of the world. Do I stay to the outside? Or just find my groove and go, go, go!

[/quote]

You know, like I said I have never done an all girls race so have nothing ot compare it to. It's what I have done the whole time. Now, I am a pretty strong swimmer and usually pass up the guys so I only have a problem in a mass start, and right in the beginning until the men die out in their 5 second fury. Just get in there and do your best! They may catch up but the waves will be thinned out by then. GO GO GO!

TonisTri: boo, sorry. it's only funny if it doesn't happen to you. at least as you swim by, know that the swimmer switching strokes is probably way more miserable than you are. :-)

brittda: "until the men die out in their 5 second fury." So many funny thoughts came to my head when I read that, but none that I am willing to post!

HAHAHAHA I was thinking the SAME thing ;) Great minds...

[quote=TonisTri][quote=jtrimom]brittda: "until the men die out in their 5 second fury." So many funny thoughts came to my head when I read that, but none that I am willing to post!

HAHAHAHA I was thinking the SAME thing ;) Great minds...
[/quote]

Yeah, where has beads been. I expect him to chime in on that stuff...
[/quote]
I was wondering the same thing the past few weeks...you out there, Beads? He must be at home in the gutter ;)

Just a quick comment on the transition area, check out YouTube for some videos on how to set up your transition area... there are some really good ones out there, including a 3-part series from a Dallas area bike shop where they video taped a transition workshop.