If you're not actively passing, ride as far right as possible.

[quote=jhudalla]If you're not actively passing, ride as far right as possible. [/quote]

+1 - That's the big one. Similar applies to the swim. Try to tack as straight a course as you can.

Same applies on the run. Try to stay on the right to allow others to pass.
Keep your gear neat in transition, don't take up too much space.
Other than that, it's all just common courtesy stuff.

Yeah, stay right where you can, and be neat in transition. Rack your bike back in your own spot, and keep your things in the same area they were in before the race during the transition.

Be as vocal and deliberate as possible about everything you're doing that might interfer with other athletes is my biggest one. Of course you should yell "On your left!" when passing but aid stations are a big problem as well. I like to point at a volunteer holding out cups from 20 feet away or so, make some eye contact and they will usually make the extra effort to make sure you get what you're reaching for. If you aren't getting anything, pull way to the side so that other people can get what they need. Also, if you are going to walk through a station, walk on the opposite side (ie in the grass... If legal in the race) otherwise take your drink and pull to the side AFTER the aid station. This way there isn't a big clog up with people accelerating and stopping suddenly once they get water.

Also, please relieve yourself in a bathroom, portapotty or, let's be honest, before the swim. I've actually been pee'd on during the race start by a woman squatting next to me on the starting line.

Where your transition gear goes depends on how your bike is racked and how other people rack (it's basically a put it where you can/want at most races I've done) -- if I'm on the end of the rack, and there is room, I put the gear to the side away from other bikes. If my husband is racked next to me, we usually share a spot between the two bikes. If other people are already set up, where there is room. Or, in my case, when the racks are freakin' tall and my bike is swinging freely sometimes I set up almost under the bike ;)

[quote=kylie]Yeah, stay right where you can, and be neat in transition. Rack your bike back in your own spot, and keep your things in the same area they were in before the race during the transition.[/quote]

Good ones. Stay right is all I'd say, and *try* to freestyle all/most of the way vs. breast stroke, which tends to lead to wicked kicks in the head, but that's just part of it. And if you pass on bike, maybe muster a tiny little "left". That would be nice, and very rare. And as you approach aid stations on either bike or run, just be aware of whether someone is behind you as you pull in/pull out. Hand gestures on the bike [i]and run[/i] are appreciated.

[quote=kylie] Or, in my case, when the racks are freakin' tall and my bike is swinging freely sometimes I set up almost under the bike ;)[/quote]

That's always so cute, some little bitty bike swinging around by the saddle nose :) My size 61 is too tall to fit under the rack.

[quote=TriSooner][quote=kylie]Yeah, stay right where you can, and be neat in transition. Rack your bike back in your own spot, and keep your things in the same area they were in before the race during the transition.[/quote]

Good ones. Stay right is all I'd say, and *try* to freestyle all/most of the way vs. breast stroke, which tends to lead to wicked kicks in the head, but that's just part of it. And if you pass on bike, maybe muster a tiny little "left". That would be nice, and very rare. And as you approach aid stations on either bike or run, just be aware of whether someone is behind you as you pull in/pull out. Hand gestures on the bike [i]and run[/i] are appreciated.

[quote=kylie] Or, in my case, when the racks are freakin' tall and my bike is swinging freely sometimes I set up almost under the bike ;)[/quote]

That's always so cute, some little bitty bike swinging around by the saddle nose :) My size 61 is too tall to fit under the rack. [/quote]

In a sprint my bike's front tire just touches the ground. In an Oly or longer, the front tire hovers in the air due to the 3 water bottles behind the saddle. It only started happening when I changed to a Fizik Airone. It's kinda funny. I think I have some photos of the hovering front tire somewhere.

Don't smoke cigs in the transition area

;)

If you're going to pass, then pass and keep going. Don't pass and slow down.

Cheers

[quote=hipfan]If you're going to pass, then pass and keep going. Don't pass and slow down.

Cheers[/quote]

+1. Not only does it make the person slow down, but you don't want someone else to get accused of drafting just because you slowed down in front of them.

But, in all honesty, just have fun. Be nice and friendly and courteous, and you have nothing to worry about.

Don't be a dick :) You'll be fine. Get there early. Don't be ones of those dudes people that likes to show up late and then complain about how crowded transition is and try to move people's stuff around to fit yours in. Staying to the right is not only courteous but it's a big rule too. You will be penalized on the bike if you don't stay right.

Hi Aidan,
Great question! Got my first Tri (OD) coming up within two weeks so I'll keep these pointers in mind. Thanks for the questions + answers.

[quote=hipfan]If you're going to pass, then pass and keep going. Don't pass and slow down.
[/quote]

True, but it goes both ways: "[i]Being Overtaken . . . A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist."[/i]

Which means if you're passed, "moving to the rear of the draft zone" [i]may[/i] entail slowing down. I see this happen often: You pass someone and they sit on your wheel.

I would just add thank each and every marshal as you pass. It takes no effort, and without them many races would not take place.

Great topic and everyone is spot on. HAVE FUN OUT THERE AND RESPECT AND MOVE FOR THOSE THAT ARE RACING FOR A PR OR A PODIUM.

My main issue is when you setup your transition and you have an inch of space because the athlete next to you brought his kitchen sink.

There a lot of good tips posted already. The biking passing is a tough one because riders ride at all different speeds. Sometimes I have been passing someone, and then someone passes me at the same time, and then people are coming back and if it is a short race it is very cogested and sometimes there are huge pot-holes and cracks in the road which you have to avoid, and then there can be cars and farmer's vehicles too! the bike ride is sometimes more about safety than following the rules. But if you can, it always makes sense to stay as far right as possible. I think the only thing that has ever caused me a problem was someone pushing me under the water and swimming over top of me, that shouldn't be allowed. I ended up backwards and almost got punched in the face by someone who was behind me during the swim. A friend of mine had his nose broken during the swim by being hit. I think it is more important to keep the sport safe. It probably only makes a difference of 30s in your race time to keep looking ahead during the swimming portion so that you can avoid other people. After all, it isn't like you are competing in the olympics for a gold medal!

[quote=kylie]Rack your bike back in your own spot, and keep your things in the same area they were in before the race during the transition.[/quote]

AMEN Sister! Everyone I meet in triathlon is so nice. I want to know who the jerks are who put their bikes over my stuff. They're usually gone by the time I get done with my race so I can't confront them. In the heat of the race I've considered dumping many a fancy carbon bike on the ground. Since I am slow, when I come in there is usually little space where my bike was supposed to go. This can't possibly take more than 10 seconds.

Stay right whenever possible. Rach your bike in your own spot and thanks Marshals (Will bring SMILE on their face). Good LUCK. It is lot of FUN.....