Being a beginner on a bike is a good place to start, right? The first time I did a sprint triathlon was on my city bike. When I read up and did my sprint triathlon research, I was assured that one could do this race on any roadworthy bike.
I felt really embarrassed to be using my city bike. But on that day I saw that there were many people in the same situation as me.
So, if you are in the same situation, go ahead – use your city bike or borrow one from a friend – it is totally fine and acceptable in a sprint triathlon to use a city bike. Leave a comment to let me know it goes.
There were also some super space-age bikes there too. They did not look like they were beginner triathlon bikers! So, if you are in doubt – use what you have and give it a go, the triathlon bug may give you a bite too.
city bike
The city bike served me well in the beginner sprint triathlon the first time I did a triathlon. This time I have a used triathlon bike and I have learned to love it.
I think that I might have made a mistake buying a triathlon bike and would rather suggest starting with a normal racing bike. There is no reason why I should not continue with this secondhand triathlon bike because it is what I have.
I cannot imagine that I’ll ever go beyond the triathlon Olympic distance, but who knows! I might have a change of heart later and be thankful for this triathlon bike.
This new secondhand triathlon bike has taken me to some beautiful countryside roads and villages. This has been a surprise, especially on the days when cycling has been the furthest thing from my mind.
Once the bug has bitten, go out and find yourself a racing bike or a triathlon bike – you will love the upgrade. Not only is the bike so much lighter, but it becomes easy to ride and change gears. It is worth the investment. You can either go out and buy a brand new bike or second-hand bikes are also easy to find. Happy shopping, let me know in the comments what you find.
bike helmet
The first time I did the sprint triathlon I borrowed a helmet because mine was very old. This year for my birthday my family and friends clubbed together so I could get some new gear. I now have a new helmet and it is easy to put on and take off.
But, use what you have or what you can borrow. It is essential to have but there are ways around having what you need.
The rules in any triathlon are pretty strict with helmets and that always makes me feel a bit nervous. In the last triathlon race, my friend forgot to take off her bike helmet when she started her run. The officials had to remind her that it was still on her head. Any nervous feelings that I have are allayed when I know how much the officials want to help beginners.
cycling shoes
Doing a beginner triathlon bike race has and is teaching me many new things. The biggest challenge has been riding with my feet clipped to my bike. This was also part of my family and friends’ birthday treat. EEEEEKKKK! This felt like there was no turning back.
At the time of my birthday, I was pretty sick so I could not even try them out. It took me quite a while to get out there with them, but I eventually did.
When I was better, and after much advice and many tips from my son, I ventured out. We have a straight stretch of road near us. There are not too many things to crash into there. I walked my bike down there and then tentatively gave it a go.
Making sure that no one was looking, I set off. I only clipped in one foot and went up and down the 1km stretch for a little while. When I felt more confident, I clipped in the other foot as well. Coming near to a stop, I always made sure at least one foot was out well before the stop.
Having survived that, I ventured a little further out and had a super time.
Clips for cycling are absolutely not necessary to give your first triathlon a try. Be warned though, they are fun and do help with speed. I’m loving mine now and there is no turning back for me now.
accidents happen
More recently during the sprint triathlon training, I did the classic thing! I suddenly had to stop and couldn’t get my foot out and so collapsed into a fence.
Thankfully I wasn’t injured in any significant way, only my pride! There was, of course, a car and a person to observe my dilemma. The driver got out to help me, and all I wanted was the ground to open up to swallow me! It was super embarrassing.
I am assured by those that regularly cycle with clips, that that was my initiation.
glasses
I do cycle with sports glasses on because of the glare and my contact lenses. I do not have any particular brand as I bought mine at a local discount shop and they still serve me well.
I also have this foolish notion that they shield my face and people cannot see me and realize what my age is!
Who am I trying to fool, right? Can you relate? Have you thought of considering starting something but feel a bit restricted by your age or condition? Please don’t. Join me, it is fun.
other kits
I haven’t bought any cycling shorts, although on some of the longer training cycles they were needed. I have either cycled in my running shorts or in my swimming shorts. They have both served me well to get me this far.
If this is something that I will get more to do more of, I will get some padded shorts. Next season maybe. Will keep you updated.
Doing the beginner triathlon leg on my used triathlon bike I just dry off quickly after the swim. I put on my cycling shoes and go.
The swimming, cycling, and running legs of the triathlon race all have me wearing my speedo swimsuit with my swimming shorts over. It worked last time, so I will do the same this time.
I bought a fun cycling top because I needed a place to store my phone and my keys. This I like to do when I get a bit far from home, it helps me to feel a bit safer knowing that I can phone for help if I get stuck. I’ll also have it for backup on the day of the sprint triathlon in case the weather is cold.
Gathering all the gear over a period of time is fun to do. Take it easy, borrow something first before you commit, many people do this and it’ll get you through any event. Enjoy the gear too. Learn about the item and get the most out of it.
fueling in the race
I try to eat and maintain a balanced diet so before the race, I do not do anything different than my usual breakfast. It is not a good thing to try anything new on race day.
I also bought a water bottle and powdered drink to give me some energy during the race. This is an area that I want to do more research in but for now, I’ll stick with what I can do on the fly. Wish me luck!
These are my basics for the cycling part of the triathlon. I may update more things and buy better equipment if I develop in this sport. But for right now I have enough to do another sprint triathlon.
Will you give it a try?
Let me know in the comments, I’d love to cheer you on too. You will love it.
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