Question:

Check out slowtwitch.com for some background on this whole story.

Response:

Check out slowtwitch.com for some background on this whole story.

DEFINITELY!!! Dan, what a great perspective! I really appreciate the opportunity to learn about what goes on in the background. Don’t keep us waiting for the next part! David / FEY2K IMCAL2000 16:53 (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

<< DEFINITELY!!! Dan, what a great perspective! I really appreciate the opportunity to learn about what goes on in the background. Don’t keep us waiting for the next part!   agreed! peggy

Response:

One thing that is more prominent in Oz than the US, most of our Top Pro’s will race any old event even if theres no prize money. This doesn’t seem to be so much the case in Nth America. Look at the results in the Triathlon Digest and you will see Emma Carney et al winning races that would be lucky to pay travel costs. I hope someone does built a US National Series up again but I know it will be a long haul. LW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think everyone fails to see one thing about our sport. There is very little money to be made. Everyone from the race directors to the pros know that you will not make much money putting races on or trying to win them.  Granted, there are a few people in the US and world that do this(Michellie Jones, Hunter Kemper, Simon Lessing, etc) but the majority of the people don’t.  They still have to make money from somewhere else. I think even if someone put another series on it would require more than just good turnouts.  It would requre the event director to be very careful in budgetting his money.  That is one of the main reasons why the USTS/NATS has sunk so many times already. Just my two cents. jOe Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

It would be good to see a US National Series, I did one of the USTS races at Hilton Head Island in ‘90-91, not sure when, and they were great,

I think it was the Bud Light Triathlon Series back then.  I did one in San Diego in ‘92 that was super.  Big pro field and great AG race.  The next year it was cut down to a sprint and the pro field was Scott Tinley and a female pro in an exhibition match.  The promoter, CAT Sports, went broke that season and reportedly owed money to pros and others. I wonder if there’s anyone willing to pick it up after this most recent disaster? Larry

Response:

I think everyone fails to see one thing about our sport. There is very little money to be made. Everyone from the race directors to the pros know that you will not make much money putting races on or trying to win them.  Granted, there are a few people in the US and world that do this(Michellie Jones, Hunter Kemper, Simon Lessing, etc) but the majority of the people don’t.  They still have to make money from somewhere else. I think even if someone put another series on it would require more than just good turnouts.  It would requre the event director to be very careful in budgetting his money.  That is one of the main reasons why the USTS/NATS has sunk so many times already. Just my two cents. jOe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

It would be good to see a US National Series, I did one of the USTS races at Hilton Head Island in ‘90-91, not sure when, and they were great, I had ‘hoped’ to have another go this season pre IMC but alas it might not be, but it would be good to see. LW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – fair enough.  no harm no foul.  I personally believe that if the USTS/NATS or another equivalent national series gets revitalized in the US they will have good attendance and support regardless of the complaints in RST or elsewhere, as long as they do a good job marketing the races. Something is going on as the website does have a "coming soon" page up, but who knows what it is. I’ll go to a couple of the races.  I enjoy racing.  It’s fun.  I started because it’s fun, you get to meet new people, go new places.  Plus, in defense of the old series, the races were organized well (from a participant’s standpoint) and had good competition. cheers, Marty However look at it as a whole. Had the USTS/NATS been in a position to be rescued the damages caused my misc postings harms not only the race directors but the sponsors and the whole triathlon community. LW

Response:

fair enough.  no harm no foul.  I personally believe that if the USTS/NATS or another equivalent national series gets revitalized in the US they will have good attendance and support regardless of the complaints in RST or elsewhere, as long as they do a good job marketing the races. Something is going on as the website does have a "coming soon" page up, but who knows what it is. I’ll go to a couple of the races.  I enjoy racing.  It’s fun.  I started because it’s fun, you get to meet new people, go new places.  Plus, in defense of the old series, the races were organized well (from a participant’s standpoint) and had good competition. cheers, Marty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – However look at it as a whole. Had the USTS/NATS been in a position to be rescued the damages caused my misc postings harms not only the race directors but the sponsors and the whole triathlon community. LW

Response:

Having been made aware that you were chasing money I had apologised for the tone and wording of my post. However look at it as a whole. Had the USTS/NATS been in a position to be rescued the damages caused my misc postings harms not only the race directors but the sponsors and the whole triathlon community. LW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lloyd, I would think you’re an attentive enough reader to know I don’t throw rumors and innuendos onto the fire, but obviously not.  I guess maybe you guys down under don’t "read" every post.  Guess what?  I can do better.  The business is folded.  Ken McKenzie is unreachable.  I did not get paid $800.  Bugger off with my rumors.  I gave them every chance they had to explain what was going on.  Speaking for myself, I wrote them a couple letters and called a few phone numbers.  Guess what?  There was nobody home.  I am sure that if YOU were in charge of this series this never would have happened, but as you are limited to the southern hemisphere, why not let us work out our northern hemisphere problems. If someone in this newsgroup asks a question I have the answer to, I’m going to answer it.  Just like you do in your occasionally caustic manner. I also read your note discussing the business aspect of the situation. The truth is that everyone would be very happy to have a national series in the US.  We would be extremely happy.  But the truth is that there was obviously some mismanagement of this series and the advertised prize money did not get distributed.  According to other people whose word I have no reason to doubt, local RDs and other people associated with the series also did not get paid what they were due. When you say we are not alone in not getting paid, are you suggesting we should humbly accept it as our fate?  If I did that I would never have gotten anywhere in life.  When you get shafted, do you just take it?  I didn’t think so.  Am I going to sit around and watch and hope, with my fingers crossed and eyes aglow, that one day down the road, just maybe, just maybe oh wish upon a star Dorothy, that I’ll get some cash back?  Dude, your dreaming.  What does a business with money outstanding do to those that owe it money?  Call, call, call, file complaints, then file with a collection agency. Once again I would say that, regardless of the character references Mr. MacKenzie has, by not responding to all these circumstances in any way, shape, or form, he is hurting himself and us.  It’s not my fault.  I don’t want the guy to personally suffer, as I don’t wish that on anyone, but he didn’t even mail out a statement saying he was working things out.  IE, he is not working things out. The business is already destroyed, bud.  That happened last year.  If it gets resurrected, I will accept it as the Phoenix rising from the ashes.  I believe everyone else will as well. As for restarting the business, have at it!! Anyone! buy it, run it, make it your life, and do it well.  I just ride the bike.  I don’t make it, nor do I close down the streets on which to ride. Marty Gaal Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. LW You guys are not alone in losing money, it happens every day in every sport and business and I hate it as much as anyone but look at it from the point of view of a business person. It is simply a debt just like the hundreds of other businesses that go broke every year this one hurts people but unlike a lot of business bankruptcies the athletes did not loose any of their own money apart from maybe travel costs etc. So they are crying fowl and trying to destroy a business, its name and the name of the backers/sponsors over what is essentially prize money won not actually money they had themselves invested, or entrusted on credit. That’s the reality of it and I do not condone in any manner or form race directors failing to meet contractual obligations for prize money but to look at the bigger picture there is now no USTS and people are making it even harder for someone to resurrect the USTS by constantly attacking it with rumours and other stories, even if they end up being true. So many people have stood up for the race director and there are as many good reports of the man and his business dealings as there are bad ones. What my point is that the USTS is an asset that can be sold or used to help recover the money lost. Just look at how many people keep asking about it and saying how not having the USTS is a big loss. Its a huge loss, not having a National series to compete in, a far bigger a loss to the sport than a handful of athletes loosing prize money. By posting constant defamatory remarks and rumours about the event, its parent company and its directors you are cutting your own throats. Sort of like burning down your own house to avoid paying mortgage payments to spite your bank, you still have the debt but now you don’t have the asset to sell to pay the debts!!! What would I do, find someone who can buy, or take over the USTS and hopefully rebuild it to a profit making venture, work with the previous management to get the real story on the losses suffered so the same mistakes should not be made again. If there is any signs of illegal or improper management then sure look at suing the management to recover costs. Ever wonder why a lot of bankruptcy trustees do not immediately make any statements of business dealings etc about company CEO’s and Directors after a company is placed into the hands of receivers/liquidators. Its because the small amount of information they are likely to get from the management could well help in explaining the companies losses and what and where they went wrong. With this knowledge they can make a more accurate call as to just how good an asset/business is left and if it is a viable entity that could pay its way clear of debt. LW Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. Marty speaks the truth so there is no reason to flame him.  Part of the problem is that pros are so used to getting paid months after the races that it has become the norm.  "Letting the matter sort itself out" has been the problem.  Had the athletes complained and insisted on getting paid on time early in the series maybe this whole situation could have been avoided. The pros gave Ken MONTHS to try to settle his debts or even provide an explanation.  He has been virtually unreachable since October (invalid email address, unpaid website, Quest events dissolved) and when one pro was finally able to get him on the phone the connection got cut off.  When he re-dialed, surprise, nobody picked up. We waited patiently for explanations and everyone wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.  What is your suggestion? Believe me, we would be interested in any viable solution. -hug(also owed $$ from 2 NATS races)

Response:

Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they

belong. Marty speaks the truth so there is no reason to flame him.  Part of the problem is that pros are so used to getting paid months after the races that it has become the norm.  "Letting the matter sort itself out" has been the problem.  Had the athletes complained and insisted on getting paid on time early in the series maybe this whole situation could have been avoided. The pros gave Ken MONTHS to try to settle his debts or even provide an explanation.  He has been virtually unreachable since October (invalid email address, unpaid website, Quest events dissolved) and when one pro was finally able to get him on the phone the connection got cut off.  When he re-dialed, surprise, nobody picked up. We waited patiently for explanations and everyone wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.  What is your suggestion? Believe me, we would be interested in any viable solution. -hug(also owed $$ from 2 NATS races)

Response:

You guys are not alone in losing money, it happens every day in every sport and business and I hate it as much as anyone but look at it from the point of view of a business person. It is simply a debt just like the hundreds of other businesses that go broke every year this one hurts people but unlike a lot of business bankruptcies the athletes did not loose any of their own money apart from maybe travel costs etc. So they are crying fowl and trying to destroy a business, its name and the name of the backers/sponsors over what is essentially prize money won not actually money they had themselves invested, or entrusted on credit. That’s the reality of it and I do not condone in any manner or form race directors failing to meet contractual obligations for prize money but to look at the bigger picture there is now no USTS and people are making it even harder for someone to resurrect the USTS by constantly attacking it with rumours and other stories, even if they end up being true. So many people have stood up for the race director and there are as many good reports of the man and his business dealings as there are bad ones. What my point is that the USTS is an asset that can be sold or used to help recover the money lost. Just look at how many people keep asking about it and saying how not having the USTS is a big loss. Its a huge loss, not having a National series to compete in, a far bigger a loss to the sport than a handful of athletes loosing prize money. By posting constant defamatory remarks and rumours about the event, its parent company and its directors you are cutting your own throats. Sort of like burning down your own house to avoid paying mortgage payments to spite your bank, you still have the debt but now you don’t have the asset to sell to pay the debts!!! What would I do, find someone who can buy, or take over the USTS and hopefully rebuild it to a profit making venture, work with the previous management to get the real story on the losses suffered so the same mistakes should not be made again. If there is any signs of illegal or improper management then sure look at suing the management to recover costs. Ever wonder why a lot of bankruptcy trustees do not immediately make any statements of business dealings etc about company CEO’s and Directors after a company is placed into the hands of receivers/liquidators. Its because the small amount of information they are likely to get from the management could well help in explaining the companies losses and what and where they went wrong. With this knowledge they can make a more accurate call as to just how good an asset/business is left and if it is a viable entity that could pay its way clear of debt. LW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. Marty speaks the truth so there is no reason to flame him.  Part of the problem is that pros are so used to getting paid months after the races that it has become the norm.  "Letting the matter sort itself out" has been the problem.  Had the athletes complained and insisted on getting paid on time early in the series maybe this whole situation could have been avoided. The pros gave Ken MONTHS to try to settle his debts or even provide an explanation.  He has been virtually unreachable since October (invalid email address, unpaid website, Quest events dissolved) and when one pro was finally able to get him on the phone the connection got cut off.  When he re-dialed, surprise, nobody picked up. We waited patiently for explanations and everyone wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.  What is your suggestion? Believe me, we would be interested in any viable solution. -hug(also owed $$ from 2 NATS races)

Response:

Lloyd, I would think you’re an attentive enough reader to know I don’t throw rumors and innuendos onto the fire, but obviously not.  I guess maybe you guys down under don’t "read" every post.  Guess what?  I can do better.  The business is folded.  Ken McKenzie is unreachable.  I did not get paid $800.  Bugger off with my rumors.  I gave them every chance they had to explain what was going on.  Speaking for myself, I wrote them a couple letters and called a few phone numbers.  Guess what?  There was nobody home.  I am sure that if YOU were in charge of this series this never would have happened, but as you are limited to the southern hemisphere, why not let us work out our northern hemisphere problems. If someone in this newsgroup asks a question I have the answer to, I’m going to answer it.  Just like you do in your occasionally caustic manner. I also read your note discussing the business aspect of the situation. The truth is that everyone would be very happy to have a national series in the US.  We would be extremely happy.  But the truth is that there was obviously some mismanagement of this series and the advertised prize money did not get distributed.  According to other people whose word I have no reason to doubt, local RDs and other people associated with the series also did not get paid what they were due. When you say we are not alone in not getting paid, are you suggesting we should humbly accept it as our fate?  If I did that I would never have gotten anywhere in life.  When you get shafted, do you just take it?  I didn’t think so.  Am I going to sit around and watch and hope, with my fingers crossed and eyes aglow, that one day down the road, just maybe, just maybe oh wish upon a star Dorothy, that I’ll get some cash back?  Dude, your dreaming.  What does a business with money outstanding do to those that owe it money?  Call, call, call, file complaints, then file with a collection agency. Once again I would say that, regardless of the character references Mr. MacKenzie has, by not responding to all these circumstances in any way, shape, or form, he is hurting himself and us.  It’s not my fault.  I don’t want the guy to personally suffer, as I don’t wish that on anyone, but he didn’t even mail out a statement saying he was working things out.  IE, he is not working things out. The business is already destroyed, bud.  That happened last year.  If it gets resurrected, I will accept it as the Phoenix rising from the ashes.  I believe everyone else will as well. As for restarting the business, have at it!! Anyone! buy it, run it, make it your life, and do it well.  I just ride the bike.  I don’t make it, nor do I close down the streets on which to ride. Marty Gaal Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. LW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You guys are not alone in losing money, it happens every day in every sport and business and I hate it as much as anyone but look at it from the point of view of a business person. It is simply a debt just like the hundreds of other businesses that go broke every year this one hurts people but unlike a lot of business bankruptcies the athletes did not loose any of their own money apart from maybe travel costs etc. So they are crying fowl and trying to destroy a business, its name and the name of the backers/sponsors over what is essentially prize money won not actually money they had themselves invested, or entrusted on credit. That’s the reality of it and I do not condone in any manner or form race directors failing to meet contractual obligations for prize money but to look at the bigger picture there is now no USTS and people are making it even harder for someone to resurrect the USTS by constantly attacking it with rumours and other stories, even if they end up being true. So many people have stood up for the race director and there are as many good reports of the man and his business dealings as there are bad ones. What my point is that the USTS is an asset that can be sold or used to help recover the money lost. Just look at how many people keep asking about it and saying how not having the USTS is a big loss. Its a huge loss, not having a National series to compete in, a far bigger a loss to the sport than a handful of athletes loosing prize money. By posting constant defamatory remarks and rumours about the event, its parent company and its directors you are cutting your own throats. Sort of like burning down your own house to avoid paying mortgage payments to spite your bank, you still have the debt but now you don’t have the asset to sell to pay the debts!!! What would I do, find someone who can buy, or take over the USTS and hopefully rebuild it to a profit making venture, work with the previous management to get the real story on the losses suffered so the same mistakes should not be made again. If there is any signs of illegal or improper management then sure look at suing the management to recover costs. Ever wonder why a lot of bankruptcy trustees do not immediately make any statements of business dealings etc about company CEO’s and Directors after a company is placed into the hands of receivers/liquidators. Its because the small amount of information they are likely to get from the management could well help in explaining the companies losses and what and where they went wrong. With this knowledge they can make a more accurate call as to just how good an asset/business is left and if it is a viable entity that could pay its way clear of debt. LW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. Marty speaks the truth so there is no reason to flame him.  Part of the problem is that pros are so used to getting paid months after the races that it has become the norm.  "Letting the matter sort itself out" has been the problem.  Had the athletes complained and insisted on getting paid on time early in the series maybe this whole situation could have been avoided. The pros gave Ken MONTHS to try to settle his debts or even provide an explanation.  He has been virtually unreachable since October (invalid email address, unpaid website, Quest events dissolved) and when one pro was finally able to get him on the phone the connection got cut off.  When he re-dialed, surprise, nobody picked up. We waited patiently for explanations and everyone wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.  What is your suggestion? Believe me, we would be interested in any viable solution. -hug(also owed $$ from 2 NATS races)

Response:

Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. LW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – nobody got paid.  They are collectively gonna sue Mr. McKenzie, who’s already facing a few other lawsuits.  I don’t know who paid to keep the site alive, just another mystery to be unravelled. Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

YO! Lloyd…Since Marty is one of those unpaid pros, still waiting for his check from the USTS Series Championship race, I’d say his comments are as close as one can get to the real story. Since the USTS people have offered no comment at all, the maligned parties have a right to update us as to what is currently going on without being called liars and rumourmongers. If he refers to a lawsuit, I would assume that he is a part of it. cheers, Andrew – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why not throw more rumours, lies, innuendo’s etc…. onto the fire and make sure they don’t have a chance to do the right thing and bail themselves out. If you can do better then sure stand up and say so otherwise how about letting the matter sort itself out and keep your rumours where they belong. LW nobody got paid.  They are collectively gonna sue Mr. McKenzie, who’s already facing a few other lawsuits.  I don’t know who paid to keep the site alive, just another mystery to be unravelled. Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

nobody got paid.  They are collectively gonna sue Mr. McKenzie, who’s already facing a few other lawsuits.  I don’t know who paid to keep the site alive, just another mystery to be unravelled. Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

Happened to log onto USTS’s site and it looks like they paid their $$$ to keep the site alive.  Anyone heard updated news on whether the pros got paid from the 2000 races? Chris — "No success can compensate for failure in the home" — David O. McKay

Response:

Question:

Since I have been traveling a lot with a bike lately (fortunately I have access to excess baggage certs so I do not pay), I have found that the airports I have been in do not let you check a bag at the curb or at the regular baggage check.  You must go to the oversized baggage check in area which I bet hurts the sliding it by the airlines schemes.  The upside to oversized baggage line is that it is faster since the line is so much shorter. Another option is to join USA Cycling since you can get 2 vouchers for membership (www.usacycling.org).  I am not sure of the yearly membership for USA Cycling. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did a quick search of the opinions on the flight (bike bag/box) benefits that were part of USAT membership. As of a year ago, the consenus seemed to be that, in and of itself, it was not a valid reason for acquiring a membership. Is this still the case?  I want to avoid a situation where I am paying $100 MORE for my flights so that I can avoid paying the $100 for my bike bag. Rsquared Before you buy. If you join USAT I think they offer a discounted Tri-All-Three travel case but you could probably find a similar deal on another case either at a LBS or online.  They offer free bike passes on "selected airlines". Last year I think there were only 2 airlines offering the free passes and only if your flight was $350 or more.  Now this year I believe they expanded the list (UsAir, Continental and maybe 2 others) but when I went to book thru them for a flight $350 their price was $150 more than what I found on Expedia.  Oh goody, I get free bike passes but still end up shelling out $50, no thanks! So, I’d say if the only reason you are gonna join USAT is for the travel benefits, forget it! I know an old thread revolved around ways to not pay the bike fee anyhow.  Some suggestions were lying to the check-in person and telling them that the bike box contained trade show materials and another involved tipping the baggage guy.  I’m wondering how that second method works?  Has anyone ever done this?  How much do you tip and who exactly do you tip?  I thought you had to check the items in when you handed in your ticket and I can’t imagine slipping some money to the counter person.  If anyone has any advice on how to avoid paying that bike fee please share!!! -hug Before you buy.

Response:

Well, in a word…No.  Buying a USAT membership based on any of the travel advantages is a very poor reason.   If you don’t believe me, try calling the reservation number…If you get an answer you will most likely get one of the two responses: … an answering machine or … a person who doesn’t have a clue. At least, that is what my experience was about 1 yr. ago.  Better yet, try and get a "special" USAT deal for the Olympics…Now, that’s another story/joke. I really believe the purpose of the travel agency relationship has more to do with staff and/or pro triathlete considerations and not the members at large.  I could be wrong (wouldn’t be first time), but I would never run a business like the USAT runs theirs.  On the other hand, if we keep sending them money, then we will keep getting what we’re getting (…as I just finish writing out my check for another USAT membership – ugh). What we are getting is a discount on entry fees – that’s the value in a USAT membership (…but, I think the REAL value is seeing my name in "really-really" small print in the USAT rankings).  Of course, if your an Olympic bound triathlete or staff member…then, the value may be a bit higher (…and perhaps justly deserved?).   By and large, USAT seems like a necessary evil…hmmm…I guess it’s time put a pitch fork in my hand and horns on my head but…red clashes with my eyes. Fwiw,  Joe "ice-concession owner in hell" Moya I did a quick search of the opinions on the flight (bike bag/box) benefits that were part of USAT membership. As of a year ago, the consenus seemed to be that, in and of itself, it was not a valid reason for acquiring a membership. Is this still the case?  I want to avoid a situation where I am paying $100 MORE for my flights so that I can avoid paying the $100 for my bike bag. Rsquared Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Another option is to join USA Cycling since you can get 2 vouchers for membership (www.usacycling.org).  I am not sure of the yearly membership for USA Cycling.

Those vouchers are only good on United, but thanks anyway for the suggestion. Any other ideas? Right now, renting a bike case and shipping UPS is going to cost me over $200 ($100+ case rental, $100 UPS). David / FEY2K – IMCA (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

I am sorry that I forgot to mention that…..my error. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Another option is to join USA Cycling since you can get 2 vouchers for membership (www.usacycling.org).  I am not sure of the yearly membership for USA Cycling. Those vouchers are only good on United, but thanks anyway for the suggestion. Any other ideas? Right now, renting a bike case and shipping UPS is going to cost me over $200 ($100+ case rental, $100 UPS). David / FEY2K – IMCA (remove spaces) at att dot net

Response:

I have knowledge of the USAT travel desk arrangement with two airlines. USAir basically gives you coupons for free bike transport regardless of ticket price, the restrictions are for any of their shuttle flights. Delta only gives complimentary bike transport if you spend more than $300 on your ticket. There used to be an arrangement with NW and Continental but I don’t know if it’s still in place or what the conditions are. Even if you only use the complimentary flight coupons once, that more than pays for USAT membership. It’s just that the airline options are limited. Cathy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I did a quick search of the opinions on the flight (bike bag/box) benefits that were part of USAT membership. As of a year ago, the consenus seemed to be that, in and of itself, it was not a valid reason for acquiring a membership. Is this still the case?  I want to avoid a situation where I am paying $100 MORE for my flights so that I can avoid paying the $100 for my bike bag. Rsquared Before you buy.

Response:

I did a quick search of the opinions on the flight (bike bag/box) benefits that were part of USAT membership. As of a year ago, the consenus seemed to be that, in and of itself, it was not a valid reason for acquiring a membership. Is this still the case?  I want to avoid a situation where I am paying $100 MORE for my flights so that I can avoid paying the $100 for my bike bag. Rsquared Before you buy.

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I did a quick search of the opinions on the flight (bike bag/box) benefits that were part of USAT membership. As of a year ago, the consenus seemed to be that, in and of itself, it was not a valid reason for acquiring a membership. Is this still the case?  I want to avoid a situation where I am paying $100 MORE for my flights so that I can avoid paying the $100 for my bike bag. Rsquared Before you buy.

If you join USAT I think they offer a discounted Tri-All-Three travel case but you could probably find a similar deal on another case either at a LBS or online.  They offer free bike passes on "selected airlines". Last year I think there were only 2 airlines offering the free passes and only if your flight was $350 or more.  Now this year I believe they expanded the list (UsAir, Continental and maybe 2 others) but when I went to book thru them for a flight $350 their price was $150 more than what I found on Expedia.  Oh goody, I get free bike passes but still end up shelling out $50, no thanks! So, I’d say if the only reason you are gonna join USAT is for the travel benefits, forget it! I know an old thread revolved around ways to not pay the bike fee anyhow.  Some suggestions were lying to the check-in person and telling them that the bike box contained trade show materials and another involved tipping the baggage guy.  I’m wondering how that second method works?  Has anyone ever done this?  How much do you tip and who exactly do you tip?  I thought you had to check the items in when you handed in your ticket and I can’t imagine slipping some money to the counter person.  If anyone has any advice on how to avoid paying that bike fee please share!!! -hug Before you buy.

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Question:

In the past there has been posts telling of websites to go to to create progressive training programs….  Anyone recall these sites?  I’m trying to get / create a program for myself for duathlons,,,,,,

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Get the triathlon training bible.  It will tell you exactly what to do. author, Joe Friel and no i do not have shares in the company – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the past there has been posts telling of websites to go to to create progressive training programs….  Anyone recall these sites?  I’m trying to get / create a program for myself for duathlons,,,,,,

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Question:

I would recommend you contact Matt Haugen at the USAT National Office.  USAT has various programs underway for junior development – I’m sure he’d be willing to help.   Also, search Yahoo.com for triathlon organizations.  You should find one titled "triathlon junior olympics" set up by Kyle Sage.  I can’t remember the exact site, but it has some relevant junior info and Kyle specializes in coaching juniors.   Good luck. Steve

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Jeff, It is kinda confusing but lets see if I can explain. My son Ryan has been competing there for a while now. There are 2 ‘Junior’ age-groups that have had a ‘Nationals’ in the last few years. First, there is a 13-15 age group that holds Nationals in Clermont Florida the weekend of Aug 8th. ANYONE can compete, there is no qualifying … although the field is surprisingly fast. You have to be at least 13, and have been 15 for at least 1 day in 1999 – so there are some 16 yr olds at Nationals. This race is a Sprint 400m Swim/11mile bike/5k run – top few boys are under 1 hour, girls slightly over. Ryan took 4th in 98 and when realizing the top 3 were aging up said …"oh no, I guess I’m supposed to win next year!" … talk about great motivation! (He actually took 10th overall since we -the US- invited the Mexican Junior team to compete with us, not counting towards nationals). It was also a good excuse to practice his Freshman Spanish – and a good taste of world-class competition. This age group used to be called "Junior B" and competed at worlds until 3 years ago – now the focus is on the older Juniors. The second ‘Junior’ age group is 16-19 – same  aging rules. This group competes in ITU style draft legal olympic distance races (same as the rest of the world). The goal of this group is to take spots on the coveted ‘World Team’. Being invited to the National Training Camp is the way to make worlds, and there are 3 races – Columbia, Clermont, and Vineman where the top 2 finishers each sex in each race (who also make a time cut-off) are invited to camp. The world team is selected from those campers. Competing at Nationals in Missouri in Sept is the same as any other age-grouper except the category is 19&under. Most races around the country only have a 19&under category – a few have younger breaks. We are on the east coast, and Ryan has really enjoyed Fiske’s races in Mass and RI, the West Point tri – at the US Army Academy, and Mrs T’s in Chicago. There is a whole group of good friends scattered around the country who attend Tri camp with Cyle Sage in Florida and Roswell NM and compete together in the summer – they keep in touch via email,and AOLIM the rest of the year. Hope this helps. Anyone interested in more info on the Junior ‘circuit’ feel Jeff Loechner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello- Can anyone provide me with information about the 1999 Junior Nationals. I went through the Age Group competition last year and am just beginning to learn the process. A young friend of mine is thinking about competeing in the Junior race. How can he find out if he has qualified for the race? Is it the same date as the Age Group Nationals? And how many juniors are accepted? Thanks Jeff

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Jeff, Jr.s have an entirely differant qualifying process. Jr. qualifying races are draft legal format. For 1999 they will have to place  top 2 at the Columbia , Age Group Worlds Qualifier, or Vineman Int’l tris plus meet time standards that have been established (swim m-19:26/f-21:41 bike m-1:01:22/f-1:11:26 run m-34:22/f- 41:23 or be within 5 percent of the fastest Jr. at the event). Check the USA Triathlon Times for more info. Hope this info was helpfull and good luck.     B.Oliver

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I’m glad that this subject was brought up… I’m also interested in competing as a Junior this year but with these new standards probably won’t make it… There’s one thing that I don’t understand about why they set up these time standards… last year, even the best of our juniors would have been unable to meet these standards.  I can’t see how six junior males could meet these standards…  maybe there is a whole new crop of great athletes that weren’t competing last year, I don’t know. —  Salvador Santolucito III

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jeff, Jr.s have an entirely differant qualifying process. Jr. qualifying races are draft legal format. For 1999 they will have to place  top 2 at the Columbia , Age Group Worlds Qualifier, or Vineman Int’l tris plus meet time standards that have been established (swim m-19:26/f-21:41 bike m-1:01:22/f-1:11:26 run m-34:22/f- 41:23 or be within 5 percent of the fastest Jr. at the event). Check the USA Triathlon Times for more info. Hope this info was helpfull and good luck.    B.Oliver

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Hello- Can anyone provide me with information about the 1999 Junior Nationals. I went through the Age Group competition last year and am just beginning to learn the process. A young friend of mine is thinking about competeing in the Junior race. How can he find out if he has qualified for the race? Is it the same date as the Age Group Nationals? And how many juniors are accepted? Thanks Jeff

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Question:

Any advice on the topic of which type bike you use and recommend would be appreciated.  I am in the market for a new bike, and of course see merit in both types of bikes.  I don’t race a lot, but the focus of my training is for triathlon.   Goals: train for and race up to 1/2 ironman race distance.  Hopefully work up to doing century rides in the not too distant future.  I train mostly for the fun of it and the healthy lifestyle, and of course the competition with others and myself. The question of frame material is intersting to me as well….Carbon, ti, steel, aluminum…. So, only one good bike…..which to buy?????? Though we know that time has wings, we’re the ones who have to fly…

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Having just been through the ups and downs of shopping for a new bike I will share my opinion.  Go for comfort, go for something that will make you feel good about the purchase.  I rode a number of tri bikes that were not very comfortable and I rode Treks including the Y foil and 5200 which I liked.  In the end I bought a Softride from Nytro in Encinitas. I got  very good service and the bike is really comfortable.  Whatever you choose, make sure the bike fits.  Stan Gertler

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Cervelo Eyre Tri. Very nice bike, designed for Triathlon (that is what you training is designed for, isn’t it) with 78 seat tube angle (rather important for running after the bike), light, aerodynamic.         Olivier – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any advice on the topic of which type bike you use and recommend would be appreciated.  I am in the market for a new bike, and of course see merit in both types of bikes.  I don’t race a lot, but the focus of my training is for triathlon.   Goals: train for and race up to 1/2 ironman race distance.  Hopefully work up to doing century rides in the not too distant future.  I train mostly for the fun of it and the healthy lifestyle, and of course the competition with others and myself. The question of frame material is intersting to me as well….Carbon, ti, steel, aluminum…. So, only one good bike…..which to buy??????

*** – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Though we know that time has wings, we’re the ones who have to fly…

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any advice on the topic of which type bike you use and recommend would be appreciated.  I am in the market for a new bike, and of course see merit in both types of bikes.  I don’t race a lot, but the focus of my training is for triathlon.   Goals: train for and race up to 1/2 ironman race distance.  Hopefully work up to doing century rides in the not too distant future.  I train mostly for the fun of it and the healthy lifestyle, and of course the competition with others and myself. The question of frame material is intersting to me as well….Carbon, ti, steel, aluminum…. So, only one good bike…..which to buy??????

 The material will depend on your budget. If it’s $2,000 or lower the aluminum bikes are the best value (QR, Cannondale, GT, etc. The carbon and ti bikes are usually more expensive (Litespeed, Merlin, Calfee, Kestel etc. If training for  and racing in triathon is the priority I think a bike sized and positioned correctly for the aero position, whether it’s a classic tri bike like QR, or more traditional road bike geometry bikes like GT or Kestrel 500sci is the way to go. They are all good for tri’s or century rides. — Jeffrey Justice Oceanside, CA Oceanside, CA

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Don’t forget about Habanero Ti Frames.  I think approx. $695 US for a frame. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any advice on the topic of which type bike you use and recommend would be appreciated.  I am in the market for a new bike, and of course see merit in both types of bikes.  I don’t race a lot, but the focus of my training is for triathlon. Goals: train for and race up to 1/2 ironman race distance.  Hopefully work up to doing century rides in the not too distant future.  I train mostly for the fun of it and the healthy lifestyle, and of course the competition with others and myself. The question of frame material is intersting to me as well….Carbon, ti, steel, aluminum…. So, only one good bike…..which to buy??????  The material will depend on your budget. If it’s $2,000 or lower the aluminum bikes are the best value (QR, Cannondale, GT, etc. The carbon and ti bikes are usually more expensive (Litespeed, Merlin, Calfee, Kestel etc. If training for  and racing in triathon is the priority I think a bike sized and positioned correctly for the aero position, whether it’s a classic tri bike like QR, or more traditional road bike geometry bikes like GT or Kestrel 500sci is the way to go. They are all good for tri’s or century rides. — Jeffrey Justice Oceanside, CA Oceanside, CA

– D. W. Hancock     Software Development Pave Tech Inc.

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I had a similar dilemna and decided on a Landshark  – a custom steel bike which I built as a bike/tri hybrid.  If you’re looking at carbon, however, consider Calfee. It’s a really nice riding bike –Howard S

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I’ve just ended my 2 year old search for the answer to that question.  My new steel frame Salsa road frame (700c wheels) is hanging from a hook in their shop (saw it yesterday) waiting for the carbon fork to show up to finish the build.  I talked to roadies, tri-geeks, manufacturers, and made two trips to Nytro in the decision process.  The final analysis was very difficult and I came to the conclusion that fit is the, if not one of the, biggest factors! Honestly, I would have gone for a soft-ride if there was one available in my size to test ride.  Good luck on your quest, I know it is a tough one. Make sure to ride anything you are considering and be prepared to be absolutely sure which bike you want at least 3 or 4 times! Doug Kraus – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any advice on the topic of which type bike you use and recommend would be appreciated.  I am in the market for a new bike, and of course see merit in both types of bikes.  I don’t race a lot, but the focus of my training is for triathlon. Goals: train for and race up to 1/2 ironman race distance.  Hopefully work up to doing century rides in the not too distant future.  I train mostly for the fun of it and the healthy lifestyle, and of course the competition with others and myself. The question of frame material is intersting to me as well….Carbon, ti, steel, aluminum…. So, only one good bike…..which to buy?????? Though we know that time has wings, we’re the ones who have to fly…

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Question:

Well Paul, i think you might have say Italians are among the best riders in the world. Inspite of the 25th victory of "superMario" in the Giro,inspite of the victory in Paris-Roubaix, currently the world champion Laurent  Brochard and the ICU n

Question:

Who can rent me two bicycles and helmets for the August 16 Pleasanton Ca. triathalon? I will be travelling and that fits my schedule.

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Who can rent me two bicycles and helmets for the August 16 Pleasanton Ca. triathalon? I will be travelling and that fits my schedule.

Try the "local bike shops" link on: http://www.slip.net/~leeway/trilinks.html Look in the bike link section. Good luck. Lee Lee Rudin San Francisco Bay Area Triathlon Training Sites http://www.slip.net/~leeway

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Question:

I would like to send you a FREE brochure about our amazing, exclusive, 100% NATURAL products that may soon be taken by all serious triathletes.(already some great testimonials) If you want to improve both your performance & your health leave me your mailing address for a FREE brochure and your e-mail address so i can let you know when my homepage is up.

Please send more info…also here’s some information you might be interested in: Gord If you are competing in Ironman, Eco-challeges, or even the Olympics and want a real edge please read the following facts: Health Professional endorsements provided on request. DAN O’BRIEN, DECATHLON GOLD MEDAL WINNER AT THE 1996 OLYMPICS,…considered presently the world’s greatest athlete, has discovered a superfood which helped him get to the top and will help others as well. According to computer data bases certain algaes are the most nutrious foods on the planet…Athletes, trainers and coaches are starting to discover this fact: The following is Dan’s testimonial as well as others: DAN O’BRIEN:  Dan eats 25 to 30 capsules of SBG Algae a day and relies on Enzymes, Acidophilus, Bifidus and  Super Q10 to get get the greatest nutritional benefit from his food. "The product is really important to me. It helps me physically, and that physical/emotional edge is something every athlete wants," he says. "When I eat Algae during a decathlon, even if I don’t eat anything else, I know I’ve got something that’s going to keep giving back to me." Dan lives near Klamath Lake, Oregon, where SBG Algae is harvested. HARRESON MARTELL: PROFESSIONAL TRIATHLETE; WORLD STAIR CLIMBING CHAMPION; U.B.C. TRIATHLON CHAMPION; COMMONWEALTH  GAMES – TRIATHLON TEAM MEMBER: Harreson participated in the World Stair Climbing Championship, A United fundraising event attracted 2,000 athletes. Harreson took 30 capsules of Alpha Sun 2 hours before the event and says: I had so much energy I thought I was going to run right through the roof. I was so psyched up; I was charged! Then, two minutes before the race I took a half bottle of the liquid brain food (Omega) under the tongue and held it there. The brain food put me in just the right frame of mind." Harreson explains that "often when athletes get psyched up for a race or competion, they have so much energy that it just gets diffused all over the place like a shotgun. But I was fined-tuned, sharpened…like a relaxed intensity. I won the race!" Harreson finds that the algae keeps away the "Bonk" – the overwehelming craving for food that athletes experience when their blood sugar drops. He says he has better endurance and that even with 6 hours workouts – 1 hour swimming, 4 hours cycling, 1 hour running – he still doesn’t need to eat as often now that he’s on the algae. Harreson recomends the algae for stimulating the immune system "so you don’t get susceptible to colds or flus or sickness. When your’re working out very hard and very often, you’re literally tearing your body down so that you can build it up again. As you’re breaking your ody down, your’re just on the border-line of being sick. I like having the algae because it keeps me from going over that edge." Harreson says: "The algae is the most powerful food on the planet: all the computer data says it, all the experts say it, and I’ve experinced it…There is nothing of greater nutritional value than the algae and as a athlete…it only makes sense to eat the most nutrious food available. At the Indy 500 the race cars use only the best gasoline; as a human and as a athlete, I only want to use the best fuel in this machine." Article Unavailable

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I would like to send you a FREE brochure about our amazing, exclusive, 100% NATURAL products that may soon be taken by all serious triathletes.(already some great testimonials) If you want to improve both your performance & your health leave me your mailing address for a FREE brochure and your e-mail address so i can let you know when my homepage is up.

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Question:

. s.walltech.com!news.his.com!news.frontiernet.net!news.texas.net!nntp.primen e

Question:

How much was the postage of your package BTW?

Sorry – I dont know. I was so lucky to be in San Jose last month, so I just had it sent via local mail to my hotel, and took it with me back home. Tom

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This price is about half price – compared to Denmark, but what about

It’s about 40% less than here in Finland, enough to make mailordering from the US worthwhile. How much was the postage of your package BTW? Finland ? Arent Polar-watches made Finland ?

I’m new to HRM’s, I really don’t know where they are made. Anyone else? Thanks, Annikki

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Could someone help me to get contact information of a reliable mail-order company in the US that sells Polar HRMs? What is the price of Accurex Nightvision in the US BTW? Thanks, Annikki

Hi, I have just bought 4 Polar Nightvision via mailorder from California. The price was 199$ for one, and 182$ with 4. Contact Triathlete Zombies, Santa Monica, Phone: 310 450-4766 Talk to Bob about discounts Look in the back of "Runners world"-mag. for mailorder companies – thats where I found it. This price is about half price – compared to Denmark, but what about Finland ? Arent Polar-watches made Finland ? Tom

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Could someone help me to get contact information of a reliable mail-order company in the US that sells Polar HRMs? What is the price of Accurex Nightvision in the US BTW? Thanks, Annikki

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I sell Polar heart Monitors both at race expos and through mailorder.  I sell the Nightvision for $239.00 U.S. and the Accurex II on a closeout special right now for $190.00 US.  I normally include S&H in the price, but I would have to check on what it would cost extra to send it to you, since you’re out of the USA.  If you’re interested, EMAIL with specifics on your needs and I can check the shipping out. Tom Kulhawik HI-TEK Racing "State of the Art Running & Fitness Equipment" Stratford, CT USA  (203) 378-5210

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Could someone help me to get contact information of a reliable mail-order company in the US that sells Polar HRMs?

Creative Health Products has very good prices and service ( at least for me).They’re in the back of running/cycling mags. What is the price of Accurex Nightvision in the US BTW? Thanks, Annikki

About $230. You may want to consider their Pro Trainer model for about $180. It has time in/above/below target range, avg HR, and th= e usual timers. It does not record/store your heart rate at specified intervals like the Accurex. -Warren

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Could someone help me to get contact information of a reliable mail-order company in the US that sells Polar HRMs? Creative Health Products has very good prices and service ( at least for me).They’re in the back of running/cycling mags. What is the price of Accurex Nightvision in the US BTW? Thanks, Annikki About $230. You may want to consider their Pro Trainer model for about $180. It has time in/above/below target range, avg HR, and the usual timers. It does not record/store your heart rate at specified intervals like the Accurex. -Warren

You might also want to consider the Colorado Cyclist company. 1-800-688-8600. They sell all the Polar’s and CardioSports, some of the Vetta’s and some of the CatEye’s. I just bought my Accurrex II from them for $145! A close-out price. They are selling the Accurex Nightvision on a regular price for $189. Which in my comparision shopping seemed to be great prices. Good Luck Matthew

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