Question:

Randy,   Here are a few, You can get mor info at: http://www.trifind.com/ca.html Sunday September 17, 2000 Half Moon Bay, CA: XTERRA Swim 1.5k, MTB 30k, Trail Run 11k or Swim 750 meters, MTB 15k, Trail Run 5k Location: Pillar Point Marina (Half Moon Bay is in western California, just south of San Francisco) Saturday September 23, 2000 Lake Homewood: Lake Tahoe Triathlon Swim

Question:

I don’t have any input, as I haven’t done it yet, and will have to watch a friend race in my stead as I recently broke 3 ribs and ruptured a lung… but I wanted to congratulate you on becoming an inductee into the wonderful world of headwinds. -Conrad "dude, there was a headwind both out and back" Snover – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course. Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.  This included stopping at stop signs and stoplights.  I also was battling a headwind the first half of the ride.  Looking forward to a nice fast ride back in I was suprised when a half mile after the turn around the wind shifted and not only was it in my face again but it was stronger than before.  The course I rode here has one really big hill and lots of rolling hills with some flat sections as well. Im getting excited about this race, we just got a new runner after our first runner backed out.  The new runner does a 36min 10k which is a real boost to the team.  Our swimmer is aiming for a 22min 1500 swim time. What is the transition area like?  I was looking at times from last year and noticed that the transition times were around 1.5 minutes and was wondering why they took so long.  obviously its not just a tag and go situation. So anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

Before you buy.

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Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course.  Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.

Check out the results on the web page: http://www.tricalifornia.com/wildflower/2000/index.htm It’s a pretty hilly course. One big hill (600 ft?) at the beginning, and then after that lots of rollers. It’s out and back. Nothing flat to speak of. Wind can also be a problem. Good luck! Mark Flynn San Jose

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Im racing as part of a relay team at this years wildflower triathlon.  I will be doing the bike leg of the olympic distance relay.  I am wondering what a decent time to shoot for is for this course.  Saturday I went out for a ride here in Iowa on a pre-marked 40k course and clocked in just under 1hr24min.  This included stopping at stop signs and stoplights.  I also was battling a headwind the first half of the ride.  Looking forward to a nice fast ride back in I was suprised when a half mile after the turn around the wind shifted and not only was it in my face again but it was stronger than before.  The course I rode here has one really big hill and lots of rolling hills with some flat sections as well. Im getting excited about this race, we just got a new runner after our first runner backed out.  The new runner does a 36min 10k which is a real boost to the team.  Our swimmer is aiming for a 22min 1500 swim time. What is the transition area like?  I was looking at times from last year and noticed that the transition times were around 1.5 minutes and was wondering why they took so long.  obviously its not just a tag and go situation. So anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

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The run at Wildflower is real tough.  It’s a trail run with lots of hills. It’s challenging – even for a fresh runner.  The bike ride has a lot of hills but the Olympic course misses the really big one. I believe the setup is the same as last year.  If so, the transition area is actually split between two terraces on a hill.  The relay transition area is the lower one and you must go through the main transition area to get to it.  There is no ramp between the two areas – only stairs.  You’ll probably be required to make both tags at the rack with the bike on the rack.   Each of you should practice going through the transition area making the tags before the race. Good luck – see you there. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ISo anyway if anyone could give me  some info about the race and transition i would really appreciate it. -Mark Kargol

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Question:

    A couple of years ago I did a five mile run at -11 F.  The cold didn’t bother me at all.  I seem to handle it much better than I do heat.     My only problem on that day was with a couple of dogs.  These were animals that I had passed on my daily run for years.  They had always barked at me, but never bothered to do more.  I don’t know if the cold aggravated them or what, but they chased me down.  One of them bit me in the behind, tearing through several layers of clothing. Michelle in Indy

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-27′ F. Alaska. nippy huh?  How did you keep your feet from freezing? That is the part that gets me.

The feet?  My coldest running temp was ~ – 18

Question:

Are Shimano bar end shifters for 8 speed system now available ?  where? Does similar components exists? I found no information about it even in the shimano web site. Thanks (sorry for my english)

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I think Shimano bar end shifters for an 8-speed system are available.  Most of the tri-shops in the U.S. (Steve’s Multisport, Keith’s Triathlon Shop, Bonzai Sports, etc.) should have them.  Just FYI, while it isn’t recommended, I have found the 9-speed bar-ends to work fine with the 8-speed derailleur (you just have an extra click). -Kendall – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are Shimano bar end shifters for 8 speed system now available ?  where? Does similar components exists? I found no information about it even in the shimano web site. Thanks (sorry for my english)

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Question:

There are links at the ironmanlive.com and triathlete mag websites to look up age grouper info. Triathlete online – http://ironman.triathletemag.com/live/ih98/live_coverage/ Bottom of page is search window. Ironman live – click on Competitors icon. As of 10 pm NJ time (4 pm IMH time), they have all swim times up, but only a few bike splits up. Even some pros’ times are not up yet for the bike. -Rolf — I am Iron Mac…       …a student of Ironman, ever learning…                                       …about having faith.         IMC’94/14:07    IMC’95/11:59    IMC’97/12:12    IMC’98/14:02

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Very disappointing online coverage… a few updates at the Tri-KC site and at Triathlete mag. All I can get on the IMH site via AOL is a black screen!

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www.ironmanlive.com/iron_man_live.asp Look here. Also can type in individual’s names and get their splits. Wendy Crane Johnson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I give up. JTL Timing web site, official timer of IMH, usually has the splits up throughout the day. However, this year there is a note on their web site saying that they are not going to post splits and results until 4pm on Sunday and that we are supposed to go the IMH live web site. Well at the IMH live web site, I can’t find anything other than brief updates on the lead half dozen men and women. There is absolutely nothing I can find on the age groupers unless I am missing something. Has anyone found any age group splits anywhere yet? What is the deal here? Cathy

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OK, I give up. JTL Timing web site, official timer of IMH, usually has the splits up throughout the day. However, this year there is a note on their web site saying that they are not going to post splits and results until 4pm on Sunday and that we are supposed to go the IMH live web site. Well at the IMH live web site, I can’t find anything other than brief updates on the lead half dozen men and women. There is absolutely nothing I can find on the age groupers unless I am missing something. Has anyone found any age group splits anywhere yet? What is the deal here? Cathy

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Question:

While it’s more than 1,000 miles from you, the Pro Hydrator Florida Challenge Triathlon IX is a great race that’s worth the drive. The race takes place on Septrmber 20 in Clermont, Florida. Check out www.cftsommersports.com for more information. Fred Sommer CFT/Sommer Sports

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In article <Pine.SV4.3.94.980829095932.24880A- does anyone know of any half-ironman length races in the near future within driving distance (say 1000 miles) from los angeles?  I was training for the sept. 12 "superfrog" 1/2 IM at the navy seal base in coronado, but they are no longer allowing civilians on base (at least for the next month or so) as a result of the embassy bombings, so the race is now restricted to military personnel. I am more-or-less trained and really bummed out. anyway, I know there’s the san diego challenge in october, but the entrance fee is $300 and the bike segment is "non-competitive," so I am looking for alternative 1/2 IM to do.  would appreciate any tips….

there are a number of choices available:  first I would check out www.extremetri.com for their listing of 1/2 IMs.  In the Seattle/Portland area there are 3: one on July 4 called the Vance Creek 1/2 IM, the Pacific Crest 1/2 Iron on the last Saturday in June in Bend, Oregon, and the Victoria 1/2 Iron near Victoria BC. Rob — Rob Blomquist aka TriDog Seattle, WA http://www2.jps.net/~robbo

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Question:

Hello All, If this has been covered already, I apologize in advance.  I’m doing some races that require me to fly with my bike, and am interested in the experiences you all of had with different brands, models, etc. of hard and/or soft shell cases. I fly quite often for business, and never-ever carry enough that it requires checking baggage.  I can only imagine that flying with a 100 lb. bike case is not the most enjoyable thing in the world. Any help is greatly appreciated, Frank

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We have the Tri-All-3 bike case.  Its a hard case and rolls on wheels.  We have the double case which is only slightly bigger than the single but will hold two tri-bikes (minus two wheels).  If you travel with one bike you can put extra stuff in the case and its very easy to pack up.  Also, you can put any of your extra luggage on top of the case and wheel it around the airport very easily.  It has worked great for us.                                     Julie and Geoff

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i use the trico ironcase.  i purchased it this year after some recommendations  from rst.  it does take awhile to disassemble and reassemble my softride,  but  it does an excellent job of protecting the bike and is pretty easy to carry  (or roll) through an airport.  i would definately recommend a hard shell case. frank d.

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I’m putting together my Christmas list for Santa and am interested in any feedback on the different Travel Cases for sale: Trico, Tri-all-3, etc. Thanks. RLTW, Erik

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I have a Trico case.  It is great for my mountain bike, 7-12 minutes to put into case and 7-12 minutes to assemble.  No problem. My triathlon bike is another story.  It is a 30 minute ordeal with alot of wrenching to get it into or out of the box.  The aero bars are a pain. In terms of protection, Trico is great.  I watched an airline worker drop my case 4′ and no problem, the case took the blow instead of my carbon fibre y frame. For travel, the wheel and handle make it like a carry on roller.  I was so thankful for the wheels especially on international flights where you have to claim your baggage for connections. It has paid for itself (~$250) many times over.  I would not skimp on your travel case. Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m putting together my Christmas list for Santa and am interested in any feedback on the different Travel Cases for sale: Trico, Tri-all-3, etc. Thanks. RLTW, Erik

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Question:

I’ve been trying to get into the Exclusive Sports Marketing web page for the last few weeks to no avail.   They are the sponsor to the Gatorade Triathlon Series in the Southeastern USA.  I thought their web page is (was?) exclusivesportsmarketing.com.  Have they moved or shut it down? Thanks,   Bob (who sorely missed this year’s Bahama Abacos Tri)

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I’ve been trying to get into the Exclusive Sports Marketing web page for the last few weeks to no avail.   They are the sponsor to the Gatorade Triathlon Series in the Southeastern USA.  I thought their web page is (was?) exclusivesportsmarketing.com.  Have they moved or shut it down? Thanks,   Bob (who sorely missed this year’s Bahama Abacos Tri)

They’re back up as far as I can see, I accessed their page to see how badly I did in Siesta Key. ( flatted, no spare , but I did good in the swim ! ) Fortunately mt kids did well in the Sprintkids so the weekend was great … I think they got a bit behind in results and stuff and then just weren’t there for a while, but as of 04:00 Sunday they’re there !

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Check www.tri-atlanta.org for some excellent USAT sanctioned races for 1998 in Georgia. Will be posting dates in a few weeks.

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Question:

Right you are. Spending more time on your bike vs. getting a new bike. I did my second tri this past weekend and I’m spending this first tri season on a converted mountain bike that weighs about 20 pounds. It doesn’t seem to matter what the type of bike is, but the rider instead. I can’t tell you how many Roos, Softrides, Felts, etc. that I passed, but every time I passed one of em’ I made sure to give it a little extra speed. I’m thinking of putting a little sign on the back of the seat that says "MOUNTAIN BIKE". Next year I’ll have a Kestrel. Wonder if any mountain bikes will pass me? Probably. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everybody, I just thought I would let everyone know I finished my first triathlon yesterday. Need to spend more time on my bike as I was rather slow Rather depressing when mountain bikes are passing you. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me with replies to my questions that I posted. BTW, does anyone know of where I can get the book "Triathlons for Women" (I think that is what it is called) in Atlanta, GA, or of a good book shop that stocks triathlon and other sport training books. Looking forward to my next tri.  Thanks in advance. Alison. —

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everybody, I just thought I would let everyone know I finished my first triathlon yesterday. Need to spend more time on my bike as I was rather slow Rather depressing when mountain bikes are passing you. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me with replies to my questions that I posted. BTW, does anyone know of where I can get the book "Triathlons for Women" (I think that is what it is called) in Atlanta, GA, or of a good book shop that stocks triathlon and other sport training books. Looking forward to my next tri.  Thanks in advance. Alison. —

Congratulations!  I too am quite slow on the bike and get routinely passed by mountain bikes.  Check out http://www.amazon.com.  I recently ordered "Paula Newby-Fraser’s Peak Fitness for Women" and "Time-Saving Training for Multisport Athletes" from them.  Haven’t read through the books yet, so I can’t comment on them but Amazon was an easy way to find the books.  They can also do a search on related topics after you’ve found a book so this may lead you to some other titles. It is a great feeling to finish your first tri though, isn’t it? Nancy

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Hello everybody, I just thought I would let everyone know I finished my first triathlon yesterday. Need to spend more time on my bike as I was rather slow Rather depressing when mountain bikes are passing you. Thanks to everyone who e-mailed me with replies to my questions that I posted. BTW, does anyone know of where I can get the book "Triathlons for Women" (I think that is what it is called) in Atlanta, GA, or of a good book shop that stocks triathlon and other sport training books. Looking forward to my next tri.  Thanks in advance. Alison. —

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Hello everybody, I just thought I would let everyone know I finished my first triathlon yesterday. Need to spend more time on my bike as I was rather slow Rather depressing when mountain bikes are passing you.

Don’t worry about those mountain bikes, some of those riders are darn good!  I’ve given up hope of matching some of them.  I used to pretend all the riders are younger than me but those grey beards keep passing me by. Aim to do the best that YOU can do and let the rest of the field do their own thing.  This way you will progress up the result sheet just as quickly, without the depression on the way up. Well done. Jeff — |At work:        Phone: +64-9-424 5388      Fax:    +64-21-785 097 | |   Program Development/Client Support      Mobile: +64-21-635 185 | |   Aspect Systems Ltd                                             | |   Specialists in software for Real Estate and Human Resources    | |At home:                                   Phone:  +64-9-424 0336 | |   Husband, Dad, Grandad                                          | |   Enthusiastic but slow triathlete                               | |   Justice of the Peace                                           |

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Question:

Carnac is the correct spelling. The only mail order source that I know that carries them is Excel at 1-800-627-6664 or http://ares.csd.net/~excel/.

Add TriAthlete Zombies to your list.  800 999 2215.  And I agree with another poster that your best bet is to try a pair on in a store before ordering any shoes mail order. Peace.  Berg. A lone traveler on the Internet searching for answers to questions I do not have…

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I’ve been told the I should look at Carnac (or Karnac?) shoes because they fit a wide foot better than other brands.  What is the correct spelling of that brand, and what mail order sources carry that shoe? Also, if anyone has the contact info, to include regular mailing address and toll-free number if any, for Carnac, I’d appreciate your relaying it to me.  I’d like to contact the company for a catalog.  Thanks. —

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stock) writes: I’ve been told the I should look at Carnac (or Karnac?) shoes because they fit a wide foot better than other brands.  What is the correct spelling of that brand, and what mail order sources carry that shoe? Also, if anyone has the contact info, to include regular mailing address and toll-free number if any, for Carnac, I’d appreciate your relaying it to me.  I’d like to contact the company for a catalog.  Thanks. —

    Its CARNAC.  Not sure what mail-order company carries them.  Nashbar, Colorado Cyclist and Performance do not carry them.     dan     Daniel McCauley     ‘give, and you might receive.  take and you’ll definately receive.’

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I’ve been told the I should look at Carnac (or Karnac?) shoes because they fit a wide foot better than other brands.  What is the correct spelling of that brand, and what mail order sources carry that shoe? Also, if anyone has the contact info, to include regular mailing address and toll-free number if any, for Carnac, I’d appreciate your relaying it to me.  I’d like to contact the company for a catalog.  Thanks. —

There is a Carnac add in the Aug 96 Mountain Bike on page 95 with a long list of locations (some with 800 numbers so they would likely be willing to ship). Sinclair does the importing (as mentioned in another response), you can get a free Carnac brochure at PO Box 707, Verdi NV 89439 or at http://www.synclair.com. Aaron

Response:

I’ve been told the I should look at Carnac (or Karnac?) shoes because they fit a wide foot better than other brands.  What is the correct spelling of that brand, and what mail order sources carry that shoe? Also, if anyone has the contact info, to include regular mailing address and toll-free number if any, for Carnac, I’d appreciate your relaying it to me.  I’d like to contact the company for a catalog.  Thanks. —

Carnac is the correct spelling. The only mail order source that I know that carries them is Excel at 1-800-627-6664 or http://ares.csd.net/~excel/. They don’t put out a catalog per se, just just a 1 page,  3 fold pamphlet that shows all their shoes. You can see the brochure at their web site as it looks like they just scanned it on. http://www.synclair.com/ is the site. The only address that shows on the brochure is a mailing address: Carnac P.O. Box 707 Verdi, NV  89439

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Yeah, Carnacs are wider, but if fit is the reason you’re looking for them you’d best buy in a shop — at least your first pair. John Tomlinson

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1-800-Bike-PRO has them but they are about $200 bucks.  But I have heard that they are good.  I have had the SIDI for about 2 years and they are still holding together. Later

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I’ve been told the I should look at Carnac (or Karnac?) shoes because they fit a wide foot better than other brands.  What is the correct spelling of that brand, and what mail order sources carry that shoe? Also, if anyone has the contact info, to include regular mailing address and toll-free number if any, for Carnac, I’d appreciate your relaying it to me.  I’d like to contact the company for a catalog.  Thanks. —

carnac is french. their us distributor has a website at http://www.synclair.com or something like that.  they do fit wide feet better, i have some.  in general, mail order won’t be cheaper than a real bike shop, especially if you’re nice to your local real bike shop.  if you must do mail order, colorado cyclist may still handle carnac, but most shops (including mine) have the same price and offer 10% discount to local clubmembers. — mark l weaver http://adventuresports.com/asap/shops/precisin/welcome.htm precision bicycles, carmichael ca (916)488-5353

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There is a Carnac add in the Aug 96 Mountain Bike on page 95 with a long list of locations (some with 800 numbers so they would likely be willing to ship). Sinclair does the importing (as mentioned in another response), you can get a free Carnac brochure at PO Box 707, Verdi NV 89439 or at http://www.synclair.com.

I believe the list of in that mag. is a list of retail stores & won’t be any cheaper than buying them direct from your local shop. In fact I don’t believe that Sinclair deals Carnacs with any mail order only outlet. And they are not in he latest Bike-Pro catalog. As for the shoes themselves they do have a big toe area but I found the heel on mine to be a little on the sloppy side and I had to go 1 full size smaller than my regular mountain bike shoes to get a good fit. So just go buy them from your local shop. Lou — You take your hotsy totsy swinger You put him under pressure Watch him fall apart

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