Question:

 From Ironmanlive.com                           Madison, Wisconsin to Host Newest Ironman                           North America Event                           Ironman Wisconsin at Madison to be held on                           September 15, 2002.

Response:

i’ve lived on both coasts but have no idea what the topagraphy is like in the middle.  so how flat is wisconsin? todd sandiego

Response:

i’ve lived on both coasts but have no idea what the topagraphy is like in the middle.  so how flat is wisconsin?

I’ve done the Tin Man Triathlon in Menomonie, WI which is not too far from Madison.  The bike course featured six climbs between 1 and 1.5 miles, up some pretty severe grades – not exactly haute categorie, but pretty excruciating nonetheless.   Wisconsin isn’t mountainous, but I can assure you that it is *not* flat!

Response:

There are flat places in Wisconsin, but Madison is not one of them.  Have a look here: http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=16&n=4771638&e=294640&size=l&symshow=n That topo shows south and west Madison.  North and east are flatter(is that a word) but still rolling. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve lived on both coasts but have no idea what the topagraphy is like in the middle.  so how flat is wisconsin? todd sandiego

Response:

I have heard Madison will be hosting an Ironman distance race this September.  Any details Yet??

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i’ve lived on both coasts but have no idea what the topagraphy is like in the middle.  so how flat is wisconsin? todd sandiego

Response:

Go to active.com and you can register for it. I just did. Bob Walter

Response:

Madison will be hosting Ironman Wisconsin on Sept 15 2002.

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Question:

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spam

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The guy and his ‘buddy’ are into kiddy porn and posting ‘male’ photos to people on newsgroups. and have a look at the nice stuff you get. LW

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – spam

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Question:

Two ads here from Steve’s now have "this ad not affiliated with Steve’s Multisport" at the end. They ask for response to a yahoo address.  Steve should tell his employees to get their own posting address, or edit the ‘from’ header on their posts.

Response:

Thanks Brian, I have taken care of our internal problems. Steve’s Multisport. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two ads here from Steve’s now have "this ad not affiliated with Steve’s Multisport" at the end. They ask for response to a yahoo address.  Steve should tell his employees to get their own posting address, or edit the ‘from’ header on their posts.

Response:

Thanks Brian, I have taken care of our internal problems. Steve’s Multisport. Two ads here from Steve’s now have "this ad not affiliated with Steve’s Multisport" at the end. They ask for response to a yahoo address.  Steve should tell his employees to get their own posting address, or edit the ‘from’ header on their posts.

Steve should also consider that similar transactions reflect very poorly on the company, even if they are private rather than from the store.

Response:

Steve should also consider that similar transactions reflect very poorly on the company, even if they are private rather than from the store.

Via email, he has informed me that his employees’ access to his Usenet feed have been revoked.  It is unfortunate that when a small business is generous to their employees with their resources, such benefits are often abused.

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Really, I can spell.  Honestly

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Agreed. Kind of funny to be having a long thread about Steve without him here. Wierd. Nevertheless, I completely agree that it is a bad idea to allow employees to use the company name to do their personal business. In a legal sense, (I’m no attorney) I doubt it’s even possible to do so without at least incurring some type of company responsibility for the sale. I also agree that I have had good experiences with Steve’s Multisport. Only good experiences, in fact. Mike

  Actually, there is a legal precident for this: In putting something up for advertisement under a company name, that company is effectively responcible for the sale of the item, and it’s quality based on the quality of the company.  Therefore, if Crappy Company has someone put something up for sale under the Crappy Company namesake, the quality of the item can be based on the quality of the server.  Essentially, you don’t goto a Chevrolet dealership expecting a Ferrari to be in as good a shape as you would at a Ferrari dealership. Just my $0.02  Dan "Still looking for a triathlon bike I can afford" Meleason

Response:

This is part of my point, very well phrased.  I know I didn’t buy the wheel from Steve, but when I see a post with a shop’s name on it (one that isn’t repeatedly flamed, especially) I think to myself, "well, I should get some decent service out of this at least."  Since the shop’s name is a selling feature, I don’t think it’s fair to use it unless the shop is going to back the product in question.  It’s just plain misleading.  If Steve doesn’t want to be held responsible for products being sold under his shop’s name he shouldn’t let his employees use it for their personal business.  It takes all of about 30 seconds to setup another news account on Outlook Express. salud, Matt

Response:

This is part of my point, very well phrased.  I know I didn’t buy the wheel from Steve, but when I see a post with a shop’s name on it (one that isn’t repeatedly flamed, especially) I think to myself, "well, I should get some decent service out of this at least."  Since the shop’s name is a selling feature, I don’t think it’s fair to use it unless the shop is going to back the product in question.  It’s just plain misleading.  If Steve doesn’t want to be held responsible for products being sold under his shop’s name he shouldn’t let his employees use it for their personal business.  It takes all of about 30 seconds to setup another news account on Outlook Express.

Exactly why many companies prohibit conducting outside business transactions via their facilities.

Response:

Dittos around here. I just about two weeks ago received a used HED DISC from Steve, overnight nevertheless! As advertised, in great shape. I don’t doubt you had the experience you relayed to us below, but it almost sounds as if you bought a personal wheel from one of Steve’s employees, and not from Steves Multisport. If so, you’re not dealing with Steve. If not, it’s hard to believe that a stand up guy like Steve wouldn’t make every attempt to satisfy you. Schwing

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Response:

Whether or not the wheel was an employee’s personal item or not, Steve put up the ad w/ his shop name (advertising opportunity I would guess) and by inference should help resolve the problem.  Interesting all the follow-ups but none from Steve (or Mike) when the former is generally real swift on responding to WTB’s! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dittos around here. I just about two weeks ago received a used HED DISC from Steve, overnight nevertheless! As advertised, in great shape. I don’t doubt you had the experience you relayed to us below, but it almost sounds as if you bought a personal wheel from one of Steve’s employees, and not from Steves Multisport. If so, you’re not dealing with Steve. If not, it’s hard to believe that a stand up guy like Steve wouldn’t make every attempt to satisfy you. Schwing Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Response:

Agreed. Kind of funny to be having a long thread about Steve without him here. Wierd. Nevertheless, I completely agree that it is a bad idea to allow employees to use the company name to do their personal business. In a legal sense, (I’m no attorney) I doubt it’s even possible to do so without at least incurring some type of company responsibility for the sale. I also agree that I have had good experiences with Steve’s Multisport. Only good experiences, in fact. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe yes, maybe no…I understand that B&L is the only bike shop at Ironman expos this year. Plus he emailed me only 3 days ago about a WTB that I posted. Regardless, I’ve had both good and bad experiences with his shop. I prefer to keep them to myself, but I know that right now there is a Tune Powertap for sale on RBM with a Steve’s Multisport email address (just posted yesterday BTW). A disclaimer in the ad states that it is a private sale, not through the shop but maybe it would be wise for Steve to forbid his employees from advertising their private sales through his business email. The email address is what people see on the posting and that would take him and his business out of the loop when someone is selling damaged goods and just happens to work for him. It’s hard enough to run a successful business these days without having your own employees dirtying your hard earned reputation. I know that Steve has worked hard through the years and means well, but customer service is very inconsistent from my experience. He may not always be the responsible party, but when you put your name on the door you take the blame for the bad along with the credit for the good. cheers, Andrew I would strongly imagine that the reason Steve hasn’t responded is that he’s busy with the Expo at Ironman Lake Placid this week. He was there all week last year. Mike Whether or not the wheel was an employee’s personal item or not, Steve put up the ad w/ his shop name (advertising opportunity I would guess) and by inference should help resolve the problem.  Interesting all the follow-ups but none from Steve (or Mike) when the former is generally real swift on responding to WTB’s! Dittos around here. I just about two weeks ago received a used HED DISC from Steve, overnight nevertheless! As advertised, in great shape. I don’t doubt you had the experience you relayed to us below, but it almost sounds as if you bought a personal wheel from one of Steve’s employees, and not from Steves Multisport. If so, you’re not dealing with Steve. If not, it’s hard to believe that a stand up guy like Steve wouldn’t make every attempt to satisfy you. Schwing Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_) Before you buy.

Response:

Maybe yes, maybe no…I understand that B&L is the only bike shop at Ironman expos this year. Plus he emailed me only 3 days ago about a WTB that I posted. Regardless, I’ve had both good and bad experiences with his shop. I prefer to keep them to myself, but I know that right now there is a Tune Powertap for sale on RBM with a Steve’s Multisport email address (just posted yesterday BTW). A disclaimer in the ad states that it is a private sale, not through the shop but maybe it would be wise for Steve to forbid his employees from advertising their private sales through his business email. The email address is what people see on the posting and that would take him and his business out of the loop when someone is selling damaged goods and just happens to work for him. It’s hard enough to run a successful business these days without having your own employees dirtying your hard earned reputation. I know that Steve has worked hard through the years and means well, but customer service is very inconsistent from my experience. He may not always be the responsible party, but when you put your name on the door you take the blame for the bad along with the credit for the good. cheers, Andrew – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would strongly imagine that the reason Steve hasn’t responded is that he’s busy with the Expo at Ironman Lake Placid this week. He was there all week last year. Mike Whether or not the wheel was an employee’s personal item or not, Steve put up the ad w/ his shop name (advertising opportunity I would guess) and by inference should help resolve the problem.  Interesting all the follow-ups but none from Steve (or Mike) when the former is generally real swift on responding to WTB’s! Dittos around here. I just about two weeks ago received a used HED DISC from Steve, overnight nevertheless! As advertised, in great shape. I don’t doubt you had the experience you relayed to us below, but it almost sounds as if you bought a personal wheel from one of Steve’s employees, and not from Steves Multisport. If so, you’re not dealing with Steve. If not, it’s hard to believe that a stand up guy like Steve wouldn’t make every attempt to satisfy you. Schwing Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Before you buy.

Response:

I would strongly imagine that the reason Steve hasn’t responded is that he’s busy with the Expo at Ironman Lake Placid this week. He was there all week last year. Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Whether or not the wheel was an employee’s personal item or not, Steve put up the ad w/ his shop name (advertising opportunity I would guess) and by inference should help resolve the problem.  Interesting all the follow-ups but none from Steve (or Mike) when the former is generally real swift on responding to WTB’s! Dittos around here. I just about two weeks ago received a used HED DISC from Steve, overnight nevertheless! As advertised, in great shape. I don’t doubt you had the experience you relayed to us below, but it almost sounds as if you bought a personal wheel from one of Steve’s employees, and not from Steves Multisport. If so, you’re not dealing with Steve. If not, it’s hard to believe that a stand up guy like Steve wouldn’t make every attempt to satisfy you. Schwing Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Response:

Sorry to hear about your problem, but I honestly can’t say that I am very suprised.  I have had two experiences with that shop, and both have been less than ideal.  The first was much like yours; I responded to an ad on RBM for a new limar helmet.  The long and short of it is that I received what was obviously a used helmet.  I called with the problem and was told to send it back and they would refund return shipping as well as helmet cost. Then, a couple weeks later I call to ask about the refund which hadn’t been taken care of, and they got mad because I shipped it from Mail Boxes Etc. (the only place closeby my college campus).  Recently, my dad ordered a KM40 frameset from them. It arrived in perfect shape, but it took about a week and a half longer than he was told to arrive.  I personally won’t shop there anymore. Before you buy.

Response:

Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner.   Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Response:

Same here. In fact, the one time I did have trouble (though no fault of Steve’s – the UPS Gorilla got hold of the box and mangled it, losing two tires in the process) Steve put replacements in the mail immediately. — Regards, Gene Tolli – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hear about your bad luck.  I’ve ordered from Steve in the past and gotten exactly what was advertised in a timely manner. Alex     __O        _-<,_       (_)/ (_)

Response:

That really sucks. I bought a cheap used pair of aerobars from them and although the aerobars were fine, they didn’t ship it when promised, and when I called to ask about it the person I spoke with had a laissez faire attitude. Was definitely not concerned about whether I was happy doing business with them, so they don’t seem to be too strong on the idea of customer service. Left a bad taste for sure.  In any event there are plenty of other people to buy stuff from here on rbr who are quite honest. Sorry if you lost your money, but you do have other options, hope you don’t just give up. Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Before I start, I’d like to invite both Mike and Steve to offer their respective sides to the story in order to get everything out in the open. A couple weeks ago I responded to the following post (a response to a WTB I posted on RBM) from Steve at Steve’s Multisport: I have a HED 700c ultralite tubular disc 8/9s cassette  the price is $350.00 shipped It is in great shape a few minor blemishes used for 1 year Call steves multisport 610 631 7822 ask for mike I called Mike to hammer out the details and promptly sent him a check.  I received the wheel in a reasonable amount of time, and it was packaged well. I expected the wheel to have a few dings, and initially any damage present seemed to be mostly cosmetic.  However, upon closer inspection I found the wheel to have 3 separate cracks which went all the way through the wheels carbon fiber matrix.  Also, I found an additional 3 inch long crack in the carbon starting at the valve post hole. I thought about it awhile, and I decided to call Mike and ask for a refund. I called him and asked if we could work a return because I felt the wheel wasn’t received in the condition specified in the post.  He said, "I really can’t," and that was it. As a side note, I also emailed Steve and asked him to take responsibility for the wheel since he wrote the post and verified the condition of the wheel.  He simply said that he saw the wheel, it was in great shape, and the wheel wasn’t his so he took no responsibility for it.  If a cracked carbon fiber wheel passes for ‘great shape’ then perhaps one should think twice about Mike and Steve’s judgement when it comes to used equipment. caveat emptor, Matthew J. Thomas

Response:

Before I start, I’d like to invite both Mike and Steve to offer their respective sides to the story in order to get everything out in the open. A couple weeks ago I responded to the following post (a response to a WTB I posted on RBM) from Steve at Steve’s Multisport: I have a HED 700c ultralite tubular disc 8/9s cassette  the price is $350.00 shipped It is in great shape a few minor blemishes used for 1 year Call steves multisport 610 631 7822 ask for mike

I called Mike to hammer out the details and promptly sent him a check.  I received the wheel in a reasonable amount of time, and it was packaged well. I expected the wheel to have a few dings, and initially any damage present seemed to be mostly cosmetic.  However, upon closer inspection I found the wheel to have 3 separate cracks which went all the way through the wheels carbon fiber matrix.  Also, I found an additional 3 inch long crack in the carbon starting at the valve post hole. I thought about it awhile, and I decided to call Mike and ask for a refund. I called him and asked if we could work a return because I felt the wheel wasn’t received in the condition specified in the post.  He said, "I really can’t," and that was it. As a side note, I also emailed Steve and asked him to take responsibility for the wheel since he wrote the post and verified the condition of the wheel.  He simply said that he saw the wheel, it was in great shape, and the wheel wasn’t his so he took no responsibility for it.  If a cracked carbon fiber wheel passes for ‘great shape’ then perhaps one should think twice about Mike and Steve’s judgement when it comes to used equipment. caveat emptor, Matthew J. Thomas

Response:

Question:

Hi.  Can anyone point me in the direction of more information about lodging at the Half Vineman?  I’ve already contacted Sports America Tours (the arrangement people) and have the list, but I was wondering more about the hotels on the list.  Any recommendations or any places to avoid?  I was particularly curious about the Sandman and Best Western Garden Inn since they are in the price range I’m probably considering? Any comments on quality, distance, convenience, etc.?  Thanks for all your help in advance. Regards, Kendall Wu

Response:

I’ve done the race the last 3 years and stayed in different places each time. The Garden Inn is spartan but in a convienient location, clean, and quiet. I’ve been placed by Sports America each year and have been happy with the lodging. You are smart by booking early, since the close rooms go quickly. Good luck, Scott Watters TRI XXL CA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi.  Can anyone point me in the direction of more information about lodging at the Half Vineman?  I’ve already contacted Sports America Tours (the arrangement people) and have the list, but I was wondering more about the hotels on the list.  Any recommendations or any places to avoid?  I was particularly curious about the Sandman and Best Western Garden Inn since they are in the price range I’m probably considering? Any comments on quality, distance, convenience, etc.?  Thanks for all your help in advance. Regards, Kendall Wu

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi.  Can anyone point me in the direction of more information about lodging at the Half Vineman?  I’ve already contacted Sports America Tours (the arrangement people) and have the list, but I was wondering more about the hotels on the list.  Any recommendations or any places to avoid?  I was particularly curious about the Sandman and Best Western Garden Inn since they are in the price range I’m probably considering? Any comments on quality, distance, convenience, etc.?  Thanks for all your help in advance.

The Sandman is quite reasonable.  Nothing fancy, but clean and decent. Good location in terms of proximity to shopping areas, and right off the freeway for a very quick trip to the race site.  I stayed there in ‘99 and plan on returning this year. Don’t know anything about the Best Western.   Used to stay at the Hilton, and while it’s nice, I really can’t justify the price. TriBaby                                     _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html    

Response:

On the advice of Steve Blum, IM Lanzarote survivor and general good guy, I am booked into the Motel 6 in Santa Rosa. gordo

Response:

Does anyone have the contact information for any of these places? Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Sandman is quite reasonable.  Nothing fancy, but clean and decent. Good location in terms of proximity to shopping areas, and right off the freeway for a very quick trip to the race site.  I stayed there in ‘99 and plan on returning this year. Don’t know anything about the Best Western. Used to stay at the Hilton, and while it’s nice, I really can’t justify the price. TriBaby                                     _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_  `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / "Real triathletes don’t draft." http://www.stanford.edu/~brooksie *New to triathlon?  Check out Hulaman’s Simple TriTips:  http://www.hulaman.com/triathlon/tritips.html

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

An overlooked reason: Bacterial contamination in the water!

Yep, like my mom says, " swimming is all fun and games until you loose an eye;-( " D.J. " MOM, where is my BB-gun? "  (IRONKID)

Response:

Well, most people wear goggles for training because the chlorine in the pool necessitates it.

Not to mention that a lot of pools aren’t too great on sanitation. There’s also that nifty oil slick/hair gel and conditioner residue that tends to develop on top of the water. Remembering the away meets in high school where the pool visibility was less than 5 meters, Jill

Response:

Francois, I have done many lake swim triathlons in the past where I also went without goggles and found it worked out suprisingly well…I didnt have to worry about leaking goggles or ones that fog if I did not have any on!…..also you don’t go into a panic when you forgot to bring your goggles (one less thing to have to remember)….due to extreme nearsightedness I use perscription goggles now, but if others have not tried open water lake swimming without goggles they might find they actually prefer this method…..if you’ve tried this and it works, more power to you….all problems associated with goggles  that you might have encountered are now eliminated for you! Stephen Bullard   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois

Response:

An overlooked reason: Bacterial contamination in the water!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me. If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. Bob No, because most of the time you’re wearing them your face is in the water!

Response:

An overlooked reason: Bacterial contamination in the water!

I’ve wondered about this. If there are bad bacteria in the water, will goggles protect you or are you already screwed from swimming in it? Vanessa "I accidentally drink about a gallon of water on every swim" Smith

Response:

I’d say having something is better than nothing at all.  You are exposed to bacteria in the water no matter what you do, but fortunately our immune systems are set to handle some of the exposure.  You’ll hear cases of eye infections (with contacts) and people getting sick (like that leptospirosis situation) last year, but most of the time I think people are fine.  As for that gallon of water that gets drunk, you stomach can probably handle that small amount. Kendall "I love the taste of gasoline from the boats" Wu – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An overlooked reason: Bacterial contamination in the water! I’ve wondered about this. If there are bad bacteria in the water, will goggles protect you or are you already screwed from swimming in it? Vanessa "I accidentally drink about a gallon of water on every swim" Smith

Response:

There’s the point that your body has developed specific defenses against invasion in those places where it would usually come in contact with contaminants; the skin, and your stomach (rattlesnake venom, for example, won’t usually kill you if swallowed, but needs to get directly into your bloodstream to be fatal). Your eyes, however, rarely come in contact with anything (except contact lenses, and they haven’t been around long enough to exert any evolutionary pressure), so they haven’t evolved as robust a defense against infection. — TriathRon                                      _                                   –    o      ’             –  __o       –    </_ `     ‘         –    <         – __/    /o_         – (()) (())        -  / (ASCII art blatantly plagiarized from TriBaby’s sig . . . ) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d say having something is better than nothing at all.  You are exposed to bacteria in the water no matter what you do, but fortunately our immune systems are set to handle some of the exposure.  You’ll hear cases of eye infections (with contacts) and people getting sick (like that leptospirosis situation) last year, but most of the time I think people are fine.  As for that gallon of water that gets drunk, you stomach can probably handle that small amount. Kendall "I love the taste of gasoline from the boats" Wu An overlooked reason: Bacterial contamination in the water! I’ve wondered about this. If there are bad bacteria in the water, will goggles protect you or are you already screwed from swimming in it? Vanessa "I accidentally drink about a gallon of water on every swim" Smith

Response:

My eyes are very important to me so I protect them as much as possible. I wouldn’t get on a bicycle, use a power tool, fire a gun, swim, play racquetball, etc. without the appropriate eyewear.  Of course it’s possible to do any of these things with out eye protection – I did so for years.  But I’m not as willing to rely on luck as I once was. It’s better to wear ‘em and not need ‘em than vice-versa. Larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me. If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. Bob

No, because most of the time you’re wearing them your face is in the water!

Response:

Hi, Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best,

Well, most people wear goggles for training because the chlorine in the pool necessitates it.  Once you get comfortable and accustomed to swimming with goggles, the last thing you want to do is go without them and create a strange new situation while competing.

Response:

Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me. If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. Bob

Agreed, but all the Speedo and TYR goggles that I checked out provided 100% protection on for a mere $10. Sim "won’t buy save-o-rama goggles to save a few bucks" Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

It works great!  Just put your cap on over your goggles, and voila!! Problem solved.

Response:

Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me. If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. Bob

True, the same applies to sunglasses. — Amy Snyder Hale, GSR Dept of Geology & Planetary Science

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If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. True, the same applies to sunglasses.

Indeed, this is because "simply darker" glasses, non-UV protected, cause your pupils to widen, favoring more damaging light rays to enter the eye. – Francois PS: thanks for the inputs Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me.

If shaded goggles are not UV protected then you are creating additional problems according to my local eye guys. Bob

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Hi, Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois

Aloha Francois, I can’t speak for others, but just being able to see where I’m going. Although all of my triathlons, so far, have been in salt water, even in fresh/pool water I find that I simply have a tougher time seeing when my eyes go from water to air – and since navigation is important for guys like me who have a tough time swimming in a straight line… <grin I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had mine kicked off, yet.  I read somewhere that a helpful trick is to put your swim cap on after your goggles so that the strap is under the cap.  I did that last time out but didn’t have to test it to see if it really made any difference. Sometimes it’s advantagous to not be a fast swimmer…most of the kicking feet are well ahead of me. <grin Aloha, -Ben- http://home.hawaii.rr.com/schorr Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Maybe the fact that my contact lenses would float right off of my eyes without my goggles….. Maybe the fact that my eyes are irritated by contact with anything other than air and my eyelids….. Maybe the fact that my goggles prevent my eyes from getting poked out by fingers and toes…. Maybe that’s a few other reasons for them.

Good points all. I’d like to add that shaded goggles can help in bright situations if you’re somewhat light sensitive like me. — Amy Snyder Hale, GSR Dept of Geology & Planetary Science

Response:

Hi, Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois

Francois, Believe it was in Triathlete or Fitness swimmer I was reading an article on the same topic.  Number one reason to wear goggles was of course to see, second reason was that when exposed to water be it salted, unsalted, chlorinated ETC…. the eyes surface swells not unlike your hand getting pruny when you spend to much time in the water. This makes your eyes more susceptible to waterborne contaminants.  My primary reason for wearing goggles is my intense paranoia from watching Jaws to many times and my nearsightedness.  If I don’t wear goggles I would swim right off the course, god bless Speedo with their corrected vision goggles.  I have not been kicked yet, when I am I may have to reconsider my position, nothing like trying to clear your goggles and tread water at the same time….Von Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Hi, Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Maybe the fact that my contact lenses would float right off of my eyes without my goggles….. Maybe the fact that my eyes are irritated by contact with anything other than air and my eyelids….. Maybe the fact that my goggles prevent my eyes from getting poked out by fingers and toes…. Maybe that’s a few other reasons for them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Trying to solve the problem of massive starts that may kick off the goggles and cause stress and wasted time, I simply came up with the solution of not wearing goggles. I’ve just tried it and it seems I never needed these goggles. (in unsalted water) I assume you guys are not looking at fishes when you swim, so what is the point in wearing goggles in unsalted water? If you have any argument to share, please do so. Best, – Francois Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Question:

it seems like bill bell and jim ward have shown that there isn’t much of a maximum age for the ironman, but what about a minimum?  i’m 19 and considering giving it a shot in montreal this summer.  i’ve been racing for 19 years with (only a few knee problems) and a 1/2 IM under my belt. iron vets, speak up! mather "kick me in the pants, now" callaghan

Response:

Racing since the day you were born eh?  That’s pretty talented.  19 years of racing experience and only one half IM?  I’d suggest you give up now!

Response:

it seems like bill bell and jim ward have shown that there isn’t much of a maximum age for the ironman, but what about a minimum?  i’m 19 and considering giving it a shot in montreal this summer.  i’ve been racing for 19 years with (only a few knee problems) and a 1/2 IM under my belt. iron vets, speak up! mather "kick me in the pants, now" callaghan

I’m a bit confused. You’re 19 years old and you have been racing for 19 years? They start them young where ever you are from! In all seriousness, I would suggest waiting a few years before you take on the Ironman distance. I have been pounded in this forum for making this suggestion before, but I would reccomend waiting until your mid 20’s before doing an Ironman. A number of very high profile athletes and coaches have similar feelings on this matter. If you simply MUST do an Ironman then by all means go ahead. However, know that now(around 19 years) is the best time to be working on speed, and strength. There is a window of opportunity that is open just after you finish growing to work on these physical attributes. Work on them now and you will be happy you did years from now. Concentrate on the Olympic distance events and shorter. Work on developing a high level of technique and skill in all three sports. Imerse yourself in your weak sport for a whole season. ie. if you are a weak runner, totally focus on running for 6 monts by, say running and racing on your school/college cross-country team. This seems ridiculous at this stage of the game because you want to be a triathlete. The rewards for this approach will come years from now. Leave the long stuff till later. Steve Fleck

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     I am sitting here pondering the thought of being only 19 years of age and having 19 years of racing experience.  How can this be? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it seems like bill bell and jim ward have shown that there isn’t much of a maximum age for the ironman, but what about a minimum?  i’m 19 and considering giving it a shot in montreal this summer.  i’ve been racing for 19 years with (only a few knee problems) and a 1/2 IM under my belt. iron vets, speak up! mather "kick me in the pants, now" callaghan

Response:

I’m 17 and I sure as hell wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to train and compete in an Ironman.  I’m doing my first Triathlon (olympic Distance Wildflower)  in a month.  I feel that it would be perfectly ok to do an Ironman as long as I/you  were properly trained for it. Next year, when Im 18 if I make the NAvy Triathlon Team, I will be doing a half Ironman. -Matt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it seems like bill bell and jim ward have shown that there isn’t much of a maximum age for the ironman, but what about a minimum?  i’m 19 and considering giving it a shot in montreal this summer.  i’ve been racing for 19 years with (only a few knee problems) and a 1/2 IM under my belt. iron vets, speak up! mather "kick me in the pants, now" callaghan

Response:

for crying in the sink – you’re all supposed to be intelligent people!! please tell me that you didn’t actually spend as long as you’re implying standing about with calculators trying to figure out my age? it was a typo – i’m 19 yrs old w/ 5 yrs experience. thanks all for the same for the comical advice. mather "rec.sport.standup_triathlon" callaghan

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Question:

I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride? Robb Rocket

Barcons and Dia Compe brake levers fit fine on them. Just make sure the stem will fit your body sizing. As for the back of the softride, either the Trimble carrier for $19 or the X-lab for $29 both will do the job. — Steve’s Multisport – http://www.stevesmultisport.com/

Response:

Dear Rob, Good question as this is commanly asked by other customers.  I can confirm that the end of the aerotubes can accept barend shifters and any of those who have CXDT Grip Shift shifters.  Regarding the brake question I have to say we planned most people to use reverse pull levers since these were the most aerodynamic at the time.  However standard brake levers will work as long as the clamp to secure the brake can clamp around a 22.2 tube.  I hope this answers your questions.  If not let me know. Thanks, Todd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride? Robb Rocket

Response:

 I use regular style brake levers with my Project X bars and they work just fine. Robb Dunlap writes: I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride?

Gary McMurtrey Inland Inferno Triathlon Club http://members.aol.com/infernotri/home.htm

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I have the profile behind the seat water bottle system on a Softride Solo. One big problem, If your out of the saddle and hit a bump, the beam will bounce enough to launch water bottles at you competitors. Hmm…. this might work to my advantage  I replaced the plastic profile bottle cages with standard wire cages and it works just fine. btw – Thanks for the email on my homepage! Derek – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride? Robb Rocket

Response:

I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride? Robb Rocket

Response:

I have DA 9 spd bar end shifters on my Project X aerobars and they work just fine.  I opted for the Dia Compe rev. style brake levers, so I dont know about fit for regular brake levers.  The Project X bars have a short section at the end of the outer bars that angle up, and I am unsure how regular levers would do with this attachment site. Rance – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking about buying the Project X aerobars for my Softride.  Does anyone know if barcons (bar end shifters) work with Project X aerobars and if regular style brake levers work (or do you need to use reverse pull levers)?  Also, can anyone recommend a behind the seat water bottle for a softride? Robb Rocket

Response:

Question:

There has been a birth.   The details must wait until I get back from a weekend trip.  Suffice to say the child is doing well. If anyone is going to be in Bethany Beach, DE for the Make-A-Wish Triathlon, look me up, and I will explain it all. Eric Weiss

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I was there.  Bummer I haven’t been checking RST that often lately. By the way, congratulations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There has been a birth.   The details must wait until I get back from a weekend trip.  Suffice to say the child is doing well. If anyone is going to be in Bethany Beach, DE for the Make-A-Wish Triathlon, look me up, and I will explain it all. Eric Weiss

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Question:

Is anyone going to this tri on 8/17?  I’m curious about the course and also just where in NC that is.  I’ll be coming from Winston-Salem. Thanks for any info. Drew

Response:

Is anyone going to this tri on 8/17?  I’m curious about the course and also just where in NC that is.  I’ll be coming from Winston-Salem. Thanks for any info. Drew

That’s not one on my list. If anyone would know, it would be InsideOut Sports in Raleigh (919-755-6202). I’ll be at the duathlon in Cary the day before. David

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I just looked it up again.  I had the place wrong.  Triathlete mag has it in Morrisville. Thanks for the contact though. Drew

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Question:

Does inline skating help running at all? Lisa

Response:

In-line skating is more akin to the cycling action than running but it’s a good all round leg conditioner – helping muscle balance etc – can’t be bad. It’s also a good way to get an aerobic workout without the hammering that running gives your legs so your cardio-vascular system gets a tuning while your legs get it a bit easier. in-line skating gets an article in this months ‘Triathlete’ magazine – could be worth a look.

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  Does inline skating help running at all?   Skating, be it in-line or plain ol’ rollers, increases your aerobic fitness and leg strength. One data point:- Miles Stewart, an Australian triathlete champion, almost lived on skates (don’t know whether they were rollers or in-lines) as an adolescent.  He has a nasty habit of grabbing championship titles from "name-brand" athletes. Skating is a good way to condition your legs without the shock on the system which running inflicts.  But, if running is what you’re after – run… — Paul Big Ears Menon Computer Science, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia Ph: +61 3 660 3209/2348 Fx: +61 3 662 1617 ICBM: lat 37^ 50′ S long 145^ 0′ E WWW: http://www.cs.rmit.edu.au/people/TSG/pnm.html

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: Does inline skating help running at all? : Lisa It certainly helps my running. When I’m running the bike path along the beach and a gal wearing thongs and inline skates passes me, I certainly start running faster. Sure hope I don’t trip and break something. (sippinSamuelAdamsandtriningforNYCMinLongBeachCaliforniawheretheearth movesundermyfeet)

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