Your First Triathlon - The Bike

My first bike was yellow. It had a basket in front and I thought its banana seat was cool. (That's me in the picture to the right.)

Biking was fun. I rode my bike to school, to the park and to the pool in the summer. I forgot my bike lock combination a lot. I went over the handlebars a few times. Biking with no hands was too scary for me. But, overall, I liked riding my bike.

Biking as a kid made trying a triathlon as an adult seem doable. I'd been on a bike. I didn't have specific bike training, but I knew I could bike. And so can you!

If you can:
- swim (15-20 minutes)
- bike (60 minutes) and
- walk (45 minutes), you can finish your first triathlon.
A sprint distance triathlon usually includes a .25-mile swim, 15-mile bike and 3.2-mile run.

Some things to know about the bike segment of your first triathlon:

1. Any bike works. You don't need something fancy to enter a triathlon. A basic bike is fine. Do take the time to tune-up your bike, pump the tires and lube the chain. Cleaning tips here from Terry Bicycles.
2. Go your own speed. You may feel pressure to go faster on race day. Slow down. Your pace is the right pace.
3. Be safe. Stay to the right of the road, allowing others to pass you on your left. Don't ride right up on someone's back tire either.
4. Smile! Enjoy the ride. You are doing something for yourself, getting fit and hopefully having a great time. If you have the chance, encourage someone else as you pass them. Triathlon is known for its camaraderie.

Other resources include:

Your First Triathlon
Sprint triathlons: The possible dream
10 Tips for First-time Triathletes
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/
Training Tips for Beginner Triathletes
10 Most Common Multisport Mistakes
Newbie Forum
Why Triathlon?

Get out on your bike for a ride, even a short one. Today is a great day to start!


(second picture: Me biking home from Paoli.)