Try-A-Tri Triathlon

LOCATION

Robson Ranch Sports Club and Robson Ranch Development

 

REGISTRATION
Registration will be completed through this website and you are encouraged to register by February 14 if you would like a commemorative event shirt.  You can register after the February 14 date, however an event shirt will not be guaranteed. Registration will close on March 5th at noon.

 

PACKET PICK UP / RACE DAY CHECKIN / BIKE ASSISTANCE SCHEDULE

Packet Pickup (we highly recommend you pick up your packet on Friday)

• Friday, March 7:  1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Kid’s Pool Cabana

• Saturday, March 8:  7:30 - 9:00 am at the Kid’s Pool Cabana

Race Day Checkin

• Saturday, March 8:  7:30 - 9:00 am at the Kid’s Pool Cabana; checkin for the race, pick up your timing chip, and get body marked

Round Trip Bike Shop Available

• Saturday, March 8:  7:30 -11:00 am in the Transition Area

 

RACE DAY SCHEDULE (Times are Subject to Change)

• 7:30 am:  Transition Opens 

• 7:30 – 9:00 am:  Timing Chips Issued, Body Marking, Packet Pickup at Kid’s Pool Cabana

• 8:30 am:  Race Briefing at the Outdoor Pool Cabana

• 8:40 am:  National Anthem (US and Canada) at the Outdoor Pool Cabana

• 8:55 am:  First Swimmers/Walkers in the Pool

• 9:00 am: Transition Closes (athletes should have their area set up and be out of this area before the first swimmers start)

• 9:00 am:  First Swimmers/Walkers Start

• 9:45-10:00 am:  (Estimated) First Athlete Crosses the Finish Line 

• 10:00 am:  Food Truck Available – Food for Purchase for Participants, Volunteers, and Spectators in the Softball Field Parking Lot

• 11:30 am:  (Estimated) Awards Ceremony and Participant Raffle (must be present to win raffle items

 

PACKET PICK UP

Packet Pickup will take place on Friday, March 7 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm and on Saturday, March 8 from 7:30 - 9:00 am at the Kid’s Pool Cabana.  We recommend you pick up your packet on Friday so you are ready to go on race day.  

• Individual participants:  in your packet you will receive a swim cap, a sticker for the front of your bike helmet, a number for the front of your bike, a race bib for the run, 4 safety pins to attach your run bib number to the front of your shirt, 2 zip ties to attach your bike number to the front of your bike, and instructions on where each item goes.  All items will have your assigned race number on them.  You have been provided with information regarding the swim, but don’t worry if you forget, we will have this information at the pool and volunteers will help you. 

• Relay participants:  you too will receive a swim cap, a sticker for the front of the bike helmet, a number for the front of the bike, a race bib for the run, 4 safety pins to attach the run bib number to the front of your shirt, 2 zip ties to attach the bike number to the front of the bike, and instructions on where each item goes.  Please be sure your appropriate team members have what they need for their portion of the event.  You don’t all have to come to packet pick up at the same time, and if you want just one person from your team to pick up all of the items and then distribute them to the other members, that is perfectly fine too.  Just be sure everyone has what they need on race day.

 

RACE DAY

On the day of the race, please have your race numbers on your bike, helmet, etc., and please head to the transition area first.  Find a spot to park your bike, either in a rack, or in the kickstand area (volunteers will help). Set up the items in transition that you will use throughout the event and get an idea of how you will flow from one segment of the event to the next.  If you are doing a relay, have your team members meet at transition so everyone knows where the bike will be parked for the event.  This is the area where your swimmer will meet your biker to transfer the timing chip, and where the biker will meet the runner to transfer your timing chip.  Once you are set up in transition, head to the Kid’s pool cabana to pick up your timing chip and get body marked with your race number.  Once you are body marked and all set up in transition, head to the pool area to get ready for your swim and to cheer on your relay swimmer from the spectator area (see Spectators section).

 

RACE DAY CHECK-IN

On the day of the race, please check in at the Kid's pool Cabana between 7:30-9:00 am so we know you, and your team members if doing a relay, are onsite and ready to start the event.  After checking in, please pick up your timing chip and be sure you are body marked.

 

TRANSITION AREA

The transition area is where participants “transition” from one leg of the event to the next, for example from the swim to the bike and from the bike to the run.  This is where you can place your gear for the bike and run segments of the race.  There will be bike racks available (if you don’t have a kickstand) and a place to put your helmet, bike shoes (if using them), and running shoes.  Some participants may choose to bring a bucket/sports bag to hold their gear.  The transition area will be monitored by volunteers so whatever you leave in this space will be safe while you are out on the course.  After you have completed the race, please be sure to go by transition to collect your gear.  For safety reasons, no spectators are allowed in the transition area – this area will be for athletes only.

 

LOUNGE CHAIR OPTION FOR SWIM TO TRANSITION AREA

As mentioned above, you can set up your clothes for the bike and run in the transition area, but you can also do this at the pool.  Pick a lounge chair for your towel, shirt, shorts, socks, shoes, hat, etc.  You’ll definitely want to put a pair of socks and shoes on in this area before you head to transition.  Use the pool area to do a quick dry off and add a layer before heading to transition to get on your bike.  If you are a relay person, put a pair of socks and shoes here and then head on over to transition to give your timing chip to your biker.

 

BODY MARKING

A very common part of a triathlon is body marking which is where a volunteer, using a black marker, will write your race number on one of your arms (between your elbow and shoulder) and one of your legs (calf area).  Volunteers will be body marking at the Kid’s pool cabana from 7:30-8:45 am.  Please come by the cabana so your race number can be written on your arm and leg.  This will help us identify you throughout the event for safety reasons (plus, it’s pretty cool to have your race number on you after the event – you’ve got bragging rights about what you did that day, why not show it off).

 

TIMING CHIP

Timing chips will be issued at the Kid’s pool cabana from 7:30-8:45 am.  The timing chip will be a Velcro strap with a chip containing the same number as your race number.  Timing chips should be worn on the LEFT ANKLE.  The timing chip can be worn in the pool and will calculate your overall time of the race, from when you start your swim/walk, until you cross the finish line at the softball field.  Representatives from the timing company will coordinate with you in the pool as when to start your time.  This will apply to individuals completing all three segments of the event as well as relay participants. Relay participants will transfer the timing chip from one teammate to another in the transition area.  We recommend the teammate NOT doing the next segment of the event be the one to transfer the chip.  For example, the swimmer completes the swim and meets their team at the bike in transition.  The RUNNER transfers the chip from the swimmer to the biker.  When the biker completes the course and returns to transition, the SWIMMER transfers the chip to the runner.

 

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS

Race participants in this category will complete all three segments of the event in the following order:  swim, bike, run.  Using a timing chip, start time and finish time will be recorded to determine race results and award eligibility. 

 

RELAY PARTICIPANTS

Relay teams can consist of 2 or 3 team members.  For 2-member teams, 1 person must complete any 2 of the segments of the event, while the other person completes the third segment.  Three-member teams will each complete one segment of the event.  Relay teams will transfer the timing chip to their appropriate team member in the transition area for the bike and run segment of the event.  For example, the swimmer will exit the pool area (reminder:  bring socks and shoes to put on after the swim for this), head to the transition area and the RUNNER will transfer the timing chip from the swimmer to the biker in transition before the biker can go out on the bike course.  When the biker returns from the course, they will head to where their bike was parked in transition (or an agreed upon location NOT BLOCKING the main path to and from transition) and the SWIMMER will transfer the timing chip to the runner so they can start the run course.  Relay members don’t have to stay in the transition area during the entire race, but they must be there to transfer the chip to the next member of their team for them to head out. Start time and finish time will be recorded to determine race results and award eligibility.  There will also be an award for best relay team name!

 

AWARDS CATEGORIES

Awards will be given for the following categories:

• Top Three Females

• Top Three Males 

• Top Three Relays

• Best Relay Team Name

 

VOLUNTEERS

We will have incredible volunteers at the pool and on the course supporting you on race day.  They can be recognized by their bright colored vests.  Please be sure to thank them as you see them throughout the day.

 

SPECTATORS 

Spectators are welcomed and encouraged to attend.  They’ll be able to visit with their athletes before the race, cheer them on from the pool area, along the racecourse, and most importantly, celebrate with them at the finish line!  For the inside pool, spectators will be able to view their athletes through the windows closest to the Sports Club front desk (chairs will be set up in this area).  No spectators will be allowed on the inside pool deck as this will be full of volunteers and swimmers.  For the outside pool, spectators are allowed in the cabana area and we ask that they pay close attention to the racers when coming and going from the pool area.  No spectators are allowed in the transition area – this area will be for athletes only.

 

PARKING

Parking for packet pickup on Friday will be in the main Sports Club parking lot and the overflow parking lot. Parking for race day will be in the gravel lot just past the tennis courts, on the backside of the Sports Club (enter on North Cattail Drive).  Please look for signs to this area and use this parking location first.  If that parking lot is full, please check The Grill, golf course, and overflow parking lot by the dog park.  On race day, please be sure to give yourself time to park and walk to transition to get set up. The first swimmers start at 9:00 am.

 

COURSE

 

Swim/Walk

Before you enter the pool area for your swim/walk, be sure to put your shoes, socks, shorts, shirt, and a towel if you want, on one of the lounge chairs outside the indoor pool or in the outside pool area.  You’ll want your shoes and socks on when walking from the pool to the transition area.

 

The swim/walk portion of the event will be 400 yards (8 laps/16 segments) and will take place in the indoor and outdoor pools.  You have received a copy of the swim/walk schedule and there will be schedules at the pool as well as volunteers available to help you.  On race day, you may practice/warm-up in the recreation area of the outdoor pool, not in the swim lanes.

 

Each lane will have two (2) swimmers/walkers per lane. Swimmers/walkers will start at the same end of the pool and will swim/walk back and forth on their side of the lane until they have completed the 400 yards (8 laps/16 segments).  You can enter the pool by sitting on the edge of the lane and easing yourself into the pool or use the stairs to get into the pool and work your way to your lane.  ABSOLUTELY NO DIVING.

 

The first 16 swimmers (8 inside and 8 outside) will need to be at their appropriate pool and in their lane by 8:55 am. You were noted with a 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, etc. on the pool schedule that was sent out earlier this week.  There will be signage on the pool deck noting which lane is which.

 

If you are not one of the first 16 swimmers, please line up on the appropriate pool deck in numerical order, based on your race numbers.  The even race numbers will swim in the indoor pool and the odd race numbers will swim in the outside pool.  Please be on the appropriate swim deck when the first 16 swimmers start.  We will have timing representative for each pool. The timing representatives and volunteers will signal when it’s time for you to get in the water and which lane.  We anticipate the swim to go pretty fast so please be ready on the poolside.  The timing representative will confirm with you that you are ready and will then start your swim time.  There will be 2 lane volunteers per lane to help you keep track of your laps by holding the lap number either on the pool deck, or in the water, so you can see the number as you approach the edge of the pool.  The lap number showing will represent which lap you are currently completing.  Be sure to touch each end of the pool as you complete your laps – you can do this with your hand or foot - just as long as you touch each end.

 

When you have completed all 400 yards/8 laps, please exit the pool either where you entered, or by the ladder closest to your lane.  If using the ladder, PLEASE be careful when crossing active swim lanes and wait for other swimmers to pass before exiting.

 

Transition from Swim to Bike (Transition 1)

 

After exiting the pool, you can use the restrooms to change your clothes or head to the lounge chair where you initially set up your clothes in preparation for the bike and run.  You do not have to change your clothes, this is completely up to you.  If you are using bike shoes and running shoes, running or walking briskly in bike shoes is risky, be sure you are very careful if you choose to wear bike shoes from the pool area to transition and be sure you have your running shoes in transition for when you complete the bike.  For relay team members, be sure to leave a pair of socks and shoes on one of the outside lounge chairs so you will have something to wear to transition to find your bike team member.  You will then transfer your timing chip to your bike team member and they will start the bike portion of the event.  Transferring the timing chip in the pool area is NOT allowed.

 

After you leave the pool area, look for the “Transition” sign pointing you towards the transition area.  Exit through the outside gate of the outdoor pool area and WALK DOWN THE PATH JUST OUTSIDE THE GATE – THIS SURFACE WILL BE SLIPPERY.  We may have some outdoor carpets along this path, but it can still be slippery in between the carpets.  Look for volunteers who will direct you to the transition area.  

 

Are You Anxious About the Swim?  Read On

If you find yourself feeling anxious during the swim, slow down or use an easier swim stroke!  Bringing down your heart rate will also calm your anxiety.  Take deep, slow breaths.  Tell yourself you're having fun and focus on your stroke and breathing.  If you need to stop and take a rest, then please do so, and be sure to stay to your side of the swim lane.  We want you/your team to cross the finish line…no matter what!  If you find you can’t complete the swim, not a problem, just let one of the volunteers know and we’ll make a note of it and you are welcome to still do the bike and run portion of the event, just unfortunately you will not be eligible for awards.  If for any reason you need assistance, please wave your hands and a volunteer will assist you.

 

Bike

As you enter the transition area from the swim to get on your bike, be aware of other racers around you.  If you are part of a relay team, find your biker and have your runner transfer the timing chip from you to the biker so they can head out on the bike route.  You will WALK your bike from transition to the “Mount/Dismount” line at the end of the parking lot by Clubhouse Loop.  Your helmet must be on and the chin strap must be fastened before you can get on your bike.  Please do not get on your bike until you are out of the transition area and at the Mount Line. The Mount and Dismount line will be clearly marked and volunteers will be available to guide you. For safety reasons, there will be no riding your bike in the transition area.

 

The bike course is 7.4 miles and will consist of TWO LOOPS in the development.  You are required to wear a helmet at all times while on the bike course – no helmet, no ride.  Please note, there will not be a water station on the bike course so please be sure to bring your own water for the bike portion of the event or grab a drink in transition.  There will be a water station in the transition area and we recommend you grab a drink before you head out on the bike and again before you head out on the run.

 

A map of the bike course can be found under the "Course Info" tab of this website. The bike course is OPEN to traffic on race day, and you are held to the same standards as you would be if you were on a regular bike ride.  Stay in the bike lane or right shoulder if there is no bike lane.  Do not ride in the lane of traffic unless an obstacle in the bike lane/right shoulder requires you to do so. Riders are required to be alert and obey all rules of the road to avoid any preventable mishaps on the course. Watch for volunteers and listen to their instructions especially when approaching intersections and stop signs.  If they see it is safe, they may wave you through the stop signs without stopping.  No drafting will be allowed on the bike course.  Drafting is where one rider rides close enough to the back wheel of the rider in front of them to benefit from a “draft.” This draft allows the rider in the back to use less energy to maintain their speed.  Please leave at least two full bike lengths between you and the rider in front.  If you have to pass, always pass on the left and let the rider in front of you know you are passing by saying “on your left” or “passing.”  If you hear this from a rider behind you, move closer to the right and allow them to pass.

 

Once you are on your bike, you will ride out on Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios) and take a left on Robson Blvd.  BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL when crossing Robson Blvd.  We will have volunteers there to help with traffic control, but it is your responsibility to be aware of traffic and only cross when it is safe.  You will then turn right on Cherry Oaks, continue straight to Harris Hawk, and follow this until you reach Robson Blvd.  If this is your first loop, you will turn right on Robson Blvd. and repeat this route for a second time.  If this is your second loop, when you get close to Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios), get in the left lane, again being extremely careful when crossing traffic, and take a left on Clubhouse Loop and return to the bike Mount/Dismount line.  Volunteers will be stationed at each intersection along the bike course to assist with traffic control and to ensure you are going in the right direction. Robson Ranch patrol trucks will be located at major intersections where vehicles may need to be slowed or stopped for rider safety.  When you reach the mount/dismount line, dismount your bike and walk it back to the transition area before heading out on the run.  If you are doing a relay, return your bike to the transition area and have your swimmer transfer the timing chip to your runner.

 

We will have a volunteer who will drive the bike course in case you get a flat or your bike needs minor repair.  It is your responsibility to ensure your bike is in good working condition for the event and you will be responsible for carrying your own flat repair kit.  If your flat cannot be repaired, or your bike breaks down, the volunteer driving the course will pick you and your bike up and drive you back to the transition area.  You can continue with the run portion of the event however you will not be eligible for awards.

 

Transition from Bike to Run (Transition 2)

 

Run/Walk

The run course is 2.0 miles and is an out-and-back course.  A map of the run/walk course can be found under the "Course Info" tab of this website. After you have returned from the bike, you will start in the transition area and head out to Clubhouse Loop.  Volunteers will show you the way.  You will then take a right on Robson Blvd., staying to the right to avoid oncoming runners, and run on the sidewalk along Robson Blvd. to Globe Drive.  You will turn right on Globe and head to the water station at the turnaround point on Globe Drive.  We ask that you please throw your empty water cups in the garbage cans provided at this location.  After the water station, you will proceed back to Robson Blvd. and take a left on Robson Blvd., again staying on the right side of the sidewalk to avoid oncoming athletes. Continue to Clubhouse Loop (by Elevate Studios) where you will take a left.

 

When you take a left on Clubhouse Loop, you will be on the home stretch.  Yahoo – you are almost there!  Volunteers will direct you onto the softball field and you will run down the third base line towards home plate where you will see a finish line arch, flag, and millions, ok maybe not millions, but lots of fans in the bleachers, cheering you on.  Please stay on the dirt section of the field and do not run on the grass.  There will be a photographer there to take your picture so smile big as you cross the finish line and think about what you just accomplished!

 

If you are on a relay team, only the runner can run across the finish line. Other teammates can be in the designated area on the field, by first base, when their runner crosses the finish line, but just the runner can cross the finish line.  The reason for this is the timer will be at the finish line and they will need to be sure they are recording the correct person coming through the arch.  Once across the line, all team members can collect their medals and pose for a photo at the finish line.

 

WEATHER

It has been a little chilly the last couple of days so be sure you have the appropriate clothing for each segment of the event.  The event will only be adjusted if it is raining.  Rain will cancel the bike portion of the event, but the swim and run will still occur.

 

POST RACE FOOD

There will be a food truck set up in the softball field parking lot and we encourage you to stop by and grab something to eat.  They were kind enough to provide this as an option for our event and we want to be sure we support them with some great business.  Food items will be available to purchase for participants, volunteers, and spectators.

 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Photographers will be out on the course throughout the event, at the finish line, and at the awards ceremony.  So just keep smiling!  

 

AWARDS CEREMONY AND RAFFLE

The awards ceremony will begin (around) 11:30 am (could be sooner) and we will be announcing the top three winners for each of these categories:  men, women, and relays. We will also have a Best Relay Team name award.  There will most likely still be racers out on the course so please stick around after you have congratulated the winners and cheer on your fellow racers at the finish line.  There’s nothing like coming across the finish line hearing a whole bunch of people hootin’ and hollerin’ for ya!

 

We will have a few raffle items we will be mixing in with the awards, so be sure you are there at the beginning and stay until the end.  Each participant’s race number will be entered into the drawing for a chance to win raffle prizes.  If you are in a relay, a race number for EACH of your relay teammates will be entered into the drawing.  For all raffle prizes, YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN.

 

Thank you so much for being a part of Robson’s Second Annual triathlon event!  We can’t wait to see your smiling face when you cross the finish line!