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I’d recommend spending a couple of hours trying out different types of bikes. Ideally, on a weekday if you can swing it. Bike shops are usually pretty busy on the weekends.
Test riding bikes:
Try different frame types (aluminum vs carbon fiber vs aluminum with carbon fork).
Try different components (from cheapest to most expensive: Shimano sora < tiagra < 105 < ultegra)
That way you will know which frame type and component you want. The different brand bikes will have slight variations in geometry but will have the same frame type & components (for example Trek 105s and the same as Raleigh 105s).
If you know what frame and component you want, you can act quicker on a sale. Most entry-level cyclists get carbon fiber OR aluminum with a carbon fork with Shimano 105s.
Fitting/Sizing:
You will get “sized” at the bike shop. They measure your inseam. It will let you know what size frame you can get.
Fitting is a more comprehensive process. Some bike shops (Bicycle pro shop is the only one I’m sure of) will offer free fittings with a bike purchase. Other bike shops will have bike fittings for $125-200+.
It is hard for bike shops to give you discounts on whole bikes, but you can sometimes negotiate tune-ups or fittings for a discount.
Best time to buy
Yes, the fall is a great time to buy. New models come out in Sept-Nov so stores will want to get rid of inventory
Off-season spin
It is a lot of fun! It’s a great way to jump-start your training. I have a hard time riding a stationary bike/trainer for over an hour, the classes made it a lot more do-able.
Hi Chelsey!
A couple of thoughts:
- Take an easy week the week after race week (working out but a “recovery week”). And then, depending on how your body feels, start building again (adding time/distance).
- You could definitely start from week 8 of the Oly training plan. You may need to adjust after your holiday to ramp up a little slower. From an “injury risk” standpoint, running weekly mileage is where you want to be careful. If you take 2-3 weeks off from running, you will need to build up slowly. But if you can keep your weekly mileage similar then you should be fine.
- Hiking is great cross-training, listen to your body if you are doing runs on your vacation. After long hikes, your body may just need to rest.
Yep. You can get everything Saturday morning but get there early, it tends to be busy and stressful race morning.
The Saturday meeting will probably be shorter then Friday’s, make sure you read through the atheletes guide and know all the information.
Coach Kate
^ let me know if you have any more questions
They aren’t available for check in until after lunch. I’d you are at the park earlier, stop by the concession stand/main beach area for more info.
There are signs for the campgrounds. As you drive in (after ranger station)
Yes. There will be packet pick up on Saturday and then again early Sunday before the race starts.
There will also be an athlete briefing Saturday at lunch. We will go over the course and the race. Hopefully you can make it!
– Coach Kate
For those camping at Lake Anna that didn’t get a parking spot. The campsite comes with two parking passes. Additional parking passes are $5 which you can purchase when you drive in or at the ranger station as you are further into the camp. With a parking pass, you can park near the campsites or shuttle your car close to the race start.
Most people stay Saturday-Sunday. But Friday-Sunday works too.
It’s a 90-minute drive from DC and the events usually start around 9am. So if you are an early bird, come in the morning. If not, come the night before.
Yes – Bicycle pro shop offers free fittings if you bought your bike from them. Like Jill said, ideally you ride it a bit so you have a better idea about what you need to adjust.
Advantages/disadvantages:
There will be awards for age group OR novice categories. If you are slower in your age group but the top three among novices (there are less in the pool) then you have a good chance of getting on the podium (top three).
Start times can matter if there is a big difference between first/last wave. July in Maryland is going to be HOT. Running an hour earlier is better.
If you are more concerned with starting early due to heat; choose age group. If you want to try to win the novice group, choose novice.
The training plan has two strength sessions per week. I put them on the same days as the swim but you can put them wherever.
There is a strength handout with a bodyweight routine that focuses on glutes, lateral movements and core.
Work of caution – check the driving directions from the hotel/accommodation to the park. It may say “2 miles” on a website but then you have to drive 30 minutes around the lake.
No tents provided – just a patch of ground and bathrooms within walking distances. There are some hotels 15-30 minutes away from the park.