New Day, New Attitude. Time to Focus!!

Pain be damned.  No more whining.  It is time to focus on the race.

The DC Tri (Sprint) has a few nuances which will make the event unique, challenging, and hopefully more enjoyable.  First, the distances:  800K swim, 20K bike, and 7.5K run.  While the bike and swim distances are pretty standard, the run is long.  Most sprints are 5K.  Shorter runs are generally preferred by us Clydesdales (Note:  I am racing AG and am within a couple of pounds of no longer qualifying for Clydesdale).  However, given the setting and the fact that I’m signed up for a 1/2 marathon later this year, I’m looking forward to this.

Second is the sheer magnitude of the event.  According to the DC Tri site, participants will include “more than 3000 triathletes from 433 cities, 43 states and 11 countries”.  This is huge!  For perspective, most local Triathlons draw about 300 people.  I can’t wait to see how big the transition area is going to be!  I am very thankful for an assigned space.

Third is the location.  Need I say more?

Moving to the event itself, the swim start will be unique.  While there are swim waves (I’m in wave 15), each wave will line up in the coral with 8 swimmers jumping in about every 10 seconds.  Time starts as soon as the swimmer crosses the start mat immediately prior to jumping in…No Diving.  I may have to practice a jump start!

I’m really looking forward to the bike!  The route looks awesome.  Even with 3 U-Turns and a few tight turns, it should be a very fast event.

Finally, the run.  There are 6 U-turns and every person I’ve spoken to has forewarned me that although you think DC is flat, there are some killer hills around Capitol Hill.  Hello, it is called “The Hill” for a reason!   I’ve also been told that you see the Finish a couple of times before you actually get there which can be a bit deflating.  I appreciate the warning as forewarned is forearmed (and I take it seriously, especially since my wife won her AG at this event last year).

I’ll be out there in a white Rudy Aero helmet (yes, I’ve decided to wear it) on my blue Felt as seen above in the header and wearing a Team TPR kit.

Courtesy of a 6 year-old Photographer - But you get the idea!

If you are not participating, come out and cheer on all the participants!  It will be a fun day!

Buyer Beware or What’s the Difference Between a Triathlete/Cyclist and a Profiteer?

After reading an interesting article from a friend regarding the significant positive performance impact of aero helmets (http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/bike-and-gear-features/revenge-nerds), I decided to purchase one.  I did some quick research and price checking and magically there was a new helmet on ebay that was priced better than others.  What was this helmet?

The helmet was a NEW Rudy Project Syton Open (would you buy a used helmet?).  The reviews were very good in terms of weight, comfort/fit, and impact.  It is an older style which does not cover the ears, but the price was right and I bought it.

Fast forward a few days and the box arrives. 

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Two things jumped out at me:  the obviously damaged box and the lack of any packing materials.  If you don’t know me, my background is in Human Factors/Ergonomics and I have a natural bias towards safety….Yes, I’m the guy on the street asking kids “Where’s your helmet?”  I also know that bike helmets are required to meet a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Standard  (16 CFR 1203).  The CPSC also puts out a readable version of their standards to help the public understand the requirements (e.g., “plain English” version).  This document includes the following line:

A warning that a helmet that has received an impact may be damaged so much that it no longer protects the rider, and that such damage may not be visible. (www.cpsc.gov/businfo/regsumbicyclehelmets.pdf)

So what would you do?  I decided to contact the seller – here is the exchange, unedited (only phone numbers, email headers and ebay links removed):

Hi,

The helmet arrived today. Unfortunately, the box was not treated gently and the helmet was not packed with appropriate packing materials (eg., bubble wrap, foam peanuts) so the helmet may have borne the brunt of the mishandling.

Knowing that helmets are designed for single impact,
I’m a bit concerned about its ability to protect me in case of a crash.

I’d like to discuss options with you. Please feel free to call me at
703.xxx.xxxx or email with your thoughts.

Thanks,
– Stuart

And the response I received:

Dear docstuimc,

I won’t dignify your message with another response; wear the helmet, ride, and be safe!

-sittler_19

So now you see the difference.  Most triathletes/cyclist would have responded politely and considerately as they are focused on performance and safety.  This person obviously has a different focus …. $$.

 (Note:  I inspected the helmet and there is no visible sign of damage.  So, as this was a small dollar purchase, I opened a case to get on record with ebay.  I then closed the case as the time and effort to resolve an issue when dealing with someone like this is just not worth it.)