tigat

About four years back, one of my work colleagues was discussing a health scare he recently had, and his decision to start training for a triathlon in a mountain community. He was a less than solid 270 lbs. at the time.

Upon learning that he planned to scale a 7 mile, 2000 vertical foot climb on his 45 lb. mountain bike with tri extensions, I gave him my old Atala to use-the only bike I had big enough to fit his 6'3" frame. Over the next few years, primarily through training and equipment tips, I watched his budding hobby expand into somewhat of a passion. After every event he completed, or "epic" training ride (e.g. 16 miles at an average speed of 12.7) I'd get a text or a voice mail. Last year, I helped him pick out a new to him, tri specific bike, and the Atala came back home with a tearful thank you (and a stubby little tri seat that I may leave on because it makes me smile).

Shortly thereafter, he announced that he was ready to ride with me. After bagels and coffee, I took him on a 28 mile, mostly flat loop. When he got back home, he sent me the data-28 miles at an average of speed of 14.6 mph, both ecstatically presented as personal records at the time. By this summer, he was able to come along on some longer, much hillier routes, and he is closing in on losing his ability to compete as a Clydesdale.

Yesterday, as he is gearing up for an Olympic distance tri in 3 weeks, we repeated the 28 mile loop, this time at 17.8 mph, with close to 10 miles coming into the teeth of a solid wind. No drafting, because that would be cheating.

At the end, I realized that it was not only an investment in my friend, for me as well it bordered on a workout. By next summer, I'm guessing he will be added to the small list of folks, who are not only great company, but also great to have around on a go hard day. All in all, a great reward for not much time or effort.

BobbyG

Excellent!

OldTryGuy

Maybe get him used to drafting...... Triathlon 101: Rules | NBC Olympics

Cycling
In the bike leg of the Olympic triathlon, competitors are allowed to draft off of one another.Drafting occurs when a competitor rides directly behind another competitor--the rider in back feels less wind resistance and can thus maintain the same speed as the rider in front without using as much energy. Although drafting is allowed, competitors are not allowed to block out other riders. No forward progress is allowed without the bicycle. Competitors who appear to present a danger to themselves or others may be disqualified and removed from the competition by the race officials. Competitors may not ride the bike in the transition area. If a rider does not honor the mount line (where they must begin riding the bike) and the dismount line (where they must get off the bike), he or she is subject to a time penalty or disqualification.

https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Triathlo...l-For-Athletes

Steeljag

masi61

bruce19

Nice job.

TakingMyTime

That's a great story.

All of us have the ability to change. You'll know it when it happens. It's not about sitting around talking about it, you will definitely know when it clicks in your head and then it's all good times from there on.

talphie