Tri To Get Your Bike in Gear!
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Heather Stuart (left) of Stuart's Cycles shows 'Gazette ' reporter Duncan Bick how to get his bike in gear.
WITH just over three weeks to go before Forres hosts its first-ever ‘TryTri’ triathlon the people behind it are encouraging entrants to get their preparation done now.
The event will see 64 competitors swim, cycle and run their way around town in an event designed to introduce them to triathlon, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
But anyone taking part needs to make sure they are ready for the challenges the day will bring.
Heather Stuart of event sponsor Stuart’s Cycles on Leys Road has some advice for the cycling section, which will see entrants cycle 14.8km around an on and off-road circuit. This is the longest section of the triathlon.
She said as the event is aimed at people new to the sport, they are likely to be using a bicycle which may not have seen the light of day for some time.
“Have a look over your bike and make sure it’s fit for purpose,” she said. Her suggestions included checking the brakes are working, the tyres are pumped up, the saddle is at the correct height and that riders are familiar with their bike’s gears.
“Pace yourself,” she added. “This is supposed to be a fun day out. If people get too serious it won’t be so fun.”
Another piece of advice for cyclists is to familiarise themselves with the route and make sure they are looking around them whilst cycling rather than down at the bike as the route is on public ground and roads which could be busy.
The final piece of advice offered by Mrs Stuart is to make sure anyone entering is wearing a helmet as they will not be able to take part in the triathlon without one.
One of the event’s organisers Cliff Sharalow has also given a few tips regarding switching between the three disciplines.
He said anyone entering needs to practice the combinations of swimming and cycling and especially cycling then running. “The legs will still want to go round and round,” he said.
Mr Sharalow also said people should practice the transition; swim to bike and bike to run. “You might look silly practicing in the back garden but it’s not as bad as it all going wrong on the day,” he commented.
He reckoned there are now less than 10 places left on the triathlon which takes place on June 25 and is urging anyone who has not yet filled in an entry form to do so quickly.
They can be found on the Forres Harriers’ website (www.forresharriers.org.uk
The organisers are also looking for people to act as marshals for the race. Anyone interested should contact Mr Sharalow on 07530 094552 or e-mail ffilc@bluebottle.com.
