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I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
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Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras/Drones/Action Cams I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds (including drones & action cams!)! It’s a nice break from the day-to-day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
Toooo late you started undressing the wetsuit. :-))
And where is the start number? :)
Nice work ray
What about just getting a sawhorse from Home Depot? $20 cheaper, and it’s yellow.
link to homedepot.com
Question from a roadie here… what is the deal with transition in Triathlon events? It seems like the most dangerous clusterf*ck imaginable and youtube is replete with examples of unsafe maneuvers, particularly between the swim and bike. It seems like it ought to be possible with chip timers to zero out the transition time, in the interest of safety, with some reasonable minimum time before it counts against you to discourage people from using it as a recovery break.
Rather than practice a mad dash between events it could be a lot safer and sensible. It is bad for the sport that it is so well known for transition calamity.
Duane, If you’re talking safe and sensible, those sprint finishes at road races are the real definition of a cluster F#$#$. Why don’t they just capture the finish positions about 1K from the finish and have the field come across the line holding hands.. :-)
When you jump of your bike you should put the right leg just forward between the left and the bike. Crossing the right leg behind the left is makes you brake to much not to fall over.
/ Michael
Touche, Ron. :) I can’t disagree that sprint finishes are dangerous, but I do think my modest suggestion could do a world of good to improve safety unless I misunderstand how the chip timer systems work. I gather that they are already recording splits at each point. Suppose you gave 5 minutes (or some arbitrary) transition time then people could focus more on safety. Something’s gotta give because it makes no sense the way it is done now.
Ray,
I’m not sure your information on racking the bike before removing the helmet is accurate.
Here is an excerpt of the USA Triathlon rules. Please note that you are only required to have the chin-strap fastened when on the bicycle. Now, obviously, races are free to implement whatever additional rules they see fit, but most races (in the U.S., follow USAT rules)
Best,
Brian
5.9 Helmets.
b. Chin Strap Violations. The helmet must be fastened before the participant first mounts the bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the participant has dismounted. Any violation of this Section 5.9(b) which occurs while the participant is in the transition area shall result in a variable time penalty. Any other violation of this Section shall result in disqualification. This Section 5.9(b) shall be enforced at all times while at the event site on race day.
Hi Brian-
Hmm, that’s a good point. I forgot, it is in ITU, but not officially for USAT in AG. However, I’ve also been to numerous races that have enforced the helmet rack rule (as I described it), beyond the USAT rules. Races can technically do that.
But yes, good point on the official rules.
Hi Anon-
RE: The Sawhorse
The only challenge is whether your bike will fit below it. I’d guess probably just a hair too short. But I’d have to take out my measuring tape and see if it’s shorter than about 30-32″ (34″ is the height of that, but then you still have to get below the bottom of the crossbeam).
Thanks all!
Fellow Triathlete and Ironman competitors. Please help me spread the word for Amy and her recovery. 6x IM Kona finisher and 6x All All American hit by a semi gravel hauler over a week ago. Still in a coma trying to overcome. SOAS has made wristbands to support her. Would really appreciate the support. the link at the bottom of the SOAS page has teh Detroit News video from last Friday – time to pull together!;
link to shop.soasracing.com
Ray,
I have the same Cervelo P3 and if I rack by the nose of the saddle I have to tilt the bike sideways at a 45 degree angle to get the bike under the rack. I’ve been to one triathlon in two years that had racks high enough where clearance wasn’t an issue.
I’m going to try the ISM Adamo saddle with the lip in the back of the saddle which is designed to hold it on the transition rack. Have you tested any of these style saddles?
Bob
Bob, I know exactly what you mean about trouble getting under the bar. And crowded racks make the problem much worse. Maybe it’s just us taller guys with larger bikes. An Adamo saddle addresses a specific problem. If you are happy with the comfort of your current saddle, I would not change. If you do need an Adamo, also check out Cobb. Same general idea but less radical
P.S. good cause or not, spam is spam, Anon 5:16p.m.
I have to ask: did you say to Bertie when she finished building the thing “nice rack”?
Ray, in a previous transition post, you said you rolled up socks and put them on. Now you are clearly going sans socks. Any thoughts on that? Did you need any special gear to go without socks or do you just need to get used to it?
I built my own with 1.5″ conduit (10 ft section) and 3/4″ legs for about $23 from Home depot. Plus mine is 10ft across. Great for fellow tri buddies to practice at the same time. :-)
Hi – anyone got ideas about how to keep your running shoes opened up ready if you have elastic laces?
Very nice bike! And what a nice car! Which brand is your new station wagon from?
Jusy ordered me one!
How do you like the Jetta?
Hi Anon/Stuart-
Nope, just a rental, not mine. But, it was a nice little car. :)
Not a Jetta though, it was a European brand if I remember correctly (Peugeot).
awesome transition video. how do you practice getting in and out of bike shoes in motion?
Thanks. Check out the links in the 4th paragraph where I go into some detail on it a bit.
For bike shoes though it’s easiest to practice on a trainer first.
Do you know whatever happened to the company? The domain mytrirack.com is now for sale.
Great article – we do however offer a Rak-it which is designed to help improve your transition further. The smaller bikes tend to swing around on a transition rack, by racking your bike on the back of the saddle using a Rack-it, your bike will be more secure and you can unrack faster.
Take a look at our website for some further information – link to tri-trained.co.uk