Transition Clinic at Bicycle Cove

Last night, I was blessed to be able to practice my photographic skills during an endurance sports training clinic. Bicycle Cove hosted a transition clinic for triathletes who want to get in and out of transition quicker, and more efficiently. Embrace Sports shared the wisdom and experience of two of their coaches, Eric Doehrman and Graeme Buscke, on how to get in and out of transition without too much fuss.

When you go to set up your transition area, you're not on the clock. So take your time, and get everything laid out perfectly. First thing's first: set up your shoes so that they don't drag on the ground when you're exiting transition to go on your ride. How do you do that?

Using *thin* rubber bands, attach the backs of your bike shoes to a part of your bike so they are sitting horizontal to the ground. 

Your shoes will be conveniently in position for you to get started! When you mount your bike, the *thin* rubber bands will pop off. 

Shaving seconds off of your mount time will help you to not miss a beat in transition. Static mounts make you passive (you'll be stuck looking for a clearing so you can push off and start your ride), and keep you from making forward movement. How do mount your bike on the fly?

This takes practice. Don't try this on race day until you've practiced it hundreds of times in training. While you're practicing your mount on the fly, why not work on your dismount on the fly?

Place your foot on top of your bike shoe and push your bike forward with the foot still on the ground. Swing your pushing foot around and on top of your bike seat, and place that foot on top of your other bike shoe. When the timing is right, you'll be able to fidget your feet into their shoes.

Take your feet out of your shoes and pedal with them on top of the shoes. Swing your leg over your bike seat, thread the leg between the bike and your other leg, place the foot on the ground and start running.

There were many other tips and tricks to consider, but you had to be there to catch them all! Thank you, Bicycle Cove, for letting me come out and photograph this fantastic event. And thank you, Eric and Graeme, for sharing your time and wisdom with us! To see all of the pictures visit my SmugMug page.