The Bike

Yesterday (Wednesday – 3 days out from race) I was scheduled for a short swim and bike ride. Since I didn’t bring a bike pump, I decided to swing by the expo to borrow one. As I was creeping into town (yes, the roadways are still congested with cars, bikes, and pedestrians), I noticed a Jack & Adams sign! For those of you who aren’t plugged into the Austin triathlon scene, Jack & Adams is a local bicycle shop that also sponsors several athletes and races. I had known that Jack was going to be here, but never dreamed that he’d be hanging out his own banner. So, obviously I had to stop in. Jack noticed that my aerobars were a tad loose, so he offered to give my bike a “safety check”. I’m very grateful – as he found a few other things that probably weren’t road worthy.

While Jack was working on my bike, Brad - the other Austin lottery winner - showed up. First other person I’d met that had won the lottery. I had to ask him why he had signed up for the lottery. Apparently a bunch his friends do some sort of adventure every year. They got the wild hair to do the Kona Ironman – so all entered the lottery. Only Brad won a slot.

I decided to ride part of the bike route – out Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (AKA Queen K). I thought the road surface was the best I could hope for. When I commented as such to one of the volunteers she bust out laughing. Said that was the first time she’d heard that. Then indicated that most of the locals often complain about the roads – or lack of roads.

In the afternoon, Mom and I decided to attend a nutrition seminar by Steve Born -- an ultra-cyclist (e.g., three-time Race Across America finisher). Below are a few of my take-aways based on his theory and recommendations:

• No eating between 3 hours and 8 minutes 31.5 seconds before an event/workout. So, either you eat breakfast at least three hours earlier or you skip breakfast and down a gel packet just before the swim start.
• You can complete a whole ironman with just liquid fuel. Solid food is a luxury.
• Don’t let your concoction get too warm. It could go bad.