Packet Pickup - or how to distract yourself from financial meltdown

As with the rest of this event, packet pickup is “more” than other events. The volunteers are more cheerful, the packet pickup process is more official. Just to get in the door my driver’s license and USA Triathlon (USAT) membership card were scrutinized. The ID and card were checked again before getting a hand stamp. Then each athlete sat down with a volunteer to complete & sign various documents (emergency contact info, waivers, and promise to abide by rules). After that I was handed off to another volunteer to pick up my race packet – which included a list of enclosed items. See if you can identify all these items in the photo.

List:

1. Bike checkout ticket
2. Bike frame number
3. Bike frame ties (3)
4. Bike gear bag
5. Bike/helmet ID sticker
6. Race bib numbers (2)
- Bike number
- Run number
7. Reflector tapes
- Place on front and back of running shoes
- Place on front and back of running shorts
8. Registration instructions
9. Run gear bag
10. Safety pins (8)
11. Special food bags (2)
- Hawi (bike turnaround)
- NELH (run turnaround)
12. Sunscreen notice
13. Swim cap (numbered)
14. Timing chip & strap

Packet Contents:

Despite the preciseness of the list, there are discrepancies. First of all, the reflector tapes were missing (maybe they think I am an elite athlete who is expected to finish before sunset). Also, not all the pieces of paper are listed – for example the passes for family/friends to get into the finishers area. My biggest concern is the bag count. You’ll notice the list identifies 4 bags, but I actually have 5 specialty bags. The “pre-swim” bag isn’t listed. Hopefully sometime between now and Saturday I’ll figure out what it’s used for.

Now all triathletes are familiar with bike frame numbers – they usually come in two forms – card stock numbers with twisty ties or large stickers that go around your bike tube. Well, this frame number is hard plastic and it comes with cable ties.

Wait! – we weren’t finished with the pickup process. After getting my official packet, I got my official athlete band put on my wrist. Then it was off to pick up my swag bag (granola, a stuffed duck, power bar, something that looks like clear nail polish – and no t-shirt). Final step in the process is to ensure the chip is associated with your name and number. Whew! Stock market? Economy? Who’s got time?