Monday, February 1, 2010

Hey- Does anyone have an extra $1,000?

Because that's about what it's going to cost me to be able to do this damn triathlon. I have to get a bike, bike shorts, rent/buy a wetsuit, water bottle/holder, biking shoes, cleats, pedals (thankfully my friend is giving me those), running shoes (already bought). I feel like I'm missing something, but I don't know what. There's a lot of stuff to buy!! It's friggin' expensive.

So, who wants to sponsor me? Or buy special limited edition triathlon jewlery? How 'bout some triathlon cookies? Harmony - I could sign pictures of my ass and you could auction off prints of it and we could share the profits.

Ok, not really. Well, maybe kind of .

15 comments:

Brandi said...

Rent a bike. Or borrow one.

Marianne said...

I can't do that. I have to have something to practice with.

DUH!

Ariella said...

yeah, but can you knit socks? or peepee warmers. That's where the money's at.

Queen of the Castle said...

How tall are you? (Actually what I really want to know how how large of a bike frame you need, so if you know that makes things easier) And when is the triathlon? I might be able to help you out in the bike department...

Marianne said...

I am 5'4". I don't know how large of a frame I need. The triathlon is April 18th. I would like to get my own bike because I do plan to do more triathlons and also more biking.

I just want to complain. Although, if you have any pointers on buying a bike, please tell me.

Brandi said...

Peepee warmers??

Dammit. Why weren't we making those when I lived there?

I'm jealous.

Unknown said...

I'd try out the Bike Doctor in Crofton since they'll size you up for a bike (in a non-sleazy sizing up sort of way) so that the fit is just right. Are you going with a road bike? If you do, I think you're going to love the difference the bike makes. It's not like it's a cheat for the cycle portion, but it certainly makes a difference in how much energy you have to expend to complete that portion of the race. When I was out riding a lot of women rode on mountain bikes/hybrids and were visibly wearing themselves out. As for shoes, I found mine on sale but still forked over about a hundred dollars. Do you have a helmet? Goggles? Are you using a race belt for your running number? Hmm...what else, do you have a good water bottle? Don't forget to add the bottle cage to your bike. That's all I can think of for now. Good luck!

Brandi said...

+1 to what Jamie said.

"Road" bikes are definitely better long distance on pavement. But they are not versatile, if you want to ride other than just races a hybrid or touring bike might be worth the sacrifice of speed and efficiency...

There is also a decent shop in Laurel, on Rt.1 across from the 'crappy' mall. Try both shops, maybe. Once you know what size you need you can even go to performancebike.com or nashbar.com or craigslist. (A used one would be much more bike for the price.)

Actually go browse the magazine rack and buy bike mags like "bicycling"- for some tips and pointers, also buying guides and comparisons of bikes and gear. (The editor is now a woman, it's focused much more on road riding now than mtn biking too..)

Have fun shopping!
-Will

Kylene said...

I have a bike frame that I would sell you, but I would be getting the better end of the bargain. My dog ate the rest of it. The most expensive meal that dog has ever had. I would go window shopping to try some out and see what you want and then look on craig's list,or the NSA trader to see if you can get a good used one.
my WV is undented, which is the opposite of my bike frame!

Queen of the Castle said...

Since you really want your own bike and you are a little shorter than I am (I'm guessing that you will need a 19 inch frame, I'll ask my DH). Here are the bikes that I'm looking into:
Novara Randonee http://www.rei.com/product/776887 and the Raleigh Clubman
Both are touring bikes with really good reputations. REI has the Novara in stock usually, so you can test drive it. I absolutely LOVED it when I tried it out. If I had had the money, I would have walked out with it that day. The Clubman is a bit trickier to find, I haven't had the chance to test drive one. You can order them through REI. But they usually do not have them in stock.
We are planning a one hundred mile bike ride in October and we're planning on getting my bike as soon as it warms up.
Happy Bike Hunting!
(Oh and if you don't already know, if you pay $15 you can become an REI member for life and get 10% back on all of your purchases :) )

Queen of the Castle said...

Ah nuts! Here's the link for the clubman: http://www.rei.com/product/784362

Marianne said...

I got brand new shoes from a dude at the gym for $25. I also just put the cleats on a minute ago. Tonight, when I go to the gym, I'm going to clip them in and see how it feels. I am going to get a road bike. Thankfully, I have a friend who knows about bikes. She is the one who is doing the tri with me. So, we are going shopping in a couple of weeks.

Queen, what 100 mile thing are yo doing? That sounds so crazy. I scoff at my friends who run 13 miles, but I am actually thinking 100 miles on a bike wouldn't be so bad. (makes no sense)

Jamie, goggles? Do you mean for swimming? Yes. I have those. As far as the accessories for the bike, I will get those over time. I mostly just need to get the damn bike. Bleh.

Queen of the Castle said...

We're doing the Seagull Century over on the Easter Shore. It's in October.
Jamie is pretty excited. (My husband, not the Jamie that is also posting on this thread)

Unknown said...

If you want some fun bike races or festivals check out the Baltimore Bike Club site. They've got the Schooner Sultana Spring Fling festival in May or the Amish Country Tour in July that both look fun.

As for goggles, yes I just meant the swim goggles.

AMIT said...

So have u got extra money for that or its still left?

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