Triathlon Indianapolis

Bicycle Garage Indy is pleased to have Geoffrey Chandler join us and help our customers learn more about preparing for triathlons. His presentation will cover the following:

• Training
• Skills
• First Race Preparation
• Equipment
• Resources

If you have any specific question on one of the topics listed that you'd like addressed, please enter your question in the registration form at www.bgindy.com/for/trinight.

Geoffrey Chandler's bio: Based in Indianapolis, Geoffrey is a certified USAT level 1 coach bringing 28 years of multi-sport competition and passion for endurance sport.  Having competed in six World championship events of varying distances including Hawaii Ironman, ITU Wolrd Long-Distance Championship, ITU World Duathlon Championship, and ICU Masters World Cyclocross Championship, Geoff has a wide range of experience from which to draw. Geoff is also the 2012 Indiana State TT Champion in his age group and considers cycling his strongest suit.

Geoff's background as a teacher helps him appreciate the uniqueness of each athlete and find ways to turn challenges into strengths. He has a particular interest and knowledge relating to power-based cycling training.

Agenda

5:45 pm    Food/social time
6:15 pm    Welcome/Intros
6:30 pm    Presentation: How to Prepare for a Successful Triathlon - Geoffrey Chandler
7:15 pm    Shopping
7:45 pm    Door Prizes / Evening ends

Please fill out this form at to register for Bicycle Garage Indy's "Tri Night: How to Prepare for a Successful Triathlon" on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Bicycle Garage Indy North, 4340 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN. 

 

Jay Hardcastle
Marketing Manager - Bicycle Garage Indy
jhardcastle@bgindy.com

 

Warm weather has finally arrived, and when you start riding more, it's time to take a look at your tires and decide when to replace or upgrade.  While it may be obvious that a tire is "toast", there are other things to consider.  A tire can still be usable with a considerable amount of tire wear, but may be more prone to flats. Also, if your tires are getting toward the end of their useful life, you may to upgrade before you next big event or training cycle, to make sure you spend time riding rather than on the side of the road.  

We have asked our staff to share some their favorites and a few their picks.

Toby Holsman, BGI's Operations Manager is big fan of the Michelin Pro4 Endurance ($64.99)  for a high mileage training tire - 

I love the Michelin Pro4 Endurance.  It handles, corners, and most importantly, lasts better than any other high-mileage tire.  You'll never go back to Gatorskins after owning these.

Toby picks the Continental GP 4000s ($74.99)  for his competitive riding and best all around performance -

The Continental GP4000 is one of the most expensive clincher tires.  It deserves to be.  No other tire strikes a better balance between high performance and durability.  It lasts nearly as well as training-only tires, and it performs on par with superlight race-only tires.  If I could only buy one tire for the rest of my life, this would be it.

Adam Haines, a Bicycle and Fitness Consultant at BGI North is also a fan of the GP 4000s - 

Light, grippy, low rolling resistance,  and durable.  Nuff said.

 

Jay Hardcastle, Marketing Manager at Bicycle Garage Indy, likes the Serfas Seca ($27.99) wire beaded tires for their value and durability for sport and distance riding - 

It is a great value tire, and we have used all three widths in our household of bikes - 23, 25 and 28, for every type of riding from sprint triathlons to centuries, and on our tandem.  

Bicycle Garage Indy stocks road tires from Continental, Michelin, and Serfas, with choices for every budget and use.   Bicycle Garage Indy has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, Dean Road at 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at City Market.

 

BGI customers on our email list have recently received our latest email newsletter.  
This is edition is jam packed with exiciting events coming up in April:

 

• April 3rd -  Indy Greenways Master Plan meeting
• April 8th -  Greenways Foundation gathering
• April 11th - Ladies' Night at BGI (Registration)
• April 25th - TRI(athlon) Night at BGI (Registration)
• April Weeknights - no-charge clinics at BGI stores (starts 4/8)
• April Tuesdays & Fridays- Yoga classes at BGI

 

 

Bicycle Garage Indy has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, Dean Road at 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

 

- Jay S. Hardcastle, BGI Marketing Manager 
 

In 2007, I bought my first bike, a Trek 1000 because I wanted to race in a sprint triathlon. Since then, I've been riding and racing sprints on and off. Last year, I finally stepped up to an Olympic distance tri, the Boilerman (go Hoosiers). I even built a tri-specific bike (with a little assistance from the Bicycle Garage Indy North service team). I enjoyed the longer distance so much that I immediately decided that I wanted to race the 2013 IRONMAN 70.3 in Muncie. I've got a lot of long hours ahead of my on the trainer until it warms up and here is my setup!...

Name: Matt Snoke
Bicycle: Kestrel 4000 Pro SL & Trek 1000
=City: Fishers
State: IN


Matt: We hope the indoor workouts this winter payoff in your next Ironman!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.


 

 

 

 

Are you signed up for the Bicycle Garage Indy and BGI Fitness emais? If you aren't, here are the topics in our latest newsletter:

• 16th Annual BGI Labor Day Sale
• Indianapolis To Count Bike Usage
• Indy "Complete Streets" Legislation Enacted!
• Go Girl Triathlon Tomorrow
• CIBA/IndyCOG Swap Meet Tomorrow
• Indy Bike Hub YMCA 1st Anniversary Approaching
• BGI has classified ads online (no charge to users)

If you would like to receive the Bicycle Garage Indy newsletter (sent out about twice a month, year round), click here to sign-up. Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on in-store events, clinics and sales, along with the local bicycle scene.

Bicycle Garage Indy now has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, in the Clearwater area on 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and the new BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.

 

Our mailing list subscribers hear from us every 2-3 week.  If you aren't signed up, here is was was included in our latest newsletter:

• Downtown YMCA / Bike Hub Special Offer
• Mass Ave Criterium
• Go Girl Triathlon Coming Soon
• Bike Advocacy Updates
• BGI Awarded Nuvo's 'Best Of Indy' Award

If you would like to receive the Bicycle Garage Indy newsletter (sent out about twice a month, year round), click here to sign-up. Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on in-store events, clinics and sales, along with the local bicycle scene.

Bicycle Garage Indy now has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, in the Clearwater area on 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and the new BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA.
 

Just completed 160 miles across IN, from Terre Haute to Richmond this past Saturday. The RAIN ride was part of my training for the Ironman WI in September. In my life, I was a swimmer first, an avid runner next and now a triathlete learning a lot about the bike with a growing love for cycling. Cycling isn't easy for me and it's going to be the toughest portion of the IMWI. I signed up for RAIN to conquer my fear of the bike and to prove to myself that I can do it. I may not be fast, but physically and mentally I am ready!

Name: Tatum Perez
Bicycle: Giant Avail
City: Noblesville
State: IN
 

 

Tatum:  Congratulation on your RAIN Ride, and good luck and Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon in September.  And we hope you interest in bicycling continues to grow.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

 

A lot of beginner athletes train hard for their 3 disciplines, but totally neglect the transitions.  Precious seconds and even minutes can be lost due to this neglect.  Join us at our next Bicycle Garage Indy Triathlon Night to learn about transitions, how to prepare for them and tricks to streamlining your time. 

 

Our speaker for this topic of transitions will be Linda Hardcastle.  Linda is the Exercise Physiologist for Bicycle Garage Indy and BGI Fitness.  She also loves training for all 3 triathlon disciplines – having completed her first triathlon over 25 years ago.  She continues to compete in local races, preferring to focus on the sprint distance triathlons.

 

Follow this link to register for this free Tri-Night at Bicycle Garage Indy North, (82nd at Dean Rd.) on Tuesday, July 31 at 6:30 PM.

BGI is also proud to be a sponsor of the Tuxedo Brothers Go Girl Triathlon - a women's only event -  on Saturday,  August 25 at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis. Learn more and register on the Go Girl Triathlon website.

Many triathletes are comfortable with their bicycle and run training, but struggle with the swim portion.  Many lack good technique and don’t really know how to approach a training plan in the water.  Others must conquer their fear of the open water element.  If any of this describes you, then consider coming to our next Triathlon Night at Bicycle Garage Indy North.

On Tuesday, July 31^st we will host beginner triathletes to an evening of triathlon education.  Speaking on the topic of swimming will be Meg Osborne.   Meg swam for Indiana University and continued her passion with 35 years of swim coaching.   At the conclusion of her presentation, Meg will offer participants information on local resources for swim training. 

 

Please follow this link and to learn more and register (required) for the this free event.

 

Bicycle Garage Indy carries a variety of triathon related clothing and accessories from Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, Profile Design and Trek.  We also have many of  Trek Speed Concept series time trial bikes in stock.

“What kind of biking do I want to do? “  This is the first question to ask yourself when considering the purchase of a new bike.  Do you want to have the freedom and comfort to ride all day?  Or is one hour the longest ride you are contemplating?  Is this a functional and/or “green”purchase (bicycle commuting to work)?   Or do you want to get faster for bicycle or triathlon competitions?  Perhaps you simply wish to pedal around your neighborhood on warm summer evenings..

These are the first questions to ask yourself when considering a new bicycle purchase.   Once you have a clear picture of your goals, THEN you can begin the shopping process.

And here is where Bicycle Garage Indy can help.  We have a FREE clinic on Bike Buying Tips.  This clinic is offered on a rotating basis all summer long at our three retail locations (North, South and Downtown).  We have other free clinics as well.  Click here to see the full description of clinics and schedules.

At this Bike Buying Tips clinic, we will clarify for you the various types of bikes to choose from, with names like:  road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, lifestyle, comfort, electrical assist.  In describing these different bikes, we will talk about what materials they are made of and what their price ranges are.  We will also help you to understand what specs you should look for in a bike.  

 

I'm new to the triathlon sport, but with my running and cycling background I think I have the potential to fit right in. On top of my 2012 Trek Speed Concept 7.8, I plan to tackle my goal of finishing an Ironman triathlon before I graduate from college. Look out Lance, here I come!

Thanks Bicycle Garage Indy for being a great shop and supporting me!

Name: J.G. (John Gleason)
Bicycle: 2012 Trek Speed Concept 7.8
State: Indiana

 

J.G.:  Good luck with your Ironman goal, and with your degree!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

 

This year I did my first triathlon. I chose to do the Purdue Triathlon Club Boiler Sprint Triathlon at Purdue (my alma-mater)as it seemed like it would be a good one for beginners. I was in for a shock though when I looked at the forecast at the beginning of the week and the temperature was expected to be around 25-30 degrees! Needless to say it was a very cold bike after the swim, but a great experience! I can say I am officially hooked!

Name: Mark Cvetkovich
Bicycle: Trek 2.1
City: Brownsburg
State: Indiana


Mark: Contgratulations on completing your first triathlon, good luck with your next one, hopefully, a little warmer!.  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy sharing Your Bicycle Story.

Everything's bigger in Texas, right? Well, I sure was! A few years ago my husband and I moved back to Indy to be closer to family. About a year after that, we were very blessed to have the opportunity to adopt twin baby boys! Needless to say, they keep us busy, and I really wanted to be healthy again! I had already started to lose weight, and I actually met my goal of losing 30 lbs. by the time I turned 30 AND I competed in my first Sprint Tri...on a mountain bike. :) Here's where you guys come in. I took the boys to our closest bike shop (Bicycle Garage Indy South), mainly because I've been there a few times before and liked it, and I wanted to get to know the staff better since we were new to the area. I also took them to every other bike shop in town and probably tried out every bike too! I ended up finding my perfect fit at BGI - it's a Trek Lexa S. The perfect bike for me and where I'm at right now. It's taken me through a couple more sprint tri's and I've improved every time! Thank you BGI, and especially Robyn, for answering my zillions of questions, taking a few test rides, giving nutrition advice, letting my kids tear up the store (just kidding - I try to keep them in line). I'm looking forward to riding with the group some in the spring!

Name: Amanda
Bicycle: Trek Lexa S
City: Indianapolis
State: IN


Amanda, congratulations on your first triathlon.  Chasing twin boys is probably great training!  Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.


Share Your Bicycle and Story with Bicycle Garage Indy, and get $10 off your next purchase. Details at http://www.bgindy.com/for/yourbicycle

Bicycle Garage Indy now has three locations to serve you; Bicycle Garage Indy North (Indianapolis, in the Clearwater area on 82nd St.),  South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood), and the new BGI Downtown, in the Indy Bike Hub YMCA at the Indianapolis City Market.

Did your running plans get waylaid this summer with the extreme heat and humidity?  I must admit that even my running was limited to those days when I could run early in the morning or late in the evening.  But now that the humidity has broken and the cooler days of fall are upon us – let me remind you that this is a fantastic time to resume your running.  There is nothing more “delicious” than donning a sweatshirt for an invigorating fall run.  

If you need goals to keep you motivated, why not shoot for a fun fall run called Run Like Hell. Join us at  on Friday, October 28th at 7pm for this Halloween run/walk in the dark downtown.  Make it more fun by running in costume!  (One of my all-time favorite races was running as a McDonald french fry along with 5 other French fry runners in an oversized red french fry cardboard box).

Visit the website of this BGI sponsored event at http://www.tuxbro.com/entry-info/run-like-hell-entry-info.html.

Look what people are saying about this event:

"I did not look at the course map, so the route was ALIEN to me." -- Sigourney Weaver

"Something possessed me to do it." -- Carrie (last name withheld)

"The shower facilities afterward were awesome." -- Norman Bates

Need clip on lights and/or safety vests for this nighttime event or your after dark training? Stop by Bicycle Garage Indy for a full selection of Nathan night safety and hydration products for running and triathlons.

Last spring I received a Personal Bicycle Fitting by Frank Radaker of Bicycle Garage Indy. After a full summer of bicycling, I am ready to report my final impressions of this service.

My biggest goal was to increase my average speed on the bike for both club riding as well as my triathlon racing.  I am pleased to report that my average speed has increased by 1-3mph.  I am thrilled with that.

My second goal related to my chronically achy knees, particularly troublesome descending stairs.  I assumed this was primarily due to my running, as running tends to be more problematic on the joints than bicycling.  However, I was wrong!  As part of the fitting, Frank dramatically changed my seat height and angle, as well as cleat placement and angles.  Wow!  As the summer progressed, I found my knees calming down dramatically.    As far as quality of life – this is probably more significant than my increase in speed!

A little thing that bothered me on club rides was that everyone riding behind me always commented that I bounced all over the saddle.  This didn’t cause me problems, but it was annoying.  So I am thrilled to report that on my last few club rides my fellow cyclists reported that I was no longer bouncing.  (In retrospect - did this tie into my achy knees?)

Did my personal bicycle fitting address all of my problems?  Not quite.  I still find that my left palm gets extremely sore some days.  So I still have that one to figure out.  And I am still a “stomper” with my technique.  Probably because of my running background, I tend to stomp down with each pedal stroke, rather than smoothly exert my power through all 360 degrees of movement.  Frank’s computer analysis revealed this to me last spring.  His recommendation was to train with one-legged cycling, which I fully intend to do this winter during my indoor trainer miles.

So after all the improvements I experienced this summer, I would highly recommend a BGI Personal Bicycle Fitting.  There are actually a variety of fitting packages available, which I will explain in a future blog.    

At work several months ago, a group of us decided to start training for the Tuxedo Brothers Eagle Creek Tri in July. It was a blast and got us all living more actively!

Name: Keely McDonald
Bicycle: Raleigh Capri
City: Indianapolis
State: IN



Keely, glad you had fun, and hope you try the Go Girl Triathlon coming up August 27 at Eagle Creek Park. Thanks from everyone at Bicycle Garage Indy for sharing Your Bicycle picture and story.

One of the worst aspects of swimming for me has been the inability to see a thing once I am in the water.  I wear glasses at all times, and feel totally lost in the pool.  This sense of “blindness” was further accentuated once I began open water lake swimming – where you need to sight off items far away.  I knew there were prescription swim goggles, but these were a pricey item.  So I resigned myself to swimming blindly.

Imagine my delight when I was browsing at Circle City Swimwear, and the clerk asked if I had tried the magnifying goggles.  “What are those?” I asked.  These are swim goggles with a magnification built in - like buying a pair of reading glasses.    Based on your eye prescription, you can purchase goggles with a diopter ranging from -1.50 to  -8.00.  At a price of just $18.00, I decided that I had to try these.  We called my eye doctor to get my prescription and selected the goggles that had a diopter value midway between my right and left eye.  I hurried lakeside with my Speedo Vanquishers to try them out.

AMAZING!  That is the only word to describe these goggles.  I can see everything!  When my group jumped in the water and agreed to sight off the green dock, I too could see that green dock!  How cool is that?  And most surprising, I don’t even see a need for full prescription goggles, since I can see quite sufficiently with these magnifiers.  So for my fellow vision-impaired swimmers – you CAN see in the water.  And if you prefer a larger, more rounded goggle (with magnifier), check out the Water Gear Optica brand. 

Bicycle Garage Indy supports triathletes and their athletic endeavors as we sponsor the Go Girl Triathlon coming up August 28, 2011 at Eagle Creek Park.  We also have a full selection of triathlon gear to choose from.  

I have always wondered what made a triathlon cycling shoe different from a traditional cycling shoe.   Both shoes must provide a firm platform for the foot.  But the triathlon shoe must additionally accommodate a wet foot going into and out of the shoe quickly.   What features allow for this fast transition?In order to best describe these features, I will use a specific triathlon shoe for illustration.  The Sidi T2 Carbon Composite Triathlon Cycling Shoe is a great triathlon shoe with the following features.

1. The plush interior extends all the way down into the toes.  This allows for comfort when riding sock free.
2. The upper is made with Lorica, a soft and supple material that is water repellant and quick drying.  Ventilation holes through this material further accelerate the drying process.
3. The tongueless design and large heel pull tab make for easy insertion of your foot.
4. Just 2 velcro straps allow for quick adjustment of your shoe (many cycling shoes have 3 straps).  The top strap opens away from the bike frame so that it won’t get caught up into the drive train.

Here is a quick look at Bicycle Garage Indy's latest email newsletter.

• The New BGI Hot Sheet Has Lots Of Bikes On Sale
• Pedal & Park - No Charge Bike Parking at the Indiana State Fair
• Mass Avenue Criterium Bike Races (Volunteers Needed)
• Bicycle Garage Indy Monthly Clinics
• Tuxedo Brother's Go Girl Triathlon Coming Up
• "Your Bicycle" Pictures & Stories Wanted

If you would like  to receive the Bicycle Garage Indy newsletter (sent out about twice a month, year round), click here to sign-up.  Our newsletter keeps you up-to-date on in-store events, clinics and sales, along with the local bicycle scene.

Bicycle Garage Indy has 3 locations: North (Indianapolis, in the Clearwater area on 82nd St.), South (just west of I-65 on County Line Rd, Greenwood) and coming to soon to downtown Indianapolis in the new Indy Bike Hub YMCA in City Market.