Article written by Niki Jamieson

Your event is right around the corner and it's time to set up your transition spot in the parking lot. If it's your first mini-triathlon, this is a quick reference to setting up a spot that works!

• Get your bike and all of the rest of your stuff, including your bib numbers from sign-in, and head into the race area.
• Remember, NO spectators are allowed in the transition area. You can be disqualified!
• All of the spots on the bike racks are numbered. Find your bib number and set up your spot.
• First pick up the front of your bike and lean the hand-brakes over the rack.
• Take that brightly colored item you brought with you and tie it to your bucket so you can find it when you get out of the water. Some people use helium balloons. You can lose a lot of time looking for your bike in the chaos and it's worth having something.
• Lay your towel next to your bike but be sure it doesn't overlap your neighbor's space.
• Fill up your bucket of water and place it on/next to the towel (for sandy feet after the swim)
• Neatly place the following things on your towel: bike shoes, sneakers, hat, sunglasses and anything else you might need for the bike and run.
• Affix the bib number to your helmet and/or the front of your bike
• Place your bike helmet on your towel or on top of your handle bars. Do not buckle it or you will have problems unbuckling it when you get out of the water.
• Pin the number to your bike, if required.
• Pin the number to the shirt you will be wearing for both the bike and run. OR if you don't want to wear a shirt, you can pin it to the front of your shorts.
• Walk over to the officials WITH your number so that he/she can write it on your arms and legs.
• Go back to your spot and make sure that everything you need is on your towel and organized so that you don't have to fish through your bag during the race.
• Put the things that you don't need in your bag to cut down on the confusion.
• Put on your suit and sun screen.
• More information: Triathlon Transitions
  Article written by Christophe Vandaele, owner of SBR Multisports.

Do you know what to do during the transitions?

• Check out our section on Triathlon Swim Transitions to learn more.
• Check out our section on Triathlon Bike Transitions to leanr more.
• Remember, there is no transition for the run, just a Finish Line!