Any Triathletes here?

Hi, I'm a long-course triathlete and got my Tacoma about 3 months ago. I'm always looking for ways to improve the functionality of the vehicle for a triathlon lifestyle. Any thoughts or advice? I have a shortbed DC with a hard tonneau over it, so I use a Saris Hitch Rack to carry bikes.

 

What else would help you out? What type of functionality are you looking for that you currently lack?

 

Just curious how most folks carry and store their bikes, Are there any unique storage options for throwing wetsuits, clothes, etc.
Which races have you done, what are you training for now, etc

Nothing specific, just curious how triathletes like their TACO's. Probably not a very interesting topic, but just thought I'd try.

 

I have a reg cab and transport the bikes in the bed (those expensive carbon frames feel safer there). Have padlocks for those. Transporting bikes was one of my major incentives for a roll up tonneau. Otherwise I just keep a big beach towel behind my seat for any necessary deck changes and to protect my seat from my sweaty @ss after a run.

Since most races require a bit of travel we take my wife's car, cause even with the hitch bike rack taking wind, the prius still gets 40+ mpg.

My season is pretty much over this year, but next year onto IMC!

What is on your calender?

 

IM Canada or Cozumel? I'm doing IM Arizona in 6 weeks. Training is going good and hoping to break 11 hours. I'm 40, so that still won't get me to Kona, but it'll be a PR if everything goes well.

I travel quite a bit for work and I've been driving rather than flying lately. I need to have my bike with me for training, so I've just been stashing it under the tonneau since I can lock it. I have a Saris hitch rack, but even with a cable lock, I don't feel really safe. Especially in the areas that I have to go to in Houston and Dallas.

I've been looking at getting some neoprene seat covers to keep from getting sweat all over the interior, but right now I'm just using towels also. I did get a couple of milk crates and a OEM bed mat and just throw all my workout stuff in those. Seems to ride well and not slide around with the bed mat. Started smelling funky back there, but just hosed it out and it was fine.

 

Greg, what bike are you riding right now?

 

Funny you should ask, I'm currently shopping for a new Tri bike for next season. Right now I ride an old Trek 5200 Road bike and a Kestrel Talon Tri bike. The Kestrel is a fine bike, but I want to get a more aggressive position and I'm at the limits of that frame.

The bike segment is definitely where I can make up more time. The last Ironman I just got under 11 hours, but the bike was 6 hours. I'm hoping to take a good chunk out of that at Ironman Canada next year. (but I doubt it will be nearly enough for a Kona spot)

What will your steed be at AZ? You driving out there?

 

I carry my bikes in the bed using the rocky mounts bike mounts they lock up and secure those carbon forks quite well. For my wetsuit I just put a bunjee cord using the back to factory d rings and throw it under there (its an old aquaman wetsuit so I'm not that worried about it) and for the rest of the equipment I just have a few duffle bags and 2 transition bags that are in my bed. I'm new to the sport but I'm prepping to head out to the half ironman in austin tx on the 23rd of this month. Ill be doing the full in arizona in 2012. Good luck on your ironman that will be awesome!

 

I do more adventure racing than traditional Tris. I hate to swim, but love paddling, trail running, etc. Currently training for my first full marathon. Two weekends ago I did a dual duathalon (road run, MTB ride, road ride, Trail run) which was a lot of fun.

The most useful thing about my truck has been the camper shell, and the bed rug. When I bought the truck used, it already had the shell and the bed rug. I thought I would hate the fully carpeted bed, but it's been awesome. I have racks on the shell for boats and bikes, but usually the bikes ride inside, protected from the elements, and locked away. The added bonus is that it makes a great place to sleep if I am camping out before events. If you like the tonneau, you'd love a shell... Either way, look into a carpet kit like the bed rug. It really is great to put stuff in the bed and not have to worry about it sliding around or getting scratched up.

Good luck on your upcoming IM!

 

I just do sprint tri's. My swim hurts me most and just dread having to do more than 500 meters lol. Anyway, nothing special on the truck. I just lock the bike down to my d-rings since I dont use a tonneau. I dont use a wetsuit either since I'm not doing longer length events.

 

I am a sprint Tri guy also, just ordered a doublecab. I tested my bike in my buddies taco and decided to get the in bed bike rack mounts. I put my gear bag in my car now so I figured I would continue with that. Looking seriously at either the Wet Okole covers or a leather replacement interior, cuz I know I am nasty after the run, that will definitely be my first purchase. And an upgraded nav/entertainment center for those cold morning prerace waits, and st race chill outs. I'm in Texas so most of the tris are not wetsuit legal, so I don't own one, yet

 

Sorry for delayed response. I've been away. Anyway, I'm riding a 2009 Cannondale Slice Hi-Mod at IMAZ this year. I did IM Couer d'Alene in 2009 and posted a 11:54 for my first IM. There are 6000+ feet of climbing on that course, so I was ok with that. Had a 5:52 bike split. I am shooting for under 11 hours at IMAZ on Nov 20th!!

When I bought my Taco, it had a hard tonneau cover on it, and I've just kept it because I travel for work and its a nice way to hide the bike and lock it up, but I'm thinking more and more about a shell instead. It would be a lot more convenient and user friendly. I have a OEM bed mat and I just put some milk crates in the bed and put all my workout equipment in those. They don't slide and they dry pretty well.

If any of you are doing the Longhorn 70.3 this weekend in Austin, I'll be out there volunteering for my team (Trisition Area). I'll be working a water stop and our tent. My name is Derek, stop by and introduce yourself and good luck!!!