btc on Sep 17th 2009 news, races

The Bridgewater Triathlon Club will be hosting their 4th Annual Riverport Duathlon on Sunday October 4, 2009.
- The ‘Classic’ race starts at 10am and includes a 4k run, 28k bike and a 4k run
- The Do-a-DU gets underway at 10:30am and includes a 1k run, 14k bike and a 1k run
Timing will be by Atlantic Chip. Long-sleeved t-shirts to the first 100 registered participants. And there is a hot meal served after the race (approx. 12 noon) at the school.
Lots of prizes including:
For more information, including last minute changes, registration, maps, etc, please go to : http://www.bridgewatertriclub.com/riverport-duathlon/
btc on Sep 9th 2009 bike
The 3rd Annual Cycle for Art cycling event takes place on Saturday September 19, 2009, starting at 9am from the Lunenburg Curling Rink. All proceeds go to the local hospitals.
Riders can select one of three routes :
- 25km – a flat, loop suitable for riders of any skill level
- 50km – a seaside ride that provides a little more challenge
- 100km – a challenging oceanside loop that will provide experienced riders with a satisfying trip
The rides will have support crews and refreshments stations along the way. There will also be prizes — including a special prize for the participant who raises the most pledges.
Early registration is available until Wednesday September 16. You will also be able to register in-person at the Curling Club on Saturday September 19th.
For more information or to register, please go to : www.cycleforart.com
btc on Sep 4th 2009 news

Three BTC club members participated in Ironman races this year. Jen Worden went to Ironman Louisville on August 30th while Ron Allen and Steve Saunders took in Ironman Canada on the same day in Penticton, BC. Congratulations to all three for taking on this challenge!

The cake (courtesy of Nancy Petrie … thanks Nancy!!!) was enjoyed by all (yumyumyum)
btc on Sep 1st 2009 practices
This is an evolving FAQ about Bridgewater Triathlon Club practices. If you discover any inaccuracies or you have a question that is not answered here or on the site, please use the ‘add comment’ at the bottom of this post.
On the club CALENDAR, we list BTC Practices and activities that are put on by other groups that may be of interest to BTC members
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS to PARTICIPATE IN A BTC PRACTICE?
- You must be a member of the Bridgewater Triathlon Club (see JOIN )
- SAFETY is always first. YOU are responsible for your safety
- For many of our practices, little to no experience required
- Provide Name, Telephone number, Emergency contact, Doctor and Health Card Number
- Competitive equipment is not necessary. The bike, swim and run gear you already have is likely adequate (see below)
- In case of an emergency on the road (bike/run), the first person on the scene stays with injured person
- The first person with news of an injury takes over checking participants off while the course marshall goes to the scene of the accident with the files and a cell phone
- Notify the course conductor should you have to leave early for whatever reason
- If you are 15 years old or younger must be supported by a parent or guardian
GEAR?
In many cases, you can start triathlon with what you already own. The following includes essentials and items to consider. Check out what other people are using before you spend money. Also, one of our members does a lot of shopping at Frenchy’s and finds good quality gear at very affordable prices. Ask for Nita, say Guido sent you.
Swim
- Bathing suit – use what you have
- Brightly coloured swim cap – visibility in open water is essential
- Goggles – proper fit is a must
- Towel
Consider …
- Foot wash container – to wash off sandy feet prior to socks/shoes
- Wetsuit – this can be a large investment so talk to other people about what they are wearing before you buy
- Swim aids for training purposes only - fins, paddles, etc. – try before you buy
Bike
- Helmet – CSA certified helmet or you cannot participate in triathlon
- Bike – as long as it is road worthy, start with what you have (mountain bike, hybrid, old road bike, etc.) with water bottle holder, water bottle, a basic repair kit and a pump
- Safety Glasses – you only have one set of eyes … take care of them!
Consider …
- Road bike – you really do go faster on a road bike. Used ones are often available from other club members or local bike shops
- Bike shorts – padding saves your butt!
- Bike gloves – hand protection as well as cutting down vibration during longer rides
- Specific bike clothing – sweat wicking materials keep you dry and can cut wind.
- Cycling shoes + clip-in pedals - allow much better transfer of energy from your legs to the pedals
- Cycling speedo/computer – essential for a consistent training program, get one with cadence (ie: how fast you are pedalling)
- Cold weather clothing- wind resistent coat, tights, balaclava, gloves, protective boots over your shoes
Run
- running shoes – probably you’re most important ‘first purchase’. go to a running store and get the best shoe you can afford
consider …
- hat – you’ll appreciate the protection from the sun/wind/rain/snow
- socks – polyester blends will keep your feet dry
- shorts – may triathletes double duty their bike shorts for running shorts
- tights – as above, bikes tights for running tights
- shirt – as above, bike shirt for running shirt
- sports bra – wide shoulder straps and chest band make for a comfortable fit
Other
- quick release laces – really speeds up your transitions
- equipment storage – all your gear needs a home. some people use plastic storage boxes, others use sports bags
- sports watch – stopwatch as a minimum … checkout what other people are using before you buy something new
- log – a system for planning and recording your workouts. could be on paper, online, on your computer … whatever works for you.
btc on Sep 1st 2009 swim
This is an evolving FAQ about swim/swimming primarily associated with triathlon. If you discover any inaccuracies or you have a question that is not answered here or on the site, please use the ‘add comment’ at the bottom of this post. We believe the information to be accurate, but do not guarantee its accuracy and assume no responsibility for any consequences as a result of it.
HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO SWIM IN A TRIATHLON?
The distance you will have to swim will depend on the type of race you enter:
- Tri – varies between 200 – 400 metres
- Sprint – 750 metres
- Olympic – 1500 metres
- Half Ironman – 1900 metres
- Ironman – 3800 metres
WHAT DO I NEED TO SWIM IN A TRIATHLON?
Must have:
- Bathing suit – use what you have
- Brightly coloured swim cap – visibility in open water is essential
- Goggles – proper fit is a must
- Towel
Consider:
- Wetsuit – this can be a large investment so talk to other people about what they are wearing before you buy
- Swim aids for training purposes only – fins, paddles, etc. – try before you buy
WHERE CAN I SWIM?
Our club swims at:
Other places to swim:
- Open water – Municipal Beach at Lake Mush-a-mush (freshwater), Risser’s Beach (saltwater)
- Pool – Town of Bridgewater – (seasonal), Town of Lunenburg (seasonal), Town of Mahone Bay (seasonal)
- There are an estimated 365 lakes in Lunenburg County — so there are many other options
ALWAYS SWIM WITH A BUDDY!
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY SWIMMING?
Through the winter, spring and fall, our club has a two-nite per week swimming program at emOcean. One nite is structured and the other is an open swim.
During the summer, our Fancy Lake practice often include swims. There is also an informal club swim (sometimes two) at Lake Mush-a-MushFancy Lake.
For stroke improvement, our Life Guard at the Wednesday night practices has offered to help. You can also get private instruction at the Bridgewater Pool.
For the current options, go to the CALENDAR