First tri - transition from swim to bike tips please?

The less you have, the less will be there to overcomplicate things. If it is a beach run from the water to T1, then I would rinse sand off my feet with a water bottle, if not, don't worry. I have a bag, and when I get out of the water, I shed my wetsuit and goggles, they go in the bag thats under my bike. Setup your bike and your running equip that is the best for you to get out asap. Do this at home many times and practice practice just like everything else.

Watch this video for some more info:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=...

I recommend the video in the articles section. It is under training, then race day. There is also a checklist so that you do not forget anything, well anything that is common to triathlons, anything unique to you will not be on there. GOOD LUCK! Happy racing.

I just did my first sprint tri and this is what I learned about T1 (along with the great advice that the transition videos cover):

1. Peel your wetsuit down to your waist as you run out of the water.  When you peel off your goggles and cap, just leave them in the sleeve when you peel down the wetsuit.  (Some races may require you give back the issued cap to count swimmers out of the water.)

2. If you need to rinse your feet, use a water bottle or small plastic dish pan to dip your feet in.

3. If you plan to go sockless, practice NOW.  Otherwise, practice getting socks on wet feet and having them be damp/wet.

4. Get to the race early and rack your bike at the end of a rack. Having the extra space at the end of a rack was so nice and I could toss my wetsuit out of the way and had lots of wiggle room as I was putting on/taking off items. (I also racked my bike near someone who was faster than me, also making the transition area less cluttered when I got there both times).

5. Eat a GU/gel at T1 or while on the bike.  I might recommend taping it to your bike. 

6. See the video about placement for sunglasses etc.  Generally, you should lay things out in the order that you plan to put them on. 

7. Don't forget your body glide. Put it on liberally!  I mean neck, wrists, ankles (esp. under the race strap if you have one), on the outside of your wetsuit on ankles and wrists to peel it off easily, etc.  Mostly because chafing stinks!

8. If you pack the night before and plan carefully- you won't forget anything! My boyfriend forgot where he packed his shoes in his bag causing a momentary panic.  Just be diligent like you are now and you'll be fine.

9. HAVE FUN!  I had a smile on my face the entire time.

^^ and practice practice practice...and say to yourself "stay smooth."

I liked the video.  It helped me a lot for my first tri.  Practice your set up in the living room and practice making the transition.  Make it so it becomes natural and you dont have to think what to put on.  When you come out of the water, your brain can be mush so the less you have to 'think' the better you will be.

I used to bring a water bottle, but have since ditched it.  Took too much time and effort for little effect.  I just use two towels now - 1 to stand on and the other to wipe my feet.  Does a good enough job.  The problem w/ using a water tray is that it can get knocked over or kicked and get your (and your neighbors) stuff wet.  Just something to consider.

watch the video, practice and use the check list.

Good luck

Great video, thanks. So you just leave your wetsuit, cap, goggles there where your bike was... on the ground...

And you have a bag, more for after the race -- to put everything in? 

I absolutely have to wear socks with my running shoes. I'll have to practice putting them on while propping myself up on the bike or something.