BT Groups SE Michigan

Hey, G...

BT groups?  Ummm, it's pretty informal...we'll just post on the Michigan pages when it's time for a ride or a run.  But if you mean TRI-CLUBS, There are a few to choose from.  I don't belong to any of 'em due to convenience from where I live, but I know folks in each of 'em:

www.aatriclub.org/  - Ann Arbor Tri Club
www.swimfasttrifast.com/ - Dearborn-based swim and Tri club
www.msutriathlon.com/ - Michigan State Tri club, Lansing
www.infinitemultisport.com - Infinite Multisport, Sterling Heights

I thought about going to an Infinite meeting, as they're closest to me....but just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.  There are also some cycling clubs, running groups, and masters swim clubs that I haven't mentioned because they tend to be pretty local.  If you're interested in any of these, just post back.

Hope this helps.

Oooh, that's a pretty broad question.  It depends on the kind of bike, price range, what your goals are, etc, etc....

There are a couple basic guidelines I'd use, though... 1) don't spend huge amounts of money until you're sure you like tri...you can always add or upgrade equipment later, 2) the three MUST-HAVE pieces of good equipment I'd recommend are Goggles, Running Shoes, and to a lesser extent bike shorts. 

You can get goggles anywhere, that's just a question of trying them out to see what fits your face.  You'll prolly go through a few pairs trying to find the right ones. Most triathletes I know have a closetful of goggles.   Running shoes - if you haven't been running and don't have a tried-and-true shoe, go to Hanson's running shop (a couple locations around Detroit) and they'll fit you for shoes...size, model, etc.   And for the shorts, I'd recommend some Pearl Izumi Ultrasensors, or the like - you can buy them online at Performance Bike or Nashbar or Trisports.com.  They'll keep ya happy.

Pretty much ALL the other tri gear is about speed or comfort, and you can add them to your arsenal as you need to, have the budget for, or want to.  Do a search on 'race checklist' in the forums, and you'll find a complete list of gear folks take to races....so you'll see the universe of stuff you might want to buy at some point. 

And you asked specifically about bikes...if you feel compelled to jump into getting a tri-bike right away, visit Bikesport Michigan...they're one of the best tri-bike shops in the country.  But maybe a tri-bike isn't what you need?  I'd start by getting lots of education just by reading the bikesport site and BT's forums.  Use the search function on BT, or scroll down through the pages, as so many folks have asked the same 'What kind of bike should I get?' question.  Hope this helps. 

trixie - 2007-01-13 7:57 PM my recommendation on a bike is to ride as many as you can, there is a huge difference in them. i may have a felt s25 for sale if you're interested. (it's a 50), as far as get togethers we should plan some. in the past we have used kensington metro parks, there is a good bike and run loop. as of late kreuser and i have been running at the potowatami trails(aa area), they are awesome and great on your legs. we are headed out there next weekend if anyone is interested. we plan on 2 hours but there are small loops we could do to accommodate any one of you yahoos. just let either one of us know, we'd love to have new people come and join us.

50, dang I didn't know they made frames for the Lord of the Rings cast.

trixie - 2007-01-14 12:37 PM ha! my new bike is a 48! are we gonna get you out this year, smoke? can you get healthy and stay healthy this year? please?

I don't make many promises. But I will be seeing you guys this year for sure.