General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations Rss Feed  
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2008-09-11 10:46 AM

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Subject: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations

So this might be a stupid question, but this will be my first half, so I'm clueless on this.

On the bike, how do aid stations work?  I have an X-lab bottle carrier (thingy) on my bike. Obviously I need to start with full bottles.  Do they hand off bottles at the aid stations, and if so do these bottles fit into bottle cages and what do you do with the empty bottles you have on your bike at that point?

 I haven't done a half, so there are so many questions I have, but we'll start with this one.  Hopefully someone can help me out here.  Thanks a bunch guys.  I'm new here, but I've been soaking up knowledge for a while!

 



2008-09-11 10:51 AM
in reply to: #1667281

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations

No different than shorter races in most cases.

They usually have water and sometimes pre-made bottles of whatever sponsored sports drink they are using (or straight up Gatorade bottles in those events sponsored by Gatorade).

Volunteer holds it, you slow down, they extend out and try to run with you, you take it, put it in your cage or just dump it right into your aero drink thingy.

Each race may vary a little with what they will carry, but the basic gist is the same.

2008-09-11 10:58 AM
in reply to: #1667281

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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations
Before and after the AS there will also be a designated water bottle dump area.  You just chuck you unwanted bottles off to the right side of the road.
2008-09-11 11:05 AM
in reply to: #1667329

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations

jesswah - 2008-09-11 10:58 AM Before and after the AS there will also be a designated water bottle dump area.  You just chuck you unwanted bottles off to the right side of the road.

Exactly, so you don't want to start with your best/favorite bottles, as you're unlikely to get them back. 

Go get one or two of the 24-oz Gatorades in the "bike bottle" form and test them on a training ride. 

2008-09-11 11:13 AM
in reply to: #1667347

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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations
McFuzz - 2008-09-11 9:05 AM

jesswah - 2008-09-11 10:58 AM Before and after the AS there will also be a designated water bottle dump area.  You just chuck you unwanted bottles off to the right side of the road.

Exactly, so you don't want to start with your best/favorite bottles, as you're unlikely to get them back. 

Go get one or two of the 24-oz Gatorades in the "bike bottle" form and test them on a training ride. 

heh, I did that my first HIM.  I had to chuck one of my favorites!  Not that big of a deal though.  I collected about 4 new ones from that race.  It's funny how the problem never occured to me untill I was riding up to the first station, thinking "eh, what am I going to do?  I need new bottles, but I don't have any spots!"  Saw the empties in the ditch, and "ding!" light went off and I started chucking...

I chuck every thing on the bike just before getting to the station (in the designated area - OR if the area is not indicated, I waited till I saw a pile of spent bottles on the side and added mine to them).  Even if they were half full - I would toss them for a full, and COLDER, bottle...

2008-09-11 11:19 AM
in reply to: #1667281

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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations

Thanks so much guys.  I didn't want to end up in the situation where I throw two water bottles that I paid for off of my bike.  So I'll stick with some of my least favorites. . . . Like the Women's Fitness one I have.  Doesn't scream manliness when riding anyway.  



2008-09-11 12:36 PM
in reply to: #1667281

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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations
McFuzz's post pointed out the 24oz sport or "bike" bottle of gatorade. Some HIM courses these are handed out at the aid stations. if you get one from the store and start the race with it then you don't have to throw away any of your own bottles.

edit: I would hate to see you lose your "women's fitness" bottle

near the aid stations there can be bottles in the course that did not find their way to the side of the road. try not to hit one.

Edited by djluscher 2008-09-11 12:37 PM
2008-09-11 1:36 PM
in reply to: #1667281

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Subject: RE: Questions Regarding Half-Ironman Aid Stations

Depending on when the first aid station is you might be able to start with just one bottle or even a half bottle.  The lighter you are, the faster you go.  You could take only what you need to get to the first water station.

Of course, the risk is that something will go wrong and you won't get anything at the aid station, but that risk is pretty low.

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