Coupés are not the best for high-volume transportation
Fits! Could have got another couple of bikes in there...
The car was full to the brim, but everything fitted without too much packing-tetris required. At the Ironman UK Familiarisation day in Bolton Richard Jones was amazed we could get two bikes into my car - I think he'd have suspected cheeky use of higher spatial dimensions if he could see how much I got in this time.
Uneventful journey, fairly eventful weather
Success is going to be all about planning and lists, so I thought I'd share the list of things I made to bring. There's a lot on it, but this is to cater for every eventuality, as well as 5 nights away from home. The weather could be doing anything, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
I'm expecting this list to evolve as I get more experienced at what's really needed, and I've probably forgotten the odd thing (kitchen sink?) - but it was useful for me and who knows, it might be a useful checklist for some of you too.
Swimming
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Swim shorts/trunks
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Tri-suit x2 - 1 racing, 1 training
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Goggles x3 - clear, smoked, mirrored
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Wetsuit
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Body glide
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Thin swim cap
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Neoprene swim cap
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Swim socks
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Anti-fog spray
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Bin liner
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Cycling
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Bike
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Race wheels and brake blocks
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Poor weather wheels and brake blocks
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Road helmet
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Aero helmet
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Gloves x3 – mitts, thin liners, bad weather
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Bib tights
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Bib shorts
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Long sleeved top
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Short sleeved top
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Waterproof top
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Race belt
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Sunglasses – transition lenses and iridium lenses
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Cycling shoes
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Socks
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Arm sleeves
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Drinks bottles x3 – 2x 750ml on-bike, 1x 500ml pre-race
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Overshoes
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Race number mount
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Elastic bands (for mounting shoes on bike)
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Cassette suitable for bike course terrain
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Running
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Shorts
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Vest
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Shoes x2
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Socks
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Cap
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parkrun barcode
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General
sport clothes
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Long sleeved base layer
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Sports underwear x2
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Sports socks x2
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Compression tights
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Compression socks
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Non-sports
clothes
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Shorts
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T-shirts (n)
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Socks (n+1)
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Underwear (n+1)
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Long sleeved jumper x2
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First
aid/prevention
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Alginate dressing
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Ibuprofen
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Plasters
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Savlon
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Blister plasters
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Piriteze
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Inhalers x4 – 1 brown and 3x blue
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Sun cream
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After sun
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Talcum powder
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Chamois cream
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Surgical tape
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Nutrition
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Post race Powerade Energy
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Post race recovery XS and milk
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Omega 3 capsules
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CLA capsules
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Protein powder
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Colostrum powder
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High5 gels – mixed flavours, caffeinated and non-caffeinated
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High5 energy drink mix
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High5 zero electrolyte tablets
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Energy bars
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Any additional in-race nutrition (e.g. bagels)
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Cool bag
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Tools/accessories
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D-lock and extension cable
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Chain lube
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Degreasing spray
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Roll of kitchen paper
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Disposable gloves
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Track pump
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Bike tool box
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Electrical tape
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Cable ties
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Packing tape (for securing rain cover if needed)
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On-bike tool kit (Spare tub/tube, tyre levers, CO2 canisters x2, CO2
canister adapter, multi-tool)
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Bike tool-box, fully populated
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Padlock
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Plastic bags
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Toiletries
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E45 lotion moisturiser
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Toilet roll
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Anti-perspirant
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Shower gel
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Razor
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Shaving gel
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Nail clippers
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Ear buds
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Tweezers
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Nail clippers
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Ear plugs
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Anti-bacterial hand wash
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Tech
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Garmin 910XT and charging cable
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Garmin ANT dongle
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Garmin HR strap and unit
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Laptop and power supply
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Ethernet adapter
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Ethernet cable
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iPhone
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iPhone charging cable
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Jambox and cables
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Camera and charger
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Headphone extension cable
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Paperwork
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Passport and driving licence (if abroad)
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Travel tickets
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Confirmation of accommodation
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BTF card
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Race pack and FAQs
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Race documentation sent by post
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Gym membership card
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Wallet
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Cash
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Chequebook
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Entertainment
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Books/magazines
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Podcasts/TV/Films (on phone/laptop)
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Condoms
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