2017 Triathlon after-action report

We had five operators out for the Triathlon this morning. We used the NFM repeater, which provided good coverage of our checkpoints.

The Try-a-Tri (the shortened version of the main event) got underway at 08:00, and the first participant was finished 30 minutes later, with the last one running in at probably close to 09:00.

The adult triathlon started at 09:30, with the last runner nearing the finish at 12:30.

Howard VE3GMG rode in the safety boat for the swim portion (lasted about 45 minutes) and then went out to assist Jerry VE3YO at checkpoint 3 on Northshore Rd.

Paul VA3PC covered checkpoint 2 at Peninsula Rd and Hwy 63, and Bruce VA3BDR covered checkpoint 1 at the west entrance of Anita Av and Hwy 63.

The Kiwanis race director was easy to spot as she wore a distinctive bright orange shirt with ‘RACE DIRECTOR’ on the back. ...until the rain started and she put on a jacket and hat.

There was a pace car for the cyclists, however no sweep. I politely mentioned the need for a sweep at one of the race planning meetings, but I think it’s something we’re going to have to take a firmer stance on. There was a sweep for the adult run (someone on a bicycle) but no sweep for the cyclists. In my opinion, ‘sweep’ for an event like this is not optional.

Should we assist with this event next year, we should either a) have someone full-time with the race director, or b) have our BASE operator with an FRS radio. The race director was utilizing an FRS radio to a certain extent. As I was bouncing back and forth from my vehicle to the beach area, I sometimes had to track her down, and likewise she sometimes came looking for me for information. Being able to reach the race director via radio would mean we could free up a body to do another job.

All in all it was a good event. The rain held off for most of it and the last of us was clear by 12:30.

Thanks,

Bill
VE3TGI