Aquabike?
from
BJ Evans of USA Triathlon
on
January 13, 2005
View comments about this article!
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Jan. 13, 2005) - A suggestion from a USA Triathlon member has led to a pilot race series that takes the tri out of triathlon. Nine half-Ironman and Ironman distance races have agreed to participate in the USA Triathlon Aquabike Series. Athletes who participate in the races will complete the swim and the bike, but will not have to do the run. The series is designed to appeal to those older athletes for whom running might be painful, or to injured athletes who still want to compete.
Dean Peterson, a USA Triathlon member from Peoria, Ariz., who recently completed his first Ironman-distance race, came up with the idea approximately five years ago while talking to the instructor of a triathlon class at a local community college. "I wondered why I didn't see him out at any events," Peterson said. "He said he had had serious knee problems and could no longer do the running. I asked him, 'If there was something that was just the swim and the bike, would you do that?' He replied, 'In a heartbeat.' "
During the next five years, Peterson said he approached more than 100 people - from age 20 to 80 - at various events with his idea, and most were very positive. "I thought, 'let's give some people the opportunity to do two-thirds of the race and still be happy with what they did.' Not everybody likes to run," Peterson said. "Maybe five or 10 years, I won't be running."
Peterson brought his idea to Mike Greer, interim executive director of USA Triathlon and founder of the Buffalo Springs Half-Ironman Triathlon. Greer "ran" with the idea and found eight race directors to join him. "This will be a pilot program in 2005 and will not be included in the national rankings," Greer said. "However USAT is encouraging the race directors in each of these pilot races to offer appropriate age group breakdowns and awards in each."
The participating races will be:
Halfmax Triathlon (June 5, 2005; Innsbrook, Mo.; www.ultramaxtri.com/index.php)
Eagleman Half Ironman (June 12, 2005; Cambridge, Md.; www.tricolumbia.org)Buffalo Springs Lake Half Ironman (June 26, 2005; Lubbock, Texas; www.buffalospringslaketriathlon.com)
Steelhead Half Ironman (Aug. 6, 2005; Berrien County, Texas; www.steelheadtriathlon.com)
Full Vineman (Aug. 13, 2005; Sonoma County, Calif.; www.vineman.com)
Greater Cleveland Triathlon (Aug. 13-14; Cleveland, Ohio)
CATS Half Iron Tri (Aug. 20, 2005; DeGray Lake, Arkadelphia, Ark.; www.dltmultisport.com)
Vermont Journey Half Ironman (Aug. 28, 2005; Salisbury, Vt.; www.vermontsun.com/halfvermontjourney/index.html)
Prairie Man Long Course Triathlon (Sept. 11, 2005; Grand Prairie, Texas; www.ironheadrp.com)
If your area is not covered by one of these races, please request that your local half Ironman race add this division.
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 13, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
BTW, Vote No on the Bylaw amendments when it hits your mailbox next week.
They're putting their time to good use here. How about Aquaidiots
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 13, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Great, just what we need. A more crowded race course than what they already are!!
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by tomziebart on January 13, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Come on Eric - Why editorialize by putting a question mark behind "Aquabike"? 99% of your readers are going to agree with you! They are Duathletes, who do not swim.
Why not look at the positive aspects of a new sport. It allows athletes who can not run, the opportunity to compete. What is wrong with that?
Instead of complaining about USAT trying to incease opportunites for athletes, you should rejoice that they are doing something positive!
Of course, I realize that my thoughts on this subject will not be accepted on this forum. But, I still feel that you should support our federation in this effort. Z
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by TRIRAT on January 13, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I think anything that encourages people to get out and enjoy physical activity is tremendous. I commend the efforts of those involved for pursuing a pilot of a swim / bike concept. It is very easy to forget how lucky most of us are to be able bodied and fleet footed. The fact of the matter is, not everyone can run. My cousin Tiffany has Cerebral Palsy. She has a modified bike which allows her to enjoy bicycling. Running, however, is very difficult due to the effects of her condition. I would love for her to be able to enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. If it could be in an event like the aqua bike, super. On an even more personal level...I had a run in with a pitbull while running last July. The injuries left me unable to run for the past 6 months. I still don't know how soon I can compete again...the aqua bike event would allow me to join my friends, celebrate the spirit of sport and continue to heal. What a great gift that would be. -Rachel
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
How many more categories can we come up with to give out awards? I suck at hills. Can we have a race that counts all the parts of the bike that are flat. Once again, our sport is rewarding mediocrity. Yeah, my knees hurt. That's the breaks. I'll just never be an age group champion in triathlon. I'll live with it, I don't expect someone to create a race so i can bring home a trophy.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by thierry on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
i am a average swimmer, strong cyclist and good runner, but i am also a race director,i think a new format is good.
may be a Dad or a mom or a spouse will be able to train with their children or spouse, and enjoy going to a race and participate rather than watch.
T.
|
| |
|
Aquabike! Yes!
|
Reply
|
|
by tricarl on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I wonder why all those brave folks who can not see beyond their own petty noses post their comments as "Anonymous?" If you can't stand face to face with your own opinion, then don't express it.
I had knee surgery a year ago and can no longer run. Doing an "Aquabike" event will allow me to participate in an event and to hang out with other athletes. I look forward to entering these kinds of races. It is my hope that these dual events will find a wider range of sites for more of us who have had to stop running.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike! Yes!
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I think this is a great idea. I don't like to run becasue it it tough and I get too tired. Now I don't have to run.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by duathlon on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Tom,
I wasn't editorializing on the topic or implying that it was a good or bad idea (by the way, well over half the visitors to this website are triathletes). All I did was report the story.
Eric
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by User101 on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
If it gets more people out, great.
Allows you to participate when either injured, great.
Thanks for posting this article.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by jimmyarcher on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
This seems like race directors angling for a few more entry fees in the guise of political correctness. In general we have seen a recent increase in entry fees coupled with a decrease in race quality. I believe this will only serve to dilute the quality of our races. We need to be focusing on putting on a single quality event not spreading race organization resourses among various events.
We have already seen this type of thing fail back in the day when directors would try and put on Tris and dus on the same day. Most of those races have given up on that idea. The Aquabike thing is just more of the same. It won't last.
As for the PC "everyone deserves to compete" idea... we are never going to be able to address everyone. Some people will never be able to do a triathlon. Thats life. However, there is no exclusion in that statement. There are plenty of swimming and cycling competions. If you can't run, most likely those are the places to turn. Mutilating a triathlon and adding confusion to the race is not the answer.
jimmy
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by reallytri on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Just think how the decathletes felt and the biathletes felt when duathletes and triathletes invaded their multisport arena. If they were as closed minded as some people, and rallied against it, what would the majority of us be doing right now? Change and opportunity is good.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Do it if a minimum number of athletes pre-register for it by a certain date. Say 100. They are at large races, so if you can't attract that number of people by 30 days before the race, kill the experiment. Is it worth the headache, the cost, the timing extras for 20 people?
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by tomziebart on January 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
My bad, Eric - Since you are not editorializing, then please take off the question mark on the topic title, and print the Press Release as it was sent out! that way, people will not question your reporting. Z
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by eerodda on January 15, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
AquaBike divisions can be added to ANY existing Triathlon simply by changing the computerized results formatting to show Swim/Bike cumulative time as a final result.
Those competing in Aquabike will start in the same wave as anyone in their age group, and will simply end their event after the bike portion. LESS resources used for the same entry fee generates EXTRA money to support any Triathlon by those taking up only 2/3rds of its services. No separate start, no separate course, and so exact same timing, indeed no additional expense or management or extra set up of ANY KIND is needed. In fact LESS is needed.
Sheesh, By some of your's own logic (not mine) you're involved in a "partial sport" of Duathlon. I guess that'd be "set up for those who can't swim." Nonsense.
If you'd rather run bike, than swim bike run, or swim bike rather than swim bike run, what's the difference?
If you somehow feet hurt by other's participation, you should leave the enjoyment of races to the rest of us.
AquaBike can and probably will be an easy to manage, and profitable part of the future of any Triathlon that tries it. That Duathlons put on in conjuction with Triathlons (most of them is this area) are more of a headache of separate starts, additional run courses, a completely seprate timing grid etc. is not changed by the addition of an easier to manage/more profitable race category.
Eric Rodda
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by jimmyarcher on January 15, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Aren't most of the races on the list already full as it is? Would this mean potential triathletes loosing spots to aquabikers? That doesn't seem right. And if not then why have races closed out with before the aquabike addition? It seems odd that directors are willing to add something to an already sold out race in the name of inclusion. What about the triathletes that would like to race that are not included due to the sold out status of the race?
Also, if anyone has ever nordic ski raced you will be familiar with a mass start of up to 3 different distance races (5, 10 and 15+k) usually just laps of a 5k loop. Anyhow, this makes for lots of confussion both among the racers (who to pace off of) and for the finish line (who to stop and who to send through).
As I said I think this can only lower the quality of triathlons. We are still peaking of altering existing triathlons, not starting a new format of racing. This will just add confusion and take away from races that could already need improvment. Logic would decree that you don't add something new untill the existing is perfect.
Jimmy
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Agreed, this would provide for confusion and a crowded course. Many races are already over sold and have problems with drafting, transition space and safety.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by duathlon on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Z, you're riding me hard:)
When people hear 'aquabike', their first response is to ask what it is. That's the reason for the reason for the question mark. The articles answers the question. The market will decide if it works.
E
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by ftofnoone on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Jimmy, right on man, couldn't agree with you more. And there are lots of athletes, like myself, who just stop at the end of the ride if they are hurt, or just getting the race in for training. you can do this at any race these days. I agree, that we don't need to add a seperate category, as you can already just do this format.
As for the decathlon reference to Triathlon or Duathlon: What are you talking about?? It's not like they made a multisport event by just chopping the 1500m off the decathlon. This would be the track equivalent of adding the heptathlon in addition to the decathlon, both for men and women? It is just kind of strange.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike! Yes!
|
Reply
|
|
by IRONJACK on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Tricarl,
Precisely! That's why USAT supported the idea. It's great for those with running injuries who want to compete. It is also good for older athletes who can't run a lot. The format this year is limited to Half Iron distance events with swims at 1.2 miles and 56 mile bikes. We at PrairieMan are most excited to be hosting one and think it IS good for the sport.
Jack Weiss, RD
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by IRONJACK on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
You must be in California. Most races across the country with the exception of IM events are not full so there is plenty of room for these folks.
Jack
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by ericj076 on January 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I agree with Eric. The market will decide if Aquabike sticks catches on or not.
The important thing is that USAT is is making an effort to respond to member requests (don't get me wrong...I'm just as disillusioned with our board as everyone else).
As an injured triathlete who is going stir crazy not being able to run (and compete) for over a year, I am pumped about the opportunity to do so in 2005.
My mom is too...she's a 50-year old newbie (to swimming, bike, AND running) whose body doesn't take the pounding of running very well. Many of the previous posts don't think she should get the opportunity because it's "diluting down" the sport.
The more people we can get into the sport (we are "multi-sport," after all), the better.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 17, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
USAT responds to members requests???? Wait a second, didn't we just vote in amendments to the bylaws and now they want to do away with them. The best thing they could do is respect the wishes of the members they represent.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by spideyrunner on January 17, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Well u know aussie swim/bike specialist Craig Walton...would win this Aquabike forever. He always leads after swim/bike. Simple as that!!
Aquabike World Champion : Craig Walton (AUS)
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 17, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I'm a better biker than swimmer. Can we create bikeyswimmy so I have a better chance of getting an award?
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by Paragon on January 18, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
If I'm tired after the bike will I be able to switch to aquabike then? or do I have to do it before the race? My legs are always tired after the 56 mile bike and I always don't feel like running so it would be nice to have that choice.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 19, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
That's what the "RELAY" category is for......those that do not want to OR cannot do all three events!!! Encourage race directors to include a relay category......instead of Aquabike!!!
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by teamjon on January 20, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I think it is an idea worth trying. I have been doing tri's for 20 years. I want to do them for another few . But i am rehabbing from a knee injury and would like an alternative to consider if it doesnt pan out. Of the eight events listed , only one is full now . Lets see if people want ti.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by drghs on January 22, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
My attitude on multisports participation is not unlike my feelings on law school - I am glad I did it but couldn't stand the people.
The inane posts reacting negatively to the new Aquabike trial run illustrate the character problem of multisport (tri- and bi- ) males (the females seem to lack this hubris). The typical multisport dude is white yuppie male whose arrogance and bravado greatly outpace his ability to think in any sophisticated way. This arrogance and bravado (a product of the triple advantages of gender, race and class privilege) manifests in this and other forums in the following manner - the first thought that pops into the head of tri-du-de will be bleated out almost as soon as it hits the brain, no matter how inane or insensitive or contradictory the "idea."
Put another way, a lot of you dults must just about instantly type your knee jerk reaction to things into posts, because no thought seems to go into many of these posts. And since most of you are educated yuppies or ex-urbs it can't be that you don't have a capacity to think if pressed. So it has to be that you could think about the crap you write but don't.
Here we find athletes who do duathlon (two leg sports that are about as similar as any two sports in all of athletics - except maybe bike and speed skating) actually questioning the athletic bona fides of an event with swim and bike ( arm and leg sports!). To call that stupid glorifies it.
Or then there is the genius line of thinking - from triathletes - that treat the aquabike as some kind of threat to the triathlon. What? How many athletes use either swim ONLY or bike ONLY races to prepare for triathlon? Why is a swim-bike less sound as prep? How many triathletes use early races to work one or two phases and to coast one or two other phases? How many people participate in some sort of relay tri at some point? Aren't these all less than tri ways to prepare for tris? Why would only doing a bike and swim not help triathletes for later races?
Athletes in every sport on the planet practice "chunks" of their sports. I worked out for years around Bob Kersee's coaching and athletes and with him breaking of events into pieces (I think he was applying East German ideas) was standard practice. Bill Dellinger's Oregon runners did drills with pieces of the race at race pace and others at a steady pace. Such practice of incements of the race makes perfect sense. why not in the tri??????
Further, in a nation of overweight and out of shape people isn't anything that might expand participation good? Many people turn to (or avoid) multiport events because they go injured as runners. People with certain times of knee, foot and hip injuries have problems running. Why not an event for them? (Nah maybe only weak-armed swimming-fearful leg-sport guys deserve a two event sport to avoid their weakness.)
Most of you are professionals, you went to college, chill with the arrogance, think a little before you write crap, the first thought out of your mouth isn't always profound, funny or useful. Often it is just plain stupid or mean spirited.
Stop, think. Ponder. Think about other angles, think about counterarguments to what you are thinking of writing, entertain other views. The write.
Dr. G
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by reallytri on January 24, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Dr G.... Here is my knee jerk reaction to your statement... Nice work. I applaud your insight and the time commitment you made in writing. I think we (that's everyone) needs to make sure that what is communicated on this forum is done in way that does not turn it into some junior high antics. For those of you who are in junior high, you may continue, but for the rest I think that we can express our ideas in a little more mature an appropriate way. Thanks again Dr. G.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 25, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Gee thanks for your insight, Dr. Geniuses.
Now Eagleman has been said to be closed for awhile and the reason being that was said that was their permits and the course allowed for only a certain amount of people.
But they are going to add people to the race. Why not just add triathletes instead of catering or making a race for people who are injured or older.
That;'s what Aquabike is - a race for the injured or just another way to suck a few more bucks out of people.
Theirs my thoughts or knee jerk reaction. After you read it, you geniuses can go back to your Mensa meetings.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by reallytri on January 25, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
You have got to be kidding "Anonymous." Did you read, and actually think about your post before submitting it? I can see why you stated it as 'Anonymous.'
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 25, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
A lot of people are thinking the same thing, reallytri. Anon just stated it. Because someones statement doesn't have wonderfully written out passages doesn't mean the thought doesn't come from the heart.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by reallytri on January 27, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Anonymous... I agree with your statement, but it doesn't take too much of an education to state how you feel/think about something without making another group of people feel like they are bad, or wrong, for not being able to participate in the run portion.
However, I truly understand the frustrations that stem from events closing registration for a triathlon, and then reopening it to 'aquabikers.' That does seem a little odd. If an event is closed, it's closed... not kind of closed.
I just hate to see chat boards degrade down to junior high communication, that's all. I think all the opinions are valid, but I think they can be said without offending other groups. I'm not a 'touchy feely' guy, but I think people have better communication about topics like this when they are done in a way that is respectable.
Kevin
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by eerodda on January 29, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I appreciate the calls for thought and civility. I understand I can't expect Duathloners to have much experience with it, so I ask you to think about it- in a Half IronMan Triathlon there is such a diverse range of swim speeds in any age group that a few AquaBikers per swim wave won't even be noticed. Currently my age group starts with Clydesdales and Relays in some of the events on the AquaBike list. What could top that for diversity of speed? Even so, the addition of a few Aquabikers will change nothing. In a swim of such a distance one naturally falls in with those swimming your speed and quickly looses track of those going slower or faster.
Eagleman isn't open to AquaBikers, it's closed. Go ahead and try to enter- it's closed except to Community Fund slots and card carrying Pros. Complaints about them?
Most of the races on the AquaBike Half IronMan list went lacking 200-400 entrants last year. As an aside I doubt they'll actually FILL with Aquabikers, but however many they get they'll be getting full price from those athletes for 2/3rds the services. Makes money sense and takes slots from no one.
If one would rather Swim/Bike, or Swim/Bike/Run, or Run/Bike, what is the difference?
AquaBike won't change your enjoyment of Duathlons a bit. There are plenty of ("swim challenged"?) athletes to fill those separate races and make them profitable to the organizations putting them on. USA Triathlon is trying to find out if there are also enough athletes who want to compete in (Half IronMan distance only so far) Swim/Bike events, and if there are, it's a win-win situation since the division can easily be added to an existing Tri with a computer change, bringing in more $$ for less work.
I think in fact we'll all get along quite nicely.
See you at the races, a possible AquaBike included.
Eric Rodda
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 30, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
So there are one or two scenarios.
1 - Eagleman has filled and is not accepting aquabikers. Then why did they announce that they are having Aquabike AFTER they closed out? Just more publicity for Vigorito who never seems to tire of having his picture taken or seeing his name in print.
2- Eagleman is accepting more entries for the Aquabike and then misinformed athletes about entries closing because of crowded course conditions and permit requirements.
Which one?
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
Anonymous post on January 30, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Good question.
either they won't answer or will wait until they can find some sort of spin to attach to it
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by ecraige on February 24, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
As a veteran of over 100 triathlons since 1980, I was dismayed to hear that my L. knee has no more cartilage and I must stop running. Forever. Earlier this week the team surgeon at Duke Univ. said running was over for me since the tiba and femur are bone on bone. The doc said that 24 years of marathons and triathlons was a real compliment to my knees. And, I am deeply thankful for the good triathlete friends I met in the US, the Philippines, Guatemala, France, and Sweden. But the truth is that, until this week, I intended to race until I was 80 or older, so I have a hard time accepting that the fun is over. And all because one knee doesn't have cartilage.
So I was thrilled to see that a non-impact multisport idea has been created. For all of you who have good knees, go for it! But remember that at least a few of us out there love triathlons but cannot do all 3 sports. I can't wait for the first aquabike. Count me is as a devotee and supporter of this great idea. Tito Craige
|
| |
|
Aquabike!
|
Reply
|
|
by Barry on July 20, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I do not understand all the people who are so negative about the Aquabike. If they bike, run, and swim, do they not understand that there is also an event for them?
Aquabike is not intended for people who are just "lazy".
When my girlfriend was nine she was involved in an accident with a lawn mower. As a result, for nearly her entire life she has had to deal with a partial amputation and wearing a prosthetic foot.
Not once has she ever considered herself "disabled". She spent her youth in the pool. But as much as she tried, she was always unable to do sports which involved a great deal of running. This was the one and only area in life which she where she could not hang with the other kids.
She had the will, but the fact is there were just certain things that she could not do. She is able to ride a bike. However she is unable to use clipless pedals or toestraps.
She works hard and has become a very strong swimmer and an equally strong biker (which baffles me due to the fact that as far as I can tell, she has one leg that is producing the majority of her power).
Thanks to Aquabike, she can travel to events with me and compete on the same course I am on. For once in her life, she no longer has to be a spectator, standing on the sidelines.
Aquabike is not for lazy people. As with a Duathalon, one less event simply means you go that much harder. And it is not an event for "disabled". My girlfriend is not disabled. She never asked for special treatment in her life. But the fact is that because of the high impact nature of long distance running, some people (partial amputation or not) can not do it.
Thanks for putting on these events. It has inspired and motivated my girlfriend to acheive a whole new level of fitness and activity that at one time doctors would have likely told her she would never achieve.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by Grant on August 16, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I am interested because I love to bike and swim-nothing to do with settling for mediocracy! Running happens to be my strongest event, but I love the idea of just swimming and biking for a change of goals and a chance to concentrate on those two. Why so negative?
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by mameygirl on September 1, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
When those of you who mock this event have horrible knee issues and have surgery on both, and are unable to run, then I want to see you laughing at the category that allows you to compete in a race larger than Olympic length. Overcrowded races? Enter smaller ones. The fact of the matter is, people who are entering in this category make up a slim portion of race entries, and though it may be that we are small in numbers, the importance of being able to compete in a race larger than an Olympic length is huge. I want you all to laugh at the 68 year old man who was able to compete in the Aquabike the other day, because his knees no longer let him complete the full ironman length. See where that gets you. Please, get over your egos and realize that it's not just about the winning.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by mariaguts on November 14, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I bet ya'll who are making fun swim like rocks. You say 'duathlon' is okay, so you nix the swim, which me laugh at you silly thrashers. I swam in college, made NCAA's (okay, okay, DIII, but still), and hate running. I do olympic tri's anyway, but would be so much happier to just not run.
|
| |
|
Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by dezert1 on November 18, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I fall in the 'can no longer run category'. I'm only 37 and my ankle defect has done me in - with or without surgery. That being said, I've been swimming and biking much longer than running anyway, and am strong in both.
So, for me, I'd like to compete in an event where those two disciplines are represented. I've done relay tri's (swim leg mostly), swim/run (until aforementioned ankle wouldn't take it), open water swim, bike races, mtn bike races, dirt bike races. Bottom line - I like to compete.
Now, I can just continue to race bike only or swim only events. Fair enough. But wouldn't it be COOL to do them both? For me, yes. And from what I gather, it would be COOL for lots of other folks as well.
So, count me in for the AQUABIKE series, should it finally take hold. I love this idea.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by studnate123 on December 20, 2005
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I think anyone who has posted a negative comment about Aquabike is just narrow minded and can't look outside the box. I am perfectly capable of doing a full triathlon, but my girlfriend has had knee surgery she is 24yrs old, and will not be able to run again. She was a pretty good age grouper, and will not be able compete at that level again. With this new catagory it gives her the opportunity to compete in a sport she loves. If your really worried about it taken spots away from those who do the full Tri, then for one sign up for the race sooner, and two this is such a new catagory it will take awhile to catch on. The logistics and headaches of an event that has tri/du combo is much more of a headache then one that would have tri/aqua bike combo. For the majority of people who compete in tri's they do it for a sense of accomplishment, this now brings in a new way for people to challange themselves and not have to worry about knee issues or age issues. Running is probably one of the worst things for knees. I will probably do an aquabike once a year for this reason.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by natural on January 9, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I am excited about the aquabike as I am getting to point where I worry about my knees but still want to compete and have the goal of competing to help keep me motivated and in shape. Perhaps there should be Aquabike races - separate from Triathlons. I tried to get into the Blackwater Eagleman, but if filled early Dec. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time predicting 7 months out if I'll be healthy and in shape.
Roger
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by Myles on June 2, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I love the sports of Triathlon and Duathlon; I’ve loved them in the past and plan on doing them in the future. This season, in addition to a few sprint Tris, short course Dus and Olys Tris and one long course Du I’m registered for the Buffalo Springs Half-Iron and the Oklahoma City RedMan, an iron distance event. Next year I’m already registered for Iron Man Arizona and last year I kicked off my season with an Ultramarathon, I am no stranger to running, I am not afraid of running and I think anyone would be hard pressed to call me lazy. I have been having some hip pain lately and just discovered I developed a stress fracture within my hip socket where the head of the femur fits. I’ve now completed 5 events on this fractured hip and endured a lot of pain because I didn’t have any firm diagnosis and I wanted to keep competing. Now that I have a firm diagnosis and strict instructions to stop running immediately I am sidelined but Aquabike provides me a possible alternative. Even without this injury I like the idea of Aquabike, again reflecting some of the other comments about getting people out to compete and support our sport. Now with the injury I am particularly hopeful that I might be able to transfer into the Aquabike category and 1) get to compete and 2) salvage my entry fee.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by injured_rnr on June 25, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
I would love to be participate in an Aquabike competition. I love running but I cannot run anymore because of problems with my feet and various joints. I also love to swim and bike. I wish I could do a triathlon but it simply is not possible for me to run. If I run even 20 minutes I am unable to walk for 2 days. For me it is not about getting in shape. Also, I am only 28 years old.
I understand that logistically it is extra work if an Aquabike competition coincides with a triathlon competition. However, there are many people like me who would participate if events were held (I know there already are some). I even think it would be a good idea to have small competitions that don't require open-water swimming. A 50 meter pool and roads to ride on would get more people involved.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike - yes
|
Reply
|
|
by injured_rnr on June 25, 2006
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
One other idea (which would make logistics even worse) that I really like is swim, bike, swim. I think that would be better than swim, bike, stop. I guess I just really love swimming.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by kaydv1 on July 11, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I would love to see more aquabike races! As I sit here casted with my 3rd leg fracture from running, my running days are over at my age (W45-49)! However, I'm a strong swimmer and cyclist and I want to compete! I live in AZ and it's a great place to hold such races. Please....let's get some races scheduled. I know many people who would be interested.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by olejock on July 14, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
The narrow mindness (I might even say elitist) in some of these postings is humorous. If you can expand the organization and provide a competitive venue to those of us who struggle with injuries that limit our ability in the running portion what is the issue?
Where can we find more about the 07 and 08 events that may be available in Aquabiking around the country?
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by porolscotto on August 10, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
As a 54 year old male who did marathons,100 mile bike rides and triathlons for years the idea of Aquabike really appeals to me.I had never heard of them till today. I have received the right to get two knee replacements in the future and can no longer run. In fact the othopedic surgeons laugh at my xrays and ask if I was a follower of Frank Shorter.I would love to do a aquabike and will begin training and the hard part,finding a aquabike race.Hardcore triathletes that laugh at this idea just have to wait till they get older.
|
| |
|
RE: Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by dvaugeois on December 6, 2007
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I would say that the one's that posted the anonymous posts mocking the idea aren't athletes at all or they would understand a persons need to still compete even if they have injuries stopping them from doing a leg of the event. I have been looking for this exact event since I started doing tri's. I have blown out my knees already and the run portion is extremely painful to the point that I hadn't done a tri in almost two years. I'm so excited to be able to be a part of triathlons again without having to run!! Thank you USAT!!
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by staytrue2yourself on January 19, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Lets face it, the first compromise was made with the invention of the duathlon so why there would be any backlash regarding an aquabike event is beyond me.
|
| |
|
Aquabike?
|
Reply
|
|
by Jefferman on March 2, 2009
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
I injured my ankle playing soccer when I was 12. From 2000-2004 I completed 31 Triathlons, including 8 halfs, Alcatraz and 2 Ironmans. Training for my last Ironman I popped a ligament in the same ankle. I completed the Ironman(in Pain)anyway and I hav'nt been able to run since. IT SUCKS. There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could run again. I competed in the Aquabike at Vineman with no problems. I have no problems swimming or biking. THESE RACES ARE GREAT>>>>
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to discussions on this article.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Other Upcoming & News Articles
Buffalo Springs 70.3 Results
Ironman France
Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon
Hy-Vee ITU Elite Cup
Ironman Japan Results
|
