It all started with an email from the WSBA (Washington State Bicycle Association -- the local bike racing organization) list asking if there was any one who was willing to help out with coaching the team. I took a look at their website, and though I was a little hesitant to commit all our free time, my wife and I agreed to help out as we could.
Rock Steady Junior Triathlon Club is a triathlon team for ages 13-19, with the racing goals of getting the kids to the national qualifier triathlon in Monroe, WA, in June, and to Nationals (in Ohio last year) in August. The racing that these kids will be doing is draft-legal ITU style racing. Much like a bike race sandwiched between a swim and a run (from the bike perspective), or a run with a swim and bike warm-up (from the running perspective).
We
met last week with the head coach/front-man/founder of the team and discussed
what the team is doing, what the team needs, and what we have to offer.
So
we're going to be helping out with the team. My role will be to help
educate on riding in general, and especially with regards to riding on
the road and in a pack and paceline, riding safety, and reading traffic
and races.
Even though I've never raced a draft-legal triathlon, I HAVE raced many non-draft-legal triathlons, and hundreds of bike races.
The first workout is next Monday, April 1st. I think I've got some good introductory ideas given April Fool's Day...
It should be a fun adventure.