In Utah, we have some absolutely beautiful venues for our annual triathlons. The fact that race directors are able to stage these events at several of our state parks is a huge positive for the triathlon community. The down side to these state parks is that there is rarely enough parking to accommodate the race participants, spectators, volunteers and event directors. The best solution is to have as many people possible park off-site. This allows for a much safer events (sans traffic), not to mention less congestion on the roads we bike and run on.
That said, you are going to need (yes, need not want) something to carry all of your gear in while riding your bike the usual mile or two from the remote parking area to the race site. One of the best options available, and there are several options, is the Transition Backpack from TYR Sport. At $65.00 (suggested retail) this bag has comparable storage capacity and internal compartments as other higher priced options in this category. TYR has also paid attention to detail with this backpack. There are several similar packs on the market that are just a little too long. If the pack is too long, it will either push up against your helmet or worse yet hook on the back of your saddle. This becomes a problem if you need to stand up or when it comes time to dismount.
Additional highlights of the TYR Transition Backpack are:
• Padded adjustable shoulder straps
• Reflective binding on the padded straps, side pockets and front face of the bag
• Dual zip, fully openable main compartment (it is possible to lay both sides out flat when packing)
• Two padded side pockets for cell phones, CD or MP3 players complete with grommets for headphone wires
• Large outside mesh pocket
• External helmet cage with safety clip and bungee straps
• Two external mesh water bottle pockets
• Internal mesh compartments keep running shoes, cycling shoes, goggles, body glide, etc., separate and easily accessible
• Removable waterproof bag with “sealed zipper†for wet items
• 5 inch expandable mesh bottom compartment for wetsuits, towels or other wet gear to keep separate from the things you want to keep dry
• The back of the bag is also vented for airflow, which means you sweat less and stay cool
• Available in five different color combinations: Black/Charcoal, Charcoal/Red, Royal/Grey, Navy/Pink and Navy/Grey
That is a long list for $65.00. And the TYR Transition Backpack is fabricated from durable 600 denier polyester/PVC, meaning it will hold up to whatever you need to stuff in it…trophies and post race schwag included!
Try one of these versatile backpacks at your next race venue!
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