Mach 1 and 2 Race Instructions
Hello Mach 1 and 2 Triathletes!
I can hardly wait for Saturday! You will participate in the 5th Kids Fly Tri, August 17th. Roads, and transition, will open for you at 0830. Transition closes at 0930. Pre-race announcements will begin at 0930; the race will start for the Mach 1s at 0945.
For those of you who have selected this race as your first triathlon, I want you to know I will be cheering for you every step of the way. I want this experience to be a great introduction to the sport of triathlon, so try to relax and enjoy every second of the day.
A BIG thank you to the countless volunteers giving their time and efforts to make this race run smoothly. And, three cheers to the race sponsors who have donated time, money and products without whom this race would not be a reality. The 2019 sponsors are:
I can hardly wait for Saturday! You will participate in the 5th Kids Fly Tri, August 17th. Roads, and transition, will open for you at 0830. Transition closes at 0930. Pre-race announcements will begin at 0930; the race will start for the Mach 1s at 0945.
For those of you who have selected this race as your first triathlon, I want you to know I will be cheering for you every step of the way. I want this experience to be a great introduction to the sport of triathlon, so try to relax and enjoy every second of the day.
A BIG thank you to the countless volunteers giving their time and efforts to make this race run smoothly. And, three cheers to the race sponsors who have donated time, money and products without whom this race would not be a reality. The 2019 sponsors are:
Omni Kids Tri
US Space and Rocket Center
Limbaugh Orthodontics
47E Custom Electrical and Energy
Blevins Bicycle Company
Fleet Feet Sports
Iceworks Shaved Ice
Bruegger’s Bagels
US Space and Rocket Center
Limbaugh Orthodontics
47E Custom Electrical and Energy
Blevins Bicycle Company
Fleet Feet Sports
Iceworks Shaved Ice
Bruegger’s Bagels
A few things you need to know to make Saturday go smoothly:
Between now and Saturday: Hydrate well, get good sleep and eat sensibly. And…HYDRATE WELL!! Here’s a good article about hydration: http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/09/nutrition/hydration-tips-for-triathletes_38391
PACKET PICKUP: FRIDAY August 16th, 1400-2000 (2pm-8pm) at the US Space and Rocket Center Aviation Challenge. Follow the signs to the Rocket Center and then follow the Kids Fly Tri signs to Aviation Challenge. You'll pass a parking lot and go through a big gate. There will be a "bubble" (big covered area) on the left and a parking lot on the right. Park in that lot on the right and head into the bubble. You will see a sign for Packet Pick up on the door to the right as you enter the bubble.
Between now and Saturday: Hydrate well, get good sleep and eat sensibly. And…HYDRATE WELL!! Here’s a good article about hydration: http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/09/nutrition/hydration-tips-for-triathletes_38391
PACKET PICKUP: FRIDAY August 16th, 1400-2000 (2pm-8pm) at the US Space and Rocket Center Aviation Challenge. Follow the signs to the Rocket Center and then follow the Kids Fly Tri signs to Aviation Challenge. You'll pass a parking lot and go through a big gate. There will be a "bubble" (big covered area) on the left and a parking lot on the right. Park in that lot on the right and head into the bubble. You will see a sign for Packet Pick up on the door to the right as you enter the bubble.
PARENTS MUST SHOW ID IN ORDER TO PICK UP PACKETS FOR THEIR OWN CHILD. THIS IS A USAT REQUIREMENT. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK UP ANOTHER CHILD’S PACKET. I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE BUT WE HAVE TO INSURE THE CHILD WHO IS REGISTERED IS THE ONE WHO GETS THE RACE BIB.
Ice Works will be there in and out throughout the afternoon. Grab a shaved ice or lemonade (menu attached) to enjoy while you watch the short Pre-Race Briefing video. The video can also be found on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6wRJmltjbkAnuhnPVpmiw
PACKET CONTENTS: In the packet you will find the following:
- Race shirt you do not need to wear this on race day. Some kids will want to and that’s fine, but it will be HOT to race in this cotton shirt!
- Race bib-every participant will need to wear this number while on the bike and the run. Please check to make sure the emergency contact information is correct. This contact information should be for someone who is at the race, with their CHARGED phone. The phone should be on and loud enough to be heard. The bib can be pinned to the front of a shirt that is put on after the swim, or it can be attached to a race number belt that is put on after the swim. The number should NOT be worn in the swim.
- A sticker for your bike. The bike sticker is made to fold over on itself. With kid’s bikes, it can be hard to find a good place, just put it somewhere on the bike!
- dtKids tattoos-one of these tattoos needs to go on the racer’s righthand if they have ANY TROUBLE remembering which way is right. This tattoo is to remind them to alwaysRIDE TO THE RIGHT.
- Race number tattoos-application instructions are on the back of the tattoo. Both numbers should go on the arms of the racer. Try to put them to the front so they can be seen. If the racer is going to wear a long sleeve rash guard, you can put one number on the left outer calf, or numbers the can go on the forearms if visible.
Race Day Packet Pick up only available by special request by emailing kidsflytri@gmail.com.
The “bubble: This is race central. Check in, transition, spectator bleachers—it all happens right here! If you have any questions please look for volunteers wearing blue bandanas, or for captains wearing red bandanas, or for me…(probably) the only one in a cowboy hat! We are here to make your day safe, fun and successful!
Parking: Athletes and spectators will park in the lot outside the gate. Volunteers can park in the lot across from the bubble.
***IMPORTANT*** you will not be able to leave from either parking lot while the race is going on. The course must remain completely closed (with no cars moving at any time) while participants are racing. Please plan accordingly. If you must leave during the race, you can park at the Space and Rocket Center which is a little over ½ mile from the race site. While walking back to your car, you will need to remain on the sidewalks or grass, out of the way of the athletes who are racing.
Reminder: If you are on your bike, your helmet must be on your head and securely fastened—even before and after the race. Participants WILL be disqualified for not wearing a helmet while on their bikes at any time before or after the race, and will not be allowed to race without it.
There will be NO food trucks at the race this year. Iceworks will be serving shaved ice and lemonade during and after the race. Participants will have a coupon in their finisher food bag for 1 free 8oz shaved ice from Ice Works.
BATHROOMS:located inside the bubble, through the door that says “Mach 2 Classroom”. Ladies are on the left (marked “Powder Room”) and men on the right. There are also showers and a changing area available.
HELMET CHECK/CHECK IN: When you arrive on race morning, Look for the “#1” sign, to the right of “the bubble”. At this station, you will get your helmet checked and a sticker placed on your helmet. Then kids will proceed to station #2. Parents will need to be with the kids for check in to verify emergency contact information. At this station you will also pick up your timing chip.
A NOTE ON THE CHIP-TIMING DEVICE: The chip timer is disposable and will not need to be returned. You are free to keep this or throw it away after the race. You will need to wear this on your LEFTankle. You want it to be tight enough that it doesn’t come off, but lose enough that it will not cut into your ankle if they swell a little bit from the bike and run.
TRANSITION AREA: the transition area opens for Mach 1 and 2 participants on race morning at 0830. Please DO NOT arrive before 0815-the road leading to the Rocket Center may still have High School cyclists on it. The road leading to AC from Bob Wallace will have High School runners on it.
You will rack your bicycle at your assigned numbered space using the seat. Using your rack number as a guide, the front wheel will be down and on the same side of the rack as the number. The bike will be facing you and you will see your bike seat over your race number. (If this is confusing, it will make more sense when you watch the prerace briefing video and see the transition area in person at packet pick up.) Your gear is also on the same side as the number (by the front wheel of your bike that’s on the ground/down). We will have transition area volunteers available to help you if needed. Parents are allowed to help racers set up but will NOTbe able to enter transition after 0930 (unless as an official volunteer) until the end of the race.
COURSE DETAILS: The High School Race will go first at 0700. The roads will be closed during their race. They will reopen at 0830. The Mach 1 race (9 and under) will go first, followed by Mach 2 (10-14 year olds).
Swim – the swim start will be based on division and race number. The race numbers were assigned using expected swim finish times with the faster swimmers going first. Mach 1 and 2 participants will be lined up and started six at a time, jumping in FEET FIRST--NO DIVING. Mach 1 racers will swim directly to the bubble after jumping in. Mach 2 racers will swim out to the pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble.
Bike - Bike Out/Bike In is at the front of the bubble (away from the water). Mount AFTER the mount line. Ride on the right side of the road at all times, unless passing. When passing, pass to the left, then return to the right side of the road. Never ride side by side with another cyclist. Turns and turnarounds are clearly marked with signs and controlled by course sentries. As long as you do not ride off road, you’ll be on course! And as long as you only turn where a volunteer tells you to turn you will not go off course. And as long as you only turn around when a course sentry (who has a FLAG) tells you to turn around, you will not cut the course! Mach 1 racers will ride the bike loop one time. Mach 2 racers will ride two laps on the bike.
Run - Run Out is at the back of the bubble (to the right of the "swim in"). The run course follows a gravel road around the lake, through the parking lot and on the grass back to the bubble. Mach 1 and Mach 2 racers will run the loop onetime before crossing the finish line.
**Mach 2 racers who do not complete the correct number of laps on the bike will be disqualified.**
FLY TRI VIDEO: If you haven’t seen it yet, here is a course preview from the first year. There have been a few changes, but it’s mostly still the same. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYz-WjEWYwk
FINISHER'S “MEDAL” and POST-RACE FOOD: Upon completion of the race, finishers will be given a present from the race and a bag with post race snacks. That bag will also contain a ticket for a free Iceworks shaved ice.
FOOD & AWARDS: Post race snacks, water and Powerade are provided for the participants. Awards will be presented as soon as possible after the last athlete finishes.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE RACE IS OVER?:
-Make sure you get some good photos, this is a unique location that is not open to the public. ***PLEASE STAY OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT***but you can stand in front of them or beside them all you want! Please post the pictures to Facebook and Instagram. Use “#KidsFlyTriHuntsville”.
-Visit the US Space and Rocket Center. Participants will receive group entry price with their bib!!
-Wear your race tattoos proudly and tell everyone what an awesome time you had in the triathlon you just did!!
-Start planning for next year!!
Good luck, have a great race, and, if this is your first triathlon, please find me when you're finished come find me and say, “WOOO HOOO, I’M A TRIATHLETE!!!”
There will be NO food trucks at the race this year. Iceworks will be serving shaved ice and lemonade during and after the race. Participants will have a coupon in their finisher food bag for 1 free 8oz shaved ice from Ice Works.
BATHROOMS:located inside the bubble, through the door that says “Mach 2 Classroom”. Ladies are on the left (marked “Powder Room”) and men on the right. There are also showers and a changing area available.
HELMET CHECK/CHECK IN: When you arrive on race morning, Look for the “#1” sign, to the right of “the bubble”. At this station, you will get your helmet checked and a sticker placed on your helmet. Then kids will proceed to station #2. Parents will need to be with the kids for check in to verify emergency contact information. At this station you will also pick up your timing chip.
A NOTE ON THE CHIP-TIMING DEVICE: The chip timer is disposable and will not need to be returned. You are free to keep this or throw it away after the race. You will need to wear this on your LEFTankle. You want it to be tight enough that it doesn’t come off, but lose enough that it will not cut into your ankle if they swell a little bit from the bike and run.
TRANSITION AREA: the transition area opens for Mach 1 and 2 participants on race morning at 0830. Please DO NOT arrive before 0815-the road leading to the Rocket Center may still have High School cyclists on it. The road leading to AC from Bob Wallace will have High School runners on it.
You will rack your bicycle at your assigned numbered space using the seat. Using your rack number as a guide, the front wheel will be down and on the same side of the rack as the number. The bike will be facing you and you will see your bike seat over your race number. (If this is confusing, it will make more sense when you watch the prerace briefing video and see the transition area in person at packet pick up.) Your gear is also on the same side as the number (by the front wheel of your bike that’s on the ground/down). We will have transition area volunteers available to help you if needed. Parents are allowed to help racers set up but will NOTbe able to enter transition after 0930 (unless as an official volunteer) until the end of the race.
COURSE DETAILS: The High School Race will go first at 0700. The roads will be closed during their race. They will reopen at 0830. The Mach 1 race (9 and under) will go first, followed by Mach 2 (10-14 year olds).
Swim – the swim start will be based on division and race number. The race numbers were assigned using expected swim finish times with the faster swimmers going first. Mach 1 and 2 participants will be lined up and started six at a time, jumping in FEET FIRST--NO DIVING. Mach 1 racers will swim directly to the bubble after jumping in. Mach 2 racers will swim out to the pink buoy, then turn right (with the buoy on their right) and head to the bubble.
Bike - Bike Out/Bike In is at the front of the bubble (away from the water). Mount AFTER the mount line. Ride on the right side of the road at all times, unless passing. When passing, pass to the left, then return to the right side of the road. Never ride side by side with another cyclist. Turns and turnarounds are clearly marked with signs and controlled by course sentries. As long as you do not ride off road, you’ll be on course! And as long as you only turn where a volunteer tells you to turn you will not go off course. And as long as you only turn around when a course sentry (who has a FLAG) tells you to turn around, you will not cut the course! Mach 1 racers will ride the bike loop one time. Mach 2 racers will ride two laps on the bike.
Run - Run Out is at the back of the bubble (to the right of the "swim in"). The run course follows a gravel road around the lake, through the parking lot and on the grass back to the bubble. Mach 1 and Mach 2 racers will run the loop onetime before crossing the finish line.
**Mach 2 racers who do not complete the correct number of laps on the bike will be disqualified.**
FLY TRI VIDEO: If you haven’t seen it yet, here is a course preview from the first year. There have been a few changes, but it’s mostly still the same. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYz-WjEWYwk
FINISHER'S “MEDAL” and POST-RACE FOOD: Upon completion of the race, finishers will be given a present from the race and a bag with post race snacks. That bag will also contain a ticket for a free Iceworks shaved ice.
FOOD & AWARDS: Post race snacks, water and Powerade are provided for the participants. Awards will be presented as soon as possible after the last athlete finishes.
WHAT TO DO AFTER THE RACE IS OVER?:
-Make sure you get some good photos, this is a unique location that is not open to the public. ***PLEASE STAY OFF THE AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT***but you can stand in front of them or beside them all you want! Please post the pictures to Facebook and Instagram. Use “#KidsFlyTriHuntsville”.
-Visit the US Space and Rocket Center. Participants will receive group entry price with their bib!!
-Wear your race tattoos proudly and tell everyone what an awesome time you had in the triathlon you just did!!
-Start planning for next year!!
Good luck, have a great race, and, if this is your first triathlon, please find me when you're finished come find me and say, “WOOO HOOO, I’M A TRIATHLETE!!!”
A NOTE ON THE WEATHER:
In the event of inclement weather, decisions regarding the race will be made by the Weather Safety Committee. If there is thunder/lightning in the area, the race will be postponed as long as possible. If it doesn’t look like there is any chance of it clearing in a reasonable timeframe, the race will have to be cancelled. There is a chance, if the roads are wet enough to be unsafe for kids to bike on them, we might have to make the call to cancel the bike portion of the race. We will change the race to a Splash and Dash. (SWIM/RUN). Distances will remain the same.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
In the event of inclement weather, decisions regarding the race will be made by the Weather Safety Committee. If there is thunder/lightning in the area, the race will be postponed as long as possible. If it doesn’t look like there is any chance of it clearing in a reasonable timeframe, the race will have to be cancelled. There is a chance, if the roads are wet enough to be unsafe for kids to bike on them, we might have to make the call to cancel the bike portion of the race. We will change the race to a Splash and Dash. (SWIM/RUN). Distances will remain the same.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
