Are life jackets permitted? Mandatory? Supplied?

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Athletes in the 3-5 age group are accompanied by an adult within arms’ length and have the option of wearing a life jacket.

Athletes in the 6-7 year old age group and older age groups should be very comfortable in the water as they are swimming unassisted. Life jackets are offered so that athletes feel 100% comfortable swimming in the race environment. The life jacket is not intended as an aid for non-swimmers. It is not a requirement for athletes to continuously swim their designated distance. Resting by using the lane ropes or side walls is permitted and encouraged.

At our event in Burlington, athletes in the 6-7 year old age group are required to wear a lifejacket, as per the policies of the City of Burlington. No exceptions are available for this rule; further details will be provided to athletes and parents closer to the event.

Life jackets are offered to all age groups and supplied on deck.

 

What does my child need to participate?

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All your child needs is a bicycle (road bike or mountain bike) or tricycle. Scooters are NOT permitted. PROPERLY FITTED bike helmet with functioning chin strap, swim suit, goggles (optional), running shoes (no sandals or Crocs), shorts and shirt, water bottle, hat, towels and sunscreen.
Helmets must comply with either CPSC or CSA standards as indicated by a label on the inside.

Are scooters allowed?

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Scooters are not permitted in the race. Balance Bikes are permitted in the 3 to 5 age group only.  Training wheels are permitted in any age group.

What are the rules for clipless pedals?

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Clipless pedals are permitted at any age, with the following conditions: For ages 13 and under, the cleat must be recessed into the cycling shoe, such that the sole of the shoe, not the cleat, makes full contact with the ground. The athlete must be able to clip into both sides of the pedal. For ages 14 and up, all clipless pedal systems are permitted. Visit our Race Details page or contact us with any equipment questions before race day.

Are Aerobars permitted?

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Aerobars are not permitted this season (2021) due to the age groups participating. Typically they are only permitted with 14+ age groups.

Do they need to wear a helmet?

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YES. No one will be allowed to bike without a helmet. Transition volunteers will make sure no athletes leave the transition zone without a helmet that is fastened!
PLEASE make sure your child’s helmet fits properly.

How do we get our equipment out of transition?

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Once your child has finished their race you may collect their gear from the main transition and the drop transition. Please make sure it is safe for parents to collect from transition while the race is still going on. Be alert to athletes still on course.
The race organizers are not responsible for lost gear.

What additional equipment will be permitted in the swim?

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We will provide life jackets for all athletes in any age group, if desired. Water wings and puddle jumpers are not permitted in all locations. Check the pre-race newsletter for the rules at each race venue. No other swim aids are allowed (i.e. flutter boards or fins).

Is bike inspection mandatory?

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No, however it is strongly recommended. Safety is a priority and you want to avoid disappointment if the bike cannot be used on race day. Spokes’nSlopes is our official bike shop for our Ontario races and Cyclepath Kelowna is our shop for BC. Visit them and get your bike in racing condition.