Learn about USAT Sanctioning and Certification
USAT sanctioning and certification provides triathletes additional value
When you register for a triathlon with USAT sanctioning and certification chances are high that you’ll participate in a reputable event. In its 16th year, Jack’s Generic Triathlon (owned and produced by High Five Events) is a USAT-sanctioned event. Dan Carroll, co-owner of High Five Events is a Level II USAT Certified Race Director. We break down the benefits of USAT sanctioning and certification and what it means for athletes.
Dan Carroll directing the 2017 JGT swim start.
USAT sanctioning benefits for triathletes
1. Gives peace-of-mind by guaranteeing industry-wide safety standards
2. Ensures a fair race governed by standardized rules
3. Provides the Gold Standard of insurance protection for the event, athlete, and venue
4. Provide athletes with points for regional and national rankings, including USAT All-American status
5. Only sanctioned races provide athletes with the opportunity to qualify for National Championships and then qualify for World Championships as a member of Team USA
6. Athletes’ results are available for all sanctioned races
7. Enables new programming, grows the sport, and funds initiatives including youth participation, the Olympic program, and paratriathlon
Level II USAT Certified Race Director benefits
1. Make events safer with access to latest risk management and race directing information
2. Ensure fairness by being in full compliance with all USAT sanction guidelines and pre- and post-race requirements
3. Compete on accurate distances through updated course development protocol
4. Comfort in the fact that the event is managed by a highly qualified race director, decreasing the chances for errors
5. Maintain triathlon’s integrity by producing respected events
6. Race directors stay sharp through re-certification and continuing education opportunities
Pros and Cons of Bike Frame Materials
Bike frame materials breakdown
If you’re in the market for a new bike, you might be overwhelmed with the different types of bike frame materials from which you can choose. Be prepared; know the type of bike you want and what you want it to do. When researching online or speaking with a dealer you need to be prepared with as much knowledge as possible. Comfort, weight, corrosion, and repairability are major factors to consider when searching for your next bike. Read our list of pros and cons for different bike frame materials. This will come in handy when purchasing your first bike or upgrading from your current ride!
STEEL
Pros:
• comfortable
• absorbs shock
• durable
• repairable
• “skinny tubes” = classic looking
• can be almost as light as titanium
Cons:
• heavier than aluminum
• rusts if not maintained
• “skinny tubes” = old school
ALUMINUM
Pros:
• can be very lightweight
• new aluminum is more comfortable
• does not rust, resists corrosion
• stiff for good energy transfer
Cons:
• the low end has a harsher ride than steel
• not as repairable as steel
• the low end has a harsher ride than steel
• not as repairable as steel
CARBON FIBER
Pros:
• very comfortable
• stiff for good energy transfer
• does not rust
• “cool factor” and aero
• very comfortable
• stiff for good energy transfer
• does not rust
• “cool factor” and aero
Cons:
• can be expensive
• hard to repair
• can be expensive
• hard to repair
TITANIUM
Pros:
• comfortable, similar to steel
• does not rust or corrode
• lightweight
• durable
• does not rust or corrode
• lightweight
• durable
Cons:
• usually more expensive
• difficult to repair due to the strength of the material
• usually more expensive
• difficult to repair due to the strength of the material
5 Reasons to Build Your Relay Team
Remember: there’s no “I” in relay team
Triathlon is that much more fun when you divide and conquer! Recruit friends, family, or co-workers and create your relay team for Jack’s Generic Triathlon. The 16th annual JGT will take place on Sunday, August 26th, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park. Relay teams can consist of two or three individuals. If your team has two members, one person will take two legs and the second person will take the third leg. This can be accomplished in any combination. Check out the top five reasons to build a relay team at this year’s Jack’s Generic Triathlon.
Finish the swim and cheer on the other two legs of your relay team!
Try something new
Maybe you know about triathlon, maybe you’re unfamiliar. Perhaps you’ve cheered and supported friends at their triathlons, but you’ve never participated in one. Creating a relay team is the best way to get introduced to the sport! Attempting something new can be a little overwhelming at times. Building a team of two or three will help take some of the pressure off. Train with your team, experience the highs and the lows, and get a taste of your new sport.
Have three times the fun
Of course you can always double your pleasure. But why do that when you can triple the fun?! That’s right, get two friends or co-workers and create your relay team. Next, come up with a sweet team name. While you’re training, you can have team tops made and begin planning what you’ll wear on race day. Will it be matching outfits or a hilarious swim-bike-run-friendly costume? So many choices!
Hop on your bike with fresh legs!
You’re injured
Injuries happen. We all know that. But what may prevent you from running might not stop you from cycling or swimming. As long as you feel comfortable and aren’t in pain when training, creating a relay team for JGT is a fantastic way to stay active while continuing to strengthen your muscles. You never know, cross-training might just help speed up your recovery!
Experience something memorable
Get the old high school/college crew together. Build a family relay team that spans three generations. Create an all-sibling team. Represent your employer and become the talk of the office. Raise some serious dough for your favorite nonprofit. Whatever direction you go, make this something you won’t soon forget. Participate with loved ones and/or fundraise for an organization that’s close to your heart and your JGT experience will be stored in your long-term memory bank.
You have a need for speed
Run your heart out while your relay team members cheer you on!
You’re like Ricky Bobby: you just want to go fast. Triathlon is a trying sport, pushing your body’s limits. Training coupled with proper hydration and nutrition help keep your body going. But by the time the run starts your energy levels are decreasing, slowing you down. Try pushing the limits in another way, create a super team. Find someone who swims like a fish in the water. Add a member who gets speeding tickets on their bike for going too fast. Pick a runner whose feet seem to never touch the ground because of their speed. Assemble this super team and show up on race day ready to set land records (just watch out for the speed traps)!
Whatever your reasoning, there are two things left to do: build your team and register!
What the Heck Is a Basno Badge & How Do I Get One?
What is a Basno Badge?
Jack’s Generic Tri uses Basno, a badge management system, to distribute and host digital badges. Collect as many as you can to track your history of accomplishments. It’s like a trophy cabinet without having to dust!
At Jack’s Generic Tri, not only do you get an actual finisher medal, but you can also receive an In-Training and a Finisher Basno Badge.
Digital badges are awarded to participants who successfully complete Jack’s Generic Tri or other High Five Events’ events. In addition, if you register early enough, you’ll also receive an “In Training” badge. Make sure you let your friends and loved ones know about your upcoming goal.
How To Claim Your Badges?
To claim your in training badge you can use the link below. After the Tri, check your inbox to claim your JGT Finisher badge. It’s simple and free. Share your journey and accomplishments by sharing your badges on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
This 2018 triathlon season you can collect up to 10 badges!
Rookie Tri In Training, Volunteer, Finisher
Jack’s Generic Tri In Training, Volunteer, Finisher
Kerrville Tri In Training, Volunteer, Finisher
Texas Tri Series Finisher
We will also recognize those who complete eight or more with a special badge.
Claim Your 2018 JGT In-Training Badge!
See All and Claim Past Badges
2018 Rookie Tri Finisher Badge
2017 Kerrville Tri Finisher Basno badge.
2018 3M Half Marathon Finisher Basno badge.