Celebrate Bike to Work Day on May 17th

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Bike to Work Day fueling stations

Bike to Work Day takes place on Friday, May 17th. This day highlights the benefits of cycling to work and the need for increased awareness when it comes to bike transportation safety. More than 50 Austin businesses and companies are participating. No matter where you live in Austin, you’ll pass a fueling station on your way to work. City Hall alone will have 9 different fueling stations!

Visit High Five Events at Paramount Theatre

That’s right, High Five Events has teamed up with Paramount Theatre for Bike to Work Day! We’re giving away goodies from 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 and plan to raffle a race entry. Stay tuned to social media for more updates. Whether it’s your first or your final stop, swing by, refuel, and chat with us for a little bit!

Downtown locations

  • Austin B-Cycle – 1090 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
  • Bicycle Sport Shop – Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge **LIVE MUSIC STATION**
  • Houndstooth Coffee – 401 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
  • Jump – 3rd St. and Brazos, Austin, TX 78701
  • Mellow Johnny’s – 400 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701 (Open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
  • The Paramount Theatre – 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
  • Patagonia – 316 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
  • Regions Bank – One Congress Plaza, 100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (Corner of 2nd & Congress)
  • Shoal Creek Conservancy with Sayers Advisors – Duncan Park / Shoal Creek Trail between 9th and 10th Streets **LIVE MUSIC STATION**
  • TownLake YMCA – 1100 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78703
  • Waller Creek Conservancy with Easy Tiger – 709 E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78701

North

  • Alliance Transportation Group – Kramer Station
  • AURA – Shoal Creek Blvd. at Far West turnoff, 78757
  • Austin Beerworks + Giant Bicycles – 9601 Neils Thompson Drive, south entrance Pickle Research Center, 78758
  • Dia’s Market – 812 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
  • Hyde Park Neighborhood Association – 408 E. 43rd St., Austin, TX 78756
  • Patagonia – 316 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
  • Quack’s Bakery – 411 E 43rd St, Austin, TX 78751
  • Regions Bank Arboretum – 314 W Braker Ln, Austin, TX 78759
  • Regions Bank Anderson Mill – 13301 US-183, Austin, TX 78750
  • Regions Bank Cedar Park – 401 N Bell Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
  • Regions Bank Wells Branch – 1721 Wells Branch Pkwy, Austin, TX 78728
  • Upper Crust Bakery – 4508 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
  • Wells Branch Speedy Stop – 14735 Merrilltown Dr., Austin, TX 78728
  • We Are Blood – 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78756
  • Wheatsville Food Co-op with Cyclistlaw – 3101 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

East

  • Austin Habitat for Humanity – Onion St & E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
  • C3 Presents – 1645 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
  • Cycleast – 1619 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
  • Easy Rider Pedicab – 333 Attayac St, Austin, TX 78702
  • Hops & Grain Brewing – 507 Calles St #101, Austin, TX 78702 (Open from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.)
  • Houndstooth Coffee – 2823 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
  • LIVESTRONG Foundation – 2201 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
  • Michael F. Adams Station / Mueller Neighborhood Association – Roundabout at Aldrich Street & Mueller Blvd.
  • Texas Coffee Traders – Onion St. & E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78702 **LIVE MUSIC STATION**

South

  • BIKEALOT – 5330 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
  • Bouldin Creek Cafe – 1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
  • CHUMBA USA – 4505 Terry-O Ln A-104, Austin, TX 78745
  • Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden – 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704 (Open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
  • Crux Climbing Center – 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
  • MOD BIKES – 1632 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
  • Regions Bank Mopac – 6611 S MoPac Expy suite 100, Austin, TX 78749
  • Spokesman – 440 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745
  • St. Elmo Elementary School – 600 W St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745
  • Wheatsville Food Co-op – 4001 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
  • Yeti Flagship Store – Barton Springs Rd. & Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704

Transition Details – What You Should Know for a Smooth Race Day

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Knowing transition details will make for a smooth race day

The best way to ensure a successful and generic Jack’s Generic Tri is to be prepared. Here are some transition details that will help guarantee a smooth experience the morning of August 25th. Jack’s Generic Tri is located at Walter E Long Park in the beautiful city of Austin, Texas. Transition opens bright and early at 5:30 a.m. and closes at 7:00. Don’t forget to grab your goggles and head to the water before the race begins at 7:30.

Body marking

Volunteers will body mark the participant before they enter transition. Body markings are written in marker on arms and legs to identify the participant with their bib number and age.  Arms and quads get marked with the participant’s race number and the right calve gets the age of the participant.  Relays get an “R” for relay in place of age.

Triathletes should have bib information and age (age on Dec. 31st of race year) ready for the volunteer to make the process go faster for everyone.

Bib Numbers

Have bib numbers and wristband ready. Put the bike sticker on the seat post of your bike before you get to transition on race morning.  Put the helmet sticker number on the front of your helmet. You will also need to wear your wristband in order to get into transition.

Racks

Transition will have racks assigned to each age group. It is open racking within your age group. You must be body marked and wearing your athlete wristband before you enter transition. Only participants are allowed in. Friends and family (including children) must wait outside of transition.

City Limit Cycles will be available outside of transition for any last-minute needs. They’ll have bike pumps for airing up your tires. Once transition closes, you will not be allowed back in. Make sure and arrive early.

Pro tip: Remember where your bike is by keeping track of which rack your bike belongs on. This will be predetermined according to age. (?)

There will be designated racks for the participant to put their bike on. It is very beneficial to become familiar with the flow of transition. This means after the swim,  should know where they will be entering transition and where they will be heading out on the bike.  After the bike, they should know where they will exit for the run.

Relay corral

Relay team members will rack together. Team members will wait in the relay pen near the rack. Their team member will return their items to the rack and then meet the next team member in the pen to exchange the chip.

Bike check out

Bikes will not be allowed out of transition until the final cyclist has completed the bike course. It is expected that this will be around 11:00 a.m. Participants will be allowed back into transition after they finish, but bikes may not be removed from the racks.

Location

Know where transition is located by checking out this map on our website!

Ascension Seton Named Official Medical Provider

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As Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton to focus on participant well-being

High Five Events announces Ascension Seton as the Official Medical Provider of the 17th annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon. Ascension Seton and their experienced team will have an on-course presence throughout the event. They will have a tent near the finish line. Jack’s Generic Tri will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park in Austin.

“Ascension Seton is proud to support Jack’s Generic Triathlon as the Official Medical Provider,” said Adam Bauman, vice president, orthopedics & sports performance, Ascension Seton. “We are excited to expand our partnership to include not only our running community, but also our cyclists and swimmers in this great race.”

As the Official Medical Provider, Ascension Seton doctors and nurses will work together with Travis County EMS to focus on participant’s well-being. Ascension Seton is part of the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system. They’ve expanded their Austin footprint, partnering with the Austin Marathon and Austin Bold FC.

“One of Jack’s Generic Tri’s main focuses is the participant, from their overall experience to their safety,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Our growing partnership with Ascension Seton ensures the well-being of our participants continues to be the highest of priorities.”

17th annual Jack’s Generic Tri

Jack’s Generic Triathlon will begin at 7:30 a.m. It will feature a 600m swim, 11.2-mile bike ride, and a 5K. The aquabike will consist of a 600m swim and 11.2-mile bike ride. Relay teams of two or three can complete all three disciplines. Jack’s Generic Tri was created 17 years ago with the participant in mind and is well-known as one of the more participant-friendly triathlons. Registration is open for Jack’s Generic Triathlon. Volunteer positions are available as well.

Each participant receives a commemorative 17th Anniversary shirt, water bottle, and swim cap. They will earn a finisher’s medal, post-race food and beer, and the signature swag toss. Professional timing, a wonderful volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival will ensure the 17th Anniversary of Jack’s Generic Triathlon is one to remember.

Explore Walter E Long Metropolitan Park

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Walter E Long Metropolitan Park is an Austin gem

If you didn’t know, Walter E Long Metropolitan Park is home to Jack’s Generic Triathlon!

Walter E Long Metropolitan Park is located at 6614 Blue Bluff Road. Lake Walter E. Long (aka Decker Lake) spans 1,200 acres and features open spaces for boating, jet skis, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also take advantage of two sand volleyball courts, picnic sites, tables, and grills. There are also hiking, running, and biking trails. Restrooms are available throughout the park. Locate parking, picnic sites, and various amenities with this interactive Google Map!

Pro tip: practice open water swimming before Rookie Tri and Jack’s Generic Tri. Stick to the designated swimming areas. Avoid the no swimming area by the boat ramp.

Walter E Long Metropolitan Park has great running, hiking, and biking trails!

Walter E Long Metropolitan Park has great running, hiking, and biking trails!

Boating and fishing are the most popular recreational uses of the lake. Fish present in Lake Walter E. Long include catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and sunfish.

Park entry booth hours

Monday through Sunday*

  • 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (second week of September – end of April)

Friday through Sunday*

  • 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (beginning of May – first week of September)

*hours are dependent on the availability of staffing

Park entry fees

Walter E Long Metropolitan Park entrance fee is charged per day, per car at the pay station

  • $5/day – Monday through Thursday
  • $10/day – Friday through Sunday, plus holidays
  • Walk-in: $1/person
  • Pay stations should be used for all Day Use Entry for entry when a cashier is unavailable or after hours

Payment method: credit cards and coins will be accepted at the park entry area automated pay stations.  Cash is NOT accepted for park entry fees.

Divisions at Jack’s Generic Triathlon Explained

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Breakdown of different divisions offered at Jack’s Generic Tri

Jack’s Generic Triathlon consists of a 600m swim, 11.2-mile bike ride, and 5K run. Understand the different divisions offered so you participate against athletes like yourself! Every participant, regardless of their division, will receive the same sweet perks and have access to the finish line festival.

Open

Participants are encouraged to enter the open wave if they expect to finish in the top 50. This wave will begin first. Participants in the open wave will not be eligible for age group awards or USAT rankings. The open division exists so that participants who are interested in competing head-to-head, regardless of age, may do so. This allows the age group waves to be more friendly. Awards are given to top 3 male and female for the Open Division.

Athena/Clydesdale

Introduced by High Five Events in 2018, the inclusion of these two divisions introduced triathlon to new participants and created more energy and competition on race day. Participants in the Athena (165+ lbs.) or Clydesdale (220+ lbs.) Divisions are separated according to body weight instead of age group. Participants must select Athena or Clydesdale during registration. It is not required. Awards are given to top 3 female and male for the Athena/Clydesdale Divisions.

Aquabike

Take all the fun of triathlon and subtract the run, you’ve got Aquabike! Aquabikers complete the 600m swim and the 11.2-mile bike. Once they enter transition they’re done and their time stops. Participants can either cross the finish line at their own pace or they can head straight to the finish line festival to get the party started. Awards are given to top 3 male and female for the Aquabike Divisions.

Relays

Relay teams can consist of two or three members. This makes JGT two or three times the fun! Gather friends or family and make it a competition. Or challenge another department in your office. Relay team members will rack together. This means all of your items will be in the same location, as if you were completing the triathlon solo. Team members will wait in the relay pen near the rack. Their team member will return their items (swim gear or bike) to the rack and then meet the next team member in the pen to exchange the chip. Awards are given to the top 3 relay teams.

Z’Tejas to Host Jack’s Generic Tri Volunteers

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Official volunteer after party will take place at Z’Tejas

Volunteering for Jack’s Generic Triathlon is anything but generic. You support hundreds of triathletes who’ve spent countless hours training. This is a great way to give back to the sport you love and get a front-row seat to watching friends and family. Then, we’ll celebrate your efforts at Z’Tejas (1110 W. 6th St. – date/time TBD) for the official volunteer party! We’re getting excited right now just thinking about their scrumptious southwestern food and delicious drinks.

Grilled shrimp and guacamole sostadas from Z'Tejas, who will host the Jack's Generic Tri volunteer party.

Grilled shrimp and guacamole tostadas from Z’Tejas, who will host the Jack’s Generic Tri volunteer party.

If you’re participating on Sunday, Aug. 25th, you can volunteer before race day. Not participating in the event? Lend your time and energy to hundreds of triathletes! There are early morning shifts, opportunities during the race, and time slots during breakdown if you’re not an -early birds. Sign up for a shift during the event if you want to be right in the action where you can cheer and volunteer.

Race-day volunteers are fed and hydrated. There are snacks and cold drinks throughout the day. If you’re there in the morning you’ll get breakfast tacos and coffee! In addition to all of the above, volunteers get a sweet, custom shirt.

Don’t forget: this is event #3 of the Texas Tri Series. You’ve volunteered or participated in Rookie Triathlon and CapTex Tri. Once you complete JGT, Kerrville Triathlon is the only event left on your calendar!