By Louise – still a beginner!

 Yes there are some of us out there. And yes I still fall into this category. I still have absolutely no idea how to change an inner tube! Fortunately at a triathlon you are not on your own however there are some skills that some of us still need to acquire.  
The following is a great website, Mr Brown shares his vast knowledge of bikes etc so make the most of it.  

http://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html

REI   (one of my favorite stores)

There is also a stack of information to be had here.

 http://www.rei.com/online/store/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clskillsf.jsp

 REI offers classes of which some are free. So check out your nearest REI.

 To find the nearest REI to you go to

  http://www.rei.com/online/FindStores.do?state=WA&radius=900

 Cascade Bike Club

 And of course there is Cascade Bike Club they must have a mention!

 These guys work with Group Health supporting the STP!

 Pay them a visit at…….

 http://www.cascade.org/Home/

 and for education go to

 http://www.cbcef.org/

 The truth is you can read a lot but it is the practice that will get you there in the end.  I find spinning class very helpful to start with so if you have not been on a bike for a while you might like to try this.

 We do have our own experts so if you have a question send us an email and we will pass it on and get a reply for you.