Beijing International Triathlon: intimidating if you think it is (4)

Next up was the transition. Transitions are unique to triathlons: the art of changing your clothes and gear with maximum efficiency. Prizes are awarded to those who do it fastest, and many racers had specialized gear to minimize the time spent getting changed. Triathletes love debating the pros and cons of wearing socks in a race.

Racers scrambled along a 600 meter stretch to get to the bike rack, gulping energy gels and affixing race numbers to their clothes as they sprinted up the stairs. I hopped onto my bike and was off.

The circuit went past some vacant lots and malls-to-be before eventually grinding up the picturesque Qing Long mountain. A number of riders whizzed past me, noting my one speed bike and wishing me well. Amazingly, I also managed to edge past a few carbon fiber bicycles (a goal I'd had, I confess). The descent was a highlight of the race, a narrow lightning section that passed through an old village. Locals and their children squatted on the steps to cheer on riders, ("Jia you! Jia you!"), and I'd ring my bell in thanks.

Sharp turns had the potential to be dangerous, and many riders duly acknowledged a bloody spot on the road that hadn't yet dried.