What should partners do after a race?

[Joni]

Oh and I have some arm pump stuff on order for them... so dont worry, I will forward it to them when it arrives.

[BIHB@0610]

Ok this is ME Im talking about and everybody is different.
1)Help get the bike on the stand. Even if you are olny able to hold the bars whilst I put it on the stand. Such a small thing it seems but apsolutely HUGE after a hard race.Same with refitting and powering up the tyre warmers.
2)Make sure fluids are available at hand right away--and a towel --dont push the issue right away cos I'm not thinking about me Im thinking about the race and bike setup. BUT -after a few minutes DO push the issue
Yea Im a big boy and all that stuff but my mind is elsewhere I DO need to hydrate.
3)Food. again dont push it but make sure theres good food available--Bannanas,peaches,heath food bars sammys etc.
4) checking the race results /lap times is good information.
5) make sure the log book is updated for that race.

From here on it depends on how confident YOU are. for example I have a calculated fuel load for each race. Measure out the fuel load into the measuring jug ready to put in the bike. fuel the bike up ,chain tension, Clean/polish the bike. etc.
One really important thing is to know when to just leave me alone. The very LAST thing I need on race day is a needy partner raising the tension level in the pits because I forgot to give her a kiss before going out for a race etc. If I need to talk I'll talk etc

That's brilliant - fluids, food and lap times etc - about the extent of my confidence but sounds like it'll be enough. Thanks Frosty! Hopefully I might get to test my support skills at your event next year

[BIHB@0610]

Balls.

Divvo'll share his with you

[Joni]

Divvo'll share his with you

Divvo will share his with anyone... even poor old DieselPig

[BIHB@0610]

You have to audition for the job first sweety!

One has to audition for the job? That blows......

[Str8 Jacket]

One has to audition for the job? That blows......:clap:

See, you've got it!

[BIHB@0610]

what? the clap? Shit. How do I tell Bob ........

[Riff Raff]

All the stuff that everyone has mentioned so far (well maybe most of the stuff - I'll save the blowies for later on). With WT one of the important things is recognising when he needs his own headspace and getting those who are intruding on it away from him. It's quite a delicate art.

I make sure we have plenty of food and fluids. I usually have to remind him to eat so I need to make sure I have appropriate food for his appetite level/ energy needs.

[Str8 Jacket]

what? the clap? Shit. How do I tell Bob ........

No, the "blowing idea".... hehe. Though you may have the clap but that's a completely different thread!

[Deano]

And what is your idea of bliss at the end of a race?

Having someone to take the tyre warmers on and off - take the bike off the stands and put onto the stands. These two things I find are the most important.

It takes a lot of my mind knowing I just have to say the word, then chuck my helmet and gloves on, start the bike and away.

It takes a huge amount of pressure off. And at the end of the race, only having to get off the bike and remove the sweaty gear is bliss.

[BIHB@0610]

All the stuff that everyone has mentioned so far (well maybe most of the stuff - I'll save the blowies for later on). With WT one of the important things is recognising when he needs his own headspace and getting those who are intruding on it away from him. It's quite a delicate art.

I make sure we have plenty of food and fluids. I usually have to remind him to eat so I need to make sure I have appropriate food for his appetite level/ energy needs.

That's some really good advice, thanks Riff Raff. We've picked up on the fact that we need to respect their headspace, but it's also about keeping annoying people away!

I remember at Levels Scrivy and Sidecar Bob had noticed one of their wheels was toeing in. They had really, really carefully attached bits of string all over the place, were eyeing it all up and making miniscule adjustments. Some guy came in quite innocently with his camera and started bumping all the string ...... I had a quiet word. Will be keeping a close eye on everyone's personal space (including the bike!).

[FROSTY:Me]

Hey actually on the food front--much as I don't think fueling up on a diet of choc bars and soft drinks is a good thing. I DO sometimes find by the last race of the day eating a choc bar and a couple of lollies etc give me a boost. We all know its not good for long term etc BUT at that time I don't care --race is 15 minutes long--I don't care if I'm on a sugar low right after the race

[BIHB@0610]

Good point - in triathlons (ok haven't done one for 18 months but still...) by the end of the run I'm buggered so I run along with a bag of jelly snakes .... I understand completely about the benefits of a short term sugar high!

[sidecar bob]

And hey, All you competitors, Dont be a cry baby & a dipshit when it goes wrong for you, These people are going out of their way to make our day as plesant & stress free as possible, They are not a doormat or punching bag when YOU fuck it up.
A little respect goes a long way.
Who knows, hell you may even get a blowjob if youre really nice!!!

[Reckless]

You sound like a good pit crew Planna. But reading into Side cars post and then Riff raffs one of the most important things (as I tried to put across in my post) is his 15 mins of reflection time after each race. Doesn't sound to me like he needs lolies, just a pump, his chair and a bit of time. Some need this before, he says its after, get that right everything else will fall into place.
Its a stressful time even if you are winning.

Respect to you for even asking these questions, he's a lucky man!