Ramblin’ Rose FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the distance of the Ramblin’ Rose Women’s Triathlon?
Each race consists of a 225 or 250 yard pool swim, 8 or 9 mile bike ride and 2 mile run. All distances are approximate and vary slightly at each venue.

How old must I be in order to enter?
Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Where can I find course maps and parking maps?
Please refer to your venue specific website for all maps related to the event.

A friend of mine wants to volunteer for the event. Who should she contact?
That’s GREAT news! We need volunteers to ensure a safe and successful event. Please thank your friend for his/her interest and refer them to the Ramblin’ Rose website to contact us.

USAT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

What is USAT and why must I be a member to race?
USA Triathlon is the sanctioning authority for more than 3,000 diverse events, ranging from grassroots to high-profile races nationwide. All races sanctioned by USA Triathlon require each participant to purchase membership for their sanctioned events. This membership triggers insurance to be in effect for each participant on race day.

What does “AGE UP” mean?
Per USAT rules, “All age group athletes must participate and compete in the age group division corresponding to the athlete’s age on December 31st of the year of the event.”

What if I am already an USAT Triathlon member?
If you are an annual USA Triathlon member and provide a valid member number when you register online you will not be charged the additional fee for the USA Triathlon One-Day Membership fee.

TIMING CHIP INFORMATION

How does the chip timing work?
Each athlete will wear a “chip” that transmits data to the receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. This will allow you to get accurate splits as well as an official finish time including your transition times.

When do I pick up my chip?
You pick your chip up the morning of the race. There is no chip pick up the day before at Packet Pick-Up.

Where do I wear the chip?
The timing chip comes with its own velcro strap so you can attach the chip to your LEFT ankle.

Where and when do I pick up my timing chip?
You can pick up your timing chip at the timing chip table on race morning at the race site.

Do I need to wear the chip for the entire race?
Yes, timing mats will be set up to record splits for each leg and transition. If you do not have the chip on when you cross the finish line you are not guaranteed a finish time. If you lose your chip, you will still be timed though your splits won’t be recorded and you will be held responsible for the cost of replacement.

How does my relay use a timing chip?
The swimmer will hand off the timing chip strap at your assigned bike rack and then the biker will hand off the same timing chip to the runner as well. Each relay member must wear the chip on the left ankle.

Can I keep my chip?
No, the chips must be turned in at the end of the race. Volunteers will be at the finish line to help with removal. If you lose your chip, you will be held responsible for the cost of replacement.

REGISTRATION, REFUNDS & WEATHER

How can I be sure that I’m registered?
First, you should receive a confirmation email when you register. Second, a confirmed participant list will be available on the registration website.

Can I transfer my race number to another person?
Race entries are non-transferable between individuals. No exceptions will be made.

What if I can’t participate? What is the refund policy?
Refunds will not be issued for any reason. You may defer your entry into the following year’s event for a deferral fee. You may also transfer into any future Ramblin’ Rose event in the same calendar year for a transfer fee. All deferrals and transfers must be done within the registration platform.
Deferrals – We offer deferrals at all events. This means you move into the same event the following year. You can handle this deferral from within your registration profile. There may be a small charge for deferrals. To defer you will log into your profile, select Manage Registration, Defer Registration and then follow the prompts from there. DEFERRAL HELP GUIDE.
Transfers – We also offer the option to transfer into another event during the same year. This is not available for all events, but it is an option for some. You will handle this transfer from within your registration profile. Select Manage Registration, Transfer to Another Race and then continue with the prompts. TRANSFER RACE HELP GUIDE.

Can I Purchase Race Registration Insurance?
YES! We understand that things happen at the worst time. Protect your entry fee with race insurance through a third party company. Each event offers this insurance during the registration process for a small fee and we cannot recommend it enough. This insurance will cover your entry fee if you cannot make it to the event for one of the covered reasons. Please review the covered reasons before filing a claim. If purchased, the insurance company will handle your claim directly. Remember this insurance does not apply if a race is canceled due to weather, hurricane, Covid, etc.

How do I make a claim with my Race Registration Insurance?
If you need to file a claim (refund your entry fee), you’ll want to visit this link HERE. Insurance must be purchased during registration and cannot be added at a later date. Please review all fine print, including the covered reasons, before filing a claim.

How do I know what races I am registered for?
RunSignup is the registration platform we use for our events. You can see all your current and past races by going to your profile – www.runsignup.com/profile.

How Do I Register?
Go to the race page and select SIGN UP or REGISTER under the event you’re interested in. HELP GUIDE

How Do I Register for a Relay/Team/Group?
Select SIGN UP under the Relay Event on the race page. In RunSignup, you’ll often see “groups” instead of relay or team. HELP GUIDE

How do I make changes to a Relay Team?
You must create a team name and register your team. You will then need to contact your team members and have them log into their profiles (or create one) and select your team by name to join. Everyone will need to either put in their USAT member number or purchase a one day membership to complete the registration process. HELP GUIDE 1 or HELP GUIDE 2 for teams.

Can I transfer into another event (triathlon to aquathlon/relay etc)?
Yes, you may switch into another event for that same race and date. There is no fee to do this unless the event you are switching to is higher in price and must be done before online registration closes. If the event you are switching to is less, there are NO refunds. You can do this by editing your race registration from within your registration profile. Select Manage Registration and then Transfer Event. HELP GUIDE

How do I defer my entry?
To defer you will log into your profile, select Manage Registration, Defer Registration and then follow the prompts from there. DEFERRAL HELP GUIDE.

How do I claim a deferral and register for this year?
Log into your profile, select the Deferrals tab and then Complete Deferral. Please note that registration must be open for you to claim a deferral. DEFERRAL HELP GUIDE

How do I transfer to another race?
You will handle a transfer from within your registration profile. Select Manage Registration, Transfer to Another Race and then continue with the prompts. TRANSFER RACE HELP GUIDE.

What is the inclement weather policy?
We look forward to a fun and safe triathlon, however sometimes the weather conditions may affect those plans. In the event of rain, and the absence of any lightning, our goal is to proceed with the full triathlon. If there is lightning in the area, the event is placed into a weather hold for thirty minutes following each lightning occurrence. If the lightning has departed the area, the race can proceed as planned. If there is still evidence of the potential for lightning in the area, the race may be converted into a duathlon (bike-run format) by canceling the swim portion of the event. Ultimately it is up to the race director to decide what is safest for all participants. We will not give refunds in the event of inclement weather and rescheduling the event is not possible.
Thank you for your understanding of these policies and we appreciate your participation.

What if a race is canceled?
Circumstances beyond the control of the Event Director (e.g., severe weather, changes in governmental policies affecting the event course, acts of God such as fire or flood or similar unforeseen circumstances) could cause substantial modification or even cancellation of the event you are entering. In the event of a race cancellation, there will be no refunds to participants or any reimbursement for event related expenses incurred by participants.

Will I be able to sign up on race day?
Some events may fill to capacity prior to race weekend. However, if there are still slots to be filled, you will be able to register using the online registration system up until 30 minutes prior to the race start time. ALL registration is done online so we suggest doing it before you leave home to make it easy on yourself.

PACKET PICK-UP

What is Packet Pick-Up?
At packet pick-up you will receive your race numbers (for your shirt, helmet and bike frame), a t-shirt and other goodies. Packet pick-up will be available the day before the race as well as on the morning of the race. If you choose to wait until race day, we highly recommend that you plan to arrive early.

What should I bring with me to Packet Pick-Up?
Please bring a valid Photo ID.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
No. Participants must present their photo ID. Per USA Triathlon rules, each participant must pick up their own packet. NO EXCEPTIONS. Relay team members need not all come at the same time, but each member of a relay team must present their ID at packet pick up.

RACE DAY

When should I arrive?
We encourage ALL participants, regardless of swim start time, to arrive at least 90 minutes before the start of the race.

Do I have to arrive early even if I am not swimming until later?
Yes. The transition area will close 15 minutes before the start of the race. Please plan to arrive early (6:00-6:30 AM) and remember to bring some water, refreshments, and warm clothes.

Will there be a bag check?
In some venues there may be a bag check. Please check the website for your specific venue to find out.

What is body marking?
Either at Packet Pick-Up or race day, volunteers will mark your arms and legs with your race number and race category. This will help race officials and photographers identify you during the race and at the finish line.

Why does the transition area remain closed during the event?
USA Triathlon Federation Rule 7.4 – Obstruction and Interference: “No participant shall impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant’s equipment while in the Transition Area”. The Local Race Director will use their best discretion on when the Transition area will be accessible to athletes to pick up their gear and leave the race site. The Transition area may be entered by athletes only.

How do I set up my transition area?
This is a great question and something you should practice BEFORE the race as there is no right or wrong way to do this. Most important is that you have everything you need (see Gear Checklist below)! At each venue we try to have a pre-race Transition Clinic at Packet Pick-Up and depending on the venue there are often Transition Clinics in the weeks before the race that you will get an email about. Please check your venue specific website for dates.

What should I bring with me on race day?

Race numbers give to you at packet pick-up (shirt, bike, helmet)
Swim suit or triathlon-specific attire
Goggles (2 pairs in case one breaks)
Bike
Bike helmet with your assigned race number affixed to the front
Safety pins or a running belt to attach your race number
Small towel
Footwear for biking and running
Socks
Sunglasses
Snacks/Nutrition
Bottled water & other hydration needs
Hat or visor
Sunscreen
Spare tube (optional)
Swim cap (optional)
Sports watch (optional)
Bike pump (optional)

THE SWIM, THE BIKE & THE RUN

How do you determine when I will swim?
At Packet Pick-Up or at Body Marking, you will be asked to rate you swim ability on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the strongest, during the registration process. This data will determine the official starting ORDER for race day participants. By eliminating the previous requirement of having participants enter (and then later edit) their predicted swim time in order to create a swim start time assignment, this will dramatically reduce confusion and potential anxiety. Please familiarize yourself with the swim ability chart located on our website to determine your swim ability level.

What if I want to swim with a friend?
If you and your friend have the same swim ability level, you may swim together.

May I use floats during the swim?
USA Triathlon Federation Rule 4.9 Illegal Equipment states: Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.

May I swim any stroke?
Yes, any swim stroke is permitted.

What if I want to pass someone? Or someone wants to pass me?
If you want to pass someone in the pool, gently touch their foot to indicate you want to pass and they should kindly wait at the end of the pool while you go ahead. Likewise, if you feel someone touch your foot, please swim to the end of the lane and let the swimmer behind you go ahead.

Can I use a mountain bike or hybrid bike?
Absolutely! We recommend that you get road tires (slicks) put on your wheels rather than knobby thick tires. This will make it easier to ride. If your bike is old, please be sure to have it checked by a bike shop prior to the race as any bikes that are potentially unsafe will not be permitted.

What if I get a flat tire?
It is highly recommended that you learn how to fix a flat tire on your own, and that you bring everything you would need with you in case you did have a flat tire. We try to have a local bike shop on site before each event to help with minor race day issues. However we cannot guarantee any support out on the actual course during the race.

Will the bike course be closed to traffic?
Most likely, no. Police and volunteers will help secure major intersections, but you are responsible for your own safety. Please stay to the right side of the road and always be aware of traffic and other participants around you. The race starts early, so chances are that traffic will be minimal.

Will there be aid stations on the run course?
Yes, water will likely be provided at the halfway point of the run and in some cases at one other point on the run course. Please bring your own water bottle for the bike course.

Can I listen to my ipod or phone during the bike or run?
No. Any participant who at any time uses, wears or carries a headset, radio, headphones, personal audio device, or any other item described in the USA Triathlon rule book will be assessed a variable time penalty. Listening to music while competing is unsafe for you and those around you.

What should I wear?
Race attire is personal preference however, many participants will do the entire event in their swimsuit. Some will throw on a running singlet or t-shirt after they exit the pool plus some pull on bike/aerobic shorts. You may also wear a “tri-suit” which is either a one piece suit or a separate top and bottom that you can wear for the swim, bike and run. It is not recommended that you wear anything new on race day if you haven’t worn it during your training, including socks. Be sure to check out the Race Day Gear Checklist posted above.

RESULTS & AWARDS

When can I find out my results?
Unofficial results will be posted during the event and can be found by scanning the QR code on your bib. You also will get a text or email notification if you signed up for that during registration. Following the event, all results will be posted on the Ramblin’ Rose website.

When is the awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony will begin when most participants have finished. While we do our best to make sure everyone has finished, it is often not possible to wait for all participants to cross the finish line as we are often under time restrictions with the venue, police, and other event partners.

Will my award be shipped post-race if I am not present at the award ceremony?
Sorry, we cannot ship unclaimed awards. However, if you have a friend at the awards ceremony, they may claim it for you.

SPECTATOR GUIDELINES

Where should I tell my family and friends to cheer for me?
We encourage you to bring your cheering squad with you on race day! Spectators are very important to the participants and bring an energy and enthusiasm that can’t be beat! Look for an email with the athlete guide for information during race week. It will also be posted on the event page. Please remind your family and friends that the Transition Area IS CLOSED to anyone who is NOT a participant DURING the event. NO EXCEPTIONS!

LOST AND FOUND

Do you have a lost and found?
Ramblin’ Rose Events is not responsible for any items lost during a race.

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