Volunteering at US Trisports Stansbury Tri

I had been planning on racing the Aqua-Velo at the Stansbury Tri, but I have hardly been on my bike at all this year and I decided to volunteer instead.

I got to the race at about 6:00am and met Ally and Cheri, who put me to work checking athletes in.  From there I was pulled from packet pickup to help unload and move some equipment.  Apparently my beard makes me look scary, because I was asked to work security at the transition area for a while.  I then joined a group of other volunteers to be shuttled out to the bike course.  In my stylish reflective vest, I worked with Jeff from the Tooele County Sheriff's Department to direct vehicles and cyclists.  When the last cyclists was on his way back to the transition area, I caught a ride back and helped pick up trash and then tear down the tents, tables, bike racks, cones, etc.  We were all done by about noon.

I had so much fun and think I will probably be volunteering with US Trisports again.  The fact that I got a couple nice shirts and a free race entry didn't hurt.  I wish I would have been able to see more of the race (especially the swim), but I did get to see all of the Olympic cyclists come past.  For anyone looking for a way to save money on entry fees, this is a great option.  Not only do you get a free race entry, but it's a great feeling to help other athletes and get a "behind the scenes" of how a race is run.  Thanks US Trisports!