Stupid question - but I need help

I'm doing my first bib required type of ride this weekend. I've done others before, but this is the first time I've had to number up for a ride. I've only done it for running events.

So, here is my dumb question: does the bib go in the front or the back of your jersey? It seems like nobody would be able to see it on the front.

Then there is a sticker with my number that I assume goes on my helmet. Front? Side?

And there's a bike check ticket. No idea where that goes. I guess the bike check is for the post-race event, right?

There aren't any instructions for this stuff in the race packet. I guess you're just supposed to know how it all works. Unfortunately, I don't. :(

This is a charity type ride right? Exactly how you pin the number on isn't usually too important. Put it on your back in a position that is comfortable for you and in a spot that doesn't block your pockets. Generally they are only necessary to allow you access to the rest stops/food. Btw - if it is tyvek it gets pinned to your jersey - if it is cardboard it's for your bike - some rides will give you both. The sticker is for your helmet and is usually for the photographer - so you can be identified, so put it on the front or if you don't care about photographs leave it off.

I usually pin it to the back of my jersey above the pockets. It seems high, but it's out of the way. If you pin it to your pockets, just don't pin your pockets shut! Been there. Done that.

agree with Edens' comments, but to add:
Use at least four pins, and pin thru the material and jersey - not just run the pin thru the little hole in the corner. Nothing worse than having the parachute look, plus the fluttering chattering sound as you ride. :eek:

here is a handy guide: http://planetadventurerace.com/bike/race-numbers.shtml

lastly, save the tyvek - makes GREAT tire boot material. Just cut into strips and stuff in saddle bag.

Thank you! It should be fun. It's a bike tour before a marathon, so it's super early. If I'm awake, I'm sure it'll be very enjoyable!

if you don't want the parachute look, you can also wad it up like a waste paper, unfold it and wad it up a few more times. All the wrinkles in the paper will keep it from fluttering.

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Originally Posted by smilingcat

if you don't want the parachute look, you can also wad it up like a waste paper, unfold it and wad it up a few more times. All the wrinkles in the paper will keep it from fluttering.

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But do not do that in a race - EVER! :D It will get you disqualified in a worst case scenario.

The BEST pinning, takes 7 or 8 pins. One in each corner (through the number, NOT the hole), one on top (and maybe bottom), and one on each side. No flutter and no worry about potentially losing your number.

I agree with Eden on leaving the helmet sticker off. You will be able to find yourself in the photos, and the sticker leaves a mess on your helmet.

Have fun!

SheFly

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Originally Posted by SheFly

But do not do that in a race - EVER! :D It will get you disqualified in a worst case scenario.

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I'm a baaaaaad girl.... I always squish up tyvek numbers and flatten them back out.... I fold the edges over too sometimes, another no - no, but the darn things cover most of my back and my pockets otherwise..... Fortunately we've switched to cloth ones (that are smaller!) up here in both the WA and OR racing associations, so I don't have to much any more....

Eden - if you ever race in New England, be sure not to crumple or fold your number ;) Our officials here are ruthless on that one! I think, partly, because we have a lot of races with cameras at the finish, and the crumpling/folding creates problems.

I've even heard an official tell someone with long hair that they HAD to tie it up because their number was obstructed. Glad I have short hair :D. Also glad not to be petite - those numbers can be HUGE!

SheFly

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Originally Posted by SheFly

Eden - if you ever race in New England, be sure not to crumple or fold your number ;) Our officials here are ruthless on that one! I think, partly, because we have a lot of races with cameras at the finish, and the crumpling/folding creates problems.

I've even heard an official tell someone with long hair that they HAD to tie it up because their number was obstructed. Glad I have short hair :D. Also glad not to be petite - those numbers can be HUGE!

SheFly

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We use race camera here too - all at least use video, but 99% have gone to a better system - we have an official who went into business for himself by purchasing a FinishLynx (I think that's the spelling....) camera - same type they use in the pros. It's really great, because not only are the pictures much more clear, the thing can actually spit out a sorted, computerized finish list - makes the time it takes to get results much, much, much faster. Oregon has one owned by the racing association.

Yes - girls with long hair get yelled at for not tying it up...

No one's ever bothered me out here for folding the edges of the numbers, probably because I am petite and it would be worse if I didn't.... I do it carefully of course, so that I'm not cutting any of the actual number off, but I am very small - so if I don't, and it's a race that requires more than one number (one time I had to wear 3.... two on my back and one on my sleeve..) they will actually overlap or they won't be on my back.... or both not to mention cover my pockets... poke me in the arm pit... wrap 1/2 way around my front.... be hot as a rain jacket... The new cloth numbers are really nice.

Here in WA we also have frame numbers - which for any WSBA race are required. You can get DQ'd for not having both jersey numbers and your frame number on - though most of the time as long as you have one jersey number on, on the correct side, unless the officials are very grumpy that day, it's OK - frame numbers they are getting pretty stringent about though.

Here's one of my teammates getting called out for hair :rolleyes: (but that's OK, because at the top of the page there's another of my teammates who serves as an example of "perfect" number placement)
http://gcracingllc.com/images/badnumber.jpg

DS used to use spray adhesive that peeled right off to put those numbers on.
He didn't want pins in his jersey and I guess whatever he used didn't ruin them, either.

Yeah - I know people who've used spray or double sided tape even (there's a kind made just for numbers)...

With the new cloth ones we've been using you can throw the whole thing, jersey number and all into the wash if you pin them on. If you keep both numbers on and have enough jerseys to dedicate one to racing then you don't have to keep pinning your numbers.... but you do have to make sure they get dried right away or the pins might rust... (I have a front loader too - I'm not sure I'd do this with a top loader... it might be too rough and rip the pins out)

I know there's been some experimenting with using timing chips at cross races out here. Too bad that doesn't seem to work well with road... (I think too many people finish at once, in too tight packs).

LOL... I didn't think she was racing racing. Just some public event so that's why I didn't bother mentioning about being DQ'd for the offense. Me BAD!

I don't think she's racing...... We've just gotten a bit off topic :D

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Originally Posted by Eden

I don't think she's racing...... We've just gotten a bit off topic :D

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Yes, yes we have :D It's our unbridled enthusiasm!

To the OP - sorry for the thread hijack. You should be all set pinning your number to your jersey, folding it, crumpling it - whatever you like for your event!

SheFly